Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) edges out the HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop, especially for power users. With a powerful M3 chip and a bright 500-nit display, it’s a no-brainer for anyone needing performance and clarity. In real-world use, the MacBook Air's 18 hours of battery life means you can power through an entire workday without reaching for the charger. Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 15.6" and Weight: 43.74 oz vs 64.55 oz.
Why compare these? The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) (high-end) and HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop (mid-range) represent different approaches to laptops. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple MacBook | HP ENVY |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (1,823 reviews) | 4.6★ (1,605 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing | Versatile 2-in-1 aluminum design with a premium look and feel |
| Main Drawback | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) | Display is dim (250 nits) and has limited color gamut (45% NTSC) |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Mid-range |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop
AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (Barcelo-R, 8 cores, up to 4.5 GHz)
AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated)
No (Not supported)
Air (Dual fan cooling)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,823)Amazon | ★4.6(1,605)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (Barcelo-R, 8 cores, up to 4.5 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | Air (Dual fan cooling) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB LPDDR4x-4266 MHz (Onboard) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | No (Soldered) |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (1x M.2 2280 slot; user replaceable) |
Display Size | 13.6" | 15.6" |
Resolution | 2560 x 1664 (Native) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:9 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) | IPS (Touchscreen; Edge-to-edge glass; Micro-edge) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Brightness | 500 nits | 250 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (ANSI) without NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes (Nightfall black opaque) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | IR Face Recognition (Windows Hello) |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 5MP HP Wide Vision IR camera with privacy shutter |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps; Power Delivery; DisplayPort 1.4; Sleep & Charge); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 55 Wh (4-cell Li-ion polymer) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 65 W USB-C adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 1,830 g (4.03 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | Aluminum (Nightfall Black) |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home |
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
No (Unified Memory architecture)
Pros
- Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
Cons
- Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop
AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (Barcelo-R, 8 cores, up to 4.5 GHz)
AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated)
No (Not supported)
Air (Dual fan cooling)
16 GB LPDDR4x-4266 MHz (Onboard)
No (Soldered)
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 aluminum design with a premium look and feel
- High-quality 5MP webcam with IR face unlock is excellent for video calls
Cons
- Display is dim (250 nits) and has limited color gamut (45% NTSC)
- RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 15.6" and Weight: 43.74 oz vs 64.55 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need a powerful laptop for demanding tasks, prefer a vibrant display for photography, or want all-day battery life. (13.6" display, 43.74 oz weight)
Choose the HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop if: you seek a versatile design for presentations, want to save money, or need a higher-quality webcam for video calls. (15.6" display, 64.55 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose HP ENVY
Significantly faster M3 Priority
Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.6★. However, HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) or HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop wins if you value versatile 2-in-1 aluminum design with a premium look and feel. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop?
Key differences: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) offers significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, while HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop stands out with versatile 2-in-1 aluminum design with a premium look and feel. Consider that Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) base model starts with only 8gb ram and 256gb storage (slow ssd speeds on 256gb). Meanwhile, HP ENVY x360 15.6" 2-in-1 Laptop display is dim (250 nits) and has limited color gamut (45% ntsc). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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