Windows laptops are finally good again!

Summary

After six years of using a MacBook Air, the reviewer explores whether newer Windows laptops can match the efficiency and performance of Apple’s M-series chips. Testing three premium laptops—one with an Intel Lunar Lake chip, one with an AMD chip, and one with a Snapdragon chip—reveals that each offers impressive battery life, quiet operation, and strong performance. While the Intel-powered Asus Zenbook S14 emerges as the top choice for its balance of power and efficiency, all three options challenge the MacBook Air’s dominance, offering compelling alternatives for users seeking high-end, thin-and-light laptops.

Takeaways

• 😀 After six years of using a MacBook Air, the reviewer tested three premium Windows laptops from Asus and Lenovo with Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm chips.
• 😀 The main focus of the review is comparing battery life, fan noise, performance, screen quality, and build quality across the laptops.
• 😀 All three laptops meet the reviewer's productivity needs, with slight trade-offs in battery life and performance under stress.
• 😀 The Intel-based Asus Zenbook S14 was the reviewer’s top choice due to its balance of performance, battery life, and efficiency.
• 😀 The Snapdragon-powered ThinkPad T14s and AMD-powered Asus Zenbook S16 also performed well but had some reliability issues with heat and fan noise in certain scenarios.
• 😀 Battery life ranged from 5 to 9 hours on the AMD model and 8 to 13 hours on the Intel and Snapdragon models, with efficiency varying based on screen power consumption.
• 😀 The reviewer appreciated the 120Hz OLED displays on the Asus laptops but noted that power-hungry screens could impact battery life, especially on the AMD model.
• 😀 The reviewer highlighted that all three laptops stay cool and quiet for productivity tasks, but gaming or heavy workloads triggered some fan noise and heat.
• 😀 Performance benchmarks revealed Intel’s slight edge in single-core performance, AMD’s strength in multi-core tasks, and Qualcomm lagging behind in GPU tasks.
• 😀 Despite minor differences in chip performance, all three laptops delivered smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks without significant slowdowns or stuttering.
• 😀 The review concluded that while Macs still offer slightly better efficiency overall, the competition from Windows laptops has significantly narrowed, allowing users to choose based on personal preference and trade-offs.

Q & A

What were the primary reasons the reviewer decided to test laptops from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm?

The reviewer wanted to test if there was an alternative to the MacBook Air, as they needed a new laptop with sufficient storage, long battery life, and minimal fan noise. They were also looking for a Windows-based laptop to better integrate with their Samsung phone and ecosystem, and because the MacBook Air's storage options were too limited and expensive.

How does the reviewer describe the performance of the laptops from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm in daily tasks?

The reviewer found that all three laptops performed excellently for their typical tasks, such as web browsing and productivity apps, without any noticeable stuttering or slowdowns. They noted that all machines could handle their day-to-day use effortlessly, both when plugged in and running on battery.

What key advantage does the Intel-based Zenbook S14 offer according to the reviewer?

The Intel-based Zenbook S14 is favored by the reviewer for its impressive battery life, which lasts around 8 to 13 hours under typical usage. The laptop also stands out for its efficiency, producing minimal heat and fan noise even during extended use.

What were the thermal performance differences between the three laptops?

The Intel and Snapdragon-based laptops were praised for staying cool and quiet during regular use, even under load. The AMD-powered Zenbook, while still good, triggered fan noise more easily during tasks like video calls or having many tabs open. Additionally, the AMD model tended to get warmer when charged with third-party or low-power chargers.

How did the different screen types affect the battery life of the laptops?

The review highlighted that the Intel and Snapdragon-based laptops, with their more power-efficient displays, offered better battery life (8-13 hours) compared to the AMD-based Zenbook, which only lasted 5-9 hours. The Zenbook's larger 16-inch display and higher resolution OLED screens were more power-hungry, impacting overall battery life.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the Snapdragon chip in terms of efficiency?

The reviewer believes the Snapdragon chip is very efficient, offering excellent battery life and minimal heat generation. They noted that the Snapdragon laptop could easily handle day-to-day productivity tasks without significant compromises in performance.

What was the reviewer's stance on the MacBook Air compared to the Windows laptops tested?

The reviewer acknowledges that the MacBook Air still has a slight edge in terms of single-core performance and efficiency, with its M-series chips being highly efficient and offering fanless operation. However, they feel that the gap has narrowed enough for them to prefer a Windows laptop for their specific needs, citing better storage options, ecosystem compatibility, and personal preference for Windows.

How does the reviewer feel about the build quality and design of the tested laptops?

The reviewer appreciates the build quality of both the ThinkPad and Asus Zenbook models, praising their durability and premium feel. However, they criticized the ThinkPad for its outdated 60Hz LCD screen and basic speakers. In contrast, they found the Asus Zenbook to have excellent displays and some of the best speakers in the industry.

What specific features of the Belroy backpack did the reviewer highlight?

The reviewer praised the Belroy Transit Backpack for its capacity to hold multiple devices, its water-resistant material, comfortable straps, and clever design features such as a quick-release clip and soft-lined pocket for glasses. They also appreciated its eco-friendly materials and durable build.

What conclusion does the reviewer draw after testing the laptops for a month?

After testing the laptops, the reviewer concludes that none of the three Windows laptops tested are categorically better than the MacBook Air. While the M-series MacBook Air remains a more efficient choice, the gap has diminished enough that they feel comfortable opting for a Windows laptop based on personal preferences, storage needs, and ecosystem compatibility.