Does Fone4u offer a warranty on second-hand smartphones?

Yes, we offer a 12-month warranty on all second-hand mobiles, such as hardware and functionality issues not resulting from accidental damage.

Can I trade-in my old mobile phone with Fone4u?

Yes! Sell your mobile stress-free with Fone4u. Get a quote instantly on our Sell Your Phone page, and hand in or post your device for rapid payment.

Does Fone4u repair phones and tablets?

Yes, we have expert repairs for iPhones, Samsung, iPads, and more, including screen repair, battery issues, and diagnostic work.

We are located at Tolan Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 XT02, Ireland. You can also visit us at the Sligo Co. Sligo store or the Bray Co. Wicklow store for purchases, repairs, and trading in your devices.

How long is delivery when I shop online?

We provide next-day delivery throughout Ireland on orders received up to 1 PM. Delivery is usually 1-2 working days from your location.

Which payment options does Fone4u provide?

We provide all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, American Express, and in-store payments.

Are the second-hand phones unlocked?

Yes, all our second-hand phones are completely unlocked and ready for use with any Irish or foreign network.

What if I change my mind after I've bought?

We operate a 14-day money-back guarantee on online purchases. If you do change your mind, simply return the phone in its original condition for a refund or exchange.

Fone 4u
17 Jun, 2025

MacBook Air M3 vs M2: What's New and What Really Matters

Apple's latest MacBook Air M3 has just been launched, and it has been making all the comparisons to its last version, the MacBook Air M2. Both with their light and portable uses, fashionable designs, and fast performance, choosing between them can be such a hair-splitting decision—especially for students, working professionals, or creatives looking for a powerful and high-performance laptop. So, just what is new with the M3 chip versus the M2 in real-world usage?

Let's talk about the most significant differences between the MacBook Air M3 vs. M2 and what really matters for buyers in 2025.

1. Performance: Power Boost of M3

The most obvious difference between the MacBook Air M3 and the M2 is, naturally, the chip. Apple's M3 chip features a 3nm architecture, compared to the M2's 5nm process. That smaller architecture allows more transistors to fit into the same space, making it more efficient and performant.

In benchmarks and everyday use, the M3 offers up to 20% boosted CPU performance and 15-18% better GPU performance than the M2. The end result is more seamless multitasking, export of video faster, and executing demanding applications better.

Should you be editing on Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, or 3D modeling, you will notice better rendering and responsiveness with the M3.

2. Unified Memory and Speed

Both models ship with 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB unified memory configurations. But the M3 has more-faster memory bandwidth, making data transfer and memory-bound applications even smoother.

The M3 also benefits from a more powerful Neural Engine that carries out AI-based operations more quickly. Whether you're launching AI-based apps or simply enjoying enhanced photo and video processing, the M3 delivers a noticeable edge.

For most users, the base 8GB RAM will be sufficient for browsing, writing, and light creative work. But if you’re investing in future-proofing or handling heavier tasks, M3’s improved memory speed makes a difference.

3. Battery Life: Minor Improvements

One of the standout features of the MacBook Air lineup has always been its excellent battery life. The M2 and M3 models both offer 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: which should you choose?

Of course, there is the minor benefit of power efficiency in the M3 due to its more recent 3nm processor. It handles better on battery under load, which means a longer charge life during stressful workflows than the M2.

Most everyday use may not notice the difference. But for the businessman or woman on the move, there is the bonus of increased longevity and fewer charges.

4. Display and Design: Nearly Impossible to Distinguish

Apple has not changed much in the display department either. The M2 as well as the M3 MacBook Airs come with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display along with 2560x1664 pixels, 500 nits brightness, and P3 wide color.

The M3 does not introduce any radical design changes with it either. It maintains the same fanless, very thin body and weighs only 1.24 kg, so it remains just as ideally suited for travel, school, or work on the go.

If you were hoping for some sort of grand visual overhauls, the M3 does not provide them. But that is not necessarily a negative—the M2's design was already fantastic, and Apple is not altering a winning formula.

5. Ports and Connectivity

The MacBook Air M3 finally offers two external monitors supported, missing from the M2 if not when closing the lid. This is the productivity user's holy grail for those who need multiple screens for coding, designing, or writing.

Both models include two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack, but the M3's higher display support can be worth it if you expect to use it as a desktop workstation.

Both the Wi-Fi 6E on both models offer a fast, reliable wireless connection for streaming, downloads, and video calls.

6. Price and Value

Pricing is not particularly volatile by generation. The MacBook Air M3 costs €1,099.99 in Ireland, but the MacBook Air M2 has seen price cuts so that it costs less—especially for people with tighter budgets.

If you are a student, freelancer, or corporate user with low-to-middle computing requirements, the M2 is still a great value. But if you will be using this device for years and want to stay current with new developments, the M3 is where you should look.

7. Software Longevity

Buying the new M3 model also ensures longer software support and future macOS updates. While the M2 will be supported for years to come, the M3 assures an even longer lifecycle, so it would be a smart choice if you plan on keeping your device for 5–6 years.

Lastly, the M3's improved machine learning performance will make it better suited for future AI-enabled macOS features and applications.

Final Verdict: MacBook Air M3 vs M2

Both the MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Air M3 are fantastic computers, but the decision purely comes down to your use case.

Opt for the M2 if you prefer an amazing value, budget MacBook for everyday use like browsing, writing, Zoom calls, and creative tasks here and there. It's still a beast and now more valuable than ever.

Select the M3 if you need more speed, enhanced multitasking, and long-term future resilience. Its dual-monitor compatibility, enhanced chip design, and longer software life cycle make it ideal for professionals, creatives, and heavy users.

Regardless of your decision, all embody Apple's commitment to melding performance, efficiency, and elegance in a compact package.

And the cream of the crop? You can purchase any of these MacBooks at a cheaper price from Fone4u.ie—Ireland's go-to store for quality second-hand tech. Fone4u provides special discounts for students, but in order to take advantage of these promotions, you will have to go to one of our stores in person.

Check out any of our 3 locations in Ireland:

- - Ballina, Co. Mayo Store
  - Sligo Co Sligo Store
  - Bray Co Wicklow Store

At Fone4u, you can experience unbeatable prices, certified refurbished products, and personalized in-store assistance. As a student or a professional, Fone4u ensures you save more while boosting your tech game.

Don't miss out—visit Fone4u today to get an ultimate MacBook at a deal that won't be available online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you want better performance, better multitasking, and two external display support. The M3 offers a 3nm chip, higher memory bandwidth, and better AI. However, the M2 is a great option for normal users at a lower price as well.

Yes, the MacBook Air M3 supports two external monitors, which is a big step up from the M2, which can only support a single external monitor unless it's in closed-lid mode.

Typically, yes—both sustain up to 18 hours of movie playback. However, the M3 is less hungry for power during tough tasks because it has a 3nm chip.

No, both have the same 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone. The picture is pretty much the same.

The MacBook Air M3 is better for the long term due to its more recent architecture, longer expected software life, and greater performance—therefore it is more future-proof.