Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air with 1.2GHz Core i7 (13.3 inches Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Gold (Renewed)
- Display Size: 13.3 inches Retina Display with True Tone
- Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i7
- Memory: 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Operating System: macOS (Renewed)
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours wireless web browsing
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Connectivity: Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
With many years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I have developed a deep understanding of what makes a laptop truly reliable and efficient. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air with 1.2GHz Core i7, featuring a 13.3-inch Retina Display, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD in Gold (Renewed). I have thoroughly researched and personally tested this model to help you make a well-informed decision. You can trust my insights to guide you through the key features and performance, so you know exactly what to expect from this popular Apple laptop.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Bright 13.3″ Retina display with True Tone
- ✅ Powerful 1.2GHz quad-core 10th-gen Intel Core i7
- ✅ Large 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- ✅ Fast 512GB SSD storage
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Limited to 30W USB-C power adapter
- ❌ Renewed product may show minor cosmetic wear
- ❌ Older model lacks latest Apple Silicon performance
Who Should Buy This
This Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air is perfect for students, professionals, and everyday users who need a reliable and fast laptop. It has a sharp 13.3-inch Retina display, plenty of memory with 16GB RAM, and a large 512GB SSD for storage. The 1.2GHz Core i7 processor can handle tasks like browsing, office work, photo editing, and light video editing smoothly. If you want a stylish and lightweight laptop that lasts long on battery, this renewed MacBook Air is a great choice at an affordable price.
However, if you are a heavy gamer or need a laptop for very demanding tasks like 3D rendering or high-end video editing, this MacBook Air might not be the best option. Its integrated graphics and lower processing power compared to newer models may not keep up with those needs. Also, if you prefer the latest technology and features, you might want to consider a newer model instead.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MWT92LL/A
- Size: 0.63″ x 8.36″ x 11.97″
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Material: Aluminum unibody
- Color Options: Gold
- Special Features: 13.3″ Retina Display, 1.2GHz Intel Core i7 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Renewed
- Warranty: Varies by seller (typically 90 days to 1 year)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air with the 1.2GHz Core i7, I was immediately drawn to its sleek gold finish and slim design. The 13.3-inch Retina display looked crisp and vibrant right out of the box. Setting it up was simple, and the lightweight feel made it easy to carry around. I was curious to see how this renewed model would perform, especially with the 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, which sounded promising for smooth multitasking and fast storage.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Air daily felt like a breeze. Whether I was browsing the web, editing documents, or streaming videos, the Retina display with True Tone made everything look natural and comfortable on my eyes. The keyboard was responsive and quiet, perfect for typing long emails or notes. I also appreciated how fast the laptop started up and how quickly apps opened, thanks to the SSD. Battery life lasted me through most of the day, which was great since I didn’t have to stay glued to a power outlet.
Key Features in Action
The quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor really stood out when I had multiple apps running at once. I didn’t experience any lag, even when switching between browser tabs and editing photos. The 16GB RAM helped keep everything smooth, and the 512GB SSD gave me plenty of space for my files and fast read/write speeds. The True Tone Retina display was a big plus for me because it adjusted the screen colors to match the lighting around me, reducing eye strain during long work sessions.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Air for several weeks, I found it maintained its speed and responsiveness. The fan stayed quiet, and the laptop didn’t heat up much even during heavier tasks. The battery health remained solid, which was important since I often work on the go. Overall, the renewed MacBook Air felt reliable and powerful enough for everyday use, proving to be a great investment for anyone needing a portable and efficient laptop.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air 1.2GHz Core i7 (Gold) | 2020 Apple MacBook Air M1 (Silver) | 2020 Apple MacBook Air M1 (Space Gray) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Renewed model featuring a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 quad-core processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD; Retina display with True Tone technology ensures vivid colors and sharp visuals. | Brand new Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, offering up to 3.5x faster performance than previous Intel generation, combined with 8GB unified memory for speedy and responsive use; 13” Retina Display. | Same as Silver model: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8GB unified memory, and 13” Retina Display; brand new unit with modern architecture and efficient power consumption. |
| Features | 13.3″ Retina Display with True Tone, 1.2GHz quad-core 10th-gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Gold color, 30W USB Type-C Power Adapter, USB Type-C Charging Cable (2m). | All-day battery life up to 18 hours, Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID, seamless compatibility with iPhone/iPad. | Identical to Silver model: Up to 18 hours battery life, Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID, compatible with iPhone/iPad. |
| Best For | Users needing higher RAM capacity (16GB) and larger SSD (512GB) for multitasking and storage, plus those preferring Intel architecture and a refined Retina display with True Tone in gold finish. | Ideal for users prioritizing battery life and energy efficiency, with excellent performance for professional editing and gaming at moderate memory/storage specs (8GB/256GB). | Same as Silver model: Users seeking all-day battery life and powerful M1 chip performance in a sleek Space Gray finish with standard memory and storage. |
In my opinion, this Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air with 1.2GHz Core i7 (13.3 inches Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Gold (Renewed) stands out because it offers a larger RAM and storage capacity along with a quad-core Intel processor, which can be advantageous for users needing robust multitasking and more local storage. While the M1 MacBook Air models boast superior battery life and Apple’s latest chip performance, the increased RAM and SSD of the Intel-based Air make it a better choice for power users who prioritize memory and storage over battery longevity. If you’re like me and prefer a higher RAM capacity and a familiar Intel architecture with True Tone Retina display, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air with 1.2GHz Core i7 (13.3 inches Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Gold (Renewed)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express satisfaction with this renewed MacBook Air, appreciating its performance and premium build despite minor issues typical of renewed products.
Most Praised Features
- Impressive Retina display quality with vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
- Smooth and efficient performance thanks to the 1.2GHz Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM.
- Lightweight and sleek design making it highly portable.
Common Concerns
- Battery life sometimes reported as shorter than expected for a MacBook Air.
- Some buyers experienced minor cosmetic imperfections or signs of previous use.
Who Loves It Most
This MacBook Air appeals especially to professionals and students who need a reliable, high-performance laptop for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking, valuing portability and display quality.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $416.90, the Early 2020 Apple MacBook Air with a 1.2GHz Core i7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD (Renewed) is priced significantly lower than new models with similar specs, making it an excellent deal for those seeking premium Apple performance on a budget.
Value Features
- Retina Display with True Tone – delivers sharp, vibrant visuals that enhance work and media consumption, justifying the premium brand experience.
- 1.2GHz Quad-Core 10th-Generation Intel Core i7 – offers strong processing power suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.
- 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X Memory – ensures smooth performance for heavy workloads and future-proofing at this price point.
- 512GB SSD Storage – provides fast data access and ample space, reducing the need for external drives and saving costs.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to similarly specced Windows laptops, this renewed MacBook Air offers a unique combination of macOS ecosystem advantages, build quality, and display technology at a competitive price, making it a strong contender for value-conscious Apple fans.
Final Verdict
For under $420, this renewed Early 2020 MacBook Air is a smart buy for users wanting reliable Apple hardware with strong performance and excellent display quality without paying full retail price.