Three months ago, I embarked on what I thought would be a simple laptop comparison.
Instead, I discovered a fascinating battle between two completely different philosophies of ultraportable computing.
In my experience testing both the ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM and MacBook Air 13 M4 side by side, I’ve learned that choosing between these devices isn’t just about specs—it’s about understanding what matters most in your daily workflow.
You’ll find that both laptops represent the cutting edge of ARM processor laptops 2025, yet they approach this future from remarkably different angles.
Overview and Specifications: Two ARM Powerhouses Compared
What struck me immediately was how both laptops represent the future of ARM computing, yet approach it from completely different angles.
The ASUS Zenbook A14 showcases Windows on ARM laptops at their most ambitious, while the MacBook Air 13 M4 demonstrates Apple’s continued refinement of their silicon ecosystem.
If you’re considering either device, you should understand that these aren’t just laptops—they’re statements about where mobile computing is heading.
Complete Specifications Breakdown
What immediately caught my attention was the weight difference—at 0.98 kg (2.16 lbs), the Zenbook A14 is genuinely shocking to hold.
I found myself unconsciously reaching for the Zenbook when heading out for the day, simply because carrying it felt effortless.
You’ll notice this isn’t just marketing hyperbole—the difference is so pronounced that it almost feels unnatural, like something’s missing from the laptop.
Performance Benchmarks: Where the M4 Chip Shows Its Strength
After running extensive benchmarks on both laptops, the numbers tell a clear story about ARM processor laptops 2025 performance.
If you’re expecting benchmark parity between these devices, you’ll be disappointed—the performance gap is real and measurable.
Geekbench 6 Results
The Apple M4 chip consistently outperformed the Snapdragon X Plus in my testing.
In Geekbench 6, the MacBook Air M4 achieved around 3,680-3,818 in single-core and 14,694-15,049 in multi-core tests.
The Zenbook A14 ARM with Snapdragon X Plus scored approximately 2,134-2,436 single-core and 10,544-11,242 multi-core.
These results show the M4 delivering roughly 64% better single-core performance and 36% superior multi-core capabilities.
What surprised me most was how snappy the Zenbook A14 ARM felt despite lower benchmark scores.
For typical productivity work—writing, browsing, video calls—I honestly couldn’t tell which laptop was “faster” in daily use.
You’ll find that benchmark numbers only tell part of the story when it comes to real-world responsiveness.
Application Performance: The Windows on ARM Reality Check
Here’s where things got interesting, and where you’ll need to carefully consider your software requirements.
The MacBook Air M4 performance in creative applications like Photoshop and Lightroom was consistently excellent.
With the Zenbook A14, I encountered the reality of Windows on ARM compatibility that every potential buyer should understand.
Native ARM apps like Microsoft Office ran beautifully—snappy, responsive, and efficient.
However, older x86 applications sometimes felt sluggish under emulation, creating a frustrating inconsistency in performance.
If you’re planning to use this for your primary work machine, you should carefully audit your essential software for ARM compatibility first.
Display Battle: OLED Brilliance vs Liquid Retina Precision
This comparison became one of my favorite aspects of testing both devices, and it’s where you’ll see the most dramatic difference.
The ASUS Zenbook A14 OLED display is genuinely stunning—the kind of screen that makes you stop and appreciate how far laptop displays have come.
True blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors make everything pop in a way that’s impossible to capture in photos.
Watching movies or editing photos on this 14-inch OLED display felt like a premium experience every single time.
You’ll find yourself gravitating toward this laptop for any media consumption simply because the visual experience is so compelling.
However, the MacBook Air M4’s Liquid Retina display has its own strengths that become apparent during extended use.
The higher resolution (2560 x 1664 vs 1920 x 1200) means sharper text and more screen real estate for productivity work.
After three months, I realized my preference depended entirely on what I was doing at any given moment.
For media consumption and creative work, the Zenbook’s OLED was unbeatable.
For writing and data analysis, the MacBook‘s sharper resolution felt more comfortable during long sessions.
If you spend most of your time in productivity applications, you might actually prefer the MacBook’s display clarity over the Zenbook’s visual drama.
What I Love Most About Each Device
After three months of daily use, certain aspects of each laptop have become clear highlights that genuinely improve my computing experience.
ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM Highlights
The portability factor cannot be overstated—at under 1 kg (2.2 lbs), this laptop literally disappears in my bag.
I found myself taking it everywhere because it felt like carrying a tablet rather than a laptop.
You’ll appreciate how this changes your relationship with mobile computing when you’re not constantly aware of the weight in your bag.
The OLED screen quality made every task more enjoyable—even checking emails felt premium and visually engaging.
Battery life for video playback was extraordinary, regularly achieving 20+ hours watching Netflix, which made long flights effortless.
The port selection proved surprisingly useful in daily scenarios where you don’t want to carry dongles.
Having HDMI and USB-A built-in meant fewer dongles for presentations and peripherals—a practical advantage that saves time and frustration.
The Ceraluminum build feels genuinely unique, with a texture that’s neither cold metal nor cheap plastic—it’s somewhere in between and surprisingly pleasant to touch.
MacBook Air M4 Standout Features
The M4 chip delivered consistent, reliable performance across everything I threw at it, from simple tasks to demanding workloads.
Whether editing 4K video clips or running multiple virtual machines, the MacBook Air M4 for professionals proved its worth time and again.
You’ll find the performance consistency reassuring—it handles whatever you need without the uncertainty that sometimes comes with ARM Windows devices.
The Magic Keyboard and Force Touch trackpad remain the gold standard for laptop input devices.
After long writing sessions, my hands never felt fatigued, and the trackpad gestures became second nature in ways that enhanced productivity.
macOS integration with my iPhone and iPad created seamless workflows that the Windows ecosystem couldn’t match.
The build quality felt rock-solid throughout my testing period, maintaining its premium feel and appearance despite heavy daily use.
If you value predictable, polished experiences over cutting-edge features, you’ll appreciate how the MacBook Air just works without surprises.
App Performance Across Different Scenarios
Throughout my testing, I discovered significant differences in how each laptop handles various applications that many users depend on daily.
Microsoft Office applications ran beautifully on the Zenbook A14, feeling snappy and responsive with native ARM optimization.
Adobe Photoshop performed adequately on the Zenbook for light editing work, though complex operations showed the performance gap compared to the M4.
You’ll find DaVinci Resolve usable on the Zenbook for basic video editing, but anything beyond simple cuts and color correction becomes frustrating.
The MacBook Air M4 handled professional creative applications with ease, making it the clear choice for serious content creation work.
Web browsing felt equally snappy on both devices, with the Zenbook’s OLED making visual content more engaging.
If your work involves switching between many different applications throughout the day, you should test compatibility on the Zenbook before committing to it as your primary machine.
Real-World Battery Performance
Both devices excel in battery efficiency, but in different scenarios that will matter depending on your usage patterns.
The Zenbook A14 battery life dominated in media consumption scenarios, leveraging both its 70 WHr battery and OLED efficiency during dark content.
I consistently achieved 15-18 hours of mixed use, with video playback pushing well beyond 20 hours under ideal conditions.
For video playback specifically, the claimed 32 hours seemed achievable when I tested it under controlled conditions with optimized settings.
You’ll find the Zenbook’s battery performance particularly impressive if your work involves extended periods of media consumption or presentation delivery.
The MacBook Air M4 battery life was more consistent across different workloads, which proves valuable for unpredictable work patterns.
Its 53.8 WHr battery delivered reliable 12-15 hours regardless of what I was doing—writing, coding, video calls, or light creative work.
Charging speeds favored the Zenbook with its 65W adapter, while the MacBook’s 30W adapter was noticeably slower for top-ups.
If you’re frequently working in locations without reliable power access, you should consider the Zenbook’s superior charging speed and larger battery capacity.
Flying with These Laptops: Travel Companion Analysis
Having traveled extensively with both devices, the experience differed significantly in ways that frequent travelers will immediately appreciate.
The Zenbook A14’s featherweight design made airport security and overhead bin storage effortless.
On cramped economy seats, I could comfortably use it one-handed if needed—something impossible with heavier laptops.
You’ll find the weight difference becomes most apparent during long travel days when every ounce matters for comfort.
The exceptional battery life meant I never worried about finding airport charging stations or fighting for power outlets during layovers.
The MacBook Air M4, while heavier, offered more reliable performance for work during flights.
If you need to edit presentations or handle complex spreadsheets mid-flight, the M4’s consistent performance provides confidence that your work will be completed without hiccups.
Both devices handled airplane WiFi and video calls well, though the Zenbook’s longer battery life provided more flexibility for extended video conferences.
For digital nomads or frequent business travelers, you should consider whether extreme portability or performance reliability matters more for your specific travel work patterns.
Long-Term Pros and Cons After 3 Months
Living with these laptops for an extended period revealed both delightful surprises and persistent frustrations that only become apparent through daily use.
ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM: The Good and The Challenging
What I Loved After Extended Use:
- Unmatched portability that truly changes how you think about carrying a laptop
- OLED display quality that makes everything look premium and engaging
- Exceptional battery life, especially for media consumption and long work sessions
- Practical port selection that eliminates most dongle needs in daily scenarios
- Silent operation with no fan noise even under moderate load
- Premium Ceraluminum build that feels unique and surprisingly durable
Long-Term Frustrations That Emerged:
- Windows on ARM compatibility issues that created workflow interruptions with legacy software
- Snapdragon X Plus performance limitations became apparent during demanding multitasking
- 60Hz display felt dated compared to modern high-refresh devices I use daily
- Speaker quality proved mediocre for such a premium device, lacking bass and clarity
You’ll need to honestly assess your software requirements before committing to this device, as compatibility issues can become daily frustrations.
MacBook Air 13 M4: Refined Excellence with Minor Compromises
Consistent Strengths Throughout Testing:
- M4 chip performance that never disappoints, handling diverse workloads smoothly
- Industry-leading keyboard and trackpad comfort that enhances long work sessions
- Reliable all-day battery life across varied workloads and usage patterns
- Premium aluminum build quality and design that maintains its appeal over time
- Mature macOS ecosystem with excellent ARM optimization and software compatibility
- Sharp, bright display perfect for productivity work and extended reading
Notable Limitations That Persisted:
- LCD technology that can’t match OLED’s visual impact for media consumption
- Limited port selection requiring dongles for many common peripherals and presentations
- Expensive storage and RAM upgrades that significantly increase total cost
- Heavier weight compared to the featherweight Zenbook, noticeable during travel
If you prioritize consistent, predictable performance over cutting-edge features, you’ll find the MacBook Air’s approach more satisfying long-term.
Best Alternatives in the Ultraportable Category
During my testing period, I also evaluated several alternatives in similar price ranges to provide context for these recommendations.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Snapdragon review results showed strong performance but at a higher price point than the Zenbook A14.
You’ll find the Surface offers a more premium Windows experience but lacks the extreme portability advantage of the Zenbook.
Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon review feedback indicated good battery life but inconsistent performance compared to both laptops in my comparison.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Snapdragon review data suggested excellent build quality but lacked the unique advantages of either device I tested extensively.
For the best laptops under $1000 ultraportable category, both devices in my comparison offer compelling value propositions, though they target different user priorities.
Traditional Intel and AMD ultraportables still excel in software compatibility but generally can’t match the battery efficiency of ARM processors.
If you’re considering alternatives, you should weigh whether maximum compatibility (Intel/AMD) or maximum efficiency (ARM) better suits your workflow requirements.
Who Should Buy Which Device?
After three months of testing, clear user profiles have emerged for each device based on real-world usage patterns and workflow requirements.
ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM is Perfect For:
- Digital nomads who prioritize extreme portability above all other considerations
- Media enthusiasts who value OLED visual quality for entertainment and creative consumption
- Students needing all-day battery life without compromise for lectures and study sessions
- Users whose workflows center primarily on native ARM applications and web-based tools
- Anyone tired of carrying dongles for basic connectivity and presentation needs
- Travelers who frequently work on planes, trains, or other space-constrained environments
You’ll love this laptop if your computing needs align with its strengths and you can work around its compatibility limitations.
MacBook Air 13 M4 is Ideal For:
- Professionals requiring consistent, reliable performance across diverse applications
- Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem with iPhones, iPads, or other Mac devices
- Anyone prioritizing keyboard and trackpad quality for extensive typing and navigation
- Students and professionals needing versatile creative capabilities for coursework or projects
- Those who prefer proven software compatibility over cutting-edge hardware features
- Business users requiring dependable performance for client work and presentations
If you need a laptop that simply works without surprises or compatibility concerns, you’ll find the MacBook Air M4 delivers exactly that experience.
Who Should Avoid Each Device
You should skip the Zenbook A14 ARM if you rely heavily on legacy Windows software, need high-refresh displays for gaming or design work, or require maximum CPU performance for demanding tasks.
The MacBook Air M4 isn’t ideal if you need built-in diverse ports for presentations, prefer OLED displays for media work, or require Windows-specific software for your profession.
Consider your must-have features carefully—both laptops excel within their intended use cases but can frustrate users whose needs fall outside those parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM good for students?
Yes, the Zenbook A14 ARM excels for students thanks to its lightweight design, exceptional battery life, and affordable price with good base specifications.
However, students in technical fields might face software compatibility challenges with specialized applications that haven’t been optimized for Windows on ARM.
Is MacBook Air 13 M4 worth it over the Zenbook A14?
The MacBook Air M4 offers superior consistent performance, better software ecosystem maturity, and excellent build quality.
It’s worth the investment if you prioritize reliability and performance over extreme portability and OLED visuals.
Which is better ASUS Zenbook A14 or MacBook Air M4 for programming?
For programming, the MacBook Air M4 is generally better due to superior performance, mature development tools on macOS, and excellent ARM compatibility.
The Zenbook A14 ARM may face challenges with some development environments due to Windows on ARM limitations.
How fast is Snapdragon X Plus compared to Apple M4?
The Apple M4 chip significantly outperforms Snapdragon X Plus in benchmarks, with roughly 64% higher single-core and 36% higher multi-core performance based on Geekbench 6 results.
However, real-world differences are less dramatic for typical productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video calls.
How good is Apple M4 chip performance?
The Apple M4 chip delivers excellent performance for an ultraportable laptop, handling demanding tasks like 4K video editing, software development, and creative work with ease.
It consistently outperforms competing ARM processors while maintaining exceptional power efficiency and thermal management.
Can ASUS Zenbook A14 run Photoshop natively?
Yes, Adobe Photoshop has native ARM64 support on Windows, so it runs well on the Zenbook A14 ARM.
Performance is good for light to moderate editing, though the MacBook Air M4 handles more demanding projects with greater ease and speed.
Does MacBook Air M4 have OLED display?
No, the MacBook Air M4 uses a Liquid Retina LCD display.
While it’s bright and color-accurate with excellent sharpness, it lacks the true blacks and infinite contrast of the Zenbook A14’s OLED screen.
What are the best alternatives to MacBook Air M4?
Top alternatives include the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, Dell XPS 13 (Intel), Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, and the ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM.
Each offers different strengths in performance, design, or value proposition depending on your specific needs and budget requirements.
Is ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM good for gaming?
No, the Zenbook A14 ARM is not suitable for serious gaming.
The Qualcomm Adreno GPU and Windows on ARM compatibility issues limit gaming performance significantly—it’s designed for productivity and media consumption.
ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM battery test results?
In my testing, the Zenbook A14 achieved 15-18 hours of mixed usage and over 20 hours of video playback.
The large 70 WHr battery combined with ARM efficiency delivers exceptional endurance, especially for media consumption and light productivity work.
MacBook Air M4 real-world battery performance?
The MacBook Air M4 consistently delivered 12-15 hours of mixed usage in my testing, with excellent consistency across different workloads.
While not matching the Zenbook’s peak video playback times, it offers more predictable battery life for varied professional tasks.
Which laptop is better for business professionals?
The MacBook Air M4 is generally better for business professionals due to consistent performance, mature software ecosystem, excellent video calling capabilities, and reliable compatibility with business applications.
The Zenbook A14 ARM works well for professionals whose work centers on web applications and Microsoft Office but may face compatibility challenges with specialized business software.
Are ARM processor laptops 2025 ready for mainstream use?
Yes, ARM laptops in 2025 are much more mainstream-ready than previous generations.
Apple’s M4 ecosystem is fully mature, while Windows on ARM has improved significantly with Snapdragon X series processors, though some compatibility challenges remain for specialized software.
What is the weight difference between these ultraportables?
The ASUS Zenbook A14 weighs 0.98 kg (2.16 lbs) compared to the MacBook Air M4’s 1.24 kg (2.7 lbs).
This 0.26 kg (0.54 lb) difference is immediately noticeable in daily carry and makes the Zenbook exceptionally portable for frequent travelers.
Can I upgrade storage on both laptops?
The ASUS Zenbook A14 offers user-replaceable SSD storage, allowing future upgrades with standard M.2 drives.
The MacBook Air M4 has soldered storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase, making initial configuration choice crucial for long-term usability.
My Final Verdict: Why I Chose the MacBook Air M4
After three months of intensive testing, I made a definitive choice: the MacBook Air M4 with 24GB RAM became my daily driver.
This decision wasn’t easy, and I want to emphasize that the ASUS Zenbook A14 ARM is an exceptional laptop that pushes boundaries in remarkable ways.
The Zenbook’s ultra-light design and stunning OLED display created moments of genuine delight every day I used it.
However, my workflow demanded the consistency and reliability that the MacBook Air M4 delivered without compromise.
You’ll find that choosing between these laptops ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize cutting-edge features or proven reliability.
The M4 chip’s performance advantage became apparent during video editing sessions and when running multiple virtual machines simultaneously.
More importantly, I never encountered software compatibility issues that interrupted my work or forced me to find workarounds.
The 24GB RAM configuration proved essential for my development work and content creation needs, handling memory-intensive tasks with ease.
While the Zenbook A14 ARM represents an exciting glimpse into the future of Windows on ARM laptops, the MacBook Air M4 provides the mature, dependable experience I need today.
If you’re considering either device, you should honestly evaluate whether your workflow can accommodate the Zenbook’s limitations or if you need the MacBook’s proven consistency.
The laptop landscape has never been more exciting, with ARM processors driving innovation across both Windows and macOS platforms.
Whether you choose the featherweight innovation of the Zenbook A14 ARM or the refined excellence of the MacBook Air M4, you’ll own one of 2025’s most capable ultraportable laptops.
The future of computing is ARM, and both devices prove that future is already here—just optimized for different user needs and preferences.
For my needs, the MacBook Air M4 with 24GB RAM provided the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and ecosystem integration that made it the clear winner in this three-month comparison.
