ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Key specs: Display: 14" vs 13.6" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz. Key specs: Display: 14" vs 13.6" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) and Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) are high-end laptops competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | ASUS Zenbook | Apple MacBook |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6★ (16 reviews) | ✓4.8★ (1,823 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Stunning 120Hz OLED touchscreen with verified HDR brightness | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing |
| Main Drawback | Glossy screen handles reflections poorly in bright environments | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14-core: 4P + 8E + 2LPE), up to 4.5 GHz, 18 MB Smart Cache
Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated; 7 Xe-cores)
Intel AI Boost (Up to 11 TOPS)
Single-fan cooling system (optimized for quiet operation)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
| Criterion | ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16)Amazon | ★4.8(1,823)Amazon |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14-core: 4P + 8E + 2LPE), up to 4.5 GHz, 18 MB Smart Cache | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) |
Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated; 7 Xe-cores) | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) |
AI Engine | Intel AI Boost (Up to 11 TOPS) | 16-core Neural Engine |
Cooling | Single-fan cooling system (optimized for quiet operation) | Passive (Fanless silent design) |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X (Onboard; 7467 MHz) | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory |
RAM Upgrade | No (Soldered) | No (Unified Memory architecture) |
Storage | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD |
Storage Upgrade | Yes (1x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 slot) | No (Soldered) |
Display Size | 14.0" | 13.6" |
Resolution | 2880 x 1800 (3K) | 2560 x 1664 (Native) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) |
Screen Type | OLED (Touchscreen; Glossy; SGS Eye Care Display) | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
Brightness | 400 nits (SDR); 600 nits (HDR Peak) | 500 nits |
Color Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 | Wide color (P3) |
Keyboard Layout | US Standard (QWERTY) | US English (Magic Keyboard) |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (White) | Yes (Ambient light sensor) |
Biometrics | IR Webcam (Windows Hello Face Authentication) | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) |
Webcam | 1080p FHD IR camera with privacy shutter | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
USB Ports | 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 / Power Delivery / DisplayPort); 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) |
Video Ports | 1x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery | 4-cell Li-Ion (75 Wh) | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) |
Charger | 65 W USB-C Adapter | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) |
Weight | 1.28 kg (2.82 lbs) | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) |
Build Material | Aluminum (Ponder Blue) | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | macOS (Sonoma or later) |
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ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14-core: 4P + 8E + 2LPE), up to 4.5 GHz, 18 MB Smart Cache
Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated; 7 Xe-cores)
Intel AI Boost (Up to 11 TOPS)
Single-fan cooling system (optimized for quiet operation)
16 GB LPDDR5X (Onboard; 7467 MHz)
No (Soldered)
Pros
- Stunning 120Hz OLED touchscreen with verified HDR brightness
- Excellent battery life (75 Wh) for a 14-inch laptop
Cons
- Glossy screen handles reflections poorly in bright environments
- RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded later
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
No (Unified Memory architecture)
Pros
- Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
Cons
- Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
Which one is better?
Grab the MacBook Air if you need a silent, fanless design for light tasks - it's significantly lighter at 2.75 lb versus the Zenbook's 2.82 lb.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) if: you want a stunning 120Hz display for video editing, need longer battery life for travel, or require more RAM for multitasking.
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you prefer a lightweight laptop for everyday tasks, value a silent operation, or need a device that can support two external monitors in clamshell mode. (13.6" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,823 reviews vs 16
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Stunning 120Hz OLED Priority
Stunning 120Hz OLED touchscreen with verified HDR brightness
→ Choose ASUS Zenbook
Significantly faster M3 Priority
Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) leads with a 4.8★ rating versus 4.6★. That said, ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) or Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)?
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) is the better choice if you prioritize stunning 120hz oled touchscreen with verified hdr brightness. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) wins if you value significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) and Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)?
Key differences: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) offers stunning 120hz oled touchscreen with verified hdr brightness, while Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) stands out with significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Consider that ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) glossy screen handles reflections poorly in bright environments. Meanwhile, Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) base model starts with only 8gb ram and 256gb storage (slow ssd speeds on 256gb). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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