Lenovo ThinkPad P16 vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lenovo ThinkPad P16 | Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance index | 5,000 | 2,900 | +72.4% |
| Battery life (h) | 7 | 18 | -61.1% |
| Weight (kg) | 2.95 | 1.51 | — |
| RAM / storage | 32GB / 1024GB | 8GB / 256GB | — |
| Price (USD) | $2,799 | $1,299 | +115.5% |
- Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is about 72% faster. Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) lasts longer on battery (18h).
- Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) is the more portable at 1.51 kg.
Verdict: ThinkPad P16 or MacBook Air 15 (M3)?
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 advantages
- Performance (+42%)
- Screen size (+4%)
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) advantages
- Battery life (+61%)
- Portability (+49%)
- Affordability (+54%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 if a larger screen matters to you.
Value for money
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3): which should you choose?
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 — Lenovo workstation laptop (2024) with the Intel Core i9-13980HX, 32GB RAM, a 16-inch display, 2.95 kg weight and about 7 h battery life; from $2,799.
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) — Apple ultrabook laptop (2024) with the Apple M3, 8GB RAM, a 15.3-inch display, 1.51 kg weight and about 18 h battery life; from $1,299.
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3): Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is the faster laptop. Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is about 72% faster. Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) lasts longer on battery (18h). Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) is the more portable at 1.51 kg.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is the faster machine on our normalized index (5,000 vs 2,900), thanks to its Intel Core i9-13980HX. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick.
Portability and battery
The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) is easier to carry at 1.51 kg, and the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) lasts longer unplugged (about 18 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
These are base configurations — RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience. Compare like-for-like specs and check current pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 better than the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3)?
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) takes the overall edge, though Lenovo ThinkPad P16 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is about 72% faster. Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) lasts longer on battery (18h).
What is the main difference between the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 and the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3)?
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is about 72% faster. Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) lasts longer on battery (18h). Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) is the more portable at 1.51 kg.
Which is better value?
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming. Choose the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3) if long unplugged battery life is essential.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on a normalized performance index (combining CPU and, where relevant, GPU capability), rated battery life, weight, display size, memory and starting price. Configurations vary widely, so we use representative base specifications; verify the exact configuration and current price before purchase.