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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 6, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
Get the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) unless you need a versatile 2-in-1. If portability and performance matter, the MacBook Air is the smarter buy. In real-world use, the MacBook Air's M3 chip offers significantly faster processing, making it ideal for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming. Meanwhile, the IdeaPad Flex 5 shines with its 14" touchscreen and convertible design,.
📱 Display: 13.6" vs 14"⚖️ Weight: 43.74 oz vs 54.67 oz💾 RAM: 8 GB vs 16 GB
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
★4.9
(2,424)•Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Graphics:Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Passive (Fanless silent design)
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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
★4.2
(21)•Amazon
Processor:AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (Barcelo-R, 8 cores, up to 4.5 GHz)
Graphics:AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated)
AI Engine:No (Not supported)
Cooling:Air (Single fan)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
Display1 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
13.6"
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
14"Winner
Performance2 specs
RAMKey
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
16 GB LPDDR4x-4266Winner
Storage
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 2242 SSDWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer)
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
52.5 Wh (Polymer)
Design1 specs
Weight
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
1,240 g (2.7 lbs)Winner
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
1,550 g (3.42 lbs)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
macOS (Sonoma or later)
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
Windows 11 Home
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
★4.9(2,424)Best Buy
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
★4.2(21)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(2,424)Best Buy | ★4.2(21)Amazon |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (Barcelo-R, 8 cores, up to 4.5 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | Air (Single fan) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB LPDDR4x-4266 |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | No (Soldered) |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 2242 SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (1x M.2 2242 slot; supports up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 13.6" | 14" |
Resolution | 2560 x 1664 (Native) | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:10 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) | IPS (Glossy; Touchscreen) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Brightness | 500 nits | 300 nits |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (ANSI) without NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | Fingerprint reader (Palm rest) |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FHD camera with Privacy Shutter |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Power Delivery 3.0 / DisplayPort 1.4); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (One Always On); 1x SD card reader |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | 1x HDMI 1.4b (Supports up to 4K@30Hz) |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1 |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 52.5 Wh (Polymer) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 65 W Round Tip (Barrel connector) adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 1,550 g (3.42 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | PC-ABS + 40% GF (Plastic chassis) |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Rating:★4.9(2,424)Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Graphics:Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Passive (Fanless silent design)
RAM:8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
RAM Upgrade:No (Unified Memory architecture)
Storage:256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
Storage Upgrade:No (Soldered)
Display Size:13.6"
Resolution:2560 x 1664 (Native)
Aspect Ratio:16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch)
Screen Type:Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Brightness:500 nits
Color Gamut:Wide color (P3)
Keyboard Layout:US English (Magic Keyboard)
Keyboard Backlight:Yes (Ambient light sensor)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint reader)
Webcam:1080p FaceTime HD camera
USB Ports:2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort)
Video Ports:USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed)
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones)
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
Battery:52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer)
Charger:30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs)
Weight:1,240 g (2.7 lbs)
Build Material:100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure
Operating System:macOS (Sonoma or later)
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- • First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
- • Completely silent fanless operation
- • Exceptional build quality with a bright 500-nit P3 display
- • MagSafe 3 charging frees up both Thunderbolt ports for peripherals
✗ Cons:
- • Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
- • Zero user-upgradeability for RAM or storage
- • Thermal throttling can occur under sustained heavy workloads due to lack of fans
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
Rating:★4.2(21)Amazon
Processor:AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (Barcelo-R, 8 cores, up to 4.5 GHz)
Graphics:AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated)
AI Engine:No (Not supported)
Cooling:Air (Single fan)
RAM:16 GB LPDDR4x-4266
RAM Upgrade:No (Soldered)
Storage:512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 2242 SSD
Storage Upgrade:Yes (1x M.2 2242 slot; supports up to 1TB)
Display Size:14"
Resolution:1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Aspect Ratio:16:10
Screen Type:IPS (Glossy; Touchscreen)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Brightness:300 nits
Color Gamut:45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB)
Keyboard Layout:US English (ANSI) without NumPad
Keyboard Backlight:Yes
Biometrics:Fingerprint reader (Palm rest)
Webcam:1080p FHD camera with Privacy Shutter
USB Ports:1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Power Delivery 3.0 / DisplayPort 1.4); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (One Always On); 1x SD card reader
Video Ports:1x HDMI 1.4b (Supports up to 4K@30Hz)
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1
Battery:52.5 Wh (Polymer)
Charger:65 W Round Tip (Barrel connector) adapter
Weight:1,550 g (3.42 lbs)
Build Material:PC-ABS + 40% GF (Plastic chassis)
Operating System:Windows 11 Home
✓ Pros:
- • Versatile 360-degree hinge allows for laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes
- • Modern 16:10 WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution provides more vertical screen real estate
- • Includes USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 support
- • Physical privacy shutter on the 1080p webcam
- • Fingerprint reader included for secure login
✗ Cons:
- • Display color gamut is limited to 45% NTSC, resulting in less vibrant colors
- • HDMI 1.4b port is limited to 4K output at only 30Hz
- • RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded
- • M.2 slot is limited to the physically shorter 2242 form factor
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 14" and Weight: 43.74 oz vs 54.67 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you want top-tier performance for gaming, need long battery life for travel, or prefer a lightweight ultrabook. (13.6" display, 43.74 oz weight)
Choose the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 if: you value a touchscreen for creativity, need a convertible design for presentations, or want a more affordable option with decent specs. (14" display, 54.67 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) excels if you value significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 is better if you prioritize versatile 360-degree hinge allows for laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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