The Asus Zenbook S 13: A Sleek, Powerful Contender to the MacBook Air Throne
📷 Image source: zdnet.com
The MacBook Air Has a New Rival
Asus's Zenbook S 13 is turning heads with its blend of power and portability
For years, Apple's MacBook Air has been the gold standard for ultraportable laptops—lightweight, reliable, and sleek. But Asus is shaking things up with the Zenbook S 13, a Windows machine that not only matches the Air’s elegance but surpasses it in key areas.
ZDNet’s hands-on review reveals a device that’s thinner (just 1 cm) and lighter (2.2 lbs) than the latest MacBook Air, yet packs a punch with an OLED display and a Ryzen 7 processor. It’s the kind of machine that makes you pause and ask: Is Apple’s grip on the ultraportable market slipping?
Where the Zenbook S 13 Outshines the MacBook Air
Performance, display, and ports—oh my
Let’s talk specs. The Zenbook S 13’s 2880x1800 OLED screen delivers richer blacks and more vibrant colors than the MacBook Air’s Liquid Retina display. For creatives and media junkies, that’s a game-changer.
Then there’s the AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, which chews through tasks while sipping power. In real-world use, it handles multitasking and light gaming better than the Air’s M2 chip, especially if you’re stuck in Windows-only workflows.
And here’s the kicker: Asus includes actual ports. Two USB-C, a full HDMI, and even a headphone jack—something Apple famously axed. No dongle life required.
The Trade-Offs
Battery life and ecosystem quirks
It’s not all sunshine. The Zenbook S 13’s battery lasts about 10 hours in mixed use—respectable, but short of the MacBook Air’s 15+ hour marathon. If you’re constantly off-grid, that’s a real consideration.
Then there’s macOS vs. Windows. Apple’s tight integration with iPhones and iPads is a selling point for many. Asus can’t compete there, though Windows 11’s Android app support helps bridge the gap.
And let’s be honest: The MacBook Air still wins on trackpad feel and keyboard quietness. Asus is close, but not quite there.
Who Should Buy This?
A laptop for the Windows faithful—and curious Mac users
If you’re deep in the Windows ecosystem or just crave more flexibility (hello, ports and OLED), the Zenbook S 13 is a no-brainer. At $1,299, it undercuts the similarly specced MacBook Air by $100, making it a compelling alternative.
Even Mac loyalists should take notice. This isn’t just another 'MacBook killer' hype machine—it’s a legitimately great laptop that proves competition breeds better products. And that’s something we can all celebrate.
#AsusZenbook #MacBookAir #Ultraportable #OLED #Ryzen7 #WindowsLaptop
