Is It Still Worth Buying 2019 MacBook Air in 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, buyers looking for affordable, refurbished Apple laptops may come across the MacBook Air 2019. According to our UpTrade Price Tracker, the Certified Refurbished MacBook Air 2019 is currently priced around $300, and individual units occasionally drop to $299. However, despite its lower price point, we recommend opting for the MacBook Air 2020 (priced at $400+) instead. Here's why.
Price vs. Value: A Bargain but With a Catch
At $300, the Certified Refurbished MacBook Air 2019 seems like an unbeatable deal. It offers a lower price than many refurbished MacBooks and comes equipped with decent specifications for basic tasks like web browsing, office work, and light media consumption. However, when we take a closer look at its limitations, particularly the keyboard and performance issues, it becomes clear that spending a little more for the 2020 model is a wiser investment.
The Butterfly Keyboard Issue: A Serious Design Flaw
- Fragility and Sensitivity to Debris: The low-profile design of the Butterfly Keyboard made it highly susceptible to dust and debris. Even tiny particles could get trapped under the keys, causing them to become sticky or unresponsive.
- Inconsistent Key Presses: Users often complained that keys would double-register or fail to register at all, making typing frustrating and inefficient.
- Expensive Repairs: Fixing the Butterfly Keyboard was costly, as it often required replacing the entire keyboard or the top case of the MacBook.
- Multiple Revisions, Same Problems: Although Apple released several revisions of the Butterfly Keyboard, even the 2019 version with a silicone membrane still had sticky key issues.
- Replacement Program: Apple eventually offered a free Keyboard Service Program for affected users, but the reliability concerns remained.
- Transition to the Magic Keyboard: By 2020, Apple abandoned the Butterfly Keyboard in favor of the more reliable Magic Keyboard, which solved many of these issues. The MacBook Air 2020 with the Magic Keyboard is now regarded as a significant improvement in reliability and comfort.
Full Specs Comparison: MacBook Air 2019 vs. MacBook Air 2020 (Intel and M1 Versions)
| Feature | MacBook Air 2019 | MacBook Air 2020 (Intel) | MacBook Air 2020 (M1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5/i7 | Intel Core i3/i5/i7 | Apple M1 chip |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB | 8GB or 16GB | 8GB or 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB to 1TB SSD | 256GB to 2TB SSD | 256GB to 2TB SSD |
| Display | 13.3-inch Retina | 13.3-inch Retina | 13.3-inch Retina |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics | 7-core or 8-core M1 GPU |
| Keyboard | Butterfly Keyboard | Magic Keyboard | Magic Keyboard |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
| Weight | 2.75 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Operating System | macOS (Intel-based) | macOS (Intel-based) | macOS Big Sur and later (M1-based) |
Processor: Intel Core vs. M1 Chip
The MacBook Air 2019 is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. The MacBook Air 2020 offers both Intel and M1 versions. The Intel version includes Core i3, i5, or i7 options, similar to the 2019 model, with modest improvements in performance. However, the M1 version is a game-changer, delivering up to 3.5x faster CPU performance than the Intel variants. It allows for seamless multitasking, creative workflows, and light gaming, all while being far more power-efficient.
RAM: Equal Capacity, Better Performance with M1
Both the 2019 and 2020 MacBook Air models offer 8GB or 16GB of RAM, but the M1 version of the 2020 model benefits from unified memory architecture, which allows the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine to share memory. This architecture significantly improves performance in tasks like video editing, rendering, and heavy multitasking. The Intel version of the 2020 model does not have this advantage.
Storage: Bigger Options in 2020 Model
The MacBook Air 2019 offers 128GB to 1TB of SSD storage, while the MacBook Air 2020 starts at 256GB and goes up to 2TB. This gives the 2020 model the edge, especially for users who store large files or need extra space for apps, media, or creative projects.
Display: Retina Across All, But M1 GPU Shines
All models feature a 13.3-inch Retina Display with True Tone, ensuring accurate colors and high resolution. However, the M1 MacBook Air 2020 handles graphics much better, thanks to its 7-core or 8-core M1 GPU, making it ideal for photo editing, video rendering, and light gaming. The Intel versions (2019 and 2020) use Intel UHD or Iris Plus Graphics, which are fine for everyday tasks but fall short when compared to the performance boost provided by the M1 GPU.
Graphics: Intel UHD vs. Iris Plus vs. M1 GPU
The MacBook Air 2019 uses Intel UHD Graphics, which is suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and video playback. The MacBook Air 2020 (Intel) has Intel Iris Plus Graphics, offering slight improvements, but both are outclassed by the 7-core or 8-core GPU in the M1 version of the 2020 model, which delivers significantly better performance for graphic-intensive tasks like 3D rendering and video editing.
Keyboard: Butterfly Keyboard vs. Magic Keyboard
As mentioned previously, the MacBook Air 2019 features the problematic Butterfly Keyboard, which has been associated with reliability issues like sticky keys and unresponsive typing. The MacBook Air 2020 (both Intel and M1 versions) upgraded to the more reliable Magic Keyboard, which features improved key travel and durability, making it a superior typing experience with fewer issues over time.
Battery Life: 11 Hours vs. 18 Hours
The 2019 MacBook Air offers up to 11 hours of battery life, which is decent but far outperformed by the MacBook Air 2020 (M1 version), which offers up to 18 hours of battery life thanks to the energy-efficient M1 chip. The Intel version of the 2020 model offers 12 hours, which is a slight improvement over the 2019 model, but still falls short of the M1 version.
Ports: No Changes, Same Connectivity
All models come with two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and a headphone jack. The ports remain the same, but the M1 version benefits from improved data transfer speeds and compatibility with modern Thunderbolt 3 accessories.
Weight: Slight Differences
There’s a small difference in weight between the models. The 2019 MacBook Air weighs 2.75 lbs, while the 2020 Intel and M1 models weigh 2.8 lbs. The difference is minimal, and all models are highly portable.
Operating System: Intel vs. Apple Silicon
The 2019 MacBook Air and 2020 Intel version both run macOS but are limited by their Intel-based architecture. With Apple's transition to its own silicon, Intel-based models may see less support in the coming years. The M1 version of the MacBook Air 2020 is fully optimized for macOS Big Sur and later, ensuring longer support and updates for years to come.
Is It Worth Buying the 2019 MacBook Air in 2024?
If your budget is extremely tight, the MacBook Air 2019 can still provide good value for basic use. Its $300 price makes it an attractive option for those who only need a laptop for light web browsing, email, and document editing. However, the potential keyboard issues, limited performance, and shorter battery life make it a less reliable choice compared to the MacBook Air 2020, especially the M1 version.
Our Recommendation: Go for the 2020 Model
While the 2019 MacBook Air may save you $100 upfront, the MacBook Air 2020 (whether Intel or M1 version) provides far more value for your money. The Intel version offers slight improvements over the 2019 model, but the M1 version is the clear winner, thanks to its Magic Keyboard, M1 chip, significantly better battery life, and enhanced performance. For $400+, the 2020 model (especially the M1 version) is a far better long-term investment. By spending a little more, you’ll get a more reliable machine that will serve you well for years to come.
About UpTrade
UpTrade makes it easier for consumers to find the best deals on Certified Used and Refurbished MacBooks from trusted sellers like Amazon, Apple, and Best Buy. By using our UpTrade Price Tracker, you can compare prices across different platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal on the market. We only list devices that have been inspected, tested, and certified, so you can shop with confidence, knowing you’re getting a reliable machine at the best possible price. Whether you’re looking for a MacBook Air 2019 or want to upgrade to a MacBook Air 2020, UpTrade helps you make a smart purchase while saving money.
