PCMag UK’s 2025 roundup of ultraportable laptops makes one thing plain: the class has matured from “light and cheap” into a broad ecosystem of purpose-built machines that trade ounces for meaningful features — from
on-device AI and OLED panels to repairable modular designs — and the choices now hinge on real-world trade-offs, not just brand names.
Background / Overview
The ultraportable category in 2025 spans several distinct buyer needs: travel-focused lightweights, long-life big-screen ultralights, AI-enabled thin-and-lights, and economical Chromebooks for cloud-first users. PCMag UK organized its picks around these use cases and highlighted winners such as the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch for mainstream buyers, the LG Gram 17 for travelers who want a large screen, the Framework Laptop for sustainability and upgradeability, and Apple’s M4-powered MacBook Air for best-in-class battery and efficiency.
Those recommendations reflect three broader market realities that matter to buyers today:
- NPUs and on-device AI are now practical features. Modern Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake / Core Ultra 200 series), AMD Ryzen AI 300 series, and Qualcomm Snapdragon X-series chips all integrate neural accelerators capable of local inference, which enables Copilot+, low-latency transcription, and other assistant features. Independent reporting confirms Microsoft’s Copilot+ designation maps to hardware capable of roughly 40 TOPS of AI throughput, a meaningful baseline for local AI tasks.
- Displays and battery life have improved in lockstep. OLED and high‑brightness IPS panels are widespread in premium ultraportables, while platform-level efficiency gains (and ARM/Snapdragon variants) have pushed some models into multi‑day battery territory in light workloads. Vendor claims still vary from lab results, so independent battery testing remains essential.
- SKU fragmentation is a persistent buyer trap. The same model family often hides different CPUs, NPUs, brightness levels, and storage options; checking the SKU string and independent reviews for the exact configuration is non-negotiable.
The headline picks — summary and verification
Below is a concise, verified snapshot of the most notable recommendations from the roundup, with cross-checked specifications and real-world caveats.
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch — PCMag UK’s best ultraportable for most people
PCMag UK names the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch its top pick for general buyers, citing a brilliant OLED screen, a modern CPU, and long battery life as the key strengths.
Verification and context:
- ASUS’s product pages list the UM3406 series with AMD Ryzen AI processors (options up to Ryzen AI 7 350 or Ryzen 7 8840HS depending on SKU), OLED 14.0-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) panels, 75Wh battery, and LPDDR5X memory options — matching PCMag UK’s description of a premium, efficient ultrabook.
- Independent reviews confirm the UM3406’s strong mixed‑use battery life and OLED color accuracy, while noting that exact NPU TOPS and battery runtime vary by configuration. Buyers should verify the exact SKU (UM3406KA vs UM3406HA) because NPU and GPU configurations differ between variants.
Practical note: the Zenbook’s combination of OLED contrast, AMD XDNA NPU options, and a 75Wh cell makes it a compelling mainstream choice — but double-check display brightness and NPU TOPS if Copilot+ features or outdoor visibility are priorities.
LG Gram 17 (2025) — lightweight large-screen ultraportable
PCMag UK elevates the LG Gram 17 (2025) as the best big‑screen ultraportable, praising a 17‑inch QHD+ panel, magnesium alloy construction, and exceptional battery life for its class.
Verification and context:
- Reviews and spec sheets show the 2025 Gram 17 typically ships with Intel Core Ultra-series silicon (Core Ultra 7 variants), a 17.0-inch 2560×1600 display, and a 77Wh battery, with a measured weight around 3.06–3.2 pounds depending on region and configuration — impressively light for a 17‑inch machine. Independent lab tests report real-world battery life in the mid‑teens of hours under mixed workloads.
Practical note: the Gram’s combination of large canvas and low mass is rare and valuable for travelers who need a desktop-grade display on the road. The trade-offs: chassis materials feel less premium than some all‑metal rivals, and sustained heavy loads will still expose thermal limitations due to the thin chassis.
Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition, 2025) — sustainability and repairability
PCMag UK highlights the Framework Laptop 13 as the go‑to option for sustainability-minded buyers and tinkerers, praising modularity and upgradeability.
Verification and context:
- Framework’s 2025 13‑inch model offers a modular mainboard approach, expansion cards, and new AMD Ryzen AI 300 (Strix Point) options for higher AI throughput. Coverage from The Verge and TechRadar confirms Framework’s move to AMD Ryzen AI options and improved cooling, plus a strong focus on long-term repairability.
Practical note: Framework’s upfront cost is higher, but total cost of ownership can favor the modular design for users who plan multiple upgrades or long service lifetimes. Battery life and fan noise are practical considerations to weigh against repairability.
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo A2VM — the light AI-first travel laptop
PCMag UK calls out MSI’s Prestige 13 AI+ line as a standout AI-friendly ultraportable with very long battery life, a high-quality OLED, and a 5‑megapixel IR webcam for conferencing.
Verification and context:
- Reviews and lab testing show the Prestige 13 often ships with Intel Core Ultra 7 258V lunar-lake silicon, a high-contrast 2880×1800 OLED, 75Wh battery, and a 5MP IR webcam. Independent battery tests (video playback / light-use conditions) report runtimes in the mid‑teens of hours with power‑saving modes enabled.
Practical note: the Prestige blends excellent display tech and conference hardware, making it one of the best travel-first AI PCs. Buyers who need sustained multi-core throughput for rendering should check thermal behavior under prolonged loads.
Apple MacBook Air (M4) — best-in-class battery and efficiency (macOS)
PCMag UK lists the M4 MacBook Air among the top ultraportables as Apple’s best balance of price, performance, and platform efficiency.
Verification and context:
- Apple’s official specs confirm up to 18 hours of video playback and up to 15 hours of wireless web for the M4 MacBook Air (battery figures depend on screen size and configuration), as well as unified memory starting at 16GB in standard configurations. Independent reviews show strong mixed‑use battery life and excellent per‑watt AI inferencing via Apple Intelligence.
Practical note: if you prioritize battery life, an optimized ecosystem, and fanless silent operation, the M4 Air remains a top contender — but macOS and Apple Silicon mean different software patterns and fixed RAM/storage at purchase.
Component-level guidance: how to choose within the category
Which processor should you get in an ultraportable?
Pick the CPU based on the dominant workload:
- Everyday productivity and best battery: Apple M4 (on macOS) or Intel Core Ultra U‑class (Lunar Lake 200U series) and low‑power Snapdragon X Elite on Windows/ARM offer long runtimes with smart NPUs for assistant tasks. Verify TOPS if Copilot+ features are important.
- Balanced power for creatives: Intel Core Ultra 7 / AMD Ryzen AI 300 series strike a balance between bursty performance and energy efficiency; the Ryzen AI 300 family also advertises higher NPU TOPS in some SKUs.
- When raw, sustained throughput matters: look for H/HX-class chips in larger chassis (not typical ultraportables), or accept thermal throttling in very thin designs.
Key verification steps:
- Confirm the CPU SKU and TDP (PL1/PL2 or equivalent).
- If you want Copilot+ features, verify NPU TOPS meet or exceed the 40‑TOPS baseline used by Microsoft’s Copilot+ program.
Which GPU should you get in an ultraportable?
Most ultraportables use integrated GPUs:
- Integrated Intel Arc or AMD Radeon: fine for productivity, light content creation, and casual gaming at low settings.
- Discrete mobile GPUs (Nvidia RTX series): rare in ultraportables due to thermal constraints; choose a thicker chassis if gaming or GPU‑accelerated editing is a priority.
Verification tip: independent GPU benchmarks matter here because vendors often advertise capability that thin chassis cannot sustain.
How much storage and memory?
- Practical baseline: 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD for a smooth modern ultraportable experience; 256GB might suffice for very light users but becomes constraining when local AI models or larger media libraries are used. PCMag UK and independent labs now treat 16GB as a practical minimum for general productivity.
- Upgradeability: if long-term value matters, prefer models with SO‑DIMM slots or modular frameworks (Framework, some ThinkPad lines) — otherwise assume RAM is soldered.
Display and form factors
- Best display kinds: OLED for high contrast and color, QHD/QHD+ for a sharper workspace, and high‑nit panels (600+ nits) for outdoor use. PCMag UK emphasizes OLED and squarer aspect ratios (16:10, 3:2) for better vertical space.
- 2‑in‑1s: provide tablet ergonomics and versatility; choose a convertible if you type frequently and want the occasional tablet mode, or a detachable if tablet-first workflows dominate.
Critical analysis: strengths, buyer traps, and risks
Strengths across the 2025 ultraportable crop
- Meaningful AI integration: NPUs and software support make features like noise suppression, real‑time transcription, and local assistant tasks practical. This is not just marketing — many Core Ultra, Ryzen AI, and Snapdragon X models deliver tangible benefits.
- Displays have improved substantially: OLEDs and high‑nit IPS panels make ultraportables viable for creators and media consumption.
- Battery and platform efficiency gains: ARM and newer x86 designs often beat previous generations in mixed‑use runtimes.
Buyer traps and risks
- SKU roulette: the same model name can contain wildly different internals — verify SKU strings and independent reviews for the exact configuration. PCMag UK repeatedly calls this out, and independent analysis concurs.
- ARM compatibility caveats: Snapdragon/ARM Windows devices deliver excellent battery life, but legacy x86 binaries or niche enterprise utilities can misbehave under emulation; test mission‑critical apps before committing.
- Thermals and sustained performance: thin chassis can throttle under long CPU/GPU loads. If you need sustained multi‑core throughput (long video encodes, batch renders), pick a larger chassis or H/HX-class product.
- Upgradability vs weight: ultraportable density often means soldered RAM and SSDs. The Framework and a few business models are exceptions; otherwise plan for what you buy to be what you keep.
Practical buying checklist (short and action-oriented)
- Confirm the exact SKU (CPU, NPU TOPS, display panel, RAM, SSD).
- Verify NPU TOPS if Copilot+/on‑device AI features matter (40 TOPS is the practical Copilot+ baseline).
- Prefer 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe as a safe baseline for longevity.
- Check independent battery tests for the exact SKU and brightness used in testing; vendor “up to” claims are often optimistic.
- Inspect repairability/upgradability if service life and reduced e‑waste are priorities — Framework and some ThinkPad models offer clear advantages.
- If you need Windows legacy app compatibility, lean x86 (Intel/AMD) unless you can validate app behavior on Windows‑on‑Arm.
Scenario-based short recommendations
- Frequent traveler who wants a large screen: LG Gram 17 — excellent display-to-weight ratio and long battery life for a 17‑inch notebook. Verify the exact weight and battery in the SKU you purchase.
- Buyer who wants long-term value and repairability: Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition) — modular design and Ryzen AI options make upgrades cheaper over time.
- AI-first ultraportable for on-device features: MSI Prestige 13 AI+ or machines with Core Ultra 200V / Ryzen AI 300 — they pair strong NPUs with lightweight chassis and good cameras. Confirm webcam quality (MSI’s 5MP IR solution is notable) and independent battery numbers.
- Mainstream buyers who want bang for buck: Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) — OLED display, modern AMD Ryzen AI processors, and a balanced price/performance envelope. Verify the UM3406 sub‑SKU for NPU and battery figures.
- Best battery + platform efficiency (macOS): Apple MacBook Air (M4) — excellent mixed‑use battery life and ecosystem benefits. Check Apple’s official battery figures against independent tests for your intended workload.
Final verdict — what the roundup gets right, and where to be cautious
PCMag UK’s roundup is a pragmatic, use‑case focused guide that maps specific models to real needs — from repairable, modular laptops to AI‑first ultraportables — and that’s the right approach for 2025’s diverse market. The piece correctly emphasizes display quality, battery life, repairability, and the rising importance of NPUs for on‑device AI.
Where readers should be cautious:
- Treat model names as families; always confirm the SKU.
- Don’t rely on vendor battery claims alone; consult independent lab tests for the exact configuration you plan to buy.
- If mission‑critical software compatibility is required, validate it on the platform you choose (particularly with Windows-on‑ARM machines).
Practical closing advice: prioritize the one thing that will dominate your daily use —
battery life, display fidelity, repairability, or app compatibility — then use the SKU checklist above to validate that the laptop you’re buying delivers that core attribute in independent testing. The 2025 ultraportable market rewards specificity: pick for the task you actually do, not the feature that sounds best in a spec sheet.
Conclusion
The ultraportable landscape in 2025 has moved past “one size fits all.” PCMag UK’s selections provide a useful map across form factors, budgets, and priorities, but modern buyers must do a bit more homework than they used to — check SKUs, independent battery and thermals tests, verify NPU TOPS for Copilot+ use cases, and decide how much value you place on modularity versus lowest-initial-cost. With those verifications in hand, shoppers can confidently pick an ultraportable that truly fits their workflow rather than a marketing promise.
Source: PCMag UK
The Best Ultraportable Laptops for 2025