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Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB vs HP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U

Comparing the 2017 Apple MacBook Air and the 2020 HP Envy x360 13 reveals two distinct but compelling options for laptop buyers. The MacBook Air, featuring a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, is celebrated for its sleek, elegant design. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB storage capacity, ensuring smooth everyday performance. Meanwhile, the HP Envy x360 13, with a faster AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor at 2.3GHz, impresses with its robust build and versatile convertible design. Both models match in RAM and storage, providing similar performance for daily tasks.

Key differences lie in their processors and design philosophies: the MacBook Air exudes minimalistic sophistication, while the Envy x360 offers sturdy versatility with its ability to switch between laptop and tablet modes. Whether you prefer Apple's refined simplicity or HP's adaptable functionality, both laptops deliver reliable performance tailored to your needs.

Performance

System and application performance

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB
36
HP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
48
Gaming

Performance in popular 3D games

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB
36
HP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
48
Display

Viewing angle, color accuracy...

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB
34
HP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
64
Connectivity

Ports, webcam and other interfaces

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB
36
HP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
48
Battery Life

Potential battery life

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB
45
HP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
50
Design

Materials, durability and portability

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB
62
HP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
73

Design Comparison

Size Comparison

Comparing the design elements of the Apple MacBook Air (2017) and the HP Envy x360 13 (2020) reveals key differences that can greatly influence the user experience for diverse groups like students and professionals.

Design and Materials

MacBook Air (2017):

  • The MacBook Air boasts a stylish aluminum unibody design renowned for its premium appearance and texture.
  • Weighing only 3 pounds and designed for portability, its compact size is perfect for students navigating campus life.
  • The backlit keyboard improves usability in low-light settings, making it ideal for late-night studying or working.
  • Including a MagSafe power adapter enhances safety by allowing easy disconnection in case the cord is accidentally pulled.

HP Envy x360 13 (2020):

The HP Envy x360 showcases a modern design that prioritizes versatility. Its convertible form factor enables usage in various modes such as tent, tablet, or traditional laptop. The high-quality materials used provide a premium feel and keep it lightweight at 2.9 pounds, ideal for professionals who prioritize style and portability. A fingerprint scanner enhances security and offers convenient quick logins, especially useful in professional environments.

Ergonomics and Connectivity

MacBook Air (2017):

  • The MacBook Air offers two USB 3.0 ports and Thunderbolt support, ensuring versatile connectivity for different devices while maintaining its slim design.
  • Stereo speakers improve multimedia experiences for users who prefer watching videos or listening to music without headphones.

HP Envy x360 13 (2020):

  • Professionals can benefit from improved connectivity options with three USB ports, including USB Type-C, enabling them to connect multiple devices simultaneously or transfer data quickly.
  • Sleep and charge USB ports allow users to charge their devices even when the laptop is in sleep mode, adding convenience when power outlets are limited.

User Interaction Features

MacBook Air (2017):

  • Although the MacBook Air does not have a touch screen like the HP Envy x360, it makes up for it with a responsive trackpad that enables multi-touch gestures. This functionality can boost productivity for users working with documents or browsing the web.

HP Envy x360 13 (2020):

The HP Envy x360 features a touch screen display, supports voice commands, and is compatible with Wi-Fi 6, making it ideal for professionals who need smooth communication and productivity across various modes.

Aesthetic Appeal

Both laptops offer unique design elements that cater to different preferences: The timeless design of the MacBook Air attracts individuals who value minimalist aesthetics and premium build quality, a hallmark of Apple products. The HP Envy x360's modern design and convertible capabilities appeal to users seeking versatility without sacrificing style.

Conclusion

In conclusion:

  • For Students: The Apple MacBook Air is a great choice for students who need a lightweight laptop with a backlit keyboard for studying late hours.
  • For Professionals: Professionals looking for style, functionality, and productivity on-the-go will find the HP Envy x360 appealing due to its versatile design, advanced connectivity options, and security features such as fingerprint scanning.

Screen Comparison

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GBHP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
ResolutionHDFull HD

Comparing the laptop screens of the Apple MacBook Air (2017) and the HP Envy x360 13 (2020), we will analyze screen resolution, size, and display technology to assess their impact on tasks such as gaming or professional graphic design.

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" with Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage.

  • Screen Size: The MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch display.
  • Resolution: Provides a screen resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels.
  • Pixel Density: With a pixel density of 127 pixels per inch (ppi).
  • Display Type: Uses IPS LCD technology with LED-backlit display.

HP Envy x360 13 (2020) with AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD- Screen Size: Featuring a 13.3-inch display size.

  • Resolution: Provides enhanced clarity with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels for sharper images.
  • Pixel Density: Features a higher pixel density of 166 ppi for sharper visuals.
  • Display Type: Features IPS LCD technology with LED-backlit display.

Key Differences:1. Resolution: The HP Envy x360 boasts a superior display resolution when compared to the MacBook Air, delivering sharper images and text.2. Pixel Density: The Envy x360 offers enhanced detail and clarity in visuals due to its higher pixel density, making it ideal for tasks such as graphic design that demand precision.3. Touch Screen: The Envy x360 features a touch screen that enhances versatility and offers more interaction options for creative tasks or casual use.

Impact on Tasks:

  • Gaming: The HP Envy x360's higher resolution and pixel density can provide a more immersive gaming experience with sharper graphics than the MacBook Air's display.
  • Graphic Design: The Envy x360 excels in graphic design tasks that require precise color accuracy and intricate details.

Conclusion: If you need top-notch visual quality, especially for activities like gaming and graphic design, the HP Envy x360 could be an excellent choice with its high resolution, pixel density, and touch screen feature. On the other hand, if you don't require touch capabilities and prefer Apple products, the MacBook Air provides a reliable display performance despite having a lower resolution.

Hardware Comparison

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GBHP Envy x360 13 (2020) AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
CPUIntel Core i5AMD Ryzen 5
RAM8GB8GB
Storage Size256GB256GB

In comparing the hardware features of the Apple MacBook Air (2017) and the HP Envy x360 13 (2020), it is crucial to examine vital elements such as CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage to assess their influence on tasks like multimedia activities or demanding software operations.

Apple MacBook Air (2017)

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 processor running at 1.8GHzPerformance: The Intel Core i5 processor excels at everyday tasks and light multitasking, though it may face challenges with demanding software that requires significant processing power.
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Performance Impact: With 8GB of RAM, users can smoothly multitask and handle basic productivity tasks. However, more memory-intensive activities such as video editing or running multiple virtual machines simultaneously may pose limitations.
  • Storage: 256GB Flash Storage
  • Performance Impact: Flash storage speeds up boot times and application loading, outperforming traditional hard drives. Users can quickly access files and data, ideal for multimedia storage or large software applications.

HP Envy x360 13 (2020)

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U running at 2.3GHz.
  • Performance Impact: The AMD Ryzen 5 processor outperforms the MacBook Air's Intel Core i5, especially in multi-threaded performance, making it a great choice for multitasking and managing demanding workloads that rely on substantial processing power.
  • RAM: 8GB RAMPerformance Impact: The HP Envy x360 boasts a RAM speed of 4266 MHz, offering quicker data access and enhanced system responsiveness in contrast to the MacBook Air. Users will enjoy improved performance, experiencing seamless operation when using multiple applications concurrently or tackling memory-intensive tasks.
  • Storage: 256GB SSDPerformance Boost: The HP Envy x360's solid-state drive (SSD) delivers faster read/write speeds compared to standard hard drives. This leads to quicker boot-up times, application launches, and file transfers, ultimately improving system performance and user satisfaction.

Conclusion

  • If you prioritize raw processing power and multitasking capabilities for demanding software tasks, the HP Envy x360 with its AMD Ryzen processor and faster RAM would be more suitable.
  • For everyday productivity needs with a focus on portability and basic multimedia usage, the Apple MacBook Air offers a reliable option with efficient performance.

Verdict

Why Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 256GB?

  • Sleek and elegant design preferred by those who value minimalist aesthetics.
  • Backlit keyboard ideal for late-night studying or working in low-light conditions.
  • Known for its lightweight and compact build, making it perfect for students on the go.

Why ?

  • HP Envy x360 offers superior multitasking and processing power with the AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
  • The HP Envy x360 features faster RAM speeds, enhancing system responsiveness and performance.
  • With a solid-state drive (SSD), the HP Envy x360 delivers quicker boot-up times and application launches compared to the MacBook Air.
  • The Envy x360's higher resolution screen provides sharper images and text.