ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED Product Review 2024
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED, with its stellar combination of performance, design, and display quality, stands as a testament to what modern ultraportables can achieve, especially when it comes to marrying affordability with high-end features. This laptop not only appeals to those looking for a daily driver capable of handling productivity tasks with ease but also to users who value a premium display experience without breaking the bank.
Starting with the specs, the ZenBook 14 OLED offers two main configurations that cater to a broad spectrum of needs and budgets. The entry-level model, priced at just over $700, packs an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a 14.0-inch 2.8K OLED panel running at 90Hz. For those who need a bit more punch, there's the option to upgrade to an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, doubling both the RAM and storage to 16GB and 512GB, respectively, without significantly bumping up the price. This makes the ZenBook 14 OLED an attractive proposition for anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck, particularly considering the premium OLED display that's on offer.
Design-wise, the ZenBook 14 OLED opts for a minimalist approach, featuring a sleek, all-aluminum alloy chassis that's both sturdy and stylish. The laptop sports a solid black color scheme that exudes elegance, complemented by a unique rounded hinge that adds a touch of distinction without overdoing it. It's relatively thin and light, making it a great companion for those on the go, without compromising on build quality or aesthetics.
The display is undoubtedly one of the ZenBook 14 OLED's standout features. It comes well-calibrated right out of the box, offering uniform luminosity and color reproduction. This OLED panel showcases vivid colors and deep blacks, enhancing the overall viewing experience, whether you're working on productivity tasks or enjoying multimedia content. However, it's worth noting that while OLED panels offer superior contrast and color vibrancy, they may not be the best fit for use in bright-light environments due to their sub-400-nits brightness. Additionally, the touch models introduce a graininess effect on white and bright backgrounds, which some users might find bothersome. Despite these minor drawbacks, the advantages of OLED technology, such as lower blue-light emission and vivid color perception, make it a compelling choice for many.
Performance-wise, the ZenBook 14 OLED doesn't disappoint. It's based on the 2022 Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake Core P hardware platform, offering a balance between performance and efficiency. The top-tier configuration features an Intel Core i7-1260P processor, capable of handling a wide range of tasks with ease. Paired with 16GB of LPDDR5-4800 memory and a fast PCIe gen4 SSD, this laptop is well-equipped to offer a smooth computing experience, from everyday productivity to more demanding applications. While it's not designed for heavy gaming or professional-grade creative work, the integrated Iris Xe graphics chip provides ample power for casual gaming and multimedia creation.
In conclusion, the ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a versatile, high-quality laptop that offers great value. Its combination of a premium OLED display, solid performance, and an elegant design makes it a compelling option for both work and play. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone looking for a reliable daily driver, the ZenBook 14 OLED is definitely worth considering.
