Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) Review
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) arrives with a legacy to uphold. Previous iterations have consistently impressed with their blend of portability, performance, and stunning visuals. But in a rapidly evolving market, does this latest model maintain its crown as the value king? This comprehensive review will delve into the details, examining its strengths and weaknesses to determine whether it deserves a place on your shortlist.
Design and Build Quality
The Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) continues Asus’s commitment to sleek, premium design. The chassis is crafted from lightweight yet durable aluminum, giving it a sophisticated feel. Its compact size makes it incredibly portable, easily slipping into a bag for travel. The lid features the iconic Zenbook concentric circle design, adding a touch of elegance. The build quality is exceptional; there’s minimal flex, and the overall feel is robust and reassuring.
The keyboard is comfortable to type on, offering a satisfying key travel and responsive feedback. The touchpad is spacious and precise, supporting multi-finger gestures flawlessly. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button streamlines the login process. Overall, the design and build quality are top-notch, exceeding expectations for a laptop in this price range.
Display and Audio
The 14-inch OLED display is undoubtedly a highlight. Its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp resolution make it a joy to use for both work and entertainment. Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or simply browsing the web, the visual experience is truly immersive; The high refresh rate contributes to a smoother, more responsive experience, particularly noticeable when scrolling or playing games.
The audio quality is surprisingly good for a laptop of this size. While not replacing a dedicated speaker system, the integrated speakers deliver clear and balanced sound. They are sufficiently loud for casual listening, and the audio is surprisingly rich for its size. However, for a truly immersive audio experience, external speakers or headphones are recommended.
Performance and Benchmarks
The Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) offers a variety of processor options, catering to different needs and budgets. The higher-end models boast powerful processors capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. We tested a configuration with a cutting-edge processor and ample RAM, and the performance was consistently impressive. Multitasking was smooth and responsive, even with multiple applications open simultaneously. The integrated graphics card handles everyday tasks admirably, but more demanding games may require external graphics solutions.
Benchmark tests confirmed its excellent performance. Scores in CPU-intensive tasks were consistently high, demonstrating the power of the processor. Graphics performance was also respectable, exceeding expectations for an integrated graphics solution. The solid-state drive (SSD) provides fast boot times and rapid application loading, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Software and User Experience
The Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) runs on Windows 11, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface. Asus has included a few of its own utility applications, enhancing usability and providing access to specific features. The overall experience is smooth and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and customize settings to your preference. The system remained stable and responsive throughout our testing period, with no significant software glitches or performance issues.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is a crucial factor for any laptop, and the Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) delivers respectable performance in this area. We consistently achieved several hours of use on a single charge under moderate usage. Heavier tasks, such as video editing or gaming, will naturally reduce battery life. However, for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the battery life is more than adequate for a full workday. The fast-charging capabilities are a welcome addition, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, including several USB ports (both USB-A and USB-C), an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. Wireless connectivity is provided by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable connections. The inclusion of a microSD card reader adds further flexibility, allowing for easy expansion of storage capacity. The selection of ports caters to a wide range of needs and peripherals.
Thermals and Noise
Under heavy loads, the Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) does experience some heating. However, the temperatures remain within acceptable limits, and the laptop never felt uncomfortably hot to the touch. The cooling system is effective in managing thermal output, preventing performance throttling. Fan noise is noticeable under heavy workloads, but it’s not excessively loud or distracting. Under lighter use, the laptop operates near-silently, enhancing the overall user experience.
Value and Competition
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) offers exceptional value for its price. The combination of its premium design, powerful performance, stunning display, and long battery life makes it a compelling option. When compared to competitors in the same price range, it often comes out on top, offering a superior feature set and overall user experience. While some competitors may offer slightly better battery life or specific features, the Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) provides a well-rounded package that’s difficult to beat.
Consider these factors when comparing it to similar laptops: screen quality, processor power, build material, and included features.
- Screen Quality: The OLED screen is a major selling point, offering superior contrast and color accuracy compared to many competitors.
- Processor Power: The powerful processor ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for demanding tasks.
- Build Material: The aluminum chassis provides a premium feel and excellent durability.
- Included Features: The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor and fast charging adds to the overall user experience.
Accessories
While the laptop itself is well-equipped, considering additional accessories can enhance your experience further. A protective case or sleeve is recommended to safeguard against scratches and bumps. A portable external monitor can extend your workspace, increasing productivity. External speakers or headphones will elevate the audio experience beyond the capabilities of the integrated speakers. A high-capacity power bank can extend your mobile productivity by providing additional power on the go.
- Protective Case/Sleeve
- Portable External Monitor
- External Speakers/Headphones
- High-Capacity Power Bank
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) represents a compelling blend of style, performance, and portability. Its stunning OLED display is a major draw, offering exceptional visual fidelity. The robust build quality and powerful processor ensure smooth and responsive performance for a variety of tasks. While the battery life isn’t class-leading, it remains sufficient for a full workday. The competitive price point makes it an excellent value proposition, placing it firmly among the top contenders in its class. The combination of these factors makes the Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) a highly recommended laptop for both professionals and casual users alike. It truly lives up to its reputation as a value champion, offering a compelling package that’s difficult to ignore. The thoughtful design choices and excellent performance make it a joy to use, and its portability allows it to easily adapt to different work environments.
