If you prioritize high performance for tasks like video editing, graphic design, or other demanding applications, the Apple MacBook Pro often offers superior power and a high-quality display but at a higher cost. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is generally more affordable, highly portable, and offers robust build quality, making it suitable for business professionals who value durability and keyboard comfort. While the MacBook Pro might have a longer battery life, the ThinkPad is more versatile with its range of ports and connectivity options, ideal if you frequently connect to various peripherals or networks. Choose based on whether you need powerful multimedia capabilities or a cost-effective, business-oriented machine. 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 14 (2023)
Good for gaming and AI
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 X13
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023).
Key differences
Screen Quality
9.2/10
6.9/10
14.2in
SIZE
13.3in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
489.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has an exceptional screen that offers high resolution and brightness, along with wide color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, which deliver precise colors and contrast, essential for engineering and design work, but its standard refresh rate is less ideal for 3D applications. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 also provides a good quality display with ample resolution and brightness for everyday tasks and is suitable for engineering and design owing to decent color coverage, but like the MacBook, it has a standard refresh rate that isn't optimized for the fast-paced visuals required in gaming and 3D content. Both laptops prioritize professional color accuracy and visual detail over the high refresh rates preferred in gaming or extensive 3D work.
Battery
13.5 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 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
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) has best in class build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,700
$1,241
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) has a price of $1,700 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 costs $1,241.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-quality CPU and RAM, which ensures smooth performance for most tasks, while its screen quality, battery life, and portability make it a solid choice for on-the-go use and long working sessions without a power outlet. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 also provides robust performance with good CPU and RAM specifications, and it stands out with its durable build and comfortable keyboard, appealing to users who prioritize a sturdy device for typing and productivity.
Gaming and AI
7.0/10
6.7/10
5.2/10
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
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) to be good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is only fair.
The MacBook Pro 14 has a powerful GPU and a high-quality screen, making it suitable for 3D work, but its ecosystem limits the variety of games you can play. Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while having a decent GPU and screen refresh rate making it capable for some gaming and 3D tasks, may not match the MacBook Pro's performance in these areas.
Engineering and Design
8.4/10
8.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
5.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 typically offers a powerful CPU and GPU combination, ample RAM, and a high-quality screen, making it a strong choice for demanding engineering software and design work. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while still delivering solid CPU and RAM performance, has a focus on portability and keyboard quality, which may suit users who prioritize mobility and typing comfort but don't require as intense graphical capabilities.
Content Creation
8.5/10
8.2/10
7.8/10
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 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 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
8.4/10
8.1/10
7.8/10
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 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 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
13.3in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 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."
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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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About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.