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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)

If you are torn between Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB), this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.

Ratings: 4.9★ vs 4.3★

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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

4.9
(2,424)Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Graphics:Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Passive (Fanless silent design)
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ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)
Processor:AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz)
Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
AI Engine:No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS)
Cooling:Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents
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Comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

4.9(2,424)Best Buy
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)

4.3(66)Amazon
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

Rating:4.9(2,424)Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Graphics:Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Passive (Fanless silent design)
RAM:8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
RAM Upgrade:No (Unified Memory architecture)
Storage:256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
Storage Upgrade:No (Soldered)
Display Size:13.6"
Resolution:2560 x 1664 (Native)
Aspect Ratio:16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch)
Screen Type:Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Brightness:500 nits
Color Gamut:Wide color (P3)
Keyboard Layout:US English (Magic Keyboard)
Keyboard Backlight:Yes (Ambient light sensor)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint reader)
Webcam:1080p FaceTime HD camera
USB Ports:2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort)
Video Ports:USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed)
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones)
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
Battery:52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer)
Charger:30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs)
Weight:1,240 g (2.7 lbs)
Build Material:100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure
Operating System:macOS (Sonoma or later)

✓ Pros:

  • Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
  • First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
  • Completely silent fanless operation
  • Exceptional build quality with a bright 500-nit P3 display
  • MagSafe 3 charging frees up both Thunderbolt ports for peripherals

✗ Cons:

  • Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
  • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
  • Zero user-upgradeability for RAM or storage
  • Thermal throttling can occur under sustained heavy workloads due to lack of fans

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)

Rating:4.3(66)Amazon
Processor:AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz)
Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
AI Engine:No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS)
Cooling:Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents
RAM:16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
RAM Upgrade:Yes (2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB)
Storage:1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Storage Upgrade:Yes (2x M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots)
Display Size:15.6"
Resolution:1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Aspect Ratio:16:9
Screen Type:IPS-level (Anti-glare)
Refresh Rate:144 Hz (G-SYNC supported)
Brightness:250 nits (Typical)
Color Gamut:100% sRGB
Keyboard Layout:US English (ANSI) with NumPad
Keyboard Backlight:Yes (1-zone RGB Mini-LED)
Biometrics:No (Not supported)
Webcam:720p HD camera
USB Ports:1x USB 4 Type-C (DisplayPort); 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort/PD/G-SYNC); 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
Video Ports:1x HDMI 2.1 FRL
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
Battery:90 Wh (4-cell Li-ion)
Charger:240 W AC adapter
Weight:2,200 g (4.85 lbs)
Build Material:Plastic chassis with Aluminum lid (Mecha Gray)
Operating System:Windows 11 Home

✓ Pros:

  • Large 90Wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop
  • GPU runs at full 140W TGP for maximum RTX 4050 performance
  • Comprehensive connectivity including USB 4 and HDMI 2.1
  • 100% sRGB color coverage (significant upgrade over older TUF 144Hz panels)
  • Military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H) with robust cooling

✗ Cons:

  • Screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making outdoor use difficult
  • Fans can become quite loud under turbo loads
  • No biometric security (fingerprint or face unlock)
  • 720p webcam is average quality

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

Based on ratings and feature balance, Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) has a slight edge for quality and performance. ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.

Who should buy each?

For performance and polish: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) (Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode))

For value or versatility: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) (Large 90Wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop, GPU runs at full 140W TGP for maximum RTX 4050 performance)

Conclusion

We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) excels if you value significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) is better if you prioritize large 90wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop. Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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