Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
Time to compare Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) with ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H). We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
Comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(2,424)Best Buy | ★4.6(15)Amazon |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14-core: 4P + 8E + 2LPE), up to 4.5 GHz, 18 MB Smart Cache |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated; 7 Xe-cores) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | Intel AI Boost (Up to 11 TOPS) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | Single-fan cooling system (optimized for quiet operation) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5X (Onboard; 7467 MHz) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | No (Soldered) |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (1x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 slot) |
Display Size | 13.6" | 14.0" |
Resolution | 2560 x 1664 (Native) | 2880 x 1800 (3K) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:10 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) | OLED (Touchscreen; Glossy; SGS Eye Care Display) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz |
Brightness | 500 nits | 400 nits (SDR); 600 nits (HDR Peak) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 100% DCI-P3 |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US Standard (QWERTY) |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes (White) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | IR Webcam (Windows Hello Face Authentication) |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FHD IR camera with privacy shutter |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 / Power Delivery / DisplayPort); 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | 1x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) | 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 4-cell Li-Ion (75 Wh) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 65 W USB-C Adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 1.28 kg (2.82 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | Aluminum (Ponder Blue) |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
✓ 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.
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H)
✓ Pros:
- • Stunning 120Hz OLED touchscreen with verified HDR brightness
- • Excellent battery life (75 Wh) for a 14-inch laptop
- • Premium all-metal build that is extremely lightweight (2.82 lbs)
- • Full Thunderbolt 4 support + USB-A and HDMI (rare in this thinness class)
✗ Cons:
- • Glossy screen handles reflections poorly in bright environments
- • RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded later
- • Fingerprint magnet chassis (Ponder Blue colorway)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
Overall, Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) delivers better satisfaction. ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) excels at: Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
Watch for: Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) excels at: Stunning 120Hz OLED touchscreen with verified HDR brightness, Excellent battery life (75 Wh) for a 14-inch laptop
Watch for: Glossy screen handles reflections poorly in bright environments
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
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 Zenbook 14 OLED Core Ultra 5 125H) is better if you prioritize stunning 120hz oled touchscreen with verified hdr brightness. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.