Macbook air 2018 screen brightness

[Rick America]

I spent about an hour at the Apple Store today with the new MBA and a 13" MBP Touchbar side-by-side. I tries syncing movies, etc. to see any difference. There is a definite difference in brightness. I went through about 10 of the desktop screensavers too to compare a wider color gamut. The colors on the MBA did not "jump" like the MBP did --- a lot of the brighter colors on the MBP just seemed a touch "duller" on the MBA.

Here's the thing though: if I never did the side-by-side comparison, I would probably be OK with the MBA. But now that I did, I can't "un-see" it (in my mind, at least).

With 2018 MBP's now showing up on with my specs (i5, 16GB, 512GB) within $100 or so of the MBA, I think I may be going the MBP route instead.

 

[cynics]

Here is a picture of my 2013 iMac and my 2011 Lenovo ThinkPad T420.



I had the iMac professionally calibrated in 2014 and I remember its max brightness being 341-349 nits (can't remember exactly).

The ThinkPad I attempted to calibrate myself using a co-workers Datacolor calibration tool (I can't remember the model but it had the ambient light sensors). The reason I did it was because I replaced the 1024x768 with an aftermarket 1920x1080 screen and installed a control for it under the case. I wanted to get it as good as I could get it (its pure crap btw and otherwise can't be calibrated accurately). It was 210 candela.

The iMac I keep around 2/3 brightness unless the lights are completely off. I never used it at max brightness for my ambient lighting even when lights are on and windows are open.

The T420 I keep 2-3 notches from the top in bright indoor light. In normal lightning I have it around 1/2 setting. I would say its dim when compared to the iMac however I never thought to myself "I just wish I could get this brighter".

While this is subjective if the MBA is anywhere between those I would never need its full capacity however if I had it sitting in front of a 5K iMac or MBP at bright settings I could see why someone would be disappointed.

 

[Wags]

Before purchasing my Air I went to the Apple store to check this out. Honestly having a dim screen would be a big negative. I compared them side by side and honestly in real use the difference was almost impossible to tell. No it wasn’t sunlight but I jammed the brightnesss all the way up on both and couldn’t tell a difference. The review in the hot air balloon (can’t remember what paper) where she claims she couldn’t tell the difference was exactly my experience.

I just did this today. Beautiful but I could definitely tell difference. Another person at table said same thing. He had previous MBA and was looking for new MBA. I watched him also stack the machines to look at size differences. Heard him also speak to $100 price difference. Think was leaving with MBPntb.

 

[QCassidy352]

So what is the brightness on older models? (I’ve looked and can’t find this info) For example, I have a 2013 13” rMBP and usually don’t turn the brightness all the way up. My wife has a 2013 Air and is fine with the screen even at less than full brightness.

 

[Howard2k]

So what is the brightness on older models? (I’ve looked and can’t find this info) For example, I have a 2013 13” rMBP and usually don’t turn the brightness all the way up. My wife has a 2013 Air and is fine with the screen even at less than full brightness.

Mine is 400 apparently. 2015 13”. Right now I have it on two dots, but typically during the day it’s 4 or perhaps 5 dots. I don’t think I’ve ever had it running above half actually.

 

[AJAAY]

I don't have any issues with my screen brightness. But I don't have any devices to compare it too, so I don't know if this one is as bright as others. But a non-issue for me. No dead pixel or uneven backlighting or so I'm happy with my display!

 

[DanUC6]

I don't have any issues with my screen brightness. But I don't have any devices to compare it too, so I don't know if this one is as bright as others. But a non-issue for me. No dead pixel or uneven backlighting or so I'm happy with my display!

I had issues with my 2017 MacBook Pro. Had two screens replaced. This MBA is perfect...so far...anyone not purchasing it because it is simply not quite as bright is just being picky. The argument of price is real. They probably should have made this 100-200 cheaper. But this is a great Mac.

 

[filmbuff]

I got the chance to look at them today and I was disappointed with the MBA screen. The brightness is fine (not great, but fine), but the color and contrast looks straight up bad compared to the 13" MBP. It's about half way between the old Air design and the MBP.

 

[QCassidy352]

Mine is 400 apparently. 2015 13”. Right now I have it on two dots, but typically during the day it’s 4 or perhaps 5 dots. I don’t think I’ve ever had it running above half actually.

thanks for the reply. where did you find the 400 nits number?

I'm back at my rMBP now and see that I apparently leave it at about half brightness as a default. I have a feeling I'd be fine with this new MacBook Air.

 

[Cehape]

Notebookcheck says it's 315 Nits:

https://www.notebookcheck.com/Test-Apple-MacBook-Air-2018-i5-256-GB-Laptop.355576.0.html

 

[fokmik]

So what is the brightness on older models? (I’ve looked and can’t find this info) For example, I have a 2013 13” rMBP and usually don’t turn the brightness all the way up. My wife has a 2013 Air and is fine with the screen even at less than full brightness.

Old Macbook Air
"The screen's average brightness of 288 nits outshines the average ultraportable (251 nits)"

 

[DVD9]

234 NITS?

Is it 1998 again?

 

[Cehape]

As stated 2 posts above yours, it has the advertised 300 Nits.

 

[fokmik]

234 NITS?

Is it 1998 again?

so if in 2018 the standard is 600 nits....this means 10 years from now, we should have 1000nits?
No, everything has to have a limit not to hurt our eyes...i think for a laptop that limit have reach an confort zone 300-600nits

 

[glycerine00]

I went to check it in store, they had the three colors next to each other (plus I brought my own to compare)
I thought they were working with different screens again because the silver one seemed to be brighter than the other two. Then I realized it was actually the older version.

That left me disappointed, and I wasn't wowed by the overall machine. Thought the keyboard felt nice.

 

[omelet1978]

Notebookcheck says it's 315 Nits:

https://www.notebookcheck.com/Test-Apple-MacBook-Air-2018-i5-256-GB-Laptop.355576.0.html

The review calls it Retina Light and states "For interior spaces, the value is usually sufficient but in bright environments and in conjunction with the glossy screen surface, it can quickly lead to limitations."

I'd personally would use this laptop on the go, so I think this is a no-go for me at this point...which sucks because other than that it looks really nice.

 

[0014]

So what is the brightness on older models? (I’ve looked and can’t find this info) For example, I have a 2013 13” rMBP and usually don’t turn the brightness all the way up. My wife has a 2013 Air and is fine with the screen even at less than full brightness.

My early 2015 rMBP is rated at 300nits. I have never had an issue with the brightness and leave it on auto.

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP715?locale=en_GB

 

[newellj]

I picked mine up this morning from Best Buy and the brightness is noticeably lower to me. I’m coming from a 2016 MacBook Pro 13 and there’s definitely a difference. I may get used to it but I can’t un-see it now LOL

Added photo - full brightness

The newer MBP displays are brighter. I am using an early 2015 13" MBP that's spec'd at 300 nits, which is the same as the 2018 MBA. Except in direct bright sun, 300 nits has always been more than enough for me - I usually have it dialed down to about 2/3.
[doublepost=1541778179][/doublepost]

My early 2015 rMBP is rated at 300nits. I have never had an issue with the brightness and leave it on auto.

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP715?locale=en_GB

I just typed the same. Quoting to point out that more than one person feels this way!
[doublepost=1541778304][/doublepost]

The review calls it Retina Light and states "For interior spaces, the value is usually sufficient but in bright environments and in conjunction with the glossy screen surface, it can quickly lead to limitations."

I'd personally would use this laptop on the go, so I think this is a no-go for me at this point...which sucks because other than that it looks really nice.

Based on real world experience, I think the review is wrong. The only limitation I've had is in direct, bright, clear-day sunlight. I am not sure that kicking brightness up to 500 nits would make that easy, either. But honestly, I've never had the urge to sit in that kind of sunlight and work on a computer. It's just too hot, and the computer heats up pretty quickly from the sunlight, too.

 

[Ma2k5]

For those interested, Dave2D has a 12” MacBook and the new MBA side by side in his review - it appears it’s not just dimmer than the Pro, but the MB too.

 

[EugW]

For those interested, Dave2D has a 12” MacBook and the new MBA side by side in his review - it appears it’s not just dimmer than the Pro, but the MB too.

Yes, the 2017 12” is noticeably brighter.

 

[DanUC6]

Screen is fine. It works perfect. I have zero concerns with everyday use. I have owned the 12, NTB, and this machine feels just right to me. At the end of the day when this thing gets in more hands it will become wildly popular. Come to think about it....this over crazy over analysis is actually why I come here!! Honestly I think everyone who just needs a solid everyday laptop (non-power users) should get this thing.

 

[headcase]

Sitting here with the new MBA on day three, still a thumbs down for me. Not wanting a darker screen than my 2016 MacBook or 2015 MBP. Alas, the older you get, the more important brightness is for your eyes. Going to return to Apple.

 

[raqball]

Sitting here with the new MBA on day three, still a thumbs down for me. Not wanting a darker screen than my 2016 MacBook or 2015 MBP. Alas, the older you get, the more important brightness is for your eyes. Going to return to Apple.

Yeah the screen brightness is really the only massive bummer on this machine...

I am going to keep mine (95% sure at least) as touchID is something I really wanted without the crappy TB.....

For the time being I am sticking with the Air, crappy brightness and all..... Maybe it will just be an indoor use only machine for me..

 

[CheesePuff]

thanks for the reply. where did you find the 400 nits number?

I'm back at my rMBP now and see that I apparently leave it at about half brightness as a default. I have a feeling I'd be fine with this new MacBook Air.

According to Apple its 300 nits: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP715?locale=en_US

In fact I bet this is the identical panel thats used in the new Air.

 

[Howard2k]

According to Apple its 300 nits: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP715?locale=en_US

In fact I bet this is the identical panel thats used in the new Air.

Thanks. I found a web review that said 400, but if Apple says 300, I'd believe Apple. Right now running on 4 dots, so about 25%. I don't know how people can use 100%, that's pretty bright!