Lenovo ThinkPad T14 vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1)
The real choice here is the system: the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 runs Windows and the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch runs macOS. Beyond that, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has more memory and has more storage, while the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch is faster and lasts longer on a charge.
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Key differences
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Performance
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch wins
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch's Apple M1 is quicker: it has the power for photo and video editing, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14's AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650U stays smooth with lots of apps open.
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Gaming
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch wins
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch's built-in graphics manages light and older games, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14's built-in graphics isn't made for games.
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Display
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch wins
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch has the better screen: 13.3" 2.5K 400 nits against 14" Full HD.
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Battery life
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch wins
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch should last longer: up to 18 hours against up to 14 hours.
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Connectivity
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is better connected. Only it has HDMI, USB-A, a card reader and Ethernet.
Other differences
- Operating system Depends on you
They run different systems: the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 runs Windows and the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch runs macOS. Pick the one that runs the apps you rely on.
- Memory Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has 16 GB of memory against 8 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
- Storage Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has twice the storage: 512 GB against 256 GB.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 if…
- You need Windows programs or want to play PC games: it runs Windows 11, which runs almost anything.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 16 GB of memory gives it more room than 8 GB.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 512 GB of storage.
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch if…
- You own an iPhone or prefer a Mac: it runs macOS and works smoothly with Apple devices.
- You edit photos or video, or keep a lot open at once: its Apple M1 is the more powerful processor.
- You work away from a plug: it should last longer on a charge (its maker claims up to 18 hours).
Full spec comparison
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 leads on performance, while the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch leads on battery and weight and the screen.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Each laptop has its strengths on performance.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has more memory and has more storage, while the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch is faster.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650U | Apple M1 (8-core CPU) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Apple M1 7-core GPU |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | DDR4-3200 | unified memory |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Partly upgradeable | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (2242 PCIe 3.0 x2, or 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 on larger options) | — |
| Storage slots | 1 | — |
Screen
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch is ahead on the screen.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a slightly bigger screen: 14" against 13.3". The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a slightly bigger screen, while the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch has a sharper screen.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 13.3" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | — |
| Brightness | — | 400 nits |
| Colour range | — | Wide colour (P3) |
| HDR | None | None |
| Finish | Anti-reflective | — |
| Touchscreen | — | No |
Battery and size
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch is ahead on battery and weight.
It lasts longer on a charge, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 14 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery capacity | 50 Wh | 49.9 Wh |
| Charger | — | 30 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fast charging | 80% in 1 hr | — |
| Weight | — | 1.29 kg |
| Dimensions | 329 x 227 x 17.9 mm | 304.1 x 212.4 x 4.1-16.1 mm |
| Materials | PPS / 50% GF (top), PC + ABS / Talc15 + magnesium alloy (keyboard cover), PA / 50% GF (bottom) | 100% recycled aluminium enclosure |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810G | — |
| Colour | — | Space Grey |
| Colours available | Black | Gold, Silver, Space Grey |
Ports and wireless
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is ahead on ports and wireless.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has HDMI, USB-A, an SD card reader and Ethernet, while the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch has Thunderbolt or USB4.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (data, Power Delivery charging, DisplayPort 1.4), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo, 1x microSD, 1x side docking connector, Kensington lock slot | 2x Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 (USB-C, charging, DisplayPort, up to 40Gb/s), 1x 3.5 mm headphone |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | 2x Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 up to 40Gb/s |
| External displays (max) | 3 | 1 |
| Card reader | microSD | None |
| Ethernet | 1 GbE RJ-45 | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Mobile data | — | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p FaceTime HD |
| Backlit keyboard | — | Yes |
| Keyboard | 6-row, spill-resistant, multimedia Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | Backlit Magic Keyboard; 79-key ISO layout; 12 function keys; ambient light sensor |
| Login | — | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | TrackPoint pointing device and Mylar surface multi-touch touchpad | Force Touch trackpad |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Audio | stereo speakers with wide stereo sound and Dolby Atmos playback |
| Microphones | — | three-mic array with directional beamforming |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | Discrete TPM 2.0, Kensington security slot | Touch ID |
Software and model
They run different systems, so this comes down to the apps you use.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | macOS |
| Update promise | None | — |
| Model number | — | MGN63B/A |
| Released | 2020 | 2020 |