The 2020 M1 MacBook Air is still in daily use by many students and professionals. Apple's compare page lists it next to the current M5 model, which makes it easy to see what five generations changed.
Values come from Apple's MacBook Air compare page, re-read on 2026-11-02, matched to models by position.
Key differences at a glance
- Chip: M1 with an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU against M5 with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU.
- Memory: 8 or 16GB against 16, 24 or 32GB.
- Storage: from 256GB against from 512GB (up to 4TB).
- Display: 13.3-inch 2560×1600 at 400 nits against 13.6-inch 2560×1664 at 500 nits.
- Same up-to-18-hour battery claim; weight 1.29 kg against 1.23 kg.
Specification comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air 13-inch (M1, 2020) | MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M1; 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU | M5; 10-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU |
| Memory | 8/16GB | 16/24/32GB |
| Base storage | 256GB | 512GB |
| Display | 13.3-inch, 2560×1600, 400 nits | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560×1664, 500 nits |
| Battery claim | Up to 18 hrs | Up to 18 hrs |
| Weight | 2.8 lb (1.29 kg) | 2.7 lb (1.23 kg) |
Shaded cells mean the cited sources did not state the value. We do not fill gaps from memory.
Memory is the biggest practical upgrade
An M1 Air with 8GB of RAM is the configuration most likely to feel constrained today, especially with many browser tabs, video calls and photo editing running together. The M5 Air starts at 16GB and goes to 32GB. For many M1 owners, memory pressure is a stronger reason to upgrade than raw CPU speed.
Performance
The M5 has two more CPU cores and up to three more GPU cores than the M1, plus five generations of architectural changes. We do not quote benchmarks, but the gap is large enough to matter for video editing, development builds and games.
Display and design
The M5 Air's 13.6-inch display is slightly larger, 25% brighter on Apple's figures (500 against 400 nits) and sits in a thinner, flat design (1.13 cm against a 0.41–1.61 cm wedge). Weight drops slightly from 1.29 kg to 1.23 kg.
Battery and storage
Apple claims up to 18 hours for both, so battery life is not a reason to upgrade on paper. Storage starts at 512GB on the M5, double the M1's 256GB base.
Strengths and limitations
MacBook Air 13-inch (M1, 2020)
Strengths
- Lower price on the used market (unverified).
Limitations
- 8GB base memory and a 400-nit display.
MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
Strengths
- More cores, memory, storage and a brighter display.
Limitations
- Same battery claim.
Pricing not verified
Prices were not available in the cited pages. Check the manufacturer or a retailer.
Which should you choose?
- Light office use: M1 Air — still listed with 8/16GB
- Future-proofing: M5 Air — 16GB minimum and 512GB base
Our verdict
The M5 Air increases cores, memory, storage and brightness. The unchanged battery claim means the upgrade is about performance and headroom, not endurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth upgrading from an M1 MacBook Air to the M5?
If your M1 has 8GB of RAM or 256GB of storage and feels constrained, the M5's 16GB minimum and 512GB base storage are the most practical gains. Battery claims are the same.
Do the M1 and M5 Air have the same battery life?
Apple claims up to 18 hours for both.
Is the M5 Air brighter?
Apple lists 500 nits against 400 nits for the M1 Air.
Related comparisons
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MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) vs MacBook Air 13-inch (M4): Specifications Compared
MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) versus MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
M5 versus M4: base storage and weight differ on Apple's compare page while display and battery claims are the same.
Verdict: Close; M5 for the chip and storage tier, M4 for price.
Read comparisonMore Laptops & PCs comparisons · All comparisons
How this was checked
Specifications compiled on 2026-11-02 from the sources below. The cited sources were re-opened and the key table values re-checked on 2026-11-02.
Apple MacBook Air compare page re-read on 2026-11-02; values matched (position-matched).
Disclosure: AYORAHUB did not hands-on test these products or services. Nothing on this page is a lab measurement, benchmark or review score; analysis explains what the cited specifications mean in practice.
- Apple's compare pages are flattened lists without column headers; values were matched to models by position (an inference). Ports, camera and wireless sections were not captured. Prices were not rendered.
Sources
- MacBook Air – Compare models — Apple (manufacturer/official)