ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED laptop review AI-powered multitasking and vivid touchscreen display

Description

Sleek and Sturdy Design that Fits Everywhere

The ASUS Zenbook 14 WUXGA Touch AI Ready OLED Business Laptop strikes a perfect balance between elegance and practicality. Its all-metal chassis immediately caught my attention—not just for its durability but also for the seamless finish along the edges, which feels luxurious to the touch. Weighing just 2.82 pounds and measuring 0.59 inches thin, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it a breeze to carry around. Whether on my desk or tucked into a backpack, it feels like the ideal companion for business meetings or casual settings. The US MIL-STD 810H durability certification adds peace of mind, ensuring it can withstand the occasional drop or bump without any significant damage.

The backlit keyboard is a thoughtful touch, especially for night owls like myself. Typing feels smooth, and the keys have this delightful “quiet press” that makes working in shared spaces a non-issue. And let’s not forget the precision touchpad, which doubles as a mousepad and offers a surprisingly responsive surface. If you’re all about sleek aesthetics paired with functionality, this laptop delivers in spades.

Positives

• Ultra-lightweight and thin design for maximum portability.
• Durable all-metal construction with military-grade certification.
• Quiet Keyboard technology for a distraction-free typing experience.
• Backlit keys and precision touchpad enhance usability.

Immersive Visuals with OLED Display

The 14-inch WUXGA Touchscreen OLED Display is undoubtedly a highlight of this laptop. With 500 nits of peak brightness and a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, the screen brings colors to life in an almost cinematic fashion. Watching videos or editing photos becomes an enjoyable experience, thanks to the deep blacks and exceptional contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. I even noticed that my eyes felt less strained after long hours of use, which I attribute to the SGS Eye Care Certification and 70% less harmful blue light emissions.

The 16:10 aspect ratio is perfect for productivity, offering additional screen real estate for multitasking. The Corning Gorilla Glass protection adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring the screen remains scratch-free even with regular use. While the glossy surface makes visuals pop, it does pick up fingerprints, which can occasionally be annoying.

Negatives

• Glossy display surface attracts fingerprints easily.
• No option for a matte screen, which some users might prefer.

Performance That Keeps Up

Performance-wise, this machine is powered by a 14-core Intel Core Ultra 5-125H processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and it doesn’t disappoint. I tested it with multiple tabs open, streaming videos, and editing documents simultaneously—it handled all of it smoothly. The AI-enhanced multitasking capabilities are no gimmick; launching AI-based apps felt faster, and tasks like photo editing saw noticeable boosts in speed.

The 512GB PCIe SSD deserves a special mention for its lightning-fast storage speeds. Booting up the laptop and accessing large files takes seconds, which is invaluable for someone like me who’s always on the move. However, the 8GB RAM might feel limiting for power users running several heavy-duty applications.

Key Benefits

• AI-enhanced processor ensures seamless multitasking.
• Fast PCIe SSD storage offers quick boot times and file access.
• Windows 11 integration brings a fresh and intuitive user experience.

Staying Connected with Modern Ports

One of my pet peeves with laptops is the lack of ports, but this device surprised me. Featuring two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, an HDMI 2.1 TMDS, and even a 3.5mm audio combo jack, it provides a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. I didn’t have to rely on annoying dongles, a rarity in today’s ultraportable laptops. The Wi-Fi 6E compatibility ensures stable and fast internet performance, even in crowded networks.

The FHD IR webcam is another standout feature, making virtual meetings a breeze. With Windows Hello support, face recognition works quickly and securely, while the physical privacy shield adds an extra layer of protection. Whether I’m on a Zoom call or streaming a tutorial, I always look sharp and sound clear, thanks to the AI-enhanced camera and microphone system.

Downsides

• 8GB of RAM may not be sufficient for demanding tasks or users.
• No SD card reader, which some users might find limiting.

Competing Products

Comparing this laptop to others in its category, such as the Dell XPS 13 or HP Spectre x360, reveals some interesting contrasts. The Zenbook 14’s OLED display is a clear winner, offering better color accuracy and contrast than the XPS 13’s LCD screen. However, the Spectre x360 edges ahead in terms of RAM and storage options, offering configurations with 16GB of RAM.

That said, the Zenbook 14’s lightweight design and Thunderbolt 4 ports give it a portability advantage over both competitors. While the Dell XPS 13 is sleek, it lacks the rugged durability certification that the Zenbook offers. If you prioritize portability, build quality, and a vibrant display, this laptop holds its own against its rivals.

Worth Every Penny?

Evaluating the price-to-quality ratio, this laptop offers excellent value, especially for professionals and students in need of a reliable, portable machine. The OLED display, fast processor, and premium build quality justify its cost. While it may not cater to heavy gamers or multimedia editors due to its 8GB RAM, it excels in day-to-day tasks and multitasking.

For someone who spends a significant amount of time in virtual meetings, the IR webcam with privacy shield is a game-changer. The long battery life of up to 15 hours further solidifies its position as a strong contender in its price bracket. If you’re looking for a machine that combines style, performance, and practicality, this one is definitely worth considering.

Additional information