Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) vs ASUS Zenbook S 16
The MacBook Air 15-inch with M5 and ASUS Zenbook S 16 represent different philosophies in premium ultrabooks. The MacBook Air emphasizes battery life and ecosystem integration, while the Zenbook S 16 offers a larger OLED display and more ports for less money.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)
Apple's larger ultrabook featuring the M5 chip, designed for professionals who value battery life and seamless macOS integration. Known for premium aluminum design and exceptional thermal efficiency.
Display
15.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2880×1920, 60Hz
Processor
Apple M5 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
RAM/Storage
16GB–24GB / 256GB–2TB
Battery
~18–20 hours
Weight
1.51 kg (3.3 lbs)
Pros
- Industry-leading battery life (18–20 hours typical use)
- M5 chip excels at CPU tasks and professional workflows
- Lightweight and slim design with excellent build quality
Cons
- Limited port selection (3 USB-C, magnetic charging)
- No upgradeable RAM or storage after purchase
- Premium pricing with fewer customization options
ASUS Zenbook S 16
ASUS's premium ultrabook with a 16-inch OLED display and Intel Core Ultra processor. Built for creative professionals needing a larger screen and more connectivity in a thin form factor.
Display
16-inch OLED, 2880×1800, 120Hz
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 (12-core)
RAM/Storage
16GB–32GB / 512GB–1TB
Battery
~12–14 hours
Weight
1.55 kg (3.42 lbs)
Pros
- 16-inch 3K OLED display with superior color accuracy and contrast
- More ports (2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-C, microSD, audio jack)
- Generally lower price than equivalent MacBook configuration
Cons
- Battery life typically 12–14 hours, shorter than M5 MacBook
- Intel Core Ultra slightly less efficient than M5 in single-threaded tasks
- Larger size makes it less portable than 15-inch MacBook Air
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) wins
Superior battery life, better single-threaded performance, and stronger ecosystem integration justify the premium for users who value portability and professional software support.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)
Best for: Remote workers, professionals requiring all-day unplugged operation, and macOS-dependent workflows.
ASUS Zenbook S 16
Best for: Creative professionals needing a larger display, frequent docking scenarios, and cross-platform flexibility.
Performance & Efficiency Comparison
CPU Performance
M5 delivers faster single-threaded performance for professional software; Core Ultra 9 is competitive but generally trails in CPU-heavy tasks.
Battery Life
MacBook Air M5 achieves 18–20 hours; Zenbook S 16 typically lasts 12–14 hours due to larger display and less efficient Intel chip.
Display Quality
Zenbook's OLED panel offers superior color gamut, contrast, and 120Hz refresh; MacBook's Liquid Retina is excellent but LCD-based with 60Hz.
Portability
MacBook Air is 1.51 kg and thinner, easier for frequent travel; Zenbook S is only marginally heavier but larger footprint.
Connectivity
MacBook offers 3 USB-C ports; Zenbook includes more ports (Thunderbolt 4, microSD, audio jack) for better peripheral support.
Value for Money
Zenbook offers more features (OLED, ports) at a lower starting price; MacBook commands premium pricing but strong ecosystem lock-in.
Key Specifications & Features
| Aspect | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) | ASUS Zenbook S 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size & Tech | 15.3" Liquid Retina LCD, 2880×1920, 60Hz | 16" OLED, 2880×1800, 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple M5 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Intel Core Ultra 9 (12-core) |
| Memory & Storage | 16GB–24GB RAM / 256GB–2TB SSD | 16GB–32GB RAM / 512GB–1TB SSD |
| Battery Endurance | ~18–20 hours | ~12–14 hours |
| Ports | 3× USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), magnetic power | 2× Thunderbolt 4, 2× USB-C, microSD, 3.5mm audio |
| Starting Price | ~$1,299 USD | ~$999–$1,099 USD |
Which Laptop Suits Your Workflow?
Choose the MacBook Air M5 if you prioritize all-day battery life, work predominantly in macOS/iOS ecosystem, or rely heavily on professional apps like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro. The Zenbook S 16 is ideal for creatives (designers, video editors) who need a larger OLED canvas, more flexible connectivity, and don't want to pay a premium for Apple's brand—and can recharge during midday work sessions.
When to choose each
Choose Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) if…
Best for: Remote workers, professionals requiring all-day unplugged operation, and macOS-dependent workflows.
Choose ASUS Zenbook S 16 if…
Best for: Creative professionals needing a larger display, frequent docking scenarios, and cross-platform flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Zenbook S 16 edges ahead due to its larger 16-inch OLED display with superior color accuracy and 120Hz refresh, making it more comfortable for extended creative sessions. The M5 MacBook Air is still capable but the 15.3-inch screen feels cramped for detail work.
The MacBook Air M5 delivers 18–20 hours of typical use, while the Zenbook S 16 achieves 12–14 hours. In practice, the MacBook often lasts a full workday and evening without recharging, whereas the Zenbook may need a midday top-up during heavy use.
The Zenbook S 16 is the clear choice—it runs Windows natively with full hardware support and more ports for peripherals. The MacBook can only run macOS, though virtualization or Boot Camp alternatives exist but are not ideal for daily use.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- ReferenceM5 MacBook Air Review - The Laptop You Should Actually Buy
The base model M5 MacBook Air 15-inch <strong>delivers more CPU performance than a Ryzen 9 5950X desktop in complete sil
- Referencer/apple on Reddit: M5 MacBook Air 15-inch (2026) review: Still the best MacBook for almost everybody - ArsTechnica
For $100 more, you get a 1TB M5 MacBook Pro with a better display and an HDMI port… the 15” Air is a bad price ... For l
- ReferenceM5 MacBook Air: Too powerful for its own good (and my wallet) | Mashable
Take a look at how the M5 MacBook Air's Geekbench multi-core socre compares to other MacBook models. Credit: Timoth