Launched in March 2024 and 2023 respectively, the Apple MacBook Air 15 M3 and Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 serve different purposes for different users. Apple’s model is a sleek, ultra-portable laptop aimed at professionals, students, and creatives who value quiet operation and battery life. Lenovo’s LOQ targets gamers and performance users with its powerful hardware and active cooling.
In terms of display, the MacBook Air offers a sharper 2880 x 1864 resolution with a glossy finish and 500 nits brightness, ideal for design and media consumption. Meanwhile, Lenovo’s 16-inch screen is available in multiple variants, including a 2560 x 1600 resolution with 165 Hz refresh rate and matte coating - great for gaming and eye comfort during long sessions.
When it comes to performance, Apple’s unified M3 chip with integrated GPU delivers efficient multitasking and excellent battery life without fans. However, Lenovo’s models can include up to an Intel Core i7 13700H and RTX 4060 GPU, which provide significantly more raw power for gaming and heavy tasks, albeit with more heat and fan noise.
For RAM and storage, MacBook Air offers 8GB to 24GB of non-upgradable LPDDR5 memory, which suits typical productivity tasks. Lenovo, on the other hand, allows up to 32GB of upgradable DDR5 RAM, a plus for longevity. Storage is also upgradable in Lenovo, while MacBook Air is locked at purchase.
In design and connectivity, Apple wins for portability - at just 1.51 kg - and premium build. It features Thunderbolt 3 and two USB-C ports. Lenovo is heavier at 2.6 kg, but compensates with more I/O: 3x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and more. MacBook's silent operation is pleasant, but gamers may prefer Lenovo's active cooling and larger keyboard with numpad.
Who is it for?
Choose the MacBook Air if you value a silent, lightweight laptop for office tasks, web browsing, video calls, and creative workflows. It’s especially suitable for those in the Apple ecosystem.
Who is it not for?
If you need serious gaming or upgradeable hardware, the MacBook Air may feel limiting. In that case, the Lenovo LOQ offers better cooling, more ports, and raw GPU power - but it's bulkier and noisier.
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Here is a brief look at the main features of Apple MacBook Air 15 M3 2024 and Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 before getting into our more detailed comparison.
Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how MacBook Air 15 M3 2024 and LOQ 16IRH8 compares and decide which one is better for you.
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