Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
The M3 chip packs a punch, crushing tasks with 8-core power and lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. In contrast, the LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H. ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) offers an impressive 2TB of storage. In my testing, the MacBook Air's 500-nit Liquid Retina display made colors pop while working on creative projects. The LG gram's 17-inch screen is great for multitasking, but at a weight of 49.91oz, it's less portable. Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 17" and Weight: 43.74 oz vs 49.91 oz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) 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 | LG gram |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (1,823 reviews) | 4.5★ (6 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing | Incredibly lightweight (3.12 lbs) for a 17-inch laptop |
| Main Drawback | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) | RAM is soldered and limited to 16GB (cannot be upgraded) |
| 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)
LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Air (Single fan with heat pipe)
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 LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,823)Amazon | ★4.5(6)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | Air (Single fan with heat pipe) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5X (7467 MHz) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | No (Soldered) |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD (Configured as 2x 1TB drives) |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (2x M.2 2280 slots; both occupied in this configuration) |
Display Size | 13.6" | 17" |
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 (Touchscreen; Anti-glare) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Brightness | 500 nits | 350 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 99% DCI-P3 |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | IR Face Recognition (Windows Hello) |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FHD IR webcam with dual microphones |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C; Power Delivery; DisplayPort); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | 1x HDMI 2.1 |
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 5.3 |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 77 Wh (Li-Ion) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 65 W USB-C adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 1,415 g (3.12 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | Magnesium Alloy |
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)
LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Air (Single fan with heat pipe)
16 GB LPDDR5X (7467 MHz)
No (Soldered)
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight (3.12 lbs) for a 17-inch laptop
- Massive 2TB storage pre-installed (split across two 1TB drives)
Cons
- RAM is soldered and limited to 16GB (cannot be upgraded)
- Storage slots are both populated out of the box (must replace a drive to upgrade)
Which one is better?
Grab the LG gram if you need massive storage for your files - it comes with a whopping 2TB.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need all-day battery life for work, want a lightweight premium laptop, or enjoy creative tasks with a vibrant display. (13.6" display, 43.74 oz weight)
Choose the LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) if: you require extensive storage for large files, prefer a bigger screen for multitasking, or want a laptop that's still relatively light for its size. (17" display, 49.91 oz weight)
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 6
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Significantly faster M3 Priority
Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Incredibly lightweight (3.12 Priority
Incredibly lightweight (3.12 lbs) for a 17-inch laptop
→ Choose LG gram
Conclusion
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) 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 LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) wins if you value incredibly lightweight (3.12 lbs) for a 17-inch laptop. 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 LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)?
Key differences: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) offers significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, while LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) stands out with incredibly lightweight (3.12 lbs) for a 17-inch laptop. 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, LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) ram is soldered and limited to 16gb (cannot be upgraded). 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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