What To Know
- The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of ports, with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.
- The ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED has a starting price of around $999, while the MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 for the base model.
- The ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1 are both exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a winning combination of performance, portability, and style.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, two titans stand out: the ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED and the Apple MacBook Air M1. Both devices boast impressive specs, sleek designs, and exceptional performance. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these laptops to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED exudes elegance with its sleek aluminum chassis and diamond-cut edges. It weighs just 1.19 kg and measures a mere 13.9 mm in thickness, making it incredibly portable. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, is slightly heavier at 1.29 kg and thicker at 16.1 mm. However, it shares a similar premium build quality with its unibody aluminum construction.
Display
The Zenbook 13 OLED features a stunning 13.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. The MacBook Air M1, in contrast, has a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. While it also delivers sharp and detailed images, it lacks the superior color accuracy and contrast of the OLED panel.
Performance
Both the Zenbook 13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1 are powered by exceptional processors. The Zenbook 13 OLED comes with an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, while the MacBook Air M1 features Apple‘s M1 chip. The M1 chip is widely recognized for its exceptional performance and efficiency, outperforming many Intel processors in benchmarks. However, it’s important to note that the Zenbook 13 OLED offers a wider range of configuration options, including models with discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics, which can provide a boost for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops. The Zenbook 13 OLED boasts a 67 Wh battery that provides up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge. The MacBook Air M1, with its energy-efficient M1 chip, offers an even more impressive battery life of up to 18 hours. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
Connectivity
The Zenbook 13 OLED offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, one HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of ports, with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Operating System
The Zenbook 13 OLED runs on Windows 10 Pro, while the MacBook Air M1 uses Apple’s macOS Big Sur. Both operating systems have their strengths and weaknesses, with Windows offering greater flexibility and customization options, while macOS is known for its user-friendliness and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Price
The ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED has a starting price of around $999, while the MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 for the base model. However, the Zenbook 13 OLED offers a wider range of configurations, including higher-spec models with more RAM, storage, and dedicated graphics, which can result in a higher price point.
Verdict
The ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1 are both exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a winning combination of performance, portability, and style. However, each device has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The Zenbook 13 OLED excels in areas such as display quality, connectivity, and configuration options. It’s a great choice for users who prioritize a vibrant and immersive display, a comprehensive set of ports, and the flexibility to upgrade their hardware.
The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, shines in terms of performance, battery life, and operating system integration. It’s an ideal choice for users who value raw power, long-lasting battery life, and a seamless user experience within the Apple ecosystem.
Ultimately, the best choice between the ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1 depends on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that will suit your computing requirements perfectly.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED has a superior OLED display with better color accuracy and contrast than the MacBook Air M1’s Liquid Retina display.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life?
A: The MacBook Air M1 offers slightly better battery life than the Zenbook 13 OLED, with up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The Zenbook 13 OLED is slightly more portable than the MacBook Air M1, weighing 1.19 kg and measuring 13.9 mm in thickness.
Q: Which laptop has more configuration options?
A: The Zenbook 13 OLED offers a wider range of configuration options, including models with discrete graphics and higher RAM and storage capacities.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: The Zenbook 13 OLED with dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics offers better gaming performance than the MacBook Air M1, which relies on integrated graphics.
