Apple's MacBook is in serious competition with ZenBook 3. Asus' recently released laptop is reportedly lighter, thinner and faster than the MacBook. Not only that, it is made up of "aerospace-grade aluminum alloy," which is tougher than what's typically used in most laptops. Now, let's see which is better between Zenbook 3 and MacBook.
In terms of body size and weight, ZenBook 3 tops MacBook 2016. The former weighs in at a scant 2 pounds and measures at 11.9mm (0.46-inches) thick. By comparison, Apple's laptop weighs 2.03 pounds (0.92kg) and measures 13.2mm (0.52 inches) thick.
Asus also goes to extreme to slim down the ZenBook 3. The tech firm claims it installed the world's thinnest 3mm fan on the laptop. According to tech experts, the body size and thickness of ZenBook 3 is important to keep it portable and easy-to-use for on-the-go users.
Furthermore, the 12.5-inch screen of the ultra-slim laptop is protected with a big sheet of Gorilla Glass 4 and its body is made from high-quality aluminum alloy.
Inside, ZenBook 3 has a powerful internal hardware to can go up against MacBook. Engadget reports the laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD. Interestingly, tech enthusiasts amazed how Asus fitted in a powerful Core i7 chip in the slim laptop.
The laptop also uses Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port for shorter charging time. Asus claims users can have 60% battery in just 49 minutes of charging.
On the other hand, ZenBook 3 shares one of MacBook's weaknesses -- a very shallow keyboard that's not conducive for long-form typing. In addition, its keyboard has a plastic, clicky feel.
In a battery test conducted by CNET, ZenBook 3 scored very low. In the tech site's online streaming video battery drain test, the ZenBook 3 lasted for 6 hours and 45 minutes. With the same test, the 12-inch MacBook ran for 10 hours and 33 minutes.
As a conclusion, ZenBook 3 is great for laptop users who want to experience the extreme portability and functionality of Apple's 12-inch MacBook, but in a Windows 10 OS. The new Asus laptop is also good for web surfing, basic photo and video editing, HD video playback and general office tasks.
The price of ZenBook 3 starts at $999. Its top-spec model with Core i7 processor, 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM costs $1,999. For comparison, the 12-inch MacBook has $1,599 price tag.
With that being said, what are your thoughts about ZenBook 3 and MacBook? Let us know in the comments.
