Apple MacBook Air 2020 13.3-inch (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage) – Space Gray (Renewed)
- Display Size & Resolution: 13.3-inch Retina (2560×1600 pixels)
- Processor: 1.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
- Memory (RAM): 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X
- Storage Capacity: 1TB PCIe-based SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Operating System: macOS (Renewed Model)
- Connectivity Ports: Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Weight & Dimensions: 2.8 pounds; 0.64 x 11.0 x 13.0 inches
With over a decade of experience testing and reviewing traditional laptop computers, I understand what matters most to users. In this review, I share my honest and detailed insights on the Apple MacBook Air 2020 13.3-inch model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD storage. I have thoroughly researched and personally tested this renewed Space Gray laptop to help you make a smart and confident buying decision. Whether you are a student, professional, or casual user, my clear and simple analysis will guide you through its key features like the vibrant Retina display, fast processor, and secure Touch ID sensor. Trust this review for a reliable look at the performance and value of this popular Apple laptop.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Crisp Retina display with vibrant colors
- ✅ Powerful Intel Core i7 processor
- ✅ Large 1TB PCIe SSD for fast storage
- ✅ Lightweight and portable design
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Limited to two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- ❌ Older Intel processor compared to newer models
- ❌ Renewed product may show minor signs of use
Who Should Buy This
This Apple MacBook Air 2020 with Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD is perfect for students, professionals, and everyday users who want a fast and reliable laptop. It is great for people who need to run multiple apps at once, store lots of files, and enjoy a lightweight design for easy travel. The Space Gray renewed model offers excellent value for those who want an Apple laptop without paying full price.
If you mainly use your laptop for heavy gaming or advanced video editing, this MacBook Air might not be the best choice. It lacks a dedicated graphics card and powerful cooling needed for intense tasks. Also, if you prefer the latest Apple Silicon chips, you might want to look at newer models instead.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MWTJ2LL/A
- Size: 0.64″ x 11.0″ x 13.0″
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Color Options: Space Gray
- Special Features: Intel Core i7 Processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Retina Display, Touch ID, Backlit Keyboard
- Warranty: Renewed product warranty (varies by seller)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first took the Apple MacBook Air 2020 out of the box, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and the beautiful Space Gray finish. The laptop felt light and thin, which made it easy to carry around. Powering it on, the Retina display really caught my eye with its sharp 2560×1600 resolution and vibrant colors. Setting it up was simple, and the Touch ID sensor made logging in quick and secure. I was eager to see how the Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM would perform in real life.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Air for daily tasks was a smooth experience. I worked on multiple browser tabs, edited documents, and even streamed videos, all without any noticeable lag. The 13.3-inch screen size felt just right—not too big, not too small—and the IPS technology made sure the colors looked consistent from different angles. The keyboard was comfortable to type on for long periods, and the trackpad was very responsive. I especially liked how quiet the laptop stayed even when running several apps at once.
Key Features in Action
The Retina display truly made a difference when viewing photos and videos; everything looked crisp and clear. The Touch ID sensor was handy for quickly unlocking the laptop and making purchases without typing passwords. The 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor handled multitasking with ease, and the 16GB onboard memory meant I could keep many apps open without slowing down. The 1TB SSD made file access and system boot times impressively fast, which saved me a lot of waiting time throughout the day.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Air for several weeks, I noticed it maintained its speed and responsiveness without any hiccups. The battery life stayed strong, comfortably lasting through a full workday of mixed tasks. The laptop’s lightweight design made it my go-to device for both work and casual use on the go. Overall, the combination of performance, portability, and the beautiful display made this MacBook Air a reliable and enjoyable machine to use every day.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple MacBook Air 2020 13.3-inch (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage) – Space Gray (Renewed) | Dell XPS 13 9310 (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | HP Spectre x360 14 (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | High-quality Retina display with true-to-life colors, robust build with lightweight aluminum chassis, and reliable performance from Intel Core i7 and 16GB LPDDR4X memory. | Premium build with a compact, sturdy design, bright 13.4-inch UHD+ display, and solid performance thanks to the latest Intel Core i7 processor and fast memory. | Excellent craftsmanship with a versatile 2-in-1 design, vibrant 13.5-inch OLED touch display, and strong performance from Intel Core i7 with ample RAM. |
| Features | 13.3-inch Retina LED-backlit IPS display (2560×1600), Touch ID sensor, 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X RAM, 1TB PCIe-based SSD storage, macOS environment. | 13.4-inch UHD+ (3840×2400) InfinityEdge touch display, Fingerprint reader, 11th Gen Intel Core i7 quad-core, 16GB LPDDR4x RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, Windows 11. | 13.5-inch OLED touch display (3000×2000), Fingerprint and IR camera for facial recognition, Intel Core i7 11th Gen, 16GB LPDDR4x RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Windows 11 with 2-in-1 flexibility. |
| Best For | Users seeking a lightweight, high-resolution macOS laptop for productivity, creative work, and everyday use with strong security features like Touch ID. | Professionals who want a compact, powerful Windows laptop with a high-res touchscreen for multitasking and business applications. | Users looking for a convertible Windows laptop with premium display quality and versatile usage modes for work and entertainment. |
In my opinion, this Apple MacBook Air 2020 13.3-inch (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage) – Space Gray (Renewed) stands out because of its exceptional Retina display and seamless macOS integration, offering superb performance in a lightweight and stylish design. If you’re like me and prefer a sleek, user-friendly system optimized for creative and everyday productivity tasks, this is the better choice over similar Windows alternatives.
Customer Feedback on Apple MacBook Air 2020 13.3-inch (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage) – Space Gray (Renewed)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express positive satisfaction with this renewed MacBook Air, appreciating its performance and value for a renewed product, reflected in a solid seller rating of 4.16 out of 5.
Most Praised Features
- Powerful Intel Core i7 processor coupled with 16GB RAM delivers smooth multitasking and fast performance.
- Large 1TB SSD storage provides ample space and quick access to files and applications.
- Lightweight and sleek design makes it highly portable and visually appealing.
Common Concerns
- Some buyers noted occasional minor cosmetic imperfections typical of renewed products.
- Battery life reported as slightly lower than brand-new models, though still acceptable for daily use.
Who Loves It Most
This MacBook Air model is especially favored by professionals and students who need a reliable, high-performance laptop with a larger SSD for storage but prefer the affordability of a renewed device.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $499 for a renewed Apple MacBook Air 2020 with high-end specs, this price is exceptionally competitive compared to new models and similar laptops with equivalent performance.
Value Features
- Retina Display: Sharp 2560×1600 resolution offers excellent visual clarity, enhancing user experience and productivity.
- Powerful Processor: The Intel Core i7 quad-core ensures smooth multitasking and handles demanding applications efficiently.
- Generous Storage & Memory: 1TB SSD and 16GB RAM provide fast data access and ample space for large files and software.
- Portability & Design: Lightweight with a sleek Space Gray finish, it balances performance with stylish portability, saving on upgrading costs.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other renewed or new laptops with similar specs, this MacBook Air offers a premium build and performance at a lower price point, making it a strong contender in its category.
Final Verdict
This renewed MacBook Air 2020 is a great value for money, offering powerful specs and Apple’s quality at a fraction of the new price. Highly recommended for those seeking performance on a budget.