When deciding between the Apple MacBook Pro and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, consider that the MacBook Pro typically offers a higher-resolution display, longer battery life, and stronger performance for tasks like video editing or graphic design. It's also built with a sleeker design and a more robust ecosystem for those invested in Apple's software and services. In contrast, the ThinkPad T14 is often less expensive, excels in business environments with its built-in security features and durability, and runs Windows, which might be essential for certain business applications or preferred for its flexibility and compatibility with a wide variety of software. The ThinkPad also tends to be more serviceable and upgradable, allowing for possible future enhancements to memory or storage. However, it may not match the MacBook Pro in terms of display quality or raw performance for creative workloads. If you prioritize performance and are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Pro could be a good fit despite the higher cost; if you're looking for value or need specific Windows software for work, the ThinkPad T14 may be the better choice. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Excellent battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
Screen Quality
9.2/10
6.9/10
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 for general use, AI, and engineering and design.
The MacBook Pro 14 boasts a high-resolution, bright Retina display with wide color support, making it ideal for both everyday tasks and color-sensitive engineering work, but its standard refresh rate is less suited for 3D applications that require smoother motion. The ThinkPad T14 offers a solid resolution and good brightness for general tasks and engineering design, with color coverage that is sufficient for many professionals, yet it doesn't provide the high refresh rates gamers and 3D creators often seek. Neither laptop prioritizes the high refresh rates critical for fluid 3D rendering, instead focusing on screen quality attributes like resolution, brightness, and color accuracy, which are more relevant for general use and detailed design work.
Battery
13.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has 9 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
10.0/10
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$1,241
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 costs $1,241.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) excels in screen quality, CPU performance, and speaker quality, making it ideal for tasks that require high visual fidelity and processing power, with its portability and long battery life catering to users on the go. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14, on the other hand, offers robust CPU and RAM capabilities, a comfortable keyboard, and commendable battery life, appealing to professionals who prioritize performance and typing experience while managing portability and endurance.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.7/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-quality screen and a capable GPU for creative tasks, but its refresh rate and limited game compatibility make it less ideal for gaming; in contrast, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 provides a suitable refresh rate and GPU for gaming and 3D applications but may lack the screen quality and GPU power of the MacBook for highly demanding creative workflows.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.0/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality GPU, which are crucial for demanding engineering applications, and its screen quality is excellent for design work, but it is less portable and pricier. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 also provides a solid CPU and sufficient RAM for engineering tasks, has a good screen, and is typically more affordable and portable, but it may have a less capable GPU than the MacBook, making it less optimal for GPU-intensive work.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.3/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 are both very 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
8.3/10
8.3/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 are both very 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
Very Good
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 compare to other laptops
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
"We like a lot about this laptop. It has many ports, with the inclusion of RJ45-Ethernet as a defining feature. WWAN is upgradable for maximum flexibility and the ThinkPad has many security functions. Working with the ThinkPad input devices is a lot of fun, and Lenovo puts in a serviceable Low Power panel. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U delivers a great performance and does not drain the battery fast. Fan noise and temperatures are nothing special, but also far away from bad. With the user replaceable keyboard, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 has a special feature rarely present on most modern laptops."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
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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