MacBook 12” 2016 vs. MacBook Air (M1, 2020) - Specs Comparison
Here is a comparison between the specifications of the MacBook 12” 2016 and MacBook Air (M1, 2020), including differences in the chip, memory, storage, display, battery, ports, and more.
The MacBook 12” 2016 features the 4.5W 6th Generation Intel Skylake dual-core Intel Core m3-6Y30 up to dual-core Intel Core m7-6Y75 with the boost speed up to 3.10 GHz. While the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) features the 10W Apple M-Series ARM 64-bit 8-core Apple M1 (7 GPU Cores) up to 8-core Apple M1 with a clock speed of 3.20 GHz.
If you are in the market looking for a laptop and don't know what's the difference between the 12″ MacBook 12” 2016 and the 13.3″ MacBook Air (M1, 2020) , we have a detailed tech specs comparison between both devices for you to check out here.
MacBook 12” 2016 vs. MacBook Air (M1, 2020): Specs Comparison
Compare With Please enter device name or part of it ![]() MacBook 12” 2016 | Compare With Please enter device name or part of it ![]() MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | |
Key Features | ||
What's new | Better PerformanceWith the new Apple M1 Chip, it now 3x times faster in exporting a project in iMovie, 5x times faster applying 3D effects in Final Cut Pro, editing multiple streams 4K ProRes video in Final Cut Pro with no frame drop, 2x times faster in exporting photos in Lightroom, and more.Better Battery LifeIt's a MacBook Air with the longest battery life ever made, with up to 18-hours of watching movies and 15 hours of web browsing.Better FaceTime HD cameraWith the latest Apple Image Single Processor (ISP) in the M1 chip, image quality is better in noise reduction, greater dynamic range, and improved auto white balance.Better DisplayIt now supports P3 wide color with 400-nits of display brightness.More
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What's missing |
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Availability | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Released | 2016 | 2020 |
Release Info |
| Announced on November 10th, 2020 |
Pricing |
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Display | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Size | 12 Inches | 13.3 Inches |
Info | Retina display
| Retina display
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Exterior | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Size Comparison | ||
Dimensions | 11.04” x 7.74” x 0.14 - 0.52” (280.5 mm x 196.5 mm x 3.5 - 13.1 mm) |
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Weight | Starting at 2.03 pounds (920 g) | Starting at 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg) |
Colors | SilverSpace GrayGoldRose Gold | GoldSpace GraySilver |
Keyboard and Trackpad | Full-size backlit keyboard with:
| Backlit Magic Keyboard with:
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Ports | One USB Type-C port with support for:
| Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 (USB‑C) ports with support for:
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Internal Specs | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Processor |
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Integrated Graphics |
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Memory | 8GB 1866 MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory |
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Storage | 256GB512GB PCIe-based onboard flash storage. |
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Connectivity | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Wi-Fi |
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Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology |
Battery | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Size | 41.4 Wh lithium‑polymer battery | 49.9 Wh lithium‑polymer battery |
Battery Life |
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Power Supply | 29W USB-C Power Adapter | 30W USB‑C Power Adapter |
Software | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
OS | Shipped with OS X El Capitan | Shipped with macOS Big Sur |
Built-in Apps | PhotosiMovieGarageBandPagesNumbersKeynoteSafariMailMessagesFaceTimeCalendarNotesApp StoreiTunesiBooksMapsContactsReminders | PhotosiMovieGarageBandPagesNumbersKeynoteSiriSafariMailFaceTimeMessagesMapsNewsStocksHomeVoice MemosNotesCalendarContactsRemindersPhoto BoothPreviewMusicPodcastsTVBooksApp StoreTime MachineFind MyQuickTime Player |
Camera & Audio | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Camera | 480p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera |
Audio |
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Misc | MacBook 12” 2016 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
Sensors |
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Security |
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In the box |
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Warranty | Limited Warranty and Service Your MacBook comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a one-year limited warranty. Purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan to extend your service and support to three years from your computer’s purchase date. Only the AppleCare Protection Plan provides you with direct telephone support from Apple technical experts and the assurance that repairs will be handled by Apple-authorized technicians using genuine Apple parts. For more information, visit Apple Support or call 800-823-2275. | Your MacBook Air comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support and a one-year limited warranty. Purchase AppleCare+ to extend your coverage to three years from your AppleCare+ purchase date and add up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other repairable damage, plus applicable tax. |
More | Video Support
| Video Support
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