Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
If you're weighing the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) against the HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U, the MacBook is the premium option with a superior M3 chip and much design. While the HP offers a reliable performance with its i7 processor and upgradable RAM, the real kicker is the MacBook's stellar display at 500 nits versus the HP's 300 nits. Battery life: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is rated for up to 18 hours. Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 15.6" and Weight: 43.74 oz vs 56.33 oz.
Why compare these? The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) (high-end) and HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U (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 15.6" |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.7★ (1,821 reviews) | 4.7★ (1,607 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing | Display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class) |
| Main Drawback | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) | USB-C port supports data only (no charging or video output) |
| 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 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
Intel Core i7-1355U (Raptor Lake, 10 cores, up to 5.0 GHz)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated)
No (Not supported)
Air (Single fan)
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 | ★4.7(1,821)Amazon | ★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)
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 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
Intel Core i7-1355U (Raptor Lake, 10 cores, up to 5.0 GHz)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated)
No (Not supported)
Air (Single fan)
16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz (2x 8GB)
Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 64 GB)
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)
Cons
- USB-C port supports data only (no charging or video output)
- Keyboard lacks backlighting
Which one is better?
Battery life: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is rated for up to 18 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you want a lightweight laptop at 43.74oz, prefer a stunning 500-nit display, or need all-day battery life.
Choose the HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U if: you require more storage at 512GB, want a larger screen for productivity, or need upgradable RAM for future-proofing.
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 15.6"
Significantly faster M3 Priority
Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Display brightness is Priority
Display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class)
→ Choose HP 15.6"
Conclusion
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.7★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) or HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U wins if you value display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class). Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.7★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U?
Key differences: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) offers significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, while HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U stands out with display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class). 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 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U usb-c port supports data only (no charging or video output). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+What should I prioritize when choosing between these laptops?
Focus on the features that matter most for your daily use. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) stands out for significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and first macbook air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode). HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U excels at display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class) and memory is fully upgradable (2x ddr4 sodimm slots). Check the spec table above for the complete side-by-side breakdown.
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