Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs LG Gram Pro 16 (2024)

The Verdict

Apple's M4 MacBook Air delivers exceptional value at $1099, combining stellar performance with genuinely impressive battery life that can stretch to 18 hours in real-world use. Its 13.6-inch display is sharp at 2560x1664 resolution with 500 nits brightness, though the 60Hz refresh rate feels dated. The M4's 10-core CPU and GPU handle everyday tasks and creative work with ease, while macOS Sequoia provides seamless integration across Apple devices. LG's Gram Pro 16 commands a $700 premium but justifies it with a larger 16-inch OLED screen featuring 120Hz refresh rate and superior color accuracy, despite lower brightness at 350 nits. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with 16 cores outperforms the M4 in multi-threaded workloads, and Windows 11 offers broader software compatibility. The Gram Pro includes an SD card reader and three USB-A ports, making it more versatile for external devices. Battery life drops to 14 hours versus the MacBook's 18 hours, and the Gram weighs slightly less at 1.2kg. For students and general users prioritizing portability and value, the MacBook Air M4 is the smarter choice. Creative professionals or Windows users needing maximum processing power and display quality should consider the LG, though it's a notably steeper investment.