Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro vs Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Pro 14 M3 Pro delivers exceptional performance with its 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, paired with a stunning 3024x1964 Liquid Retina XDR display and ProMotion technology. Battery life reaches an impressive 17 hours, and the aluminum design weighs just 1.61 kg. Lenovo's IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers a larger 15.6-inch 1080p screen and gaming-focused AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, but its plastic construction, heavier 2.3 kg weight, and meager 6-hour battery life reveal its budget nature. Storage starts at 256 GB versus 512 GB on Apple. For professionals demanding portable powerhouse performance and display quality, the MacBook Pro justifies its premium. Gaming enthusiasts on tight budgets may consider the Lenovo, though performance and portability gaps are substantial. MacBook Pro wins decisively for most users.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro if…
- →M3 Pro with 3nm process delivers 20% faster CPU than M2 Pro
- →Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- →18 GB unified memory is a welcome base RAM increase over M2 Pro
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 if…
- →RTX 4050 at $799 is excellent value for entry-level gaming
- →120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade over 60Hz
- →Upgradeable RAM and storage via accessible panels
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro
Pros
- M3 Pro with 3nm process delivers 20% faster CPU than M2 Pro
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- 18 GB unified memory is a welcome base RAM increase over M2 Pro
- 17-hour battery life is outstanding for a pro laptop
- Excellent port selection with HDMI, SD card reader, and MagSafe
Cons
- $1999 starting price is steep for the base configuration
- 512 GB base SSD may fill quickly for creative professionals
- 1.61 kg is noticeably heavier than the MacBook Air
- Notch on display can interfere with certain menu bar apps
- macOS limits gaming compared to Windows laptops
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
Pros
- RTX 4050 at $799 is excellent value for entry-level gaming
- 120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade over 60Hz
- Upgradeable RAM and storage via accessible panels
- Ryzen 5 7535HS handles both gaming and schoolwork
- Decent thermals for a budget chassis with dual-fan cooling
Cons
- 250-nit display is too dim for well-lit rooms
- 8 GB base RAM needs upgrading for modern games
- 256 GB SSD fills up fast — plan to add a second drive
- All-plastic build feels flimsy and creaks
- Speaker quality is poor — headphones are recommended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro | Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sonoma | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.61 kg | 5.07 lbs (2.3 kg) |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm | 14.19 x 10.14 x 0.91 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| USB-C ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours wireless web | Up to 6 hours |
| Capacity | 72.4 Wh | 60 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | IPS anti-glare |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 250 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe (configurable to 4 TB) | 256 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 18 GB unified | 8 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU | 6 cores / 12 threads |
| Chipset | Apple M3 Pro | AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS |
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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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