Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the smarter buy for most users due to its exceptionally fast M3 chip that features hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which is a game changer for creative tasks. Meanwhile, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX offers a more powerful graphics card with its RTX 4060, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts. In real-world use, the MacBook Air's 500-nit display shines brighter than the Legion's 300 nits, enhancing visibility in bright environments. However, the Legion's 165Hz refresh rate makes it a powerhouse for gaming, providing a smoother experience compared to the MacBook's standard 60Hz. Both laptops are premium devices, but your specific needs will dictate the best fit for you in 2024.
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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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 Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(2,424)Best Buy | ★4.5(18)Amazon |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | Intel Core i7-13700HX (Raptor Lake, 16 cores, up to 5.0 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | No dedicated NPU (Uses Lenovo LA1 AI chip for system optimization) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | Legion Coldfront 5.0 (Dual fans, hybrid heat pipes, massive intake/exhaust) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | Yes (2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB officially) |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (2x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 slots) |
Display Size | 13.6" | 16" |
Resolution | 2560 x 1664 (Native) | 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:10 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) | IPS (Anti-glare) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 165 Hz (G-SYNC supported) |
Brightness | 500 nits | 300 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 100% sRGB |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes (4-Zone RGB) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | No (Not supported) |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FHD camera with E-shutter |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4, 140W Power Delivery); 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (1x Always On) |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | 1x HDMI 2.1 (Supports up to 8K@60Hz) |
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 6E (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 80 Wh (Li-Polymer) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 300 W Slim Tip adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 2,550 g (5.6 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | Aluminum (Top) / PC-ABS (Bottom) |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home |
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
✓ 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
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Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
✓ Pros:
- • High-wattage RTX 4060 (140W) delivers top-tier performance for its class
- • Sharp 16:10 WQXGA display with 100% sRGB coverage and G-SYNC
- • Excellent thermal management with the Coldfront 5.0 cooling system
- • Wide port selection including 4x USB-A and 140W USB-C charging support
- • Sturdy build with an aluminum lid and 180-degree hinge
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life is average despite the 80Wh capacity due to high-power HX CPU
- • Bulky and heavy power brick (300W)
- • No biometric security (fingerprint or IR face unlock)
- • The 165Hz panel is 300 nits (the brighter 500-nit panel is reserved for the 240Hz SKU)
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Which one is better?
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better buy for most people - its 500-nit display and faster M3 chip crush the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX in creative tasks. That said, grab the Legion if you need serious gaming performance - its RTX 4060 is a beast for that purpose.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need a lightweight laptop for creative work, value a bright display with 500 nits, or want a silent fanless operation.
Choose the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX if: you play demanding games, need extensive RAM for multitasking, or prefer a larger screen for immersive gaming. (16" display, 165 Hz refresh)
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 Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX is better if you prioritize high-wattage rtx 4060 (140w) delivers top-tier performance for its class. 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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