MacBook Air 2020 vs newer MacBook Air: is it worth upgrading?

For many users the 2020 M1 MacBook Air is still enough, so upgrading isn't essential unless you need more RAM, a bigger brighter display or the latest M-series speed. Heavy video editors and developers benefit most from newer models. If your workload is browsing, writing and light creative tasks, the MacBook Air (2020) holds up fine.

Is a refurbished MacBook Air 2020 a good deal?

Yes, a refurbished M1 MacBook Air (2020) is one of the best value laptops you can buy, since the hardware ages well and prices have dropped a lot. Look for tested units with healthy batteries. On Shopfox you can compare New vs Refurbished offers and view the price history to confirm you're getting a real bargain.

How long does the MacBook Air (2020) battery last?

The M1 MacBook Air (2020) offers strong battery life, commonly lasting around 10 to 15 hours of real-world web browsing and video playback thanks to Apple silicon's efficiency. The older Intel 2020 version lasts noticeably less. Battery health on used units varies, so it's worth checking the cycle count before buying second-hand.

Apple MacBook Air (2020) Computers Price Comparison

Name: Apple MacBook Air (2020) Computers
Brand: Apple

Apple MacBook Air (2020) Computers

$478.67$479.00(0.07% off)

Apple4.84.8

(15,156 reviews)

$478.67$479.00(0.07% off)

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Specifications

MWTJ2LL/A

Gold

8GB RAM | 512GB SSD

2020

MacBooks

Laptop

Business, Entertainment, Student

2020

MWTJ2LL/A

Gold

8GB RAM | 512GB SSD

2020

MacBooks

Laptop

Business, Entertainment, Student

2020

Side-by-Side Comparison

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This Product

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4.8(15.2K+)

$478.67 - $1,428.90

Avg 4.4

1.Powered by the Apple M1 chip, this MacBook Air delivers excellent performance and up to 18 hours of battery life in a lightweight design.

StudentsBudget-conscious users

Everyday productivityLong workdays

Intel Core I3

Integrated

13"

—

Gold

8GB RAM | 512GB SSD

Black

1.1 GHz

Mac OS

—

2.8 pounds

Laptop

Touch Pad

120Hz

Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports

Great Value

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4.5(12.2K+)

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Budget Refurbished Focus

Dell Inspiron 3520 Computers

3.6(5.1K+)

$446.00

Avg 4.5

Avg 3.8

Avg 2

Avg 4.1

Avg 3.8

1.Offers great value for a lightweight 14-inch laptop with an Intel N150 processor and 10-hour battery life, perfect for everyday tasks.

2.Praised for easy setup and attractive design, it's a practical budget choice for students and casual users.

1.Built around an Intel Core i7-1355U and a responsive 15.6-inch touchscreen, this lightweight laptop delivers fast performance and great value for budget-conscious users.

1.The Intel Core i7-7700, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD deliver fast, responsive performance for daily office tasks and multitasking.

2.Refurbished in like-new condition with easy setup, it's a dependable and cost-effective option for a home or small business office.

1.A lightweight Chromebook with up to 11 hours of battery life and a low price, delivering great value for students and casual users who need a simple, reliable device for web browsing and schoolwork.

1.At just $279, this refurbished Dell Inspiron 15 offers a responsive touchscreen, Intel Core i5, and a 512GB SSD for smooth everyday computing.

2.A practical choice for users who need a reliable, budget-friendly laptop with solid performance and a spacious display.

StudentsCasual users

Everyday computingWeb browsing

Budget-conscious usersStudents

Everyday productivityTouchscreen tasks

Office workersStudents

Office productivityHome office

StudentsBudget-conscious users

Casual computingSchool & homework

Budget-conscious usersStudents

Casual computingStudent productivity

Intel N Series

Intel Core I3

Intel Core I5 (6th Gen)

Intel Celeron

AMD Ryzen 5

Integrated

Intel UHD 600

Integrated

14"

15.6"

14"

15.6"

16GB RAM | 256GB Storage (128GB UFS + 128GB MSD)

32GB RAM | 1TB SSD

256GB

—

4 GB RAM | 128 GB SSD

Blue

8GB RAM / 256GB SSD

32 GB | 1 TB SSD

4GB | 64GB eMMC

8GB RAM | 512GB SSD

—

Black

Grey

Black

0.8 GHz

1.10 GHz

2.5 GHz

1.1 GHz

2.4 GHz

Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Pro

Chrome OS

Windows 11

1366×768

1920×1080

—

1920×1080

3.24 pounds

3.52 pounds

11.3 pounds

not specified

3.65 Pounds

Clamshell

Computer Tower

Chromebook

Clamshell

Experience the most secure Windows ever built. With fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malicious software, applications run more smoothly.,Do more with AI as your personal assistant. Kickstart new projects with relevant answers, simplified solutions, and helpful advice. Copilot in Windows 11 is ready to support you whenever and wherever you need it.,Save time and increase productivity with powerful performance and smooth multitasking. Access fast web applications, edit photos and videos, and get the responsiveness you're looking for.,Enjoy vivid and immersive visuals in creative applications and gaming.,DDR4 RAM efficiently accesses and processes your data, while reducing data corruption.,Non-volatile storage handles multiple read and write requests simultaneously. Power gating increases power efficiency.,With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups.,Watch videos and create colorfu

Privacy camera

Keyboard

Basic stereo speakers and dual-array digital microphone for clear audio and communication.

Keyboard, Microphone

60Hz

802.11 ac/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI, Headphone, USB

Not specified

Bluetooth, HDMI, USB

HDMI, USB

HDMI

Reviews & Ratings

Performance

4.2

84%

Most users report smooth performance with fast operation. The battery life is a standout highlight, with some units arriving with 100% battery capacity and lasting through movies and daily tasks. However, there is a report of a unit failing after two months of use.

Performance

4.2

84%

Appearance

4.5

90%

The product generally arrives in excellent physical condition, often described as looking 'brand new' or 'straight from Apple.' While most units have no visible scratches or cracks, some customers received items with minor cosmetic wear.

Appearance

4.5

90%

Screen Quality

3.8

76%

The graphics are praised as being great for gaming and learning. However, quality control varies; one user reported a screen covered in scratches and a residue that would not come off, indicating potential issues with refurbished screen inspection.

Screen Quality

3.8

76%

Operating Experience

4.6

92%

Users find the device very capable for hybrid learning and general use. It runs smoothly and is well-received by students and family members, though a user noted their personal dislike for the macOS ecosystem.

Operating Experience

4.6

92%

Value for Money

4.8

96%

This is highly rated by consumers as a 'great deal.' Getting a high-quality, late-model MacBook (including M2 versions) at a refurbished price point is considered a significant saving and worth the investment.

Value for Money

4.8

96%

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Specifications

General8

Display3

Performance6

Memory (RAM)3

Storage3

Battery2

Connectivity & Ports4

Camera & Audio1

Operating System1

Features3

Dimensions4

Included3

Warranty1

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Specifications

General8

Display3

Performance6

Memory (RAM)3

Storage3

Battery2

Connectivity & Ports4

Camera & Audio1

Operating System1

Features3

Dimensions4

Included3

Warranty1

Reviews & Ratings