What to know
- The MacBook Air comes with a limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a 3.
- However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a larger display, a wider port selection, and a versatile operating system, the ASUS Vivobook S15 is an excellent choice.
- The MacBook Air has a more durable aluminum chassis, while the Vivobook S15 has a plastic chassis that may be more prone to scratches and dents.
In the world of ultra-portable laptops, two titans stand tall: the Apple MacBook Air and the ASUS Vivobook S15. Both devices offer a sleek design, powerful performance, and long battery life. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Apple MacBook Air against the ASUS Vivobook S15, examining their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air exudes an iconic design with its unibody aluminum chassis, thin profile, and tapered edges. It’s incredibly lightweight and portable, weighing in at just 2.8 pounds. The Vivobook S15, on the other hand, boasts a more traditional clamshell design with a plastic chassis. It’s slightly heavier at 3.9 pounds but still offers a slim profile at 0.6 inches thick.
Winner: MacBook Air (for premium design and portability)
Display
The MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It offers excellent color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and a bright and vibrant display. The Vivobook S15 has a larger 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While it’s not as sharp as the MacBook Air’s display, it provides ample screen real estate for multitasking and entertainment.
Winner: MacBook Air (for superior display quality)
Performance
The MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, a custom-designed processor that delivers impressive performance. It handles everyday tasks with ease and can even handle light video editing and gaming. The Vivobook S15 is equipped with a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, which is also capable of handling most tasks. However, the M1 chip offers better performance per watt, resulting in improved battery life and overall efficiency.
Winner: MacBook Air (for superior performance and efficiency)
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for ultra-portable laptops. The MacBook Air boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours on a single charge. The Vivobook S15 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 15 hours. In real-world usage, both devices can power through a full day of work or study without needing to be plugged in.
Winner: MacBook Air (for slightly longer battery life)
Features
The MacBook Air comes with a limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Vivobook S15 offers a more comprehensive set of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, one HDMI port, and a microSD card slot. It also features a fingerprint scanner for added security.
Winner: Vivobook S15 (for more comprehensive port selection)
Operating System
The MacBook Air runs on macOS, Apple’s proprietary operating system. macOS is known for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration with Apple devices, and robust security features. The Vivobook S15 runs on Windows 10, which offers a wide range of software compatibility and customization options.
Winner: Personal preference (macOS for ease of use, Windows for flexibility)
Value
The MacBook Air starts at $999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The Vivobook S15 starts at $799 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Both devices offer excellent value for their respective price ranges.
Winner: Vivobook S15 (for better value on a budget)
The Final Verdict
The choice between the Apple MacBook Air and the ASUS Vivobook S15 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize premium design, portability, superior display quality, and performance, the MacBook Air is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a larger display, a wider port selection, and a versatile operating system, the ASUS Vivobook S15 is an excellent choice.
Top Questions Asked
Which laptop has a better keyboard?
The MacBook Air has a more comfortable and responsive keyboard with backlit keys.
Which laptop has better speakers?
The Vivobook S15 has a louder and more immersive sound system.
Which laptop is more durable?
The MacBook Air has a more durable aluminum chassis, while the Vivobook S15 has a plastic chassis that may be more prone to scratches and dents.
Which laptop is better for gaming?
The MacBook Air is not suitable for gaming, while the Vivobook S15 can handle some light gaming with its integrated graphics card.
Which laptop is better for video editing?
The MacBook Air‘s M1 chip provides better performance for video editing than the Vivobook S15’s Intel Core i5 processor.