Apple MacBook Air vs ASUS VivoBook S15: Battle of the Budget Laptops
What To Know
- Deciding between the Apple MacBook Air and ASUS Vivobook S15 can be a daunting task, as both laptops offer exceptional features and capabilities.
- Windows 10 offers a familiar user interface, a vast selection of software, and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.
- The Vivobook S15 provides a more comprehensive range of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot.
Deciding between the Apple MacBook Air and ASUS Vivobook S15 can be a daunting task, as both laptops offer exceptional features and capabilities. This comprehensive guide will delve into a detailed comparison of these two ultraportable powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air’s signature unibody design exudes elegance and durability. Its sleek aluminum chassis is both lightweight and sturdy, making it a perfect companion for on-the-go professionals.
ASUS Vivobook S15: The Vivobook S15 boasts a stylish and compact design. Its thin and lightweight profile allows for easy portability, while its metal construction ensures durability and longevity.
Display
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air features a stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Its wide color gamut and True Tone technology deliver vibrant and accurate colors, providing an immersive visual experience.
ASUS Vivobook S15: The Vivobook S15 comes with a 15.6-inch NanoEdge display that offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Its slim bezels maximize screen real estate, giving you a more expansive viewing area.
Performance
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which offers impressive performance and efficiency. Its 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU provide seamless multitasking and smooth handling of demanding applications.
ASUS Vivobook S15: The Vivobook S15 features a choice of Intel Core i5 or i7 CPUs, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. Its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX350 graphics card provides additional graphics power for gaming and video editing.
Battery Life
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air’s exceptional battery life is one of its key strengths. It can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for extended periods of use away from power outlets.
ASUS Vivobook S15: The Vivobook S15 offers a decent battery life of up to 8 hours, which is sufficient for most everyday tasks. However, it falls short of the MacBook Air’s impressive endurance.
Operating System
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air runs on macOS, Apple’s proprietary operating system. macOS is known for its user-friendliness, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and a wide range of software options.
ASUS Vivobook S15: The Vivobook S15 comes pre-installed with Windows 10. Windows 10 offers a familiar user interface, a vast selection of software, and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.
Connectivity
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air offers a limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Its lack of USB-A ports may require additional adapters for connecting older devices.
ASUS Vivobook S15: The Vivobook S15 provides a more comprehensive range of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot. Its wider connectivity options offer greater flexibility and compatibility.
Price
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air starts at $999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Higher configurations with more storage and RAM come at a premium price.
ASUS Vivobook S15: The Vivobook S15 is priced more affordably, starting at $699 for the model with an Intel Core i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM. It offers a range of configurations with varying storage and RAM options, providing more budget-friendly choices.
Verdict
Both the Apple MacBook Air and ASUS Vivobook S15 are excellent ultraportable laptops with distinct strengths and weaknesses.
Choose the MacBook Air if:
- You prioritize premium design, build quality, and a stunning display
- You value exceptional battery life and seamless macOS integration
- You are willing to pay a premium for a high-performance and reliable laptop
Choose the Vivobook S15 if:
- You prefer a larger display with a more expansive viewing area
- You need a laptop with dedicated graphics for gaming or video editing
- You are looking for a more affordable option with a wider range of ports
- You prefer the familiarity of Windows 10 and its vast software ecosystem
What You Need to Know
Q: Which laptop has a better keyboard?
A: Both laptops offer comfortable and responsive keyboards, but the MacBook Air‘s Magic Keyboard provides a slightly more refined typing experience with its scissor-switch mechanism.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on either laptop?
A: No, neither the MacBook Air nor the Vivobook S15 offers user-upgradeable storage. You must choose the desired storage capacity at the time of purchase.
Q: Which laptop is better for video conferencing?
A: Both laptops feature built-in webcams and microphones, but the MacBook Air‘s FaceTime HD camera and three-mic array provide superior video and audio quality for virtual meetings.
