The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) offers higher performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and general engineering tasks, as well as better screen quality with higher resolution and color accuracy. It boasts a longer battery life and a higher build quality with a lighter and slightly thinner design, making it more portable. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has more storage and RAM, which can be better for multitasking and data-heavy tasks. Its larger screen might be preferable for productivity, although with lower resolution and color accuracy. The IdeaPad is more affordable, but heavier and with less battery life, making it slightly less ideal for frequent travel. Choose the MacBook if you prioritize performance and portability, and prefer macOS; opt for the IdeaPad for better value, more storage, and RAM, especially if you're accustomed to Windows. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Best in class battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020).
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.6/10
6.4/10
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
315.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13's Retina display offers high resolution and brightness, making it sharp and clear for general use, while its wide color gamut supports accurate color work in engineering and design; however, its standard refresh rate limits 3D applications where faster screen updates are needed. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, with its fair resolution and brightness, provides an adequate viewing experience for daily tasks and some design work, but less extensive color coverage and a standard refresh rate make it less ideal for professional design needs and high-refresh-rate 3D gaming. Since high refresh rates are critical for 3D work to prevent motion blur and provide smooth visuals, the MacBook Pro 13 and IdeaPad Slim 5i would not be suitable for high-end 3D rendering or gaming.
Battery
20.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.6/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has best in class build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,249
$828
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a price of $1,249 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i costs $828.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) excels in CPU performance, screen quality, and battery life, making it a strong choice for users needing longevity and power for everyday tasks, with the added benefit of high portability due to its lightweight design. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i also offers good CPU and RAM capabilities for general use at a potentially lower price, with a focus on a comfortable keyboard and ample storage, but it typically falls short in screen resolution and battery life compared to the MacBook Pro.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.3/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) offers fair performance for 3D tasks, thanks to its capable integrated Apple M1 GPU, but its MacOS limits compatibility with many popular games which affects its gaming suitability. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i also delivers fair 3D and gaming performance with its Intel Iris Xe graphics, and running Windows 11 Home means broader game compatibility, although both share standard screen refresh rates which are not ideal for high-end gaming experiences.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.0/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) with its high-resolution and color-accurate screen, along with an Apple M1 chip that integrates CPU and GPU for efficient performance, is excellent for design tasks where visual fidelity and silent operation are key.
Content Creation
7.8/10
7.4/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8/10
7.4/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i compare to other laptops
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
"The device is made for average work loads and if your work has a lot to do with online browsing, using apps that are not power-hungry and streaming videos. The looks are really good and the device in itself is not a heavy one. And with Intel 11th-gen Core processor, you might sail through most of your work without complaints."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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