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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

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Product A: Apple

MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

88 of 179 known

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B

Product B: Microsoft

Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

72 of 179 known

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All 179 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

General

6 of 9 differ

Series

MacBook Air4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026

Surface Laptop6Press releaseblogs.windows.com/latam/2019/10/02/surface-revela-nueva-alineacion-para-fin-de-ano-e-introduce-una-nueva-categoria-de-dispositivos-de-pantalla-dual-construidos-para-la-productividad-movilRead 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

MWTL2LL/A2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original April 15, 2020 Apple US inventory page 2 explicitly lists MWTL2LL/A, Gold, dual-core tenth-generation Core i3 1.1 GHz, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. Nearby 128 GB education-only SKU MYE72LL/A and AppleCare bundles excluded. Education price is not launch MSRP.

VGY-000014Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506703-REG/microsoft_vgy_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original US VGY-00001, Platinum Alcantara, Intel Core i5-1035G7, 8 GB/128 GB. Later restored/refurbished/updated configs excluded. Current route may retain identity/title only, no current sale claim.

GTIN / EAN

19019925617010Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/support/622812/apple-macbook-air-mwtl2ll-a-early-2020-133-laptop-computer-goldRead 7 October 2026Product Information: exact MWTL2LL/A Gold i3, 8 GB, 256 GB, UPC 190199256170.

8898424803828Retailer pagedatavision.com/products/open-box-microsoft-surface-laptop-3-13-in-i5-8gb-128gb-platinum-fabric-vgy-00001Read 7 October 2026Exact VGY-00001 Platinum Fabric 8 GB/128 GB listing. UPC row 889842480382. Open-box suffix identifies the sale condition, not different hardware. Independently matches EPEAT model 1867 UPC list.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

18 March 20204Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026

2 October 20196Press releaseblogs.windows.com/latam/2019/10/02/surface-revela-nueva-alineacion-para-fin-de-ano-e-introduce-una-nueva-categoria-de-dispositivos-de-pantalla-dual-construidos-para-la-productividad-movilRead 5 October 2026Maker October 2 New York announcement. Preorders not retail.

Status

Discontinued11Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/specs/macbook-air-core-i3-1.1-dual-core-13-retina-display-2020-scissor-specs.htmlRead 7 October 2026Introduction/Discontinued table: original Intel Core i3 model discontinued November 10, 2020. Public indexed page text read. Direct page returned 403.

Not available

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Microsoft Surface Laptop 216Spec databaseen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_Laptop_3Read 10 October 2026Infobox Predecessor: Surface Laptop 2. Marketed-generation lineage, not hardware inheritance.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1, 2020)19Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/11/introducing-the-next-generation-of-macRead 23 October 2026Apple compares the MacBook Air with M1 with the previous-generation Intel Core i7 13-inch MacBook Air.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch (Ryzen 5)23Reviewengadget.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-4-intel-amd-ultraportable-130018817.htmlRead 23 October 2026Engadget says Microsoft followed the Surface Laptop 3 with the Surface Laptop 4, and the 13.5-inch models look the same as the last generation.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$9994Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026Maker original consumer US starting MSRP $999, matching retained original Core i3/8 GB/256 GB entry configuration. Lower education price excluded.

$9997Press releaseblogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/10/22/new-surface-devices-now-available-at-microsoft-storeRead 5 October 2026Maker release-day starting US price $999 for matching screen size. Retained original entry 8 GB/128 GB configuration. No unquoted 99 cents appended.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly US inventory, independently corroborated by original US retailer inventory.

US4Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506703-REG/microsoft_vgy_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Gold2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Platinum4Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506703-REG/microsoft_vgy_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Segment

Not available

Ultrabook9Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-3-13-reviewRead 7 October 2026Review describes the 13.5-inch model as an Ultrabook.

Form factor

Not available

Clamshell15Reviewlaptopmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-3-13-inchRead 10 October 2026Verdict calls the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 a clamshell. The review unit was an i7 model, form factor is the same chassis. No measured values imported from the i7 unit.19Press articletheverge.com/2019/10/2/20893716/microsoft-surface-laptop-3-hands-on-features-price-photos-video-release-dateRead 10 October 2026Launch hands-on: the Surface Laptop was always an excellent traditional clamshell laptop, and the Laptop 3 keeps that design.

Chassis

2 of 6 differ

DimensionsiClosed laptop body size. Minimum and maximum thickness describe the front and rear or other points stated by the maker.

Width304.1Depth212.4Thickness (min)4.1Thickness (max)16.1mm(12 × 8.4 × 0.2 to 0.6 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker centimetres converted exactly to millimetres. Published wedge minimum 4.1 mm and maximum 16.1 mm. Retailer rounded metric conversions excluded.

Width308Depth223Thickness (max)14.51mm(12.1 × 8.8 × 0.6 in)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original published metric width across screen, depth front-to-back and closed height. No conversions from rounded inches.

Weight (published)iPublished laptop weight without the charger. A starting weight is identified in the source note and may vary with configuration.

1.29kg(2.8 lb)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly publishes 1.29 kg laptop weight. Retailer conversion from rounded 2.8 lb to 1.27 kg excluded. Manufacturing/configuration variation applies.

1.265kg(2.8 lb)3Maker product pagemicrosoft.com/en-us/d/surface-laptop-3-essentials-bundle/8q0bnx4tf18sRead 5 October 2026Maker same original consumer hardware table explicitly publishes 1,265 g Platinum Alcantara 13.5 or 1,542 g Platinum Metal 15. Original PDF malformed 1,250/1,540 kg mass labels and older pound claims excluded. Bundle contents/pricing not imported.

Lid material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker Environment section explicitly 100 percent recycled aluminium enclosure.

Aluminium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original mechanical features aluminium body. Alcantara is palm-rest covering.

Bottom material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker aluminium enclosure.

Aluminium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original aluminium body.

Max hinge angle

Not available

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MIL-STD-810 testing (claimed)iManufacturer claim of MIL-STD-810 testing. The revision and tested procedures belong in the source note. This is not proof of every standard test.

Not available

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Display

8 of 25 differ

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the main built-in display. Rounded-corner displays may be measured as a full rectangle.

13.3in(33.8 cm)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

13.5in(34.3 cm)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Native resolution

2560 × 1600px1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

2256 × 1504px1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Pixel density

227ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

200.8ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

Panel typeiDell's WVA means wide viewing angle and names no panel technology, so it is stored as IPS only when Dell or a review names IPS.

IPS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

IPS10Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sayonara-Alcantara-Microsoft-Surface-Laptop-3-13-5-inch-Core-i5-Review.454000.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Specification display row identifies the 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 display as IPS. Panel supplier model and measured results are not imported from the metal 256 GB sample.

Backlight

Not available

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Dimming zonesiIndependently controlled backlight zones, not the number of LEDs or screen pixels.

Not available

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Panel part numberiPanel part number identified in a matching review unit. Suppliers may vary within the same laptop configuration.

APPA04217Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Gold Core i3/8 GB/256 GB review unit, specification and Display sections: APPA042. Suppliers may vary. No i5 panel measurement inherited.

Not available

Screen surfaceiSurface of the stored display configuration. Anti-reflective coatings do not by themselves make a glossy display matte. A matte finish of the chassis is not the screen surface.

Glossy3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553858-REG/apple_mwtl2ll_a_13_3_macbook_air_with.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact original Gold MWTL2LL/A Display table explicitly Glossy.

Glossy10Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sayonara-Alcantara-Microsoft-Surface-Laptop-3-13-5-inch-Core-i5-Review.454000.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Specification display row says glossy: yes for this 13.5-inch display. Measurements and exact supplier identity are omitted.

Touchscreen

No3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553858-REG/apple_mwtl2ll_a_13_3_macbook_air_with.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Display table explicitly Touchscreen No.

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Stylus

Not available

Supported1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Refresh rate modesiHighest confirmed operating refresh rate of the built-in display at each resolution. Add a second row only for a documented dual-mode panel, not an ordinary supported timing.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)
2560	1600	60

Source17Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching Gold Core i3 specification table: native 2560 x 1600, 60 Hz built-in display. No other operating modes inferred.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

Not available

Max refresh rate

60Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

Not available

Adaptive synciNamed variable refresh technologies for the built-in display. Manual switching between 60Hz and 120Hz is not VRR.

Not available

Not available

Gray-to-gray response time (claimed)iManufacturer claim for a gray-to-gray pixel transition. Do not use generic response times, black-to-white values, or motion-picture response times.

Not available

Not available

Native panel colour depthiPhysical panel colour depth per channel. Do not infer native bit depth or FRC from the number of supported colours.

Not available

Not available

Brightness (SDR, claimed)iManufacturer typical SDR luminance. Outdoor maxima and an unspecified peak are not typical SDR brightness.

Not available

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Peak brightness (SDR outdoors, claimed)iManufacturer maximum SDR luminance explicitly claimed for outdoor use. Ambient light, automatic brightness and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not typical SDR or HDR brightness.

Not available

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Sustained brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer explicitly sustained HDR luminance. Screen area, duration, temperature and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not a brief peak or SDR luminance.

Not available

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Peak brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer peak luminance explicitly measured or claimed in HDR. Window size and duration belong in the source note.

Not available

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sRGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated sRGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

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DCI-P3 coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated DCI-P3 gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

Not available

Adobe RGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated Adobe RGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

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HDR certification

Not available

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Factory calibratediThe maker explicitly states factory colour calibration. Certification alone does not establish calibration.

Not available

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Second display

Not available

Not available

Processor

6 of 14 differ

Processor

Intel Core i3 (1.1 GHz, dual-core, 10th generation)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Exact original base dual-core 1.1 GHz Core i3 row. Original maker and inventory do not state the custom processor suffix, so neither suffix nor chip process node/thread count is inferred.

Intel Core i5-1035G71Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Processor brand

Intel1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Intel1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Core configurationiProcessor core groups using the chip maker's names. MediaTek Big, Apple Super and AMD Zen architecture labels remain distinct from Intel P and E labels.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
2	1.1	3.2

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly two cores, 1.1 GHz base and 3.2 GHz Turbo Boost. No later hybrid P/E classification imposed.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
4	1.2	3.7

Source5Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196592/intel-core-i51035g7-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-70-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact homogeneous four-core chip, published base 1.2 GHz and maximum turbo 3.7 GHz. Other configurable-TDP base clocks and powers are not laptop settings. No later P/E classification imposed.

CPU cores

2=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled performanceiCounts only rows classified as performance. Other labels, including Big, Super and AMD Zen architecture rows, are not included.

Not available

Not available

Cores labelled efficiencyiCounts only efficiency and low-power-efficiency rows. AMD Zen 5c and Apple super cores are not included.

Not available

Not available

ThreadsiMaximum hardware threads of the processor, including simultaneous multithreading where supported.

418Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196586/intel-core-i31000ng4-processor-4m-cache-up-to-3-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact Core i3-1000NG4 chip is identified in matching i3/8 GB/256 GB Notebookcheck sample. Intel CPU Specifications states Total Threads 4 and Total Cores 2.

85Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196592/intel-core-i51035g7-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-70-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Max boost clock

3.2GHz=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

3.7GHz=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

L3 cacheiL3 cache only. Do not copy a combined L2 plus L3 cache total. Qualcomm's total cache, such as 30 MB on Snapdragon X, is not L3, even when a laptop maker labels it L3.

4MB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly 4 MB L3 for retained Core i3. Higher chip-option caches excluded.

6MB4Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506703-REG/microsoft_vgy_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact 13.5 Performance table explicitly 6 MB L3, separate L2 not counted.

ProcessiProcess size class of the processor compute die in nm, as on CPUs: TSMC N3B is 3, Intel 7 is 10, Intel 4 is 7 and Intel 18A is 1.8. Marketing process names and other chiplet processes belong in the source note.

10nm11Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/specs/macbook-air-core-i3-1.1-dual-core-13-retina-display-2020-scissor-specs.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact model overview identifies 10 nm Ice Lake Core i3-1000NG4. Custom Apple chip suffix also identified by matching Notebookcheck review. Public indexed maker-independent specification read.18Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196586/intel-core-i31000ng4-processor-4m-cache-up-to-3-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 7 October 2026Intel Essentials for exact i3-1000NG4 states Lithography 10 nm. Chip maker evidence corroborates EveryMac without borrowing a different Core i3 suffix.

10nm5Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196592/intel-core-i51035g7-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-70-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Intel explicitly 10 nm.

Sustained CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's sustained configured CPU power limit, such as PL1. A chip manufacturer's generic base power is not the laptop setting.

Not available

Not available

Peak CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's configured short-duration CPU limit, such as PL2. Do not substitute generic processor maximum turbo power.

Not available

Not available

Combined CPU and GPU poweriMaker stated simultaneous CPU plus discrete-GPU budget for the exact configuration and power mode.

Not available

Not available

NPU performanceiNPU-only claimed operations per second. Excludes combined CPU, GPU and platform AI throughput. Precision belongs in the source note.

Not available

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Graphics

0 of 9 differ

Discrete GPUiA separate dedicated graphics processor is installed. Integrated or unified-memory graphics do not qualify.

No3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553858-REG/apple_mwtl2ll_a_13_3_macbook_air_with.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Performance table explicitly Integrated graphics. External GPU support is not an installed dedicated GPU.

No4Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506703-REG/microsoft_vgy_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact 13.5 inventory integrated Intel Iris Plus.

GPU

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GPU brand

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VRAMiDedicated video memory of the installed discrete GPU. Shared system memory is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Max GPU power (TGP)iMaximum configured discrete-GPU power including Dynamic Boost. Mode and any maker qualification belong in the source note.

Not available

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Dynamic BoostiMaximum additional GPU power shifted from the CPU through NVIDIA Dynamic Boost. This is part of maximum TGP, not extra to it. A figure written as "up to 115W Dynamic Boost" is the total, so it goes in gpu_tgp_max_w.

Not available

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GPU boost clockiHighest maker configured GPU boost clock, including factory overclock where explicitly stated. Mode belongs in the source note.

Not available

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GPU switchingiExplicit GPU display-routing or power-sharing features. Advanced Optimus includes hardware display multiplexing.

Not available

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Integrated GPU

Intel Iris Plus Graphics1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker Graphics section identifies Intel Iris Plus. Optional external Thunderbolt GPU support is not installed discrete graphics.

Intel Iris Plus Graphics1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Memory

0 of 9 differ

Installed RAMiTotal installed RAM in this product configuration, not the maximum purchase option.

8GB2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026

8GB4Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506703-REG/microsoft_vgy_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

RAM type

LPDDR4X1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Memory section expressly LPDDR4X onboard memory. Published 3733 MHz is not converted into the configured MT/s field without exact transfer-rate proof.

LPDDR4X1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 13.5 LPDDR4x and 15-inch AMD DDR4 rows. Transfer-rate labels in MHz not converted into stored MT/s without exact laptop rate proof.

RAM speediConfigured memory data rate in transfers per second. Do not treat the DRAM clock in MHz as the data rate.

3,733MT/s10Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/support/622812/apple-macbook-air-mwtl2ll-a-early-2020-133-laptop-computer-goldRead 7 October 2026Memory Speed: LPDDR4x-3733. Stored literal rated data-rate designation, corroborated exact matching Notebookcheck LPDDR4X-3733. No doubling of Apple's ambiguously labeled 3733 MHz.

3,733MT/s1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 202613.5-inch Memory row: 8GB/16GB LPDDR4X, 3733MHz. Maker uses commercial speed notation for the LPDDR4X-3733 grade, which is 3733 MT/s. No LPDDR4X part clocks at 3733 MHz. Intel lists LPDDR4-3733 support for the i5-1035G7. Value is not doubled or converted.5Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196592/intel-core-i51035g7-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-70-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Memory Types lists LPDDR4-3733. Supports the 3733 MT/s grade named by the laptop maker. Max memory channels 2 is a processor limit and not stored as installed channels.

Memory channelsiActive memory channels of the installed configuration, not the number of RAM modules or slots. One installed module is one channel. This holds for DDR5 too, whose two 32-bit subchannels on one module do not count as two channels. Soldered LPDDR memory counts in 64-bit units, so a 128-bit bus is 2 channels, even when a maker calls it quad-channel.

Not available

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RAM upgradeiWhether the installed RAM is soldered, socketed in slots, or a mixture. Purchase-time configurations are not upgrades.

Soldered13Reviewifixit.com/News/36480/theres-something-new-in-the-macbook-airRead 7 October 2026Teardown repairability list explicitly says SSD and RAM soldered. Original March 2020 Intel hardware. No physical RAM or storage slot is fabricated.

Soldered11Reviewlaptopmedia.com/review/microsoft-surface-laptop-3-13-5-review-the-software-giant-is-stepping-up-its-gameRead 7 October 2026Review verdict explicitly says memory is soldered to the motherboard. This covers 13.5-inch hardware. No 15-inch DDR4 facts imported.

Memory slotsiPhysical replaceable RAM module sockets grouped by type and occupancy. Clocked SO-DIMM uses CSODIMM. Soldered memory is excluded.

Not available

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RAM slots

Not available

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Free RAM slots

Not available

Not available

Maximum supported RAMiManufacturer supported maximum RAM, including purchase-time soldered options. Does not imply post-purchase upgradeability.

16GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker memory section offers 16 GB purchase-time configuration. Retained installed memory remains 8 GB. Does not imply user upgradeability.

16GB2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-3-specs-and-featuresRead 7 October 202613.5-inch Memory row offers 8 GB or 16 GB LPDDR4x. Maximum supported purchase-time memory is 16 GB, without post-purchase upgrade capability.

Storage

4 of 7 differ

Installed storageiTotal advertised installed storage in decimal GB. Convert 1TB to 1000GB, without changing an explicitly published 512GB value.

256GB2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026

128GB4Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1506703-REG/microsoft_vgy_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Storage type

SSD (interface unspecified)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly PCIe-based SSD, but does not state installed NVMe protocol or generation. Stored as SSD with interface unspecified by the supported schema enum.

NVMe SSD1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original offered 128 GB M.2 NVMe SSD. Chip PCIe capability not imported as installed-drive generation.

Installed drive PCIe generationiPCIe generation of the installed drive. This may be lower than the slot capability.

Not available

Not available

Storage slotsiPhysical storage connectors grouped by capability and occupancy. A slot accepting several drive lengths is one slot, not one per length.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Not available

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

Interface	Count	Occupied
PCIe NVMe	1	Yes

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Storage row: removable M.2 NVMe SSD, one drive. Footnote 3: not user removable, only by a skilled technician. M.2 length is not stated for the 13.5-inch, so form factor is left out.20Owner's manuallearn.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/service-guides/surface-laptop-3-and-4/surface-laptop-3-and-4-component-disassembly-and-reassemblyRead 10 October 2026Maker service guide for Surface Laptop 3 and 4 (13.5-inch or 15-inch): one removable SSD (rSSD) secured by one 5IP screw, lifted at about 15 degrees out of the SSD connector on the mainboard. One removable SSD socket, occupied in the stored 128 GB configuration. M.2 length and NVMe lanes are not stated for the 13.5-inch, so they are left out. The device does not power on without the rSSD.

M.2 slots

Not available

Not available

Free storage slots

Not available

0=CalculatedFrom Storage slots

Maximum slot PCIe generation

Not available

Not available

Ports

3 of 7 differ

PortsiPhysical laptop connectors grouped by type, protocol capability and side. One connector with several protocols is counted once.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Type	Version	Count	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3.1 Gen 2	2	40	Thunderbolt 3	Yes
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Two physical USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 3 up to 40 Gb/s, USB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10 Gb/s and native DisplayPort over USB-C. Highest rate retained once per connector. Audio section states physical 3.5 mm headphone jack. External adapters/eGPUs excluded from installed hardware.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

Type	Version	Count	Side	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	USB 3.1 Gen 2	1	Left	10	Yes
USB-A	Not available	1	Left	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Left	Not available	Not available
Other	Surface Connect	1	Right	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original one USB-C, one USB-A, headset and Surface Connect. No unproved protocols, data rates or accepted charging input.9Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-3-13-reviewRead 7 October 2026Review hardware list names USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2. Chassis section: the USB Type-A port, the USB Type-C port and the headphone jack are on the left side, the Surface Connect port is on the right. USB 3.1 Gen 2 signalling is 10 Gbps by the USB specification. The Verge launch hands-on says the USB-C port handles charging, data and video out. Review unit is Core i5, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.19Press articletheverge.com/2019/10/2/20893716/microsoft-surface-laptop-3-hands-on-features-price-photos-video-release-dateRead 10 October 2026Launch hands-on: the USB-C port is USB 3.1, can be used for charging, data and video out, and does not support Thunderbolt 3. Supports the DisplayPort alternate mode flag. Windows Central gives the Gen 2 designation and the port sides.

USB-C ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

Thunderbolt

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

Not available

Highest HDMI version

Not available

Not available

Card reader

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Ethernet speed

Not available

Not available

Maximum USB-C charging inputiHighest confirmed charging power accepted by a USB-C port. This is separate from adapter rating and power delivered to peripherals.

Not available

Not available

Wireless

3 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 51Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Wi-Fi 61Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original size/CPU-specific row: Intel 13.5 Wi-Fi 802.11ax, AMD 15 Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2x2. No later Intel 15 business Wi-Fi 6 imported.

Wi-Fi bandsiSupported radio frequency bands. Availability may be restricted by country or regulatory configuration.

Not available

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz14Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/130293/intel-wifi-6-ax201-gig/specifications.htmlRead 10 October 2026Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (Gig+), the module named for this laptop by Windows Central: frequency bands 2.4, 5 GHz (160MHz). No 6 GHz.

Wi-Fi module

Not available

Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX2019Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-3-13-reviewRead 7 October 2026Hardware changes list names Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 for the 13.5-inch Intel hardware.

BluetoothiThe version as a number with one decimal, such as 5.4 or 6.0. A qualifier such as or above goes in the source note.

5.01Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

5.01Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Cellular

Not available

Not available

Keyboard and touchpad

5 of 8 differ

Keyboard layoutsiDocumented layouts of the retained regional SKUs. Do not infer a layout solely from the sales country.

Not available

Not available

Key switches

Scissor12Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 7 October 2026New Magic Keyboard section explicitly refined scissor mechanism, 1mm travel. Original 2020 hardware, not later M1.

Not available

Keyboard backlightiA maker-confirmed backlight with no published type uses backlit_unspecified. Do not infer white lighting, a single colour or RGB from backlit alone. A single-zone RGB backlight is RGB zones.

Not available

Backlit, type not stated1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 202613.5-inch Keyboard and trackpad row: Full-size backlit keyboard. Maker gives no colour or zone type.

NumpadiDedicated physical numeric keypad. A virtual touchpad number pad is not counted.

Not available

Not available

Key traveliPhysical key travel distance, not actuation distance.

1mm4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026Original maker Magic Keyboard announcement explicitly states 1 mm physical key travel.

1.33mm6Press releaseblogs.windows.com/latam/2019/10/02/surface-revela-nueva-alineacion-para-fin-de-ano-e-introduce-una-nueva-categoria-de-dispositivos-de-pantalla-dual-construidos-para-la-productividad-movilRead 5 October 2026Original maker announcement explicitly 1.33 mm full key travel. Original fact sheet rounds to 1.3 mm.

Pointing stickiDedicated stick pointing device such as TrackPoint. A touchpad does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Touchpad size

Not available

Width115Height76.66mm(4.5 × 3 in)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original both-size physical trackpad 115 x 76.66 mm. Mechanism not inferred from Precision branding.

Touchpad mechanismiA clickpad or glass touchpad that clicks when pressed down is mechanical. Haptic needs a source that says haptic or force feedback.

Haptic1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Exact sheet specifies Force Touch. Separate maker support source explicitly establishes haptic feedback.6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/102309Read 5 October 2026Maker support explicitly states Force Touch trackpads provide haptic feedback. Exact model sheet specifies Force Touch.

Mechanical9Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-3-13-reviewRead 7 October 2026Keyboard and trackpad section explicitly says its click mechanism is mechanical. Hardware feature shared by the reviewed 13.5-inch Platinum Alcantara i5/8 GB model. SSD-only measurement differences excluded.

Camera and audio

5 of 7 differ

Webcam

720p FaceTime HD1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

720p HD f/2.01Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

IR face loginiAn infrared camera suitable for Windows Hello face authentication. An ordinary webcam or fingerprint sensor does not qualify.

Not available

Yes2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-3-specs-and-featuresRead 7 October 2026Maker guide separately identifies Windows Hello camera and front-facing camera. Original sheet states Windows Hello sign-in camera.

Webcam privacy

Not available

Not available

Built-in speaker driversiIndividual built-in acoustic drivers, including separate tweeters and woofers. Do not count audio channels or infer driver count from speaker assemblies.

Not available

218Reviewifixit.com/Device/Microsoft_Surface_Laptop_3Read 10 October 202613.5-inch device page lists Left Speaker and Right Speaker replacement guides. Exact 13.5-inch Left Speaker guide 144782 removes one speaker with three screws. Two speakers is the count named by the source. Per-speaker driver count is not published by the maker, check if a teardown shows more than one driver per side.22Reviewlaptopmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Laptop Go review audio section: like the Surface Laptop 3, the dual omnidirectional speakers are located underneath the keyboard. Two speakers, as with the Laptop 3.

Total speaker poweriCombined published power of the built-in speaker drivers. RMS or peak classification belongs in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Audio features

Dolby Atmos, Wide stereo sound1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Dolby Audio Premium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

MicrophonesiPhysical built-in microphones, not beamforming channels or microphone modes.

31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker Audio section explicitly three-mic array. Stereo sound does not establish a physical speaker count, so that count is omitted.

21Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original dual physical Studio Mics.

Battery and power

4 of 5 differ

Battery energyiPublished nominal energy capacity of the installed internal battery in watt-hours. Separate from measured runtime and charger output.

49.9Wh1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly 49.9 Wh lithium-polymer battery. No battery actual-rating override appears in footnotes.

45.8Wh12Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Laptop+3+(15-inch)+Teardown/127277Read 7 October 2026Step 11 explicitly identifies a 45.8 Wh battery in both 15-inch and 13.5-inch models and says it is the exact same battery. Only this explicitly shared battery fact is imported.21Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/mscle/documents/legal/legal-compliance-and-ethics/Microsoft%20Lithium%20Ion%20PDS%2030Jan2025A.pdfRead 10 October 2026Product Data Sheet, battery information table: model 1867 Surface Laptop 3 13.5 inch Fabric, six cells, one battery, rated energy 45.8 Wh. Model 1867 is the fabric-keyboard 13.5-inch model, which matches the stored Platinum Alcantara reference. The metal model 1868 lists the same 45.8 Wh.

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime for each explicitly named test. Display brightness, configuration and other conditions belong in the source note. Wireless streaming preserves an unnamed content type and does not imply video or audio. Video conferencing requires an explicit calling test, with application and participant setup in the source note. MobileMark versions use different workloads, so compare only rows of the same version.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Use case	Hours (h)
Web browsing	11
Video playback	12

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Footnote 2 matches retained preproduction February 2020 Core i3 dual-core 1.1 GHz, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. Wireless web browses 25 popular websites. Movie test plays HD 1080p content in Apple TV app. Both set display brightness to 12 clicks from bottom or 75 percent. Up-to claims, separate from measurements and standby days.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

Use case	Hours (h)
Mixed use	11.5

Source13Maker product pagesupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/battery/surface-battery-testing-and-estimated-performanceRead 10 October 2026Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch Intel Core i5, 256GB, 8 GB RAM: up to 11.5 hours based on typical Surface device usage. September 2019 preproduction test. Full discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby: web browsing over multiple tabs, Office productivity and idle apps. Default settings except 150 nits, auto-brightness disabled, Wi-Fi connected. Tested unit has 256GB, the stored reference has 128GB. Same 8 GB RAM and CPU.

Adapter rated outputiNominal rated output of the documented supplied or recommended adapter. A temporary dynamic maximum belongs in the source note. Not the laptop charging-input limit.

30W1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Nominal included 30 W adapter output, not maximum accepted USB-C charging input.

65W1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original included supply 60 W main laptop output plus 5 W separate USB-A output. Total adapter 65 W, not accepted USB-C input.

Laptop charging connectoriConnector at the laptop end of the documented main charging cable, not the wall plug or adapter-end connector. HP's AC smart pin is a round DC plug, so it is barrel.

USB-C1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026USB-C at laptop end of the supplied charging cable.

Proprietary2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-3-specs-and-featuresRead 7 October 2026Maker explicitly allows USB-C or Surface Connect charging. Original adapter SurfLink identified in original footnote 2.

Charge 0 to 50 % (claimed)iManufacturer time to charge an empty battery to 50%. Adapter and powered-off conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Cooling

0 of 4 differ

FansiPhysical cooling fans inside the laptop. Excludes fans in external coolers and the power adapter.

115Reviewifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Air+13-Inch+Early+2020+Fan+Replacement/142675Read 7 October 2026Exact Early 2020 Intel fan replacement guide. Complete opened-device photographs show one chassis fan. Replacement parts list contains one fan. Matching Core i3 review describes the same single chassis fan.

19Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-3-13-reviewRead 7 October 2026Thermals paragraph on the Core i5 model: you can hear the fan while installing large applications or gaming, and the fan is rarely enabled otherwise. A single fan is named. The iFixit 13.5-inch heatsink and fan guide shows one fan.17Reviewifixit.com/Guide/Microsoft+Surface+Laptop+3+13.5-Inch+Heatsink+and+Fan+Replacement/144777Read 10 October 2026Exact 13.5-inch repair guide: fan cable on its own ZIF connector, heatsink removal clears the fan on the lower case. One fan is described. No second fan or fan connector appears.

Vapor chamberiA vapor-chamber heat spreader is installed. Ordinary heatpipes alone do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Liquid metaliComponents where the maker confirms liquid-metal thermal material. Ordinary thermal paste is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Power modesiPublished laptop operating modes and configured power limits. Do not place observed runtime power measurements in this table.

Not available

Not available

Security

1 of 4 differ

Fingerprint

Power button5Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1931_macbook-air-13-2020-qsg.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 2 hardware diagram explicitly identifies Touch ID as power button.

Not available

TPM

Not available

Not available

Remote management

Not available

Not available

Security lock slotiA dedicated built-in physical security-cable slot. Security locks that occupy a USB-C port do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Software

2 of 3 differ

Operating system

macOS Catalina4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026Maker original March 2020 announcement expressly states every new MacBook Air comes with macOS Catalina. Later Quick Start UI reprint does not change launch OS.

Windows 10 Home1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

OS family

macOS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Windows1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Security updates untiliPublished end date of OS/security updates promised for the exact device model. Preserve the source precision. Do not calculate it from years or substitute a generic OS-version lifecycle. Unknown when no device-specific promise is published.

Not available

Not available

Measured display

11 of 12 differ

Brightness (measured, centre)iReviewer center-point SDR luminance for the matching display configuration. Do not substitute a review average or unspecified measurement.

416nits14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Display nine-point grid center 416 nits, macOS 10.15, X-Rite i1Pro 2. Windows is over 30 percent brighter and is not mixed in.

Not available

Brightness (measured, average)iReviewer mean luminance across a documented display grid, normally nine points.

403.4nits14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Display grid mean 403.4 nits, macOS, X-Rite i1Pro 2.

Not available

Contrast ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

1,224:114Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Display table 1224:1, macOS, black 0.34 nits, X-Rite i1Pro 2.

Not available

HDR peak brightness (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

sRGB coverage (measured)iReviewer measured sRGB coverage, not gamut volume. Instrument and method belong in the source note.

98%14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Updated Display table sRGB coverage 98 percent, Argyll 3D and X-Rite i1Pro 2. Older Argyll 1.6.3 row 97.6 is a different software method.

97%9Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-3-13-reviewRead 7 October 2026Review color accuracy paragraph: the screen delivers 97 percent sRGB. The text does not name the instrument, brightness or profile. Same display for every configuration. Review unit is Core i5, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, bought at Microsoft Store, with a Toshiba BG4 SSD. SSD results are not used.

DCI-P3 coverage (measured)iReviewer measured DCI-P3 coverage, not gamut volume. Display P3 measurements are identified in the source note.

Not available

75%9Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-3-13-reviewRead 7 October 2026Same paragraph: 75 percent DCI-P3. Instrument and profile not named.

Colour accuracy (measured Delta E)iReviewer colour error before calibration. Delta-E formula, colour space and picture mode belong in the source note.

0.914Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Pre-calibration ColorChecker mean 0.9, Delta E 2000, CalMAN sRGB/macOS, X-Rite i1Pro 2. Calibrated 0.6 excluded.

Not available

PWM flicker foundiWhether a reviewer detected pulse-width-modulation flicker under the documented test conditions. False does not prove all frequency ranges were tested.

Yes14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026PWM test detected flicker at 75 percent and below.

Not available

PWM frequency (measured)iDetected PWM frequency at the brightness setting stated by the reviewer.

119kHz14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026PWM table 119000 Hz at 75 percent brightness or below.

Not available

PWM at or below brightnessiHighest display brightness setting at or below which the documented PWM is detected.

75%14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026PWM threshold 75 percent.

Not available

Response black to white (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response for black-to-white-to-black, with test conditions in the source note.

28.4ms14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Black-white-black combined 28.4 ms: 16 rise plus 12.4 fall.

Not available

Response grey to grey (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response between specified grey levels. State the levels in the source note.

38.4ms14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 202650 to 80 percent grey combined 38.4 ms: 20.4 rise plus 18 fall.

Not available

Measured performance

None of 8 known

Cinebench 2024 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Cinebench 2024 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Geekbench 6 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

Geekbench 6 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Time Spy graphicsiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Graphics score, not the overall score. A score the review does not label as graphics is left out.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Steel NomadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

SSD sequential read (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Game frame ratesiMatching review-unit game results. Resolution, preset, upscaling, frame generation and ray tracing are stated only when documented.

Not available

Not available

Measured noise and temperature

6 of 9 differ

Fan noise per modeiReviewer sound-pressure readings for the matching configuration and mode. Measurement distance and workload belong in the source note.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Load	Noise (dB(A))
Idle	29
Medium load	31.6
Max load	39.4

Source14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Noise table idle 29, load average 31.6, max 39.4 dB(A). Audix TM1/Arta at 15 cm, background 29 dBA. Power mode not stated. Idle indistinguishable from room noise. No separate gaming result invented.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

Not available

Max fan noiseiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

39.4dB(A)=CalculatedFrom Fan noise per mode

Not available

Fan noise while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Top surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

44.3°C14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching i3 / 8 GB / 256 GB unit. Max-load upper surface grid 44.3 C. Voltcraft IR-900, room 21 C. Review stress text identifies simultaneous CPU and iGPU load. Exact OS and power mode for the surface grid are not explicitly stated.

Not available

Bottom surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

40.9°C14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching max-load bottom surface grid 40.9 C, Voltcraft IR-900, room 21 C. Exact OS and power mode unstated. Combined CPU/iGPU stress described by review.

Not available

Palm rest under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

29.1°C14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching stress-grid palmrest/touchpad maximum 29.1 C. Exact OS and power mode unstated. Voltcraft IR-900, room 21 C.

Not available

CPU temperature in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

CPU clock in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

1.5GHz14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Stress text: two CPU cores sustain 1.5 GHz while iGPU 400 MHz. Simultaneous CPU+iGPU load. SoC 11 W is not CPU-only power.

Not available

GPU temperature while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Measured battery and power

5 of 10 differ

Battery runtime per testiReviewer runtime for the exact test and configuration. Mixed browsing, video and graphics workloads are classified as mixed use.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Test	Brightness (nits)	Hours (h)
Wi-Fi browsing	150	11.02
Wi-Fi browsing	Not available	7.28
Video playback	150	11.1

Source14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026macOS 10.15. First row Safari 13.1 Wi-Fi 11h01 (11.02 h) at 150 nits. Second Safari max-brightness 7h17 (7.28 h), numeric maximum luminance not assumed. Third Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p 11h06 at 150 nits. Power mode/firmware unstated. Windows 7.5 h is approximate and excluded.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

Not available

Wi-Fi browsing runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

11.02h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

Not available

Video runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

11.1h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Power draw idleiHighest reviewer idle AC power reading for the matching configuration and test conditions.

7W14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Power table highest idle 7 W AC input, Metrahit Energy. Exact OS/power mode unstated.

Not available

Power draw gamingiReviewer AC power draw during the named game and settings. Not GPU-only power.

Not available

Not available

Power draw maxiMaximum reviewer AC input power during the documented load or stress test. Not the adapter rating.

30.6W14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Power table maximum 30.6 W AC input, Metrahit Energy. AC input may exceed nominal 30 W adapter output due to conversion loss. OS/power mode unstated.

Not available

Sustained CPU power (measured)iObserved sustained CPU package power during the documented test. Not the configured PL1 limit.

Not available

Not available

GPU power while gaming (measured)iObserved GPU-only power while running the documented game and settings.

Not available

Not available

Weight (measured)iReviewer measured laptop mass without its power adapter unless the source note explicitly states otherwise.

Not available

Not available

Certifications

2 of 6 differ

Intel EvoiManufacturer certification of the exact configuration as Intel Evo. Processor support alone does not establish certification.

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Copilot+ PCiManufacturer identifies the configuration as Copilot+ PC. A Copilot keyboard key alone is insufficient.

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Colour certifications

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ENERGY STAR

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

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EPEAT

Gold16Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/environment/pdf/products/notebooks/13-inch_MacBookAir_w_Retina_PER_July2020.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original Intel 2020 Environmental Report, p8 endnote 2: EPEAT Gold in United States and Canada. First page explicitly US 256 GB configuration, March 18, 2020 introduction. Historical original rating, excludes later M1 November report.

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Other certifications

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In the box

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In the boxiAccessories confirmed for this exact SKU. Do not combine mutually exclusive regional bundles into one box.

MacBook Air, 30W USB-C Power Adapter, USB-C Charge Cable (2 m)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Original standard maker box contents. Optional adapters and later bundles excluded.

Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch, Power Supply, Quick Start Guide, Safety and warranty documents1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original consumer standard box. Promotional Earbuds, pens and bundles excluded.

Power adapter includediWhether a power adapter is included with this exact regional SKU. A supported or recommended adapter does not prove inclusion.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year7Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.htmlRead 5 October 2026US one-year limited manufacturer hardware warranty. Paid plans and statutory rights excluded.

1year1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original one-year limited hardware warranty for selected US SKU. Commercial Advanced Exchange and statutory rights excluded.

Warranty serviceiDocumented manufacturer warranty service for the named market. Included paid service upgrades belong in the source note.

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Links

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Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1119911Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-3-specs-and-features2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-3-specs-and-featuresRead 7 October 2026

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1119911Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdf1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/562/2019/10/Surface-Laptop-3-fact-sheet-10-3.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original October 2019 maker consumer specification, 5 pages independently downloaded/read. Commercial Intel 15-inch rows excluded.

Manual

cdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1931_macbook-air-13-2020-qsg.pdf5Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1931_macbook-air-13-2020-qsg.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact Intel 13-inch 2020 model Quick Start PDF, two pages downloaded/read/rendered. Big Sur Control Center UI reprint used only for unchanged hardware controls.

support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-3-specs-and-features2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-3-specs-and-featuresRead 7 October 2026

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Both are also in the API. Back to all laptops.