2024 MacBook Air MRXR3JA/A MRXR3X/A Review: Apple M3 Chip Performance Tested

The new 2024 MacBook Air MRXR3JA/A MRXR3X/A arrived on my desk a few weeks ago, promising a significant upgrade over its predecessors. Sporting Apple’s new M3 chip, this silver beauty boasts an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a spacious 512GB SSD. My mission? To put it through its paces and deliver a comprehensive review. Over the past few weeks, I’ve subjected it to a battery of tests—from intensive photo editing to casual web browsing—to gauge its real-world performance. This review will cover everything from its sleek design and innovative features to its raw processing power and overall user experience. Let’s dive in!

Out of the box, the MacBook Air MRXR3 immediately impresses with its sleek, lightweight design. The silver finish is elegant and feels premium. The 13-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is vibrant and sharp, making it a joy to work on. The Magic Keyboard remains a standout feature, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The inclusion of Touch ID adds an extra layer of security and convenience. The two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports provide ample connectivity options, although I would have appreciated a few more. The 1080p FaceTime HD camera is also a welcome upgrade, delivering sharp and clear video calls.

The compact 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter is a significant improvement over previous power bricks, allowing for faster charging and reducing the bulk considerably.

The Apple M3 chip is the star of the show. Its performance is noticeably faster than previous generations. Photo and video editing tasks ran smoothly, even with multiple applications open simultaneously. I was impressed by the speed at which large files were processed. Web browsing was buttery smooth, and multitasking was effortless. Gaming performance, while not its primary focus, was surprisingly decent for integrated graphics. However, demanding games might push its limits. Battery life consistently exceeded my expectations, lasting a full workday on a single charge, even with intensive use.

I ran several benchmark tests using Geekbench and Cinebench, and the results were in line with the advertised specifications. I noticed very minimal thermal throttling, even under heavy workloads.

Pros

  • Powerful Apple M3 Chip
  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR Display
  • Excellent Battery Life
  • Comfortable Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
  • Sleek and Lightweight Design
  • Improved FaceTime HD Camera

Cons

  • Limited Number of Ports
  • Could benefit from more RAM options for professional users.
  • Relatively high price point

Overall, the 2024 MacBook Air MRXR3JA/A MRXR3X/A is an exceptional laptop. Its combination of power, elegance, and battery life makes it a compelling choice for students, creative professionals, and anyone seeking a versatile and high-performing machine. While the limited number of ports and price point are minor drawbacks, the performance gains offered by the M3 chip and the overall user experience make it worth the investment. I highly recommend this laptop for anyone in the market for a premium ultra-portable device.

Specification Value
Processor Speed 2.4 GHz
RAM Size 8 GB
Internal Memory 512 GB
Version International Version
Screen Size 13 in
Display Resolution 1920×1080
Colour Name Silver
Keyboard Language English
Graphics Processor Version Intel UHD 630
Display Type Liquid Retina XDR
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Storage Type SSD
Operating System Version macOS Monterey
Operating System macOS
Usage Type Personal
Model Series Apple MacBook Air
Processor Version Number/Generation Not Applicable
Number of Cores 16-Core
RAM Type DDR4
External Graphics Integrated
Graphic Memory 2 GB
Model Number MRXR3JA/A MRXR3X/A
Model Name MacBook Air
HDMI Output Yes
Number of USB Ports 2.0
SD Card Slot Yes
Processor Version Apple M3 Chip 8-Core CPU 10-Core GPU