What To Know
- The ZenBook UX325 features a sophisticated Pine Grey color scheme with a diamond-cut pattern on the lid, while the MacBook Air M1 comes in a classic Silver or Space Grey finish with a unibody aluminum construction.
- The MacBook Air M1 also comes with a set of built-in speakers, but they are not as powerful or immersive as those on the ZenBook UX325.
- In terms of battery life, the ZenBook UX325 is rated for up to 22 hours of usage on a single charge, while the MacBook Air M1 boasts up to 18 hours of battery life.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the ASUS ZenBook UX325 and the MacBook Air M1 stand as two formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and long battery life, making them ideal companions for students, professionals, and travelers alike. But which one is the ultimate choice? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to find out.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS ZenBook UX325 and MacBook Air M1 are both known for their elegant and lightweight designs. The ZenBook UX325 features a sophisticated Pine Grey color scheme with a diamond-cut pattern on the lid, while the MacBook Air M1 comes in a classic Silver or Space Grey finish with a unibody aluminum construction. Both devices are incredibly thin and portable, with the ZenBook UX325 weighing just 2.45 pounds and the MacBook Air M1 weighing a mere 2.8 pounds.
In terms of build quality, both laptops are exceptional. The ZenBook UX325 boasts a durable aluminum chassis that has passed MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability tests, ensuring it can withstand everyday bumps and knocks. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, features Apple‘s signature unibody design, which provides excellent rigidity and durability.
Display and Audio
The ZenBook UX325 comes with a 13.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for watching movies, editing photos, or working on presentations. The MacBook Air M1 also features a 13.3-inch display, but it uses an IPS LCD panel with a slightly higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. While the MacBook Air M1’s display is sharper, the ZenBook UX325’s OLED technology provides superior color accuracy and contrast.
Both laptops offer decent audio capabilities. The ZenBook UX325 features a pair of Harman Kardon-certified speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. The MacBook Air M1 also comes with a set of built-in speakers, but they are not as powerful or immersive as those on the ZenBook UX325.
Performance and Battery Life
The ASUS ZenBook UX325 is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, features Apple’s custom M1 chip, which combines a powerful CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine on a single chip. The M1 chip offers significantly better performance than the Intel Core i5 processor, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks.
In terms of battery life, the ZenBook UX325 is rated for up to 22 hours of usage on a single charge, while the MacBook Air M1 boasts up to 18 hours of battery life. Both laptops offer impressive battery life, but the ZenBook UX325 has a slight edge in this regard.
Operating System and Software
The ASUS ZenBook UX325 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, while the MacBook Air M1 runs on macOS Big Sur. Windows 10 is a familiar operating system for many users, offering a wide range of software and customization options. macOS Big Sur, on the other hand, is known for its intuitive interface, excellent performance, and optimized apps for the M1 chip.
Connectivity and Ports
The ZenBook UX325 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, one HDMI 2.0 port, and a microSD card reader. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, features two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. While the MacBook Air M1 has fewer ports, its Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports are more versatile and support faster data transfer speeds.
Price and Value
The ASUS ZenBook UX325 is available for a starting price of $999, while the MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 as well. Both laptops offer excellent value for money, but the MacBook Air M1 has a slight edge in terms of performance and battery life.
Which One is Right for You?
The ASUS ZenBook UX325 and MacBook Air M1 are both excellent ultraportable laptops, but they cater to different types of users. If you prioritize design, durability, and long battery life, the ZenBook UX325 is a great choice. However, if you need the best possible performance and are willing to sacrifice some battery life, the MacBook Air M1 is the superior option.
The Verdict: A Close Call
The ASUS ZenBook UX325 and MacBook Air M1 are both exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a compelling combination of features and performance. While the ZenBook UX325 has a slight edge in terms of design, durability, and battery life, the MacBook Air M1 offers significantly better performance and a more optimized operating system. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The ZenBook UX325’s OLED display offers superior color accuracy and contrast, while the MacBook Air M1’s IPS LCD display has a higher resolution.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The MacBook Air M1’s M1 chip offers significantly better performance than the ZenBook UX325’s Intel Core i5 processor.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: The ZenBook UX325 is rated for up to 22 hours of battery life, while the MacBook Air M1 is rated for up to 18 hours of battery life.
Q: Which laptop is more expensive?
A: Both the ZenBook UX325 and MacBook Air M1 start at $999.
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students, but the ZenBook UX325’s longer battery life and more affordable price make it a better choice for those on a budget.
Q: Which laptop is better for professionals?
A: The MacBook Air M1’s superior performance and optimized operating system make it a better choice for professionals who need a powerful and efficient laptop.
