Head to head
MacBook Air M3 vs ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Side by side comparison of two of the best laptops on the market. Same category, different priorities.
Apple
MacBook Air M3
4.8 (8,921)
$1,099
The default recommendation for 90% of laptop buyers.
Check price on AmazonLenovo
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
4.6 (2,200)
$1,799
The business laptop that's also the best keyboard on any laptop.
Check price on AmazonHow do the MacBook Air M3 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 compare, spec for spec?
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air M3 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $1,799 |
| Rating | 4.8 (8,921) | 4.6 (2,200) |
| CPU | Apple M3 | Intel Core Ultra 7 |
| RAM | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 16 to 64GB |
| Storage | 256GB (up to 2TB) | 512GB to 2TB |
| Display | 13.6" Liquid Retina | 14" IPS or OLED |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs | 2.48 lbs |
| Battery life | About 18 hours | About 9 hours |
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Should you buy the MacBook Air M3 or the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12?
Both are strong picks in the laptops category. Here's how to decide:
Get the MacBook Air M3 if...
Silent, fast, absurd battery life and a screen that shames laptops twice the price.
Get the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 if...
Lightweight carbon fiber, MIL SPEC durability and the iconic ThinkPad keyboard.