The M2/M3 webcam is a real upgrade.

Yes, the 1080p camera on the M2 and M3 MacBook Air is noticeably better than the 720p on the Intel and M1 models. It’s not just a spec bump — it actually makes video calls usable in more lighting.

The old 720p camera was fine in bright, even light. But in anything less than perfect conditions — a dim room, backlighting, or evening calls — it turned grainy and muddy. The 1080p sensor handles low light much better. Faces look clearer, skin tones are more natural, and you don’t look like a security camera from 2010.

It’s still not a professional webcam. If you need top-tier video for work, get an external one. But for regular Zoom or FaceTime, the M2/M3 is good enough that you won’t hate looking at yourself. The M1 and Intel models, though? You’ll notice the difference every single call.

If you do any video calls at all, the M2 or M3 Air is worth the extra cost over a used Intel model.