Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the premium option here, boasting a significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. However, the LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H. ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) surprises with its massive 2TB storage and ultra-lightweight design at just 3.12 lbs. In real-world usage, the MacBook excels in performance, but its base model starts with only 8GB of RAM and a slower 256GB SSD. The numbers tell a compelling story, especially if you need extensive storage and portability on the go.
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
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 | ★4.9(2,424)Best Buy | ★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)
✓ 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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LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H)
✓ Pros:
- • Incredibly lightweight (3.12 lbs) for a 17-inch laptop
- • Massive 2TB storage pre-installed (split across two 1TB drives)
- • Excellent battery life (77Wh) for general productivity
- • Display covers 99% DCI-P3, offering rich and accurate colors
- • Full suite of ports including dual Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1
✗ 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)
- • Refresh rate is standard 60Hz, lagging behind 120Hz competitors
- • Magnesium chassis can feel flexible compared to rigid aluminum rivals
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Which one is better?
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better buy for most people - its M3 chip crushes the LG gram's performance. That said, grab the LG gram if you need massive storage and a larger display - it's 2TB vs 256GB.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, you prefer a compact design, or you often use multiple external displays. (13.6" display, 43.74 oz weight)
Choose the LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) if: you need vast storage for large files, you value similar-weight portability for travel, or you work on productivity tasks that require a larger screen. (17" display, 49.91 oz weight)
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.
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. LG gram 17" Laptop (17Z90S-H.ADB7U1, Core Ultra 7 155H) is better if you prioritize incredibly lightweight (3.12 lbs) for a 17-inch laptop. 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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