Asus Zenbook S 14 vs. MacBook Air M3: impressively close

Asus Zenbook S 14 vs. MacBook Air M3: impressively close


Luke Larsen / DailyTech

Apple’s MacBook Air M3 is the latest addition to the company’s lineup of thin-and-light laptops powered by Apple Silicon. It has set a high standard for laptops, making it challenging for Windows machines to keep up. Now, Intel has introduced the Core Ultra Series 2 chipset, also known as Lunar Lake, to enhance efficiency. The Asus Zenbook S 14 is one of the first laptops to feature this new chipset. Can it compete with the MacBook Air M3?

Specs and Configurations


Asus Zenbook S 14 (UX5406SA) Apple MacBook Air M3

There are limited configurations of the Zenbook S 14 available at the moment. Our review unit is priced at $1,500 and includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chipset, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display.

Design

The M3 MacBook Air in front of a window.
Luke Larsen / DailyTech

Performance

The ports shown on the left side of the Asus Zenbook S 14.
Luke Larsen / DailyTech

Display

Baldur's Gate 3 being played on the M3 MacBook Air.
Luke Larsen / DailyTech

Portability

Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air placed on a desk with its lid closed.
Luke Larsen / DailyTech

Two very good laptops, but the MacBook Air wins a close one

These are both excellent laptops. The Zenbook S 14 showcases the capabilities of the Intel Lunar Lake chipset, offering impressive battery life and solid performance. It boasts a well-designed build with no major flaws. On the other hand, the MacBook Air stands out for its superior speed, battery life, keyboard, touchpad, and elegant design. While slightly pricier, it delivers on its value. For Windows enthusiasts, the Zenbook S 14 remains a top choice.

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