Short answer? Yes, it probably is. Here's the math that makes the case.
The Storage Calculation Makes This Simple
The M5 MacBook Air starts with 512GB of storage. The M4 starts with 256GB. To upgrade the M4 to match, Apple charges $200 extra.
The math:
- M4 with 512GB = $999 + $200 = $1,199
- M5 with 512GB = $1,099
You save $100 AND get a better chip. If you think you'll need the storage space, this becomes straightforward.
What Else That $100 Buys
Beyond the storage advantage:
- A chip that's 11-17% faster overall
- Graphics approximately 31% better for gaming and creative work
- AI tasks running up to 4x faster
- An SSD that's more than twice as fast
- Wi-Fi 7 instead of Wi-Fi 6E
Individually, perhaps none of these justify $100. Together? A compelling package.
When the M4 Still Makes Sense
The M4 becomes the better choice if:
- You find it on sale for $799 or less (an excellent deal)
- You genuinely won't exceed 256GB of storage
- Every dollar counts and you just need a capable MacBook
Who Should Go M5
- Anyone who would upgrade the storage anyway (you're actually saving money)
- Video editors, photographers, and developers who benefit from extra performance
- People planning to keep their laptop for 4+ years
- Anyone wanting the latest wireless standards
The Bottom Line
At just $100 more, which effectively saves money if you need storage, the M5 MacBook Air is the smarter purchase for most people shopping right now.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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