Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs LG gram 14 (2024)
The Verdict
Both laptops deliver excellent ultraportable experiences but serve different ecosystems. Apple's MacBook Air M4 offers superior single-threaded performance, exceptional build quality with its aluminum chassis, and the industry-leading 18-hour battery claim. Its Liquid Retina display shines at 500 nits brightness, making it ideal for content creators. LG gram 14 counters with a larger 14-inch screen, better overall battery endurance (22 hours), and more versatile connectivity including USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack, and microSD expansion. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H handles multithreaded workloads admirably, though it trails the M4 in single-core responsiveness. Storage starts higher at 512GB versus 256GB. For Mac ecosystem users prioritizing performance and portability, the MacBook Air M4 is the clear choice. Windows users valuing connectivity, expansion options, and longer battery life will prefer the LG gram 14, especially at the extra $200 investment.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 if…
- →M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- →16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- →Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
Buy the LG gram 14 (2024) if…
- →Incredibly lightweight at just 0.99 kg — one of the lightest 14-inch laptops
- →Outstanding 72 Wh battery provides all-day endurance
- →MIL-STD 810H durability testing for ruggedness
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4
Pros
- M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- 16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
- 18-hour battery life rivals the 15-inch model
- Fanless, completely silent operation
Cons
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion or high-refresh option
- 256 GB base storage requires upgrading for most users
- Only two Thunderbolt ports limits connectivity
- 13.6-inch screen feels cramped for multitasking
LG gram 14 (2024)
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at just 0.99 kg — one of the lightest 14-inch laptops
- Outstanding 72 Wh battery provides all-day endurance
- MIL-STD 810H durability testing for ruggedness
- Intel Core Ultra with NPU for on-device AI tasks
- Good port selection for such a thin and light machine
Cons
- 60Hz display refresh rate feels sluggish
- 350-nit brightness is dim for outdoor use
- Build can feel slightly flexible due to lightweight materials
- Integrated Intel Arc graphics limit gaming capability
- Starting at $1299 is expensive for the specs
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | LG gram 14 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 0.99 kg |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Magnesium alloy |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 312 x 213.9 x 16.4 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | — |
| SD card | — | |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Microsd | — | |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 72 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 14 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 350 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB / 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB / 32 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16-core (6P + 8E + 2 LP-E) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all LG products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 or the LG gram 14 (2024).