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Updated March 14, 2024·
When choosing between the Apple MacBook Pro and the Lenovo ThinkBook, consider the ecosystem you're invested in; if you use many Apple products, a MacBook Pro will integrate seamlessly. The MacBook also generally offers a sleek design and long battery life but is less flexible in terms of hardware upgrades and compatible accessories. On the other hand, the ThinkBook might offer a variety of ports and is typically more compatible with a range of business software, particularly if that software is Windows-based. If your work involves specialized software or you prefer a Windows environment, the ThinkBook could be more suitable despite the slightly higher expense. 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)
- Best in class overall build quality
- Best in class battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Excellent portability
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3
7.9
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) excels in engineering and design due to its powerful CPU, high RAM capacity, and exceptional screen quality, but its integrated GPU may limit performance in highly demanding graphical tasks. Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offers a balance of a capable CPU, ample RAM, and solid screen quality, and it adds the benefit of being more portable, with a high-quality keyboard and less operating noise, which can be a plus for users who value mobility and a quieter work environment.
Screen Quality
7.6
8.2
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Apple MacBook Pro 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
High screen resolution and brightness, along with superior panel technology, in both the Apple MacBook Pro 13 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x ensure crisp and clear visuals, making them great for everyday tasks and professional design work where detail is key. Their ability to cover a wide spectrum of colors is crucial for engineering and design applications, which require accurate color representation for precise work. However, for 3D applications and gaming which benefit significantly from high refresh rates to ensure smooth motion, both laptops fall short as their screens are not designed with this feature as a priority.
Battery
20.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Build Quality
10.0
7.6
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has best in class build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,249
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a price of $1,249 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.9
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
20.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 offers a high-quality CPU and screen, ample RAM, and excellent battery life, making it great for general use with the added benefit of being lightweight for portability. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x also provides a strong CPU and good screen quality, with sufficient RAM and solid battery life, yet stands out with its robust keyboard and quieter operation, which some users find appealing for their everyday work.
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.6
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13, with its limited graphics processing capabilities and lower screen refresh rate, isn't the ideal choice for heavy 3D applications or high-end gaming, and it can't run many popular games that are not supported on macOS. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offers better GPU performance and a higher refresh rate conducive to smoother gaming and 3D rendering, although its CPU and screen quality, while good, aren't top-tier for these tasks.
Content Creation
7.8
8.0
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13x to be very good for content creation, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
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
7.9
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) 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.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13x to have excellent portability, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,249 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12'' x 8.4'' x 0.61'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.97" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.36" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M1 | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 20 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58.2 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.3" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 491 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 10/10 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 3 | 4 | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | June 2022
"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."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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.
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