Quick Answer
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 Gen 10 (2025) and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4, 2024) represent two distinct approaches to high-performance 16-inch laptops. The IdeaPad Pro 5i typically offers a more configurable Windows experience with a focus on display refresh rate and port selection, while the MacBook Pro 16 is known for its efficiency-focused Apple Silicon performance, exceptional battery life, and a highly color-accurate mini-LED display.
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 Gen 10 (16 2025) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4, 2024): Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a 16-inch laptop often involves balancing raw performance, display quality, battery life, and overall ecosystem. This comparison examines two prominent contenders in this space: the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 Gen 10 (2025), a powerful Windows machine built on Intel’s latest Core Ultra platform, and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2024), powered by the proprietary Apple M4 chip. We will analyze their key aspects—from design and display to performance and battery—to help you understand their respective strengths and ideal use cases.
Design and Build
The design philosophies of these two laptops are notably different. The MacBook Pro 16 maintains Apple’s signature unibody aluminum construction, which is generally associated with a premium feel and rigidity. Its design language is consistent and recognizable.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 also features an aluminum chassis but often employs a different aesthetic, sometimes with a two-tone finish. In terms of weight and thickness, both laptops are in a similar class for 16-inch devices, though specific figures can vary by configuration. A key practical difference lies in the port selection: the IdeaPad Pro 5i typically includes a wider variety of ports like USB-A, HDMI, and a card reader, whereas the MacBook Pro relies more on Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, which may require adapters for some peripherals.
Display Comparison
The screen is a major focal point for any large laptop.
- Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4): It features a Liquid Retina XDR display, which is a mini-LED backlit panel. It is known for exceptional brightness, deep blacks, and a very high contrast ratio. It supports ProMotion technology with a refresh rate up to 120Hz and covers a wide color gamut (P3), making it a standard for color-critical work.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 Gen 10: It is commonly configured with a high-resolution IPS or OLED panel. While its peak brightness may not match the MacBook’s mini-LED in HDR scenarios, it can offer a higher static refresh rate (often 165Hz or more), which is beneficial for smooth scrolling and gaming. Color accuracy is also typically very high, covering 100% of sRGB and often a large portion of DCI-P3.
In summary, the MacBook Pro’s display excels in HDR performance and consistent color calibration, while the IdeaPad Pro can offer a smoother motion experience with high refresh rates.
Performance and Software
This is where the comparison diverges most significantly due to different architectures and operating systems.
- Platform: The MacBook Pro 16 uses Apple’s ARM-based M4 chip, which is designed for high performance per watt, leading to impressive efficiency and battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 is based on Intel’s Core Ultra “Lunar Lake” or “Arrow Lake” processors, which are x64 chips offering high peak performance and broad compatibility with Windows software and games.
- Workloads: The M4 MacBook Pro generally demonstrates strong performance in creative applications optimized for Apple Silicon (like Final Cut Pro, Xcode) and general productivity. The IdeaPad Pro 5i, especially with dedicated graphics options, is often geared towards a wider range of Windows-native professional applications, engineering software, and PC gaming.
- RAM and Storage: Both laptops offer configurable memory and storage. Apple uses unified memory, while Lenovo uses traditional SODIMM or soldered RAM. Upgradeability after purchase is typically limited on both.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is a well-known strength of Apple Silicon Macs. The MacBook Pro 16 (M4) can typically deliver significantly longer usage times on a single charge for general tasks compared to most Windows laptops, including the IdeaPad Pro 5i 16, under similar conditions.
The IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 may support faster wired charging, depending on the configuration. For wireless connectivity, both support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 or later. As mentioned, the IdeaPad usually provides a more extensive physical port selection, which can reduce reliance on dongles for many users.
Key Features Comparison Table
| Feature | Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 Gen 10 (2025) | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 | macOS |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra Series (e.g., Core Ultra 9) | Apple M4 chip (various core configurations) |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Arc or optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU | Integrated Apple GPU (10-core or more) |
| Display | 16-inch, 2.5K/4K IPS or OLED, up to 165Hz+ refresh rate | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED), ProMotion up to 120Hz |
| Memory (RAM) | Up to 32GB/64GB LPDDR5x | Up to 48GB/128GB Unified Memory |
| Storage | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 8TB SSD |
| Battery & Charging | Generally around 75-85Wh; supports fast charging | Generally around 100Wh; MagSafe charging |
| Camera & Audio | 1080p FHD webcam; stereo speakers | 1080p FaceTime HD camera; six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers |
| Ports | Typically includes: USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), USB-A, HDMI, SD card reader, headphone jack | Typically includes: MagSafe 3, Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (x3), HDMI, SDXC card slot, headphone jack |
| Weight | Approximately 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs) | Approximately 2.1 kg (4.7 lbs) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between these two laptops?
The core difference lies in their platform: the IdeaPad Pro 5i runs Windows on Intel architecture, offering high configurability and broad software/game compatibility. The MacBook Pro runs macOS on Apple Silicon (M4), prioritizing power efficiency, battery life, and performance within Apple’s optimized ecosystem.
Which laptop generally has better battery life?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4) typically offers longer battery life for standard productivity and media consumption tasks due to the efficiency of its ARM-based Apple Silicon chip.
Can the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 be used for gaming?
Yes, especially if configured with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. It is generally more suited for PC gaming than the MacBook Pro, which has a more limited library of native games.
Which device is better for video editing?
Both are capable. The MacBook Pro 16 with M4 excels in applications like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve (Apple Silicon optimized). The IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 with a powerful GPU is a strong performer in Adobe Premiere Pro and other Windows-based editing suites, and may offer better rendering performance in some GPU-accelerated tasks.
Final Thoughts
This comparison highlights two excellent but fundamentally different 16-inch laptops. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 Gen 10 presents a versatile Windows workstation with strong performance, high-refresh-rate display options, and a practical port selection, making it adaptable to various professional and personal computing needs. The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4) delivers a tightly integrated experience characterized by exceptional battery life, a stunning mini-LED display, and robust performance within the macOS ecosystem. The choice ultimately depends on your preferred operating system, specific software requirements, and which set of features—like ultimate battery endurance versus high refresh rates and gaming capability—aligns more closely with your priorities.