Apple MacBook Pro 13" M2 vs LG gram 14 (2024)
The Verdict
Both laptops occupy the same $1299 price point but serve different user ecosystems. Apple's MacBook Pro 13 M2 delivers exceptional performance-per-watt with its custom silicon, achieving up to 20 hours of battery life despite its smaller 58.2Wh capacity. Its Retina display offers 500 nits brightness and the seamless macOS experience appeals to creative professionals. However, it starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, requiring costly upgrades for longevity. LG gram 14 counters with a larger 14-inch display, superior 22-hour battery endurance from a 72Wh cell, and more generous standard configurations: 16GB RAM and 512GB storage expandable via microSD. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H provides competitive multi-threaded performance, plus legacy connectivity (USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack) that professionals often need. Display brightness favors the MacBook at 500 nits versus 350 nits. Windows 11 users gain flexibility; macOS users get optimization. For creative work and ecosystem lock-in, choose the MacBook. For upgradeable storage, better port selection, and raw battery capacity, LG gram 14 offers superior value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 13" M2 if…
- →M2 chip delivers excellent single-threaded and multi-threaded performance
- →Up to 20-hour battery life is class-leading
- →Fanless design keeps the machine silent under light workloads
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" M2
Pros
- M2 chip delivers excellent single-threaded and multi-threaded performance
- Up to 20-hour battery life is class-leading
- Fanless design keeps the machine silent under light workloads
- Excellent P3 wide-color Retina display
- Compact and lightweight at 3.0 lbs
Cons
- Touch Bar instead of physical function keys
- Only 2 Thunderbolt/USB-C ports — no MagSafe
- 8 GB base RAM feels limiting for professional workloads
- 60Hz display lacks ProMotion high refresh rate
- 256 GB base SSD uses single NAND chip with slower write speeds
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" M2 | LG gram 14 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Ventura | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 3.0 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 | 2 | — |
| SD card | — | |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Microsd | — | |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Capacity | 58.2 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 | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB / 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB / 32 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16-core (6P + 8E + 2 LP-E) |
| Chipset | Apple M2 | 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 Pro 13" M2 or the LG gram 14 (2024).