ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED Review: Full Ultrabook for Professionals and Creators
£499.00
Amazon.co.uk
In the ever-evolving world of ultrabooks, ASUS has consistently stood out with its premium ZenBook lineup. The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED is no exception. With a sleek design, powerful hardware, and a compelling set of features, this ultrabook aims to provide a perfect balance between portability and performance. Whether you’re a professional, student, or content creator, this laptop promises to meet your computing needs. But does it live up to the hype? In this extensive ASUS ZenBook 14 review, we will analyze its build quality, performance, battery life, display, and more, helping you determine if this is the right laptop for you.
Design & Build Quality
One of the most striking aspects of the ASUS ZenBook 14 is its stunning aesthetics. Crafted with precision, it features an ultra-slim, lightweight aluminum chassis that exudes sophistication. The iconic concentric circle pattern on the lid gives it a premium look, while the compact form factor ensures it remains highly portable.
Key Design Highlights:
- Ultrathin and Lightweight: Weighing just 1.39 kg (3.06 lbs) and measuring 16.9 mm in thickness, the ZenBook 14 is designed for mobility.
- ErgoLift Hinge: The ergonomic hinge raises the keyboard at an angle, improving airflow and typing comfort.
- Military-Grade Durability: Built to withstand extreme conditions, the ZenBook 14 meets MIL-STD 810G standards, ensuring resilience.
The ASUS ZenBook 14’s minimalist design ensures that it looks sleek while maintaining robust durability. It is available in several elegant colors, including Pine Grey and Lilac Mist, catering to different style preferences.
Display: Vibrant and Immersive
The ASUS ZenBook 14 features a 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) NanoEdge Display that delivers an immersive experience with ultra-thin bezels and an impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio. This results in a more immersive visual experience, whether you’re working on spreadsheets, watching movies, or editing photos.
Display Features:
- IPS-Level Panel: Ensures wide viewing angles and vibrant colors.
- 100% sRGB Coverage: Ideal for photographers and content creators.
- 400-nit Brightness: Provides excellent outdoor visibility.
- Anti-Glare Coating: Reduces reflections for better viewing comfort.
The slim bezels around the display enhance the laptop’s visual appeal, making it an excellent choice for both work and entertainment. The color accuracy is well-calibrated, making it suitable for creative professionals who require precise color reproduction.
Performance: Speed Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the ASUS ZenBook 14 is powered by Intel’s latest 12th Gen or 13th Gen Core i5/i7 processors, offering a perfect balance between power efficiency and performance. This makes it a highly capable machine for demanding tasks, from professional workloads to multimedia editing and even light gaming.
Performance Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1240P / Intel Core i7-1260P / 13th Gen Variants
- RAM: Up to 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (or NVIDIA MX450 in some models)
- Cooling System: ASUS IceCool technology to prevent overheating
The laptop boots up in seconds, thanks to the high-speed NVMe SSD, and the combination of LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing users to handle multiple applications without slowdowns.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
One of the key selling points of the ZenBook 14 is its exceptional battery life. Thanks to a 75Wh battery, it delivers up to 10-12 hours of usage on a single charge, making it ideal for those who work on the go.
Battery Performance:
- Fast Charging: 60% charge in just 49 minutes.
- USB-C Charging Support: Allows for convenient power options.
- Intelligent Battery Management: Ensures longevity.
If you need a laptop that lasts throughout your workday without being plugged in, the ZenBook 14 is an excellent choice. It is particularly useful for students and business professionals who frequently travel or work remotely.
Keyboard & Touchpad: Comfortable and Feature-Rich
The ZenBook 14 features a full-size backlit keyboard with 1.4mm key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The highlight here is the ASUS NumberPad 2.0, an LED-illuminated numeric keypad embedded into the touchpad for enhanced productivity.
User Experience:
- Spacious & Ergonomic Key Layout: Reduces strain during long typing sessions.
- Responsive Touchpad with Precision Drivers: Enhances navigation.
- Smart Function Keys: Provide quick access to essential features.
The keyboard feedback is tactile, making it ideal for writers and coders who spend long hours typing.
Connectivity: Versatile Port Selection
Despite being an ultra-slim laptop, the ASUS ZenBook 14 offers an impressive range of connectivity options, allowing users to connect to multiple peripherals.
Ports Available:
- 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) – Fast data transfer and charging.
- 1x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1).
- 1x HDMI 2.0 – Supports external 4K displays.
- MicroSD Card Reader – Convenient for content creators.
- 3.5mm Audio Jack.
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ensures that users can connect external monitors, fast SSDs, and docks seamlessly.
Audio: Rich and Immersive Sound
The Harman Kardon-certified stereo speakers provide clear and immersive audio, making the laptop suitable for multimedia consumption.
Audio Features:
- Smart Amp Technology for distortion-free sound.
- AI Noise-Canceling Microphone for crystal-clear calls.
Whether you’re watching movies or attending virtual meetings, the ZenBook 14 ensures an excellent audio experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sleek, premium design with durable build.
- Vibrant NanoEdge display with high brightness.
- Strong performance with Intel Core i5/i7 processors.
- Excellent battery life with fast charging.
- Ergonomic keyboard with NumberPad 2.0.
- Extensive connectivity options.
- AI-powered audio enhancements.
Cons:
- Lacks a dedicated GPU for high-end gaming.
- No full-size SD card slot.
- Slightly reflective display (matte finish would be better).
Final Verdict: Is the ASUS ZenBook 14 Worth It?
The ASUS ZenBook 14 delivers top-tier performance, excellent battery life, and a premium design, making it one of the best ultrabooks in its category. While it may not be a gaming powerhouse, it excels in productivity, content creation, and portability.
For professionals, students, and creators seeking a stylish, efficient, and well-balanced laptop, the ASUS ZenBook 14 is a fantastic investment. Its combination of premium aesthetics, high-speed performance, and long battery life makes it a leading contender in the ultrabook market.
Where to Buy the ASUS ZenBook 14?
You can purchase the ASUS ZenBook 14 from major retailers such as Amazon, ASUS Official Store, Best Buy, and other electronics stores. Check for the latest deals and discounts to get the best value!
Have you used the ASUS ZenBook 14? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
