Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
The MacBook's M3 chip also provides serious muscle with an 8-core CPU, while the HP's i7-1355U, though impressive, just can't match that performance in real-world tasks. In practical terms, this means the MacBook Air is ideal for those who need portability and endurance on the go. The HP is tempting with its 512GB storage,. The numbers speak volumes: 500 nits on the MacBook's display will make a difference in bright environments, setting it apart for daily tasks and media consumption.
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
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 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(2,424)Best Buy | ★4.7(1,607)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | Intel Core i7-1355U (Raptor Lake, 10 cores, up to 5.0 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | Air (Single fan) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz (2x 8GB) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 64 GB) |
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 slot) |
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; BrightView) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Brightness | 500 nits | 300 nits |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | No |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | No (Not supported) |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 720p HD True Vision camera with privacy shutter |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps; Data only); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | 1x HDMI 1.4b |
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 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 45 W Smart AC adapter (Barrel pin) |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 1,597 g (3.52 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | Recycled plastic |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home |
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- • First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
- • Completely silent fanless operation
- • Exceptional build quality with a bright 500-nit P3 display
- • MagSafe 3 charging frees up both Thunderbolt ports for peripherals
✗ Cons:
- • Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
- • Zero user-upgradeability for RAM or storage
- • Thermal throttling can occur under sustained heavy workloads due to lack of fans
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HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
✓ Pros:
- • Display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class)
- • Memory is fully upgradable (2x DDR4 SODIMM slots)
- • Includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for modern wireless connectivity
- • Physical privacy shutter on the webcam
- • Lightweight for a 15-inch laptop at 3.52 lbs
✗ Cons:
- • USB-C port supports data only (no charging or video output)
- • Keyboard lacks backlighting
- • Battery capacity is small (41 Wh), limiting longevity off the charger
- • Chassis is made entirely of plastic
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Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 15.6" and Weight: 43.74 oz vs 56.33 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you want up to 18 hours of battery life, need to run demanding applications, or want a brighter display for outdoor use.
Choose the HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U if: you want a larger screen for productivity, need more storage for files, or prefer a budget-friendly option with upgradable memory. (15.6" display, 56.33 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) excels if you value significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U is better if you prioritize display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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