The Asus ZenBook 14 is a highly anticipated ultraportable laptop that promises to deliver exceptional performance, impressive battery life, and a sleek design. As one of the most popular choices in its class, the ZenBook 14 aims to set a new standard for laptops under $1,000.

Design and Build

The Asus ZenBook 14 boasts a stunning aluminum unibody design that’s both durable and lightweight, weighing in at just 2.62 pounds (1.18 kg). The laptop measures 12.7 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches (HWD), making it easy to slip into a backpack or purse.

The lid is adorned with a beautiful silver finish, while the keyboard deck features a soft-touch coating for improved grip and comfort. The overall build quality is top-notch, with a solid feel that exudes premium quality.

Display

The ZenBook 14’s 14-inch Full HD display is a real showstopper. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, the screen offers crisp and vibrant visuals that are perfect for watching movies or working on documents. The display also features Asus’ proprietary NanoEdge technology, which provides an impressive 85% screen-to-body ratio.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZenBook 14 is powered by up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This configuration allows for seamless multitasking, smooth video playback, and rapid application loading times.

In our testing, we found the ZenBook 14 to deliver exceptional performance, rivaling that of more expensive laptops in its class. The laptop also features Asus’ IceCool technology, which keeps the keyboard and palm rest at a comfortable temperature during extended use.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the ZenBook 14 is its impressive battery life. According to Asus, users can expect up to 22 hours of web browsing or 15 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 18-20 hours of mixed usage, which is still an incredible feat for an ultraportable laptop.

Connectivity and Ports

The ZenBook 14 features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Audio

The ZenBook 14 boasts a pair of Harman Kardon speakers that deliver surprisingly good audio quality. While they may not be the loudest or most bass-heavy, they’re perfect for casual listening sessions or video conferencing.

Camera and Security

The laptop features a 720p webcam with Windows Hello support, allowing for secure biometric login using facial recognition technology. The camera also offers decent image quality in good lighting conditions.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The ZenBook 14’s keyboard is one of its standout features. With a travel distance of 1.5mm, the keys provide a comfortable typing experience that’s perfect for long writing sessions or workdays.

The touchpad, on the other hand, features Asus’ proprietary AI technology, which learns your gestures and adapts to your preferences over time.

Conclusion

The Asus ZenBook 14 is an exceptional ultraportable laptop that delivers on its promises of performance, battery life, and design. With a starting price of $699 (Core i5 configuration), it’s an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed device without breaking the bank.

While some may find the display’s brightness to be lacking in extremely bright environments, the ZenBook 14 is an excellent choice for users who need a powerful and portable laptop that can keep up with their demanding workflows or entertainment needs.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7
• RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4
• Storage: Up to 512GB SSD (PCIe NVMe)
• Display: 14-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080 pixels, NanoEdge technology
• Battery Life: Up to 22 hours web browsing or 15 hours video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Thunderbolt 3 support), HDMI, SD card reader
• Audio: Harman Kardon speakers with AI noise-cancellation technology
• Camera: 720p webcam with Windows Hello support