For better performance, especially in graphics-heavy tasks like video editing, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) with its dedicated AMD graphics card is a strong choice. Its display is also higher resolution, which can be a significant advantage for creative work that requires attention to detail. However, it runs MacOS, which means software compatibility must be considered if you're used to Windows applications. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, while slightly more expensive, has a newer Intel processor and runs Windows 11 Home, making it more familiar for long-time Windows users and potentially offering better battery life due to its newer CPU architecture. Its port selection is also more diverse, including a Thunderbolt port for fast data transfer and external displays. In terms of portability, the MacBook Pro is slightly heavier, which could be a factor if you travel a lot. Make your decision based on your most critical needs: performance and display quality vs. battery life, operating system preference, and port selection. 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 16 (Late 2019)
Very good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good 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 16 (Late 2019).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
7.0/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for engineering and design, though the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) is somewhat better.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) is equipped with a potent Intel i7 processor, dedicated AMD Radeon Pro GPU, and a high-quality screen which makes it very suitable for demanding engineering and design work. Conversely, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, while still capable for these tasks due to its latest-generation Intel i5 processor and integrated Iris Xe graphics, offers less graphical performance and a screen with lower brightness and color coverage, which may affect intensive visual work but gains points for portability and improved keyboard comfort.
Content Creation
8.0/10
7.4/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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.
Screen Quality
7.8/10
6.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
477.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
315.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The MacBook Pro's high-resolution display coupled with brighter panels offers clear and vibrant images for general use and design tasks, while its wide color gamut supports precise color work for engineering and design applications. The Lenovo IdeaPad's display provides adequate resolution and brightness for everyday tasks but does not excel in color reproduction for professional design work. For 3D applications, the MacBook Pro falls short due to its standard refresh rate, while the IdeaPad's likewise standard refresh rate and average display specifications offer a less optimized experience for gaming and 3D work.
Battery
12.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has 12 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.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.6/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) 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
$540
$828
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) has a price of $540 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i costs $828.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) offers a powerful CPU, ample RAM, a high-resolution screen, and excellent speaker quality, making it ideal for demanding tasks, but with a higher weight impacting portability and a shorter battery life than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, which offers similar RAM and screen size but a less advanced CPU and lower screen resolution, trading off some performance for better portability and longer battery usage on a single charge.
Gaming and AI
6.4/10
6.3/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) with its dedicated AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU offers better performance for 3D applications compared to the integrated graphics in the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, but it's limited by the number of games available for MacOS and its standard 60Hz screen refresh rate.
Software Development
7.9/10
7.4/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.3 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i compare to other laptops
"The Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023: M2 Max challenges GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. The new MacBook Pro 16 2023 with the M2 Max SoC is the most powerful laptop Apple has on sale right now. While we do not get the expected performance and efficiency improvements from completely new 3 nm chips, which we expected ahead of the launch, the 2023 model is still a solid update. The CPU of the M2 Max can be up to 20 % faster than the old model and we also see an advantage of 25-30 % for the GPU with 38 cores. However, both components also consume more power, so the efficiency did not change that much under maximum load."
"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 16 (Late 2019) 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.
By the numbers
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Recommendations made
22,273
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.