Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405, 2024)
The Verdict
Apple's M4 MacBook Air delivers exceptional portability at 2.7 lbs with macOS optimization, strong 18-hour battery life, and solid M4 performance ideal for everyday tasks. ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED counters with a stunning 120Hz OLED display (2880x1800, 600 nits) and more powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with 16 cores, plus double the storage at 1TB. Battery life matches at 18 hours despite the larger screen. Display quality decisively favors ASUS,OLED dramatically outperforms IPS for contrast and color accuracy. Processing power leans ASUS for demanding workloads, while macOS users appreciate ecosystem integration. Port selection differs notably: MacBook offers Thunderbolt density; ASUS includes legacy USB-A. For creative professionals, developers, or anyone prioritizing visual quality, ASUS provides superior specs at $200 more. MacBook Air remains unbeatable for those valuing minimalism, build quality, and ecosystem coherence. Choose ASUS for performance and display excellence; choose MacBook for refined simplicity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 if…
- →M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- →16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- →Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
Buy the ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405, 2024) if…
- →Stunning 3K 120Hz OLED display
- →Exceptionally lightweight at 1.2 kg
- →Strong battery life for an OLED laptop
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4
Pros
- M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- 16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
- 18-hour battery life rivals the 15-inch model
- Fanless, completely silent operation
Cons
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion or high-refresh option
- 256 GB base storage requires upgrading for most users
- Only two Thunderbolt ports limits connectivity
- 13.6-inch screen feels cramped for multitasking
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
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 1.2 kg |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 312.4 x 220.1 x 14.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 0 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 75 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 14 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | OLED, 16:10, touch optional |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2880 x 1800 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 600 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16 cores (6P+8E+2LPE) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all ASUS products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 or the ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405, 2024).