Apple’s design influence is significant, as the MacBook Air has become the benchmark that various PC laptop brands aspire to. While replicating its aesthetics and performance is a considerable challenge, ASUS appears to have surpassed expectations with the launch of its new Zenbook A14.
This latest model not only mirrors the MacBook Air’s design but also outperforms it in five distinct aspects—one of which is that it is lighter.
ASUS Zenbook A14
A quick glance at the device might leave you wondering if it’s a new MacBook Air. Its keyboard appears equally tidy, the trackpad is comparably spacious, and the overall design is just as sophisticated as the Apple model on which it draws inspiration.
However, despite the base model being priced at $900—less than the starting price of a 13-inch MacBook Air—ASUS has indeed managed to outmatch Apple’s specifications in five key areas.
Weight
The MacBook Air weighs 2.7 pounds, while the lightest variant of the Zenbook A14 tips the scales at just 2.2 pounds, with the heaviest version weighing 2.4 pounds.
Casing Material
This reduction in weight is partially achieved through a new material that ASUS claims is 30% lighter and three times stronger than traditional anodized aluminum. This innovative substance is named Ceraluminum, which is purported to merge the advantages of both ceramic and aluminum.
Ceraluminum undergoes strict laboratory testing to ensure it meets robust real-world conditions. For scratch resistance, the material is evaluated by placing the laptop, along with everyday items such as keys and coins, inside a rotating drum.
Shock resistance is assessed by dropping the laptop from a height of 50 cm, and durability is checked by rubbing the surface 18,000 times in the same area to confirm that the color remains intact. This rigorous testing guarantees that the Zenbook A14 stays scratch-resistant, shock-resistant, and retains its aesthetically pleasing look, providing users with a lightweight yet incredibly durable laptop.
Display
The A14 features an OLED display, whereas Apple employs an IPS LCD with miniLED backlighting in its devices.
Apple isn’t expected to adopt OLED technology until next year for the MacBook Pro, and the MacBook Air might have to wait until 2028 to see this upgrade.
Bezels
Related to the display, ASUS has seemingly succeeded in minimizing the bezels on the sides of the screen compared to its competitors.
Battery Life
While Apple claims up to 18 hours of video playback (the least demanding task), ASUS asserts that the Zenbook A14 can achieve “over 32 hours of continuous video playback on a single charge.”
But It Won’t Match MacBook Air Performance
However, one area where the Zenbook A14 falls short is performance. It offers a choice between Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processors, which don’t compete with the capabilities of the M2 or M3 chip found in the MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air is so powerful that opting for the more expensive MacBook Pro now requires a strong justification.
Nevertheless, for many MacBook Air owners who primarily use their devices for straightforward tasks like writing, emailing, and browsing, the Zenbook A14 will provide more than sufficient power.
The good news for Mac users is that this competition may compel Apple to enhance its offerings in the areas where the A14 excels.
Photo: ASUS
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