Navigating the choice between a MacBook Pro M1 and an Asus ZenBook 14 OLED can be challenging, as both models, from a similar generation, offer compelling features for different users. Apple’s MacBook Pro M1, upon its release, quickly gained acclaim for its groundbreaking M1 chip, delivering impressive processing power and extended battery life.
Simultaneously, the Asus ZenBook 14 OLED emerged as a strong Windows alternative, prioritizing a lightweight design, a slightly larger display, and a more generous port selection for those needing versatility on the go.
This in-depth guide meticulously compares these two laptops—focusing on real-world performance, design nuances, battery endurance, connectivity options, storage flexibility, operating system differences, and value proposition—to help you determine which machine truly aligns with your specific needs and budget.
💡 Quick Reality Check: The “best” MacBook Pro depends entirely on whether you prioritize cutting-edge efficiency for everyday tasks or raw power for professional workloads. This guide reveals which model excels in each category.
Table of Contents
- Performance
- Design and Display
- Battery Life
- Ports and Connectivity
- Storage and Memory
- Operating System
- Price
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
Performance
The MacBook Pro M1 is equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU that delivers impressive performance. In Geekbench 5 tests, it scores approximately 1,705 in single-core and 7,414 in multi-core benchmarks, making it about 65% faster in multi-core performance than the Asus ZenBook 14’s Intel Core i7-1165G7, which scores 1,374 (single-core) and 4,487 (multi-core). This makes the MacBook Pro M1 ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, coding, and running multiple applications simultaneously.
For graphics, the Asus ZenBook 14 has an edge with its optional discrete Nvidia GeForce MX450 GPU with 2GB GDDR6, which is better suited for light gaming and graphic design compared to the MacBook Pro M1’s integrated 8-core GPU. However, the M1’s GPU is still capable for most creative tasks, offering smooth performance for photo editing and casual gaming.
Performance Comparison
| Laptop | CPU Model | Geekbench 5 Multi-Core | Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M1 | Apple M1 (8-core) | 7,414 | Integrated M1 iGPU (8-core) |
| Asus ZenBook 14 OLED | Intel Core i7-1165G7 | 4,487 | Nvidia GeForce MX450 (optional) |
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Design and Display
The Asus ZenBook 14 weighs 2.62 lbs, making it 16% lighter than the MacBook Pro M1’s 3.1 lbs, enhancing portability for users who travel frequently. It also features a 14-inch display, which is 5% larger than the MacBook Pro M1’s 13.3-inch screen, providing more screen real estate for multitasking and media consumption.
However, the MacBook Pro M1’s 13.3-inch Retina display offers superior quality with a 2560x1600 resolution, 500 nits brightness, and P3 wide color support, delivering vibrant and accurate colors. The Asus ZenBook 14’s 14-inch display has a 1920x1080 resolution, 72% NTSC gamut, and an optional touchscreen, but it lacks the sharpness and brightness of the MacBook’s Retina display.
Design and Display Comparison
| Laptop | Weight (lbs) | Display Size | Resolution | Brightness (nits) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M1 | 3.1 | 13.3 inches | 2560x1600 | 500 |
| Asus ZenBook 14 OLED | 2.62 | 14 inches | 1920x1080 | Not specified |
Battery Life
The MacBook Pro M1 excels in battery life, offering up to 20 hours of video playback or 17 hours of web browsing on its 58.2 Wh battery. The Asus ZenBook 14 OLED is equipped with a 63Wh battery.
While official figures can vary, user reviews and tests for this model typically indicate battery life in the range of 8 to 12 hours for mixed usage (like web browsing and office tasks), depending heavily on screen brightness and workload. This is a respectable duration for many users, though generally, the M1 MacBook Pro tends to offer longer unplugged performance.
Battery Life Comparison
| Laptop | Battery Capacity (Wh) | Video Playback (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M1 | 58.2 | Up to 20 |
| Asus ZenBook 14 OLED | 63 | ~8-12 (mixed use) |
Ports and Connectivity
The Asus ZenBook 14 offers a more comprehensive set of ports, including 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x MicroSD, and 1x audio jack, making it highly versatile for connecting peripherals without adapters. In contrast, the MacBook Pro M1 has only 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack, which may require dongles for additional connectivity, such as HDMI or SD card readers.
Ports Comparison
| Laptop | Ports Available |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M1 | 2x Thunderbolt 3, 1x headphone jack |
| Asus ZenBook 14 OLED | 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x MicroSD, 1x audio jack |
Storage and Memory
Both laptops support up to 16GB of RAM, but the MacBook Pro M1 has onboard memory that is configurable at purchase, while the Asus ZenBook 14 allows for upgrades after purchase. For storage, the MacBook Pro M1 offers onboard SSD options from 256GB to 2TB, which are not upgradable. The Asus ZenBook 14 features a removable M.2 SSD with options from 256GB to 1TB, providing flexibility for future upgrades.
Storage and Memory Comparison
| Laptop | RAM (max) | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M1 | 16GB | 256GB - 2TB SSD (onboard) |
| Asus ZenBook 14 OLED | 16GB | 256GB - 1TB SSD (removable) |
Operating System
The MacBook Pro M1 runs on macOS, which offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, making it ideal for users within the Apple ecosystem. The Asus ZenBook 14 runs on Windows 10 Home or Pro, providing broader software compatibility and customization options, which is advantageous for users who rely on Windows-specific applications.
Price
Pricing for the MacBook Pro M1, since its launch, typically started at $1,299 for new units with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, though renewed units can often be found for significantly less, sometimes as low as $500, making it a strong contender in terms of value over time. The Asus ZenBook 14 OLED, a model from the same period featuring the Intel Core i7-1165G7 (as referenced in the performance section), is now primarily found on the renewed or used market.
Prices for these refurbished Zenbook models vary based on condition, specifications, and seller, but they often represent a more budget-friendly entry point compared to the MacBook’s original pricing. Prospective buyers should check with retailers for current market availability and pricing for this specific Zenbook model.
Price Comparison (Typical Starting/Renewed)
| Laptop | Original Starting Price (USD) | Typical Renewed Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M1 | $1,299 | ~$500+ |
| Asus ZenBook 14 OLED | Varies (model dependent) | ~$400-$700+ (varies widely) |
Note: Renewed prices are highly variable based on condition, seller, and specific configuration.
Recommendations
- Choose the MacBook Pro M1 if your workflow demands top-tier processing performance for tasks like video editing or software development, exceptional battery life for long work sessions, and a high-quality display, all within the macOS ecosystem. It’s an excellent investment for professionals and creatives.
- Choose the Asus ZenBook 14 OLED if maximum portability for travel or commuting, a slightly larger screen for multitasking, and a versatile selection of ports are your main concerns. It’s a solid Windows-based choice for students and professionals who need connectivity and appreciate the potential for storage upgrades.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, both the MacBook Pro M1 and the Asus ZenBook 14 OLED, representing an earlier generation of capable machines, each excel in different areas. If your priority is raw processing power, exceptional battery longevity, and the seamless macOS ecosystem—particularly for creative tasks like video editing or software development—the MacBook Pro M1 is a formidable choice, especially when considering renewed options.
Conversely, if you’re seeking a lighter Windows laptop with a slightly larger screen, greater port flexibility for peripherals without dongles, and potentially a more accessible price point on the renewed market, the Asus ZenBook 14 OLED offers compelling advantages for travel and general productivity. Your ideal laptop hinges on a careful consideration of your daily workflow, essential software, operating system preference, and overall budget. Weigh these factors to select the device that will best empower your work and leisure.
Real users share how these laptops fit their workflows, from campus to corporate.
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