What To Know
- The MacBook Air M1 runs on macOS Big Sur, which offers a user-friendly interface, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and a wide selection of Mac-specific apps.
- If you prioritize a vibrant OLED display, a wide selection of ports, and Windows 10 compatibility, the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA is a compelling choice.
- The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA has a slightly better display with an OLED panel and a higher resolution.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA and the MacBook Air M1 stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices boast exceptional portability, sleek designs, and powerful performance. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each laptop, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to guide you in making an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA:
The ZenBook 13 UX325EA exudes elegance with its Pine Grey color and brushed metal finish. Its compact dimensions (11.9 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches) and lightweight (2.45 pounds) make it an ideal companion for on-the-go productivity. The 13.3-inch NanoEdge display with slim bezels maximizes screen real estate while minimizing the overall footprint.
MacBook Air M1:
The MacBook Air M1’s iconic wedge-shaped profile is both stylish and functional. Its unibody aluminum construction provides exceptional durability while maintaining a sleek and lightweight design (11.97 x 8.94 x 0.41 inches, 2.8 pounds). The Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology offers vibrant colors and impressive contrast.
Display and Audio
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA:
The ZenBook 13 UX325EA features a 13.3-inch OLED display with a stunning 2880 x 1800 resolution. It supports 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring accurate and vivid colors. The ultra-thin bezels provide an immersive viewing experience. The Harman Kardon sound system delivers rich and clear audio.
MacBook Air M1:
The MacBook Air M1 boasts a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. The wide color gamut (P3) and 500 nits of brightness offer a vibrant and immersive visual experience. The three-microphone array and stereo speakers provide excellent audio quality for video conferencing and multimedia consumption.
Performance and Battery Life
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA:
Powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor with Iris Xe graphics, the ZenBook 13 UX325EA delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and light creative work. Its 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD provides ample storage and fast load times. The 67Wh battery offers up to 16 hours of battery life.
MacBook Air M1:
The MacBook Air M1 is equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, which combines a powerful 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU. It significantly outperforms the ZenBook 13 UX325EA in terms of both single-core and multi-core performance. The MacBook Air M1 also features a 256GB SSD and a 52.6Wh battery that provides up to 18 hours of battery life.
Connectivity and Features
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA:
The ZenBook 13 UX325EA offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a microSD card reader, and an HDMI 2.1 port. It also features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
MacBook Air M1:
The MacBook Air M1 has a limited selection of ports, with only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It relies on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
Operating System
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA:
The ZenBook 13 UX325EA comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home. It provides a familiar and customizable operating system with a wide range of software compatibility.
MacBook Air M1:
The MacBook Air M1 runs on macOS Big Sur, which offers a user-friendly interface, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and a wide selection of Mac-specific apps.
Price and Availability
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA:
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA is available for around $899.99.
MacBook Air M1:
The MacBook Air M1 starts at $999.00.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Ultraportable
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA and the MacBook Air M1 are both excellent ultraportable laptops with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
If you prioritize a vibrant OLED display, a wide selection of ports, and Windows 10 compatibility, the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA is a compelling choice.
However, if you value superior performance, longer battery life, and the seamless macOS experience, the MacBook Air M1 is the ideal option.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA has a slightly better display with an OLED panel and a higher resolution.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air M1 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, while the ZenBook 13 UX325EA offers up to 16 hours.
Q: Which laptop has more ports?
A: The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA offers a wider selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD card reader.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: Both laptops are highly portable, but the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA is slightly lighter and more compact.
Q: Which laptop has better performance?
A: The MacBook Air M1 significantly outperforms the ZenBook 13 UX325EA in both single-core and multi-core performance.
