What To Know
- The ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED starts at a price of $999, while the MacBook Air M1 starts at a slightly higher price of $999.
- Both laptops offer excellent value for money, but the ZenBook S 13 OLED provides a more versatile port selection and a longer warranty period of two years.
- The MacBook Air M1 has a longer battery life of up to 18 hours compared to the ZenBook S 13 OLED’s battery life of up to 15 hours.
The world of ultraportable laptops has welcomed two formidable contenders: the ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1. Both devices boast impressive features and capabilities, promising exceptional performance and portability. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two premium machines, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The ZenBook S 13 OLED exudes elegance with its sleek profile and military-grade durability. Its all-aluminum chassis feels sturdy and lightweight, weighing just 1.1kg. In contrast, the MacBook Air M1 also boasts a unibody aluminum design, but its wedge-shaped profile and slightly heavier weight of 1.29kg make it less portable than its rival.
Display: OLED vs. Liquid Retina
The ZenBook S 13 OLED features a stunning 13.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800. Its OLED panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, offers a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. While it provides excellent image quality, it lacks the deep blacks and high contrast ratios of an OLED display.
Performance: M1 Chip vs. Intel Core i7
The MacBook Air M1 is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which offers exceptional performance and energy efficiency. It features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering lightning-fast processing speeds and seamless multitasking. The ZenBook S 13 OLED, on the other hand, is equipped with an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, which provides solid performance but falls short of the M1 chip’s raw power.
Battery Life and Charging
The MacBook Air M1 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for extended use on the go. The ZenBook S 13 OLED offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 15 hours, but its fast-charging capabilities allow it to charge up to 60% in just 49 minutes.
Connectivity and Ports
Both laptops offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. However, the MacBook Air M1 features a limited port selection with only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. The ZenBook S 13 OLED provides a more versatile selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and an HDMI port.
Operating Systems: Windows 11 vs. macOS
The ZenBook S 13 OLED runs on Windows 11, providing a wide range of software compatibility and customization options. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, runs on macOS, which offers a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
Price and Value
The ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED starts at a price of $999, while the MacBook Air M1 starts at a slightly higher price of $999. Both laptops offer excellent value for money, but the ZenBook S 13 OLED provides a more versatile port selection and a longer warranty period of two years.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Choice
Choosing between the ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED and the MacBook Air M1 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, battery life, and a premium design, the MacBook Air M1 is an excellent choice. However, if you value versatility, port selection, and a more affordable price, the ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED is a compelling option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which laptop has the better display?
The ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED offers a superior OLED display with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to the MacBook Air M1’s Liquid Retina display.
2. Which laptop is more portable?
The ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED is slightly lighter and more compact than the MacBook Air M1, making it the more portable option.
3. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The MacBook Air M1 has a longer battery life of up to 18 hours compared to the ZenBook S 13 OLED’s battery life of up to 15 hours.
