What To Know
- The Air’s anodized finish gives it a premium look and feel, and its compact size makes it easy to slip into a bag or backpack.
- The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
- The MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 for the base model with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED and the MacBook Air M1 stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices offer sleek designs, powerful performance, and a host of features that cater to the needs of discerning users. However, each device has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference and specific requirements. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these two exceptional laptops to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED
The ZenBook 14 OLED exudes sophistication with its minimalist design and premium materials. Its lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis is both durable and portable, weighing just 2.62 pounds. The iconic concentric circle pattern on the lid adds a touch of elegance, while the ErgoLift hinge slightly elevates the keyboard when opened, providing a more comfortable typing experience.
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air M1 is renowned for its iconic wedge-shaped design and its sleek aluminum unibody construction. At 2.8 pounds, it is slightly heavier than the ZenBook 14 OLED but still offers impressive portability. The Air’s anodized finish gives it a premium look and feel, and its compact size makes it easy to slip into a bag or backpack.
Display
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED
The ZenBook 14 OLED boasts a stunning 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. The OLED panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for content creation, entertainment, and gaming. The display also supports HDR content and has a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air M1 features a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. While it lacks the OLED technology of the ZenBook, the Air’s display offers good color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and a maximum brightness of 400 nits. It also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting.
Performance
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED
The ZenBook 14 OLED is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, which provides ample performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and light gaming. It also features 16GB of RAM and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD for fast storage and data transfer.
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air M1 is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which offers exceptional performance and energy efficiency. The M1 chip combines a powerful CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, making it capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing, photo manipulation, and software development. It also features 8GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD.
Battery Life
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED
The ZenBook 14 OLED has a 63Wh battery that provides up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge. In our testing, we found that the laptop could last for around 8-9 hours with mixed usage, including web browsing, document editing, and streaming video.
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air M1 has a 49.9Wh battery that provides up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. In our testing, we found that the Air could last for around 12-14 hours with mixed usage. The M1 chip’s energy efficiency plays a significant role in extending the battery life of the Air.
Features
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED
- Harman Kardon-certified audio system
- NumberPad 2.0 (virtual numeric keypad)
- Thunderbolt 4 ports
- HDMI 2.0 port
- microSD card slot
- IR webcam with Windows Hello support
MacBook Air M1
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
- Force Touch trackpad
- Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports
- USB-C charging port
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- FaceTime HD camera
Price
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The top-of-the-line model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD retails for $1,299.
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 for the base model with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD. The higher-end model with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and a 512GB SSD costs $1,249.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED and the MacBook Air M1 are both excellent ultraportable laptops, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you value a stunning OLED display, a lightweight design, and a wide range of ports, the ZenBook 14 OLED is a great choice. However, if you prioritize performance, battery life, and a premium build quality, the MacBook Air M1 is the better option. Ultimately, the best laptop for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED has a superior display with OLED technology, providing more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and a higher refresh rate.
2. Which laptop is more powerful?
The MacBook Air M1 is more powerful thanks to its Apple M1 chip, which offers exceptional performance in demanding tasks.
3. Which laptop has longer battery life?
The MacBook Air M1 has longer battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge, compared to the ZenBook 14 OLED’s 13 hours.
4. Which laptop is more portable?
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED is more portable, weighing just 2.62 pounds compared to the MacBook Air M1’s 2.8 pounds.
5. Which laptop has more ports?
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED has a wider range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and microSD card slot, while the MacBook Air M1 only has Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports.
