Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)
- Display Size: 13.3 inches Retina display (2560 x 1600 resolution)
- Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID sensor
- Camera: 720p FaceTime HD camera
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Color: Space Gray
With many years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I bring you a detailed and honest review of the Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip. I have carefully researched and personally tested this 13.3-inch Space Gray model, which features a stunning Retina display and powerful Apple M1 chip. My goal is to provide clear and simple insights that help you understand if this renewed MacBook Air is the right choice for your needs. Trust this review to guide your buying decision with facts and easy-to-understand explanations.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Crisp Retina display with vibrant colors
- ✅ Powerful Apple M1 chip for smooth performance
- ✅ Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
- ✅ Affordable price for a renewed MacBook Air
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Limited 128GB SSD storage
- ❌ 7-core GPU less powerful than 8-core variants
- ❌ Only 8GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
Who Should Buy This
This Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with the powerful M1 chip is perfect for students, professionals, and everyday users who need a fast and reliable laptop. Its 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD provide smooth performance for browsing, office work, and light photo editing. The 13.3-inch screen is great for portability, making it easy to carry around for school or work. Plus, the renewed model offers great value at an affordable price.
If you need a laptop for heavy gaming, large video editing projects, or require a lot of storage space, this might not be the best choice. The 128GB SSD is limited in storage, and the MacBook Air is not designed for very demanding tasks. Also, if you prefer a larger screen or more ports, you may want to consider other models.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MGND3LL/A
- Size: 11.97″ x 8.36″ x 0.16″
- Weight: 2.8 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Color Options: Space Gray
- Special Features: Apple M1 Chip, Retina Display, Backlit Magic Keyboard, Touch ID, Force Touch Trackpad
- Warranty: Renewed product warranty (varies by seller)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with the M1 chip, I was immediately impressed by how sleek and light it felt. The Space Gray finish looked really sharp and modern. Setting it up was quick and easy, and the Retina display instantly caught my eye with its bright, clear colors and sharp details. The 13.3-inch screen was just the right size for me—not too big, not too small—and the resolution made reading and watching videos a real pleasure.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Air every day felt smooth and fast. Opening apps like Safari, Mail, and even some photo editing tools was almost instant thanks to the M1 chip. The keyboard was comfortable to type on for long periods, and the battery lasted me through most of the day without needing a charge. I liked how quiet it was too—no noisy fans distracting me while I worked or watched movies. The 8GB of RAM handled multitasking well, even with several tabs and apps open at once.
Key Features in Action
The Apple M1 chip really stood out during my testing. Its mix of performance and efficiency cores made the MacBook Air powerful but also energy-friendly. The 7-core GPU helped with smooth graphics, which was great when I edited photos and watched high-quality videos. The Retina display with IPS technology made colors vibrant and viewing angles wide, which I appreciated during video calls and streaming. The 128GB SSD was fast, though I did have to manage storage carefully since it’s not very large.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Air for a few weeks, it still felt just as fast and responsive as on day one. The battery life remained consistent, and the laptop stayed cool even during heavier tasks. I didn’t notice any slowdowns or glitches, which gave me confidence in its reliability. Overall, the renewed MacBook Air with the M1 chip proved to be a solid and dependable machine for everyday use, combining great performance with portability.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air (8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) | 2020 Apple MacBook Air (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Silver) | 2020 Apple MacBook Air (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Gold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Renewed condition with Retina 13.3-inch IPS display (2560×1600), Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance + 4 efficiency), 7-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. 8GB memory and 128GB SSD. | Brand new with Retina 13-inch display, Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD. Offers up to 18 hours battery life. | Brand new with Retina 13-inch display, Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD. Offers up to 18 hours battery life. |
| Features | Retina 13.3″ LED-backlit IPS display (2560×1600); Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine); 8GB RAM; 128GB SSD; Space Gray; Renewed model. | Retina 13″ display; Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU; 7-core GPU; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD; Backlit Keyboard; FaceTime HD Camera; Touch ID; Silver; up to 18 hours battery life. | Retina 13″ display; Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU; 7-core GPU; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD; Backlit Keyboard; FaceTime HD Camera; Touch ID; Gold; up to 18 hours battery life. |
| Best For | Users looking for a budget-friendly Apple M1 MacBook Air with solid performance and Retina display but smaller storage, comfortable with renewed condition. | Users wanting the latest Apple MacBook Air with larger storage (256GB), full new condition, and longer battery life in Silver finish. | Users wanting the latest Apple MacBook Air with larger storage (256GB), full new condition, and longer battery life in Gold finish. |
In my opinion, this Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed) stands out because it offers the powerful Apple M1 performance and stunning Retina display at a more affordable price point, perfect for those who prioritize value and don’t mind a renewed product. If you’re like me and prefer saving on storage capacity while still enjoying top-tier processing power and a crisp display, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction, praising the MacBook Air’s performance and value as a renewed product.
Most Praised Features
- Impressive speed and efficiency thanks to the Apple M1 chip.
- Lightweight and sleek design ideal for portability.
- Long battery life that easily supports daily tasks.
Common Concerns
- Limited storage capacity with 128GB SSD for some users.
- Renewed condition occasionally showing minor cosmetic imperfections.
Who Loves It Most
Ideal for students, remote workers, and casual users seeking a powerful yet affordable MacBook Air with reliable performance in a compact form factor.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $383.00 for a renewed Late 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip, this price is notably lower than new models and competitive against other renewed laptops with similar specs, making it a budget-friendly option for Apple enthusiasts.
Value Features
- Apple M1 Chip – Delivers excellent performance and energy efficiency, justifying the investment even in a renewed unit.
- Retina Display – The 13.3-inch IPS screen with 2560×1600 resolution offers crisp visuals for work and entertainment.
- 8GB RAM – Adequate for multitasking and most everyday applications, providing smooth user experience.
- Prime Shipping – Fast and free delivery reduces overall cost and adds convenience.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to similarly priced Windows laptops, this MacBook Air offers superior build quality, better battery life, and the optimized Apple M1 chip, which often outperforms competitors in this price range.
Final Verdict
For $383.00, this renewed MacBook Air offers exceptional value for money, combining powerful hardware and premium features at a fraction of the new price, making it a smart buy for users seeking reliability and performance.
