Introduced by Apple with its MacBook Air, the ultra-portable format has since been popularized and, above all, democratized. You can find them today at all prices, with entry-level models starting at 500-600 euros. This format gives the machine lightness, compactness and practicality, both from the point of view of mobility and use. More and more models are available and it is difficult to navigate. This is why we have concocted for you the comparison of the best ultrabooks of the moment. In the second part, the buying guide gives you advice to make the best choice.
For those who do not have an adequate budget, you can always turn to our page to choose the best cheap laptop.
Comparative table of ultraportables
Our selection of the best ultrabooks and ultraportables
Our selection aims to find the best value for money, but we explore the different ranges in order to suit everyone’s budget. In addition to technical information, we also look at additional customer reviews and reviews. If your budget does not allow you to acquire one of these models, you can then turn to our comparison of laptops bd at the best value for money.
1.Macbook Pro M1
With the understated Apple design that inspires confidence, the Macbook Pro M1 is a very compact and ultra-powerful laptop. The 13-inch screen, a 2,560 x 1,600 pixel Retina, coupled with 8 GPU cores allows you to play some video games unlike previous models in this price range.
Then, the 8 GB ram duo with the 512 GB SSD storage is a conventional tandem found on all good machines. No specification is at a discount, transfer rate measurements and benchmarks are eloquent: no competitor exceeds the power of the apple, unless you put double the price on it.
Its ARM architecture means that even a model with 8 GB of ram can be as competitive on heavy tasks (4k editing) as a laptop with 16 GB. In addition, time has passed since the release of the M1 chip, we finally suffered the plaster: the number of native or supported software and applications has nothing to envy to Intel models or PCs.
Emulation on Rosetta 2 often offers higher performance than programs executed directly. This gives an idea of the sensational power of this new architecture. The M1 chip heats up little and consumes little: in terms of autonomy, the 13-inch Macbook Pro M1 reaches the top of the table and exceeds 20 hours!
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Price
M1 phenomenal power
The Retina screen
Consumption
AutonomyThe lessers
Webcam still in 720p…2. Macbook Air M1
“One ultraportable to rule them all”, this Macbook Air M1 from Apple could easily display this kind of slogan. While we could long boast the mark of the little evolution offered, this Macbook surprises its world, first with a rather exceptional power compared to the format, thanks to the famous M1 chip now based on an ARM architecture. Despite the power, the autonomy follows more than well, with an announced of up to 18 hours (in video playback).
Another big change, as surprising as it may seem, is that this Macbook has no air vents or fans! However, the temperature of the machine is doing very well, while having the luxury of absolute silence, thanks to a technique of heat dissipation towards the hull, and the latter is not hot either. Finally, the 13.3-inch screen is simply sensational. With a definition of 2560 by 1600 pixels, it displays excellent brightness and colorimetry, to rival the competition.
The only flaws that we could find are a lack of the number of Thunderbolt ports, as well as an integrated webcam limited to 720p. There is also still the Pro version, which has greater autonomy, especially in intensive use, all thanks to the ventilation which is retained here.
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Major power
Great autonomy
Remarkable silence
Excellent screenThe lessers
Not enough connectivity
720p webcam not the best3. Asus ZenBook UX393EA
Features & Reviews
Asus knows how to defend itself in the ultrabook market, with its latest ZenBook range in particular. Its reference UX393EA gives us a power that we can salute given its format, since thanks to its i7-1165G7 processor with the integrated IrisXe graphics chip, the machine presents us with a very good set capable of running some 3D games.
Its configuration with 16 GB of ram and its i7 ensures you a machine for productivity both in video and for photo processing. One of its other strong points is its overall look, which is meant to be very premium, thanks to its design and its weight of just over a kilo. We can also add practicality to its overall appearance, thanks to its ScreenPad, which is as precise as it is useful.
Where it fails, however, is with its 13.3-inch IPS touchscreen, which despite its good work, does not offer the best display fidelity. Finally, this ZenBook is a pleasure with all the connectivity it has on board, as well as all the technology such as WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5 or even Thunderbolt 4.
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Power more than correct
Premium appearance, compact and lightweight
Technologically well supplied (WiFi 6, Thunderbolt 4, etc.)
The practicality of the ScreenPadThe lessers
Screen a little behind4. Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
If you say quickly that you bought the latest “Matebook Pro”, it will sound like you have chosen the Apple brand. Rightly, Huawei is renewing its efforts and with the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021, the brand is directly competing with macbooks via name and design (marketing strategy surely).
The design and finishes are very neat, the specifications are at the top and the screen: a brighter than average panel which boasts a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels. This high-quality screen with its ultra-thin edges offers a real alternative to Apple machines. Combined with 16 GB of RAM, the Intel i5-1135G7 CPU offers the possibility of playing some games, even recent ones.
This Huawei laptop is therefore really versatile and well thought out, as is its dual microphone system to pick up your voice effectively up to more than 5 meters away. Resolutely geared towards productivity, this model is practical for more comfortable teleworking meetings.
The fact of placing yourself a little far for remote meetings is still necessary given the position of the webcam. This one is arranged such that the lens is in low angle, which can magnify the features a little.
Seeing its price and its potential, we think twice before going to Apple. The only drawbacks in this fierce struggle, autonomy, although comfortable at first, it will tend to lose efficiency quickly. User feedback indicates a fragility at the hinge. These points are negligible if you take care of your laptop and if you are not a fan of daily nomadism. Otherwise, a macbook will definitely be the best choice.
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Superb design and design
Native resolution of 3000×2000
Good setupThe lessers
flimsy hinge
Web cam position
the battery eventually which will lose efficiency