Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
You'd expect the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) to dominate, but the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX's gaming prowess and specs shake things up. The MacBook Air is the sleek premium option, boasting a powerful M3 chip, while the Legion Pro 5i is tailored for gamers with its high-refresh-rate display and RTX 4060 graphics. In real-world use, the 16" display of the Lenovo provides a more immersive gaming experience compared to the MacBook Air's 13.6" screen. Plus, its 80Wh battery offers more stamina for gaming sessions, although the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours on lighter tasks. So, what does this mean for your daily use? If you're looking for graphics performance, the Legion Pro 5i is the go-to. Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 16" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 165 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX are high-end laptops competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple MacBook | Lenovo Legion |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (1,823 reviews) | 4.5★ (18 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing | High-wattage RTX 4060 (140W) delivers top-tier performance for its class |
| Main Drawback | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) | Battery life is average despite the 80Wh capacity due to high-power HX CPU |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
Intel Core i7-13700HX (Raptor Lake, 16 cores, up to 5.0 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No dedicated NPU (Uses Lenovo LA1 AI chip for system optimization)
Legion Coldfront 5.0 (Dual fans, hybrid heat pipes, massive intake/exhaust)
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 | ★4.8(1,823)Amazon | ★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)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
No (Unified Memory architecture)
Pros
- Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
Cons
- Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX
Intel Core i7-13700HX (Raptor Lake, 16 cores, up to 5.0 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No dedicated NPU (Uses Lenovo LA1 AI chip for system optimization)
Legion Coldfront 5.0 (Dual fans, hybrid heat pipes, massive intake/exhaust)
16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
Yes (2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB officially)
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
Cons
- Battery life is average despite the 80Wh capacity due to high-power HX CPU
- Bulky and heavy power brick (300W)
Which one is better?
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX is the better buy for most people - its 165Hz refresh rate crushes the MacBook Air's 60Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need a lightweight laptop for productivity, prefer a fanless design for quiet operation, or want longer battery life. (13.6" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX if: you prioritize gaming performance, want to upgrade RAM and storage later, or need a larger display for immersive visuals. (16" display, 165 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,823 reviews vs 18
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Significantly faster M3 Priority
Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
→ Choose Apple MacBook
High-wattage RTX 4060 Priority
High-wattage RTX 4060 (140W) delivers top-tier performance for its class
→ Choose Lenovo Legion
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) or Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX wins if you value high-wattage rtx 4060 (140w) delivers top-tier performance for its class. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX?
Key differences: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) offers significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, while Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX stands out with high-wattage rtx 4060 (140w) delivers top-tier performance for its class. Consider that Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) base model starts with only 8gb ram and 256gb storage (slow ssd speeds on 256gb). Meanwhile, Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 Core i7-13700HX battery life is average despite the 80wh capacity due to high-power hx cpu. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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