MacBook Air 13" (M5)
94/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $1,099
Manufacturer source ↗MacBook Air 13" (M5) vs ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Core Ultra V)
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads by 3 editorial points. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Core Ultra V)
91/100 editorial
US launch / reference: Price unavailable
Manufacturer source ↗Start with the tradeoffs
Consider MacBook Air 13" (M5) for
- 10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- 16 GB unified memory baseline
- Up to 18 hours video playback
Tradeoff: No ProMotion 120 Hz display
Consider ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Core Ultra V) for
- TrackPoint pointing device
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
- OLED display option
Tradeoff: Memory cannot be upgraded
Scores and judgments are editorial. Specdex does not run an in-house benchmark lab. Manufacturer claims and independent measurements may use different test conditions.
Editorial fit by scenario
Performance
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
leads on gpu (86 vs 75)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Battery life
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
leads on battery (95 vs 92)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Display
Effectively tied
neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Specifications side by side
Arrows indicate a higher capacity, higher power rating, or lower weight/time for comparable simple quantities. They do not establish overall product quality. Unknown values remain unavailable.
| Specification | MacBook Air 13" (M5) | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Core Ultra V) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) | Not documented |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | 32 GB LPDDR5x-8533, not upgradeable |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB SSD options |
| Display | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi | 14-inch 2880 × 1800 OLED, 120Hz option |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | Not documented |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | Not documented |
| Weight | 1.23 kg | From 986 g for V-series configurations; varies by configuration |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | Not documented |
| OS | macOS Tahoe (26) | Windows 11 Home / Pro options |
| CPU | Not documented | Intel Core Ultra 7 268V |
| GPU | Not documented | Intel Arc 140V |
| Battery | Not documented | 57 Wh |
Inspect the shared editorial ratings
Missing criteria are excluded from pairwise scenarios. A difference below two points is treated as a tie. These are not raw benchmarks.
- cpu
- 92 / 88
- gpu
- 86 / 75
- display
- 88 / 88
- battery
- 95 / 92
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,099. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Core Ultra V)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: Price unavailable. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.