• Yoga_9i__1_-removebg-preview
    Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023)

    Lenovo's 2023 Yoga 9i has a 13th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and a stunning OLED display. It also has beautifully polished corners and a soundbar hinge down the middle.

    Pros
    • 2-in-1 form factor
    • Touch input support
    • Box includes a stylus
    • Superior display
    Cons
    • Relatively pricey
  • MacBook Air M2 on transparent background
    Apple MacBook Air M2

    The 2022 MacBook Air offers the M2 chip for long battery life that will blow you away.

    Pros
    • Lighter weight
    • More power-efficient
    • More compact build
    • More color options
    Cons
    • No touch input support

Picking a new computer can be a challenge nowadays. After all, there are endless models out there, coming from a wide variety of brands, that cater to different budgets and needs. If you're seeking a new laptop, then the Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) and Apple MacBook Air (2022) are two excellent options. Notably, these two machines have almost nothing in common. They are both premium laptops with higher-end specs and displays, but that's about where the similarities end. So let's break them down and see which will suit your needs.


  • Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023)Apple MacBook Air M2
    BrandLenovoApple
    StorageUp to 1TB SSD256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
    CPU13th-generation Intel Core i7-1360PApple M2
    MemoryUp to 16GB LPDDR5-52008GB, 16GB, 24GB
    Operating SystemWindows 11 HomemacOS Ventura
    Battery75Wh52.6Wh
    Ports2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB Type-C, 1 x USB Type-A, 3.5mm headphone jack2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack
    CameraFull HD 1080p + IR camera1080p
    Display (Size, Resolution)14-inch, 16:10, up to 4K OLED (3840 x 2400)13.6 inches 2560x1664 or 15.3 inches 2880x1864, IPS, 3:2 aspect ratio, 500 nits, non-touch
    WeightStarting at 3.09 pounds (1.4 kg)13-inch: 2.7 pounds; 15-inch: 3.3 pounds
    GPUIntel Iris Xe graphics (integrated)Apple M2
    Speakers2 x 3W woofers (on the side), 2 x 2W tweeters (on hinge)13-inch: Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos; 15-inch: Six speakers with Dolby Atmos
    PriceStarting at $1,399Starting at $1,099
    FinishAluminumAluminum

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) vs MacBook Air (2022): Price & availability

The Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) and MacBok Air (2022) start at $1,700 and $1,199, respectively. You can buy the former directly from Lenovo's website, but it's seemingly missing from other retailers. On the other hand, you can buy the MacBook Air from most major U.S. retailers, such as Best Buy, in addition to the Apple Store. Lenovo's laptop comes in Oatmeal and Storm Grey finishes, while Apple's is available in Starlight, Midnight, Space Gray, and Silver.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) vs MacBook Air (2022): Design

Lenovo Yoga 9i in convertible mode

In terms of similarities, both laptops are made of aluminum and have modern exteriors. But again, these are wildly different devices, so there's more to consider here.

While you get four finish options with the MacBook Air, as opposed to just two with the Lenovo Yoga 9i, there's a more glaring difference. The Lenovo laptop is a 2-in-1, which adds versatility. Not only does its screen flip backward, but it also supports touch inputs through your fingers or a dedicated stylus.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Air is a traditional clamshell laptop. You can rotate the display no more than around 120 degrees. Expectedly, just like every other recent Mac, it doesn't support touch input either. While the MacBook Air weighs a bit less than the Lenovo Yoga 9i, the Lenovo 2-in-1 still wins the design round. After all, 2-in-1 computers are more capable than clamshells. If you don't care about the added functionalities of the Lenovo laptop, then the MacBook Air would win this round for being lighter and offering more color options.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) vs MacBook Air (2022): Display

MacBook-Air-12
Apple MacBook Air M2

The display round is another win for the Lenovo Yoga 9i over the MacBook Air (2022). As previously mentioned, the former laptop supports touch inputs through your fingers and the included Lenovo Precision Pen 2. Meanwhile, the MacBook Air M2 limits you to keyboard and mouse/trackpad input. Obviously, the Apple Pencil 2 isn't supported either, unless you rely on a new iPad and Sidecar.

Apart from touch support (or the lack thereof), the Lenovo laptop's display is also superior in size and resolution. This laptop has a 14-inch screen, which is a bit larger than the MacBook Air's 13.6-inch one. Additionally, you'll get an OLED display with the option for either 2.8K (2880 x 1800) or 4K (3840 x 2400) resolution, both of which are significantly sharper than the Mac's 2560 x 1664 IPS panel. Even the "lower-end" 2.8K variants have a smoother 90Hz refresh rate, which defeats Apple's 60Hz. Though, if you buy the 4K edition, you get the same 60Hz. In the MacBook Air's defense, you get a 500-nit brightness, which is slightly brighter than Lenovo's 400-nit one.

Ultimately, this round is a clear win for Lenovo, as the Yoga 9i's display is superior in almost every way.

In terms of cameras, both laptops have 1080p lenses, but the Yoga 9i notably features an IR camera, which is missing on the MacBook Air. So you get to utilize Windows Hello on the Lenovo laptop, while biometric authentication on the Apple notebook is limited to Touch ID.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) vs MacBook Air (2022): Performance

Lenovo-Yoga-9i-g7-keyboard-01

Performance in this particular battle isn't super important because both laptops feature modern chipsets and can handle most typical workloads. Nonetheless, we've looked at benchmarks to see how the Intel Core i7-1360P competes against Apple's M2 chip. According to the numbers, the Intel chip scores higher in single- and multi-core performance tests. That's not to mention that it also has four more physical cores when compared to Apple's. Arguably, in terms of performance, the M2 SoC only shines in the energy efficiency department, meaning it can execute certain tasks while consuming less power.

It's worth noting that the Lenovo Yoga 9i runs Windows 11, while the MacBook Air is fueled by macOS Ventura. So if you have an operating system preference or maybe have invested in a certain ecosystem, you may want to consider that. Otherwise, if you're OS-agnostic, the Lenovo Yoga 9i is again the winner. In Apple's defense, though, the MacBook Air can handle up to 24GB of RAM, while the Lenovo laptop is limited to just 16GB.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) vs MacBook Air (2022): Ports

Apple MacBook Air M2 2022 on a wooden table

The port battle also happens to be a win for Lenovo. The Yoga 9i offers three USB Type-C ports (two of which are Thunderbolt 4) in addition to a USB Type-A port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Meanwhile, the MacBook Air offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a MagSafe 3 charging port. While the MagSafe charger makes un/plugging a charging cable much easier, I believe that the USB-A port is a more meaningful offering. After all, many accessories today still rely on this port, despite it being ancient. That's not to mention that the Lenovo 2-in-1 offers an additional USB-C port.

Which is right for you?

It goes without saying that the Lenovo Yoga 9i is superior in almost every single aspect. You get a better, more functional design, a larger, clearer, and touch-enabled screen, better performance, and more ports. Of course, this comes at a price, though. The Lenovo Yoga 9i starts at $1,700 in the U.S., which is significantly more expensive than the MacBook's $1,199.

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Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023)
Editor's Choice

Lenovo's 2023 Yoga 9i has a 13th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and a stunning OLED display. It also has beautifully polished corners and a soundbar hinge down the middle.

If you would rather spend less or are invested in Apple's ecosystem, then the MacBook Air is still an excellent laptop that should swiftly handle your tasks and workflows. While it may not be as powerful, it is more power-efficient, has a slightly brighter screen, and offers a lighter chassis in a wider variety of colors. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, and only you can decide which laptop is better for you personally.

MacBook Air M2 on transparent background
Apple MacBook Air M2
Good Alternative

The 2022 MacBook Air offers the M2 chip for long battery life that will blow you away.