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MacBook Air M3 vs ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12

Detailed comparison of MacBook Air M3 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12. Compare specs, price, pros & cons to find which is best for you.

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Quick Verdict

The MacBook Air M3 is our top pick with a 4.7★ rating (12,840 reviews). Standout strength: exceptional battery life. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 counters with best-in-class keyboard. Price difference: £350.

Full Spec Comparison

Apple

MacBook Air M3

£1,099Best Pick
VS
Lenovo

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12

£1,449
Rating
★★★★4.7
★★★★4.6
Reviews
12,840
5,230
Brand
Apple
Lenovo
cpu
Apple M3 (8-core)
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
ram
16GB Unified
16GB LPDDR5X
storage
256GB SSD
512GB SSD
display
13.6" Liquid Retina
14" 2.8K OLED
battery
18 hours
15 hours
weight
1.24kg
1.09kg
Pros
Exceptional battery lifeSilent fanless designBrilliant Retina displayLightweight at 1.24kg
Best-in-class keyboardGorgeous OLED displayIncredibly light at 1.09kgMIL-STD-810H durable
Cons
Only one external displayBase model has 256GBNo USB-A ports
ExpensiveOLED battery drainLimited GPU performance

Check Price on Amazons

AI RecommendedTop Rated-5%Prime Deal
AppleAI VerifiedAI Verified

MacBook Air M3

★★★★½4.7(12,840 reviews)
from£1,049RRP £1,0993 retailers
cpuApple M3 (8-core)
ram16GB Unified
storage256GB SSD
Exceptional battery lifeSilent fanless design
Only one external display
AI RecommendedTop Rated-6%
LenovoAI VerifiedAI Verified

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12

★★★★½4.6(5,230 reviews)
from£1,449RRP £1,5493 retailers
cpuIntel Core Ultra 7 155H
ram16GB LPDDR5X
storage512GB SSD
Best-in-class keyboardGorgeous OLED display
Expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: MacBook Air M3 or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12?

The MacBook Air M3 edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating vs 4.6★.Exceptional battery life. However, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 wins on best-in-class keyboard. Your best choice depends on whether you prioritise programming or programming.

Is the MacBook Air M3 worth it over the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12?

The MacBook Air M3 costs £1,099 while the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is £1,449. The MacBook Air M3 is the better value option. Both are excellent for programming and students.

MacBook Air M3 vs ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 — which should I buy in 2026?

Choose the MacBook Air M3 if you prioritise exceptional battery life. Choose the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 if you prioritise best-in-class keyboard. Both are top-rated in the laptops category.

Still not sure? Ask our AI for a personalised recommendation.

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