Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED Review : Is the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED set to turn the ultrabook world on its head? With its innovative design and cutting-edge components, it could just be the Windows laptop you’ve been dreaming of. For those considering a new ultrabook, the Zenbook S 14 offers an intriguing blend of aesthetics and performance. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore why it might just be your next must-have gadget.
The All-New Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED
Launched recently in India, the Zenbook S 14 OLED starts at a competitive Rs. 1,42,990. The top variant, which features 32GB of RAM and a 1TB storage capacity, is priced at Rs. 1,49,990. Both models flaunt the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU and Intel Arc 140V GPU, complete with a dedicated NPU for AI tasks. But what makes this ultrabook truly unique? Let’s dig into the details.
Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED Design
A New Material Takes Center Stage
One can’t help but appreciate the Zenbook S 14’s design. Asus has introduced Ceraluminium, a remarkable blend of ceramic and aluminum, for the laptop’s lid. This innovative material ensures durability while keeping fingerprints at bay, making the Zenbook both tough and stylish. The lid’s distinctive silver lines and the Asus Zenbook logo add a modern touch.
Aesthetics and Functionality
The laptop’s geometric grille above the keyboard isn’t just for show. With 2,715 CNC-machined vents, it enhances cooling efficiency while giving the Zenbook a unique visual flair. Coupled with the all-metal build and US MIL-STD 810H certification, the design ensures robustness without sacrificing elegance.
Portability Redefined
At just 1.2 kg and 1.29 cm thick, the Zenbook S 14 is a marvel of portability. Despite its slim profile, it boasts a variety of ports, including HDMI 2.1, dual USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This makes it a versatile companion for professionals on the go.
Display Excellence with the Zenbook S 14
A Visual Delight
The Zenbook S 14 OLED’s display is where it truly shines. Whether you choose the touch or non-touch variant, the 14-inch OLED screen delivers stunning visuals. With a 3K resolution (2,880 x 1,800) and 120Hz refresh rate, it’s perfect for both work and entertainment.
Perfect for All Occasions
The OLED panel’s vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness (400 nits) make it suitable for all kinds of activities. Features such as HDR, Dolby Vision, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage ensure a premium viewing experience. However, its glossy finish might pose challenges in bright outdoor environments.
Customizable Viewing
Through the MyAsus app, users can tailor the color gamut to their preference. This flexibility, combined with excellent viewing angles, makes the Zenbook S 14’s display one of its standout attributes.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Audio Experience
Typing Comfort
The Zenbook S 14’s chiclet-style keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, even within its slim chassis. With good spacing and key travel, it’s ideal for long sessions. The backlit keys with adjustable brightness levels are perfect for low-light conditions.
Intuitive Touchpad
The touchpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, enhancing user interaction. While edge controls for volume and brightness are handy, the absence of a touch keypad function is noticeable.
Impressive Audio Output
The quad-speaker setup powered by Harman/Kardon and Dolby Atmos delivers rich sound. While it doesn’t quite match the audio quality of the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook series, it’s a commendable effort for a Windows laptop.
Software and Usability
Out-of-the-Box Experience
Running on Windows 11 Home, the Zenbook S 14 comes with helpful apps like MyAsus and ScreenXpert. Features such as Live captions and Studio Effects add value to the user experience.
Smart Media Management
StoryCube, an organizer tool leveraging AI, simplifies media management and creation. It’s particularly useful for users who frequently work with photos and videos.
Seamless Integration
Thanks to its Intel-based architecture, the Zenbook S 14 offers broad compatibility with various software applications, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Performance and Gaming Capabilities
Under the Hood
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and Intel Arc GPU, the Zenbook S 14 excels in day-to-day tasks and light gaming. The integration of the RAM with the CPU and GPU enhances performance efficiency.
Benchmark Insights
While the Zenbook S 14 performs admirably, especially in Balanced or Full Performance modes, it doesn’t outpace competitors like the Snapdragon X Elite or AMD Ryzen AI processors in benchmarks. Nevertheless, its real-world performance remains impressive.
Gaming Potential
The improved Intel Arc GPU allows for enjoyable gaming sessions with respectable frame rates. Whether it’s Forza Horizon 4 or similar titles, the Zenbook S 14 handles them with ease, making it a viable option for casual gamers.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Staying Connected
With Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7, the Zenbook S 14 offers reliable connectivity options. Whether you’re at home or on the move, staying connected is never a hassle.
Enduring Power
The 72Wh battery, coupled with the efficient Intel Core Ultra Lunar Lake, ensures long-lasting usage. Expect a full workday’s charge, even under demanding conditions. With the 65W fast charger, recharging is quick and convenient.
Verdict on the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED
A Compelling Choice
The Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED stands out as a top choice for those seeking a premium ultrabook experience. Its combination of cutting-edge design, robust performance, and exceptional display makes it a worthwhile investment.
Room for Improvement
While there are areas for enhancement, such as webcam quality and keyboard features, the overall package is compelling. For professionals and tech enthusiasts, the Zenbook S 14 offers a balanced blend of style, functionality, and innovation.
Discover the Zenbook Difference
Ready to experience the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED for yourself? Its innovative features and sleek design make it a standout in today’s ultrabook market. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, this laptop promises to deliver on all fronts.
For those interested in exploring further, book a demo or visit a store to see the Zenbook S 14 in action. The future of ultrabooks awaits.
