Key points
- The Asus ZenBook also has a premium design, but it’s a bit more compact and lightweight than the MacBook Air 13.
- The Asus ZenBook has a more generous selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, a USB 3.
- The MacBook Air 13 and the Asus ZenBook are both excellent ultrabooks that offer a great balance of performance, portability, and affordability.
The Apple MacBook Air 13 and the Asus ZenBook are two of the most popular ultrabooks on the market. Both devices offer a great balance of performance, portability, and affordability, making them ideal for students, professionals, and everyday users. However, there are some key differences between the two laptops that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the MacBook Air 13 vs Asus ZenBook to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality:
The MacBook Air 13 has a sleek and iconic design with a unibody aluminum chassis. It’s incredibly thin and light, weighing just 2.8 pounds and measuring only 0.63 inches thick. The Asus ZenBook also has a premium design, but it’s a bit more compact and lightweight than the MacBook Air 13. It weighs 2.5 pounds and is 0.55 inches thick. Both laptops feel sturdy and well-built, but the MacBook Air 13 has a slightly more premium feel.
Display:
The MacBook Air 13 features a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It’s a bright and colorful display with excellent viewing angles. The Asus ZenBook also has a 13.3-inch display, but it uses an OLED panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The OLED display offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than the Retina display, but it’s not as bright.
Performance:
The MacBook Air 13 is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which is a powerful and efficient processor. The Asus ZenBook is powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 processor, which is also a capable performer. Both laptops offer enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and office productivity. However, the MacBook Air 13 has a slight edge in performance, especially in graphics-intensive applications.
Battery Life:
The MacBook Air 13 has excellent battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. The Asus ZenBook also has good battery life, lasting up to 15 hours on a single charge. Both laptops can easily last through a full day of use on a single charge.
Ports and Connectivity:
The MacBook Air 13 has a limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack. The Asus ZenBook has a more generous selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, and a microSD card slot.
Operating System:
The MacBook Air 13 runs on macOS, while the Asus ZenBook runs on Windows 10. Both operating systems have their own strengths and weaknesses. macOS is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface, while Windows 10 offers more customization options and compatibility with a wider range of software.
Price:
The MacBook Air 13 starts at $999, while the Asus ZenBook starts at $899. Both laptops offer a good value for the price, but the Asus ZenBook is slightly more affordable.
The Bottom Line:
The MacBook Air 13 and the Asus ZenBook are both excellent ultrabooks that offer a great balance of performance, portability, and affordability. The MacBook Air 13 has a more premium design, a brighter display, and slightly better performance. The Asus ZenBook is more compact and lightweight, has a more generous selection of ports, and is slightly more affordable. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Asus ZenBook has a better display due to its OLED panel, which offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life?
A: The MacBook Air 13 has better battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Asus ZenBook is more affordable, starting at $899.