Microsoft Says Copilot+ PCs Are Faster Than MacBook Air M4—Is It True?
Are Copilot+ PCs faster than Apple’s MacBook Air M4? That’s the question on many tech enthusiasts' minds, especially after Microsoft released a bold new ad claiming that its top-tier Windows Copilot+ laptops outperform Apple’s latest MacBook Air models—even those powered by the advanced M4 chip. In this post, we break down Microsoft’s claims, explore the benchmark data, and help you decide if a Copilot+ PC is really the smarter buy in 2025. If you're looking to compare the best AI laptops, understand real-world performance, or just want the fastest laptop for productivity, you're in the right place.
Microsoft’s Bold Claim: Faster Than a Mac
In a recently launched YouTube ad, Microsoft touted its premium Copilot+ PCs as being "faster than a Mac." Specifically, the company referenced the Cinebench 2024 multi-core CPU benchmark, stating that certain Copilot+ models are up to 58% faster than Apple’s M3-powered MacBook Air from 2024. But Microsoft didn’t stop there—they also claimed that some Copilot+ laptops even outperform the newer MacBook Air M4, a chip Apple only just rolled out.
The Tech Behind the Speed: Snapdragon X Elite and More
So, what powers these speedy PCs? Microsoft spotlighted devices like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, the Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite, and the HP OmniBook Ultra 14, which features the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375. These laptops are part of a new generation of AI-powered Windows PCs designed with productivity, speed, and generative AI features in mind. The Snapdragon X Elite chip, in particular, has received praise for its multi-core performance and AI integration.
MacBook M4 vs Copilot+ PCs: Benchmark Caveats
While benchmark results like Cinebench are valuable, real-world performance varies. Microsoft’s comparison is based on synthetic benchmarks and uses models that may not reflect how most people use their laptops day-to-day—especially in tasks like video editing, AI workloads, and multitasking. Apple’s M4 chips, while not topping this particular benchmark, still excel in battery efficiency, thermal performance, and tight software-hardware integration, which is crucial for creative professionals and students.
Should You Buy a Copilot+ PC or MacBook Air in 2025?
If you’re prioritizing raw performance, AI features, and are interested in the future of AI laptops, Microsoft’s Copilot+ lineup presents an exciting option. These devices are designed for AI-assisted productivity, including tools powered by Windows Copilot, a built-in AI assistant that integrates across apps and services. However, for those who value ecosystem compatibility, seamless user experience, and long-term software support, Apple’s MacBook Air with the M4 chip remains a strong contender.
Performance vs. Ecosystem
Microsoft’s ad may spark debate, but it also reflects a rapidly evolving laptop market where AI capabilities, processor speed, and battery life are becoming major decision points. Whether you choose a Windows Copilot+ PC or stick with Apple Silicon, it’s clear that 2025 is shaping up to be a competitive year for laptops.
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