MacBook Air 15" (M5)
M5 · 15.3″ Liquid Retina · 1.51 kg
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB
Core Ultra 7 · 64GB · 2024
MacBook Air 15" (M5) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15" (M5) lands at 94 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB at 88. That puts MacBook Air 15" (M5) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 15" (M5) if…
- ✓Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- ✓10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
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" (M5)CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on gpu (88 vs 83).
Battery life
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 78).
Portability
TieWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on display (90 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $2,599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 15" (M5) | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | — |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | ▲ 64GB |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | — |
| Display | 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi | — |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | — |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | — |
| Weight | 1.51 kg | — |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | — |
| OS | macOS 16 | — |
| CPU | — | Core Ultra 7 |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
- +Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- +10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −Heavier at 1.51 kg
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −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" (M5) vs ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB
Which is better, MacBook Air 15" (M5) or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 15" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,299, MacBook Air 15" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — 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" (M5) 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" (M5) or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on gpu (88 vs 83). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Air 15" (M5) or ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 · 64GB? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 78). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.