Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) vs LG gram 14 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Pro 13 and LG's gram 14 target different priorities at distinct price points. Apple offers a premium 13-inch experience with a brilliant 500-nit Retina display, four Thunderbolt 4 ports for connectivity, and the polished macOS ecosystem, though its 10-hour battery life trails competitors. LG's gram 14 delivers exceptional value with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, nearly double the battery endurance at 22 hours, MicroSD expansion, and Windows 11 flexibility, sacrificing only brightness (350 nits) and port density. Performance-wise, LG's newer 16-core processor significantly outpaces Intel's aging 10th-gen quad-core chip, while the gram's larger 14-inch screen provides more workspace. For creative professionals prioritizing macOS and build quality, the MacBook Pro justifies its $500 premium. For productivity-focused users seeking battery longevity, expandability, and modern processing power on a budget, LG gram 14 emerges as the superior choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) if…
- →4 Thunderbolt 3 ports — double the lower-end 13-inch models
- →16 GB RAM standard in the 4-port configuration
- →Supports multiple external displays unlike M1 models
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 Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020)
Pros
- 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports — double the lower-end 13-inch models
- 16 GB RAM standard in the 4-port configuration
- Supports multiple external displays unlike M1 models
- Excellent Retina display with P3 wide color and True Tone
- Reliable Intel ecosystem with broad software compatibility
Cons
- Dramatically outperformed by the M1 chip in both speed and efficiency
- 10-hour battery life is nearly half the M1 MacBook Pro
- Fans spin up frequently and loudly under moderate loads
- Touch Bar is widely disliked and was later discontinued
- Thermal throttling limits sustained performance
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 Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) | LG gram 14 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Big Sur | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) | 0.99 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Magnesium alloy |
| Dimensions | 12.0 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches | 312 x 213.9 x 16.4 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 4 | — |
| SD card | — | |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 4 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Microsd | — | |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Capacity | 58 Wh | 72 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.3 inches | 14 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 350 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB (configurable to 4 TB) | 512 GB / 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB / 32 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 4 cores / 8 threads | 16-core (6P + 8E + 2 LP-E) |
| Chipset | Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (10th Gen) | 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.
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