Image Credit: Kerry Wan/ZDNET
As someone who lives in the Apple ecosystem—owning a MacBook Pro 2021, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, an iPad 10th generation, and an Apple Watch SE—I initially couldn’t possibly see myself embracing any device that wasn’t part of the ecosystem. However, I may have been convinced to get this product…
My Top Priorities for Portable Tech
Sleekness: A device’s design should be modern and stylish.
Size: I prefer small-screen laptops since I don’t enjoy watching movies or playing games on them.
Portability: In 2025, I can’t deal with heavy devices.
Thinness: Slim designs are non-negotiable.
Naturally, I decided to look into the proceedings of CES 2025 after seeing tech creators rave about it. For those unfamiliar, CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the premier event for showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovations from global brands. Held annually in Las Vegas, CES is where the future of consumer tech is unveiled, including groundbreaking gadgets, smart devices, and more. This year, I came across the Asus Zenbook A14. It has genuinely caught my attention.
Image Credit: Official Asus Website
A Closer Look at the Asus Zenbook A14
The Asus Zenbook A14 stands out for its long-lasting battery and innovative features, all packaged in a portable design. Its Ceraluminum chassis, which combines aluminum's durability with ceramic’s scratch resistance, is also 100% recyclable.
Image Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Key Highlights
Processor and AI Integration: The Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor delivers Copilot Plus PC features, including AI tools like summarization, text generation, and photo editing.
Connectivity: A versatile array of ports (USB-C, HDMI 2.1) ensures compatibility and the touchpad offers intuitive controls for volume, brightness, and track selection.
Display and Battery: The OLED screen is vibrant, and the 30+ hours of runtime is a dream for productivity.
Weight and Dimensions: At less than 2.2 pounds, it’s among the most portable laptops available.
The Zenbook A14 X Elite model is priced at $1,099, with a Snapdragon X Plus variant at $899 launching in March.
Comparison Table: Asus Zenbook A14 vs. Latest MacBook Models
| Feature | Asus Zenbook A14 | MacBook Pro 14” (2024) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon X | Apple M4 |
| Battery Life | Over 30 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Weight | Less than 2.2 pounds | 3.4 pounds |
| Display | OLED | 14.2” Liquid Retina XDR |
| AI Features | Copilot Plus with AI summarization, text generation | Apple Intelligence |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5X | 16GB to 128GB unified memory |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD | 512GB to 8TB |
| Ports | USB-C, HDMI 2.1, others | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI |
| Price | Starting at $899 | Starting at $1,599 |
| Sustainability | 100% recyclable Ceraluminum chassis | Standard aluminum chassis |
Apple’s Strengths and How the Zenbook A14 Accommodates Them
Apple products are known for their seamless integration, premium design, and excellent performance. The MacBook Pro, for example, offers powerful processors, vibrant displays, and an ecosystem that allows effortless syncing with other Apple devices. Features like ProMotion technology and Apple’s unified memory architecture set a high standard for user experience.
One standout strength of Apple laptops is their storage options, reaching up to 8TB, which provides vast room for files, media, and backups. In comparison, the Zenbook A14 currently offers 1TB of storage, which is sufficient for most users but doesn’t yet match Apple’s expansive capacity. It remains to be seen if Asus will release higher storage variants in the future.
However, the Zenbook A14 addresses many of these strengths in its unique way:
💼Design and Portability: Just like Apple’s sleek and lightweight designs, the Zenbook A14 is incredibly thin and weighs less than 2.2 pounds, making it ideal for on-the-go professionals.
⚡Battery Life: The MacBook’s battery life is impressive, but the Zenbook A14 takes it a step further with over 30 hours of runtime, making it a productivity powerhouse.
📺Display Quality: Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR displays are top-notch, but the Zenbook A14’s OLED screen delivers equally stunning visuals with vibrant colors and crisp details.
Performance and AI: While Apple’s M-series chips boast incredible performance, the Zenbook A14’s Snapdragon X processor shines with Copilot Plus PC features, offering advanced AI capabilities like summarization and natural language media searches.
🔌Connectivity: Apple’s Thunderbolt ports are versatile, but the Zenbook A14’s inclusion of USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and other ports provides even broader compatibility.
💰Affordability: At $899, the Zenbook A14 offers premium features at a significantly lower price point compared to Apple’s offerings.
Why I’m Considering the Zenbook A14
The Zenbook A14 has redefined what I thought I wanted in a laptop. It’s lightweight, portable, and packed with innovative features. While I’m still rooted in the Apple ecosystem, the Zenbook A14’s combination of affordability, efficiency, and sustainability makes it hard to ignore. I’m genuinely considering dropping my MacBook for it.
What do you think? Would you consider switching to the Asus Zenbook A14? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!