MacBook Air 15" (M4)
M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB
Core Ultra 7 · 64GB · 2024
MacBook Air 15" (M4) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15" (M4) lands at 93 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB at 88. That puts MacBook Air 15" (M4) ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 15" (M4) if…
- ✓Silent fanless M4
- ✓Excellent battery
- ✓Huge bright display
Pick ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Air 15" (M4)CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on cpu (92 vs 88).
Battery life
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on battery (96 vs 78).
Portability
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on portability (94 vs 87).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M4) more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $2,599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 15" (M4) | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 (10C CPU / 10C GPU) | — |
| RAM | 16/24/32 GB | ▲ 64GB |
| Storage | 256 GB – 2 TB | — |
| Display | 15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864 | — |
| Weight | 1.51 kg | — |
| CPU | — | Core Ultra 7 |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
- +Silent fanless M4
- +Excellent battery
- +Huge bright display
- −Only 2 TB3 ports
- −Single external display (M4 base)
- −No ProMotion
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: MacBook Air 15" (M4) vs ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB
Which is better, MacBook Air 15" (M4) or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 15" (M4) worth the price? +
At $1,199, MacBook Air 15" (M4) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.
Is ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB worth the price? +
At $2,599, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 15" (M4) or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, MacBook Air 15" (M4) or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on cpu (92 vs 88). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Air 15" (M4) or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on battery (96 vs 78). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.