Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 vs ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405, 2024)
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's M3 MacBook Air delivers exceptional efficiency and macOS integration at a competitive $1099 entry point, featuring a stunning 500-nit Liquid Retina display and impressive 18-hour battery life from its modest 52.6Wh battery. ASUS counters with the ZenBook 14 OLED, offering a larger 14-inch 120Hz OLED panel (600 nits, 2880x1800), superior multitasking with 16GB RAM versus 8GB, and double the storage (1TB vs 256GB) for just $200 more. Intel's Core Ultra 7 155H provides better raw performance for demanding applications, though the M3 excels at everyday tasks with superior thermal efficiency. Port versatility favors ASUS with HDMI and USB-A, while Apple maintains its MagSafe ecosystem advantage. For creative professionals or Windows users needing power and screen real estate, the ZenBook's OLED display and processor prowess justify the premium. MacBook Air wins on value and ecosystem cohesion for casual users prioritizing portability and battery efficiency.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 | ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.24 kg | 1.2 kg |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 304.1 x 215.0 x 11.3 mm | 312.4 x 220.1 x 14.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI | — | 1 |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| USB-C ports | — | 0 |
| SD card | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours wireless web | Up to 18 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 75 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 14 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LED | OLED, 16:10, touch optional |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2880 x 1800 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 600 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB unified | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Cores | 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU | 16 cores (6P+8E+2LPE) |
| Chipset | Apple M3 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M3
Pros
- Light and portable at 1.24 kg
- Excellent fanless M3 efficiency
- Bright 500-nit Liquid Retina display
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Supports two external displays with lid closed
Cons
- 8 GB base RAM increasingly limiting
- Only two Thunderbolt ports
- 256 GB SSD uses single NAND chip with slower speeds
- No high-refresh display
- Limited port selection
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405, 2024)
Pros
- Stunning 3K 120Hz OLED display
- Exceptionally lightweight at 1.2 kg
- Strong battery life for an OLED laptop
- Premium aluminum chassis with MIL-STD durability
- Fast Intel Core Ultra performance with NPU for AI
Cons
- RAM is soldered and not upgradeable
- Only one USB-A port
- No SD card reader
- Webcam quality is mediocre
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