Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED vs. Apple MacBook Air M3: A Detailed Comparison

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10 Jul 2024

The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED and Apple MacBook Air M3 are both powerful laptops with impressive specifications. Here’s a comparison of their key specs and configurations:

Specs and Configurations

Dimensions: The Zenbook S 13 measures 11.66 inches x 8.52 inches x 0.43-0.46 inches, while the MacBook Air M3 is slightly larger at 11.97 inches x 8.46 inches x 0.44 inches.

Weight: The Zenbook S 13 weighs 2.2 pounds, lighter than the MacBook Air M3 which weighs 2.70 pounds.

Processor: The Zenbook S 13 features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor, while the MacBook Air M3 is powered by the Apple M3 chipset.

Graphics: The Zenbook S 13 comes with Intel Arc graphics, while the MacBook Air M3 offers both 8-core and 10-core GPU options.

RAM: The Zenbook S 13 offers 16GB and 32GB RAM options, while the MacBook Air M3 has 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB configurations.

Display: The Zenbook S 13 boasts a 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED display, while the MacBook Air M3 features a 13.6-inch IPS display.

Storage: The Zenbook S 13 comes with 512GB and 1TB storage options, while the MacBook Air M3 offers 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations.

Ports: The Zenbook S 13 includes 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-C 3.2 with Thunderbolt 4, 1 x HDMI 2.1, and 1 x 3.5mm audio jack. The MacBook Air M3 features 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack, and 1 x MagSafe 3 port.

Wireless: Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

Webcam: The Zenbook S 13 has a 1080p webcam with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello facial recognition, while the MacBook Air M3 features a 1080p webcam.

Operating System: The Zenbook S 13 runs on Windows 11, while the MacBook Air M3 operates on macOS Sonoma.

Battery: The Zenbook S 13 is equipped with a 63 watt-hour battery, while the MacBook Air M3 has a 52.6 watt-hour battery.

Price: The Zenbook S 13 starts at $1,200, while the MacBook Air M3 has a base price of $1,099.

Rating: The Zenbook S 13 has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, while the MacBook Air M3 is rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Design

Both the Zenbook S 13 OLED and MacBook Air M3 are sleek and stylish laptops with impressive design elements. The Zenbook S 13 is thinner and lighter than the MacBook Air M3, making it more portable. However, the MacBook Air M3 offers a more elegant appearance with its meticulous design and color options.

In terms of build quality, both laptops are well-built and robust. The Zenbook S 13 may have a slight edge in rigidity, while the MacBook Air M3 is crafted from a chunk of aluminum for durability.

When it comes to connectivity, the Zenbook S 13 offers more ports, while the MacBook Air M3 features the convenient MagSafe 3 power adapter. Both laptops have high-quality webcams and wireless connectivity.

Performance

The Zenbook S 13 OLED and MacBook Air M3 deliver impressive performance for productivity tasks. The MacBook Air M3 is faster and more efficient, making it a better choice for photo and video editing. Both laptops are not ideal for gaming.

When tested with benchmarks, the MacBook Air M3 outperforms the Zenbook S 13 OLED in various tasks.

Display and Audio

The Zenbook S 13 OLED shines with its brilliant OLED display, offering vibrant colors and sharp resolution. The MacBook Air M3 also has a good IPS display, but the Zenbook’s OLED panel stands out.

In terms of audio, the MacBook Air M3 features a superior four-speaker system compared to the Zenbook’s two-speaker setup.

Portability

Both laptops are highly portable, with the Zenbook S 13 OLED being lighter than the MacBook Air M3. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability without compromising on performance or features.

Update: 10 Jul 2024