Summary
- Two of the most talked-about contenders in this segment are the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1.
- The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, is equipped with Apple’s revolutionary M1 chip, which integrates a powerful CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine on a single system-on-a-chip (SoC).
- Both the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and MacBook Air M1 offer a decent selection of ports and connectivity options.
The world of ultra-portable laptops is constantly evolving, with new models emerging to challenge the dominance of established players. Two of the most talked-about contenders in this segment are the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1. Both devices offer a compelling blend of performance, portability, and design, making them ideal choices for professionals, students, and anyone who values a premium computing experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED against the MacBook Air M1 to determine which one reigns supreme in various aspects.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and MacBook Air M1 both prioritize style and portability in their design. The ZenBook S13 OLED features a sleek and sophisticated chassis crafted from magnesium-aluminum alloy, resulting in a lightweight yet durable build. Its Pine Grey color scheme exudes elegance and professionalism. In contrast, the MacBook Air M1 boasts a unibody aluminum construction that is renowned for its durability and premium feel. Its Silver, Space Gray, and Gold color options offer a wider range of personalization.
Display: OLED vs Liquid Retina
One of the key differentiating factors between these laptops is their display technology. The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED features a stunning 13.3-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. OLED displays are known for their exceptional color accuracy, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, sports a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. While it offers excellent brightness and clarity, it falls short of the vibrant colors and high contrast ratios of an OLED panel.
Performance: Intel vs Apple Silicon
The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor with Iris Xe integrated graphics. This processor provides ample performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, is equipped with Apple’s revolutionary M1 chip, which integrates a powerful CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine on a single system-on-a-chip (SoC). The M1 chip delivers exceptional performance and efficiency, outpacing many Intel-based laptops.
Battery Life: Marathon vs Sprinter
Battery life is a crucial consideration for ultra-portable laptops. The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED boasts a 67Wh battery that promises up to 19 hours of video playback. In real-world usage, you can expect to get around 10-12 hours of battery life on a single charge. The MacBook Air M1, with its optimized M1 chip and efficient power management, offers an even more impressive battery life. It features a 52.6Wh battery that provides up to 18 hours of video playback and around 14-16 hours of mixed usage.
Connectivity and I/O
Both the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and MacBook Air M1 offer a decent selection of ports and connectivity options. The ZenBook S13 OLED features two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The MacBook Air M1 has two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. While the ZenBook S13 OLED offers a wider variety of ports, the MacBook Air M1’s Thunderbolt 4 ports provide faster data transfer speeds.
Operating System: Windows vs macOS
The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED runs on Microsoft Windows 10, while the MacBook Air M1 runs on Apple’s macOS Big Sur. Both operating systems offer a user-friendly experience, but they cater to different preferences and ecosystems. Windows 10 provides a wide range of software compatibility and customization options, while macOS Big Sur offers a more streamlined and intuitive interface. Ultimately, the choice between Windows and macOS depends on your personal preferences and the software you use.
Price and Value
The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and MacBook Air M1 are both premium laptops with price tags to match. The ZenBook S13 OLED typically starts at around $999, while the MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 as well. However, the price can vary depending on the configuration and storage options. In terms of value, both laptops offer a compelling package of features and performance. The ZenBook S13 OLED provides a beautiful OLED display and a wider selection of ports, while the MacBook Air M1 impresses with its exceptional battery life and M1 chip performance.
The Verdict: A Close Call
The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and MacBook Air M1 are both excellent ultra-portable laptops that offer a premium computing experience. The ZenBook S13 OLED stands out with its stunning OLED display and versatile port selection, while the MacBook Air M1 excels in performance, battery life, and operating system optimization. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize display quality and a wider range of ports, the ZenBook S13 OLED is a compelling option. However, if you value performance, battery life, and a seamless macOS experience, the MacBook Air M1 is hard to beat.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED features a stunning OLED panel with exceptional color accuracy and contrast, while the MacBook Air M1 has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with excellent brightness and clarity. The OLED display on the ZenBook S13 OLED provides more vibrant colors and deeper blacks.
2. Which laptop is more powerful?
The MacBook Air M1 with its Apple M1 chip outperforms the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED with its Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor in most performance benchmarks. The M1 chip offers faster CPU and GPU performance, making it more suitable for demanding tasks.
3. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The MacBook Air M1 has a longer battery life than the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED. The MacBook Air M1 can last up to 18 hours of video playback, while the ZenBook S13 OLED can last up to 19 hours. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
4. Which laptop is more portable?
Both the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED and MacBook Air M1 are highly portable laptops. The ZenBook S13 OLED measures 11.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches and weighs 2.45 pounds, while the MacBook Air M1 measures 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds. The MacBook Air M1 is slightly thicker and heavier, but both laptops are easy to carry around.
5. Which laptop is better for gaming?
Neither the ASUS ZenBook S13 OLED nor the MacBook Air M1 is ideal for gaming. The ZenBook S13 OLED has integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, while the MacBook Air M1 has an integrated Apple M1 GPU. These graphics solutions are suitable for casual gaming and light video editing, but they are not powerful enough for demanding games.