Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED Review : In the world of Windows-based Ultrabooks, the Asus Zenbook series has consistently set the bar high. With its sleek design, vibrant displays, and reliable performance, it’s no surprise that the Zenbook line is a favorite among laptop enthusiasts. The latest addition, the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406), takes everything we love about Zenbooks to a whole new level. Released recently in India, this ultrabook boasts the cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra Lunar Lake processors and a design that turns heads. After spending two weeks with it, here’s why the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED has become my go-to Windows ultrabook.
A New Era in Design
The Unique Touch of Ceraluminium
The Zenbook S 14 OLED introduces a new material for its lid, known as ‘Ceraluminium,’ which combines the best qualities of ceramic and aluminum. This material not only offers durability but also resists scratches and smudges. The result? A lid that remains fingerprint-free and looks pristine. The Asus Zenbook logo, elegantly placed on the top left corner, and the subtle silver lines running across the lid add a touch of sophistication that sets it apart from other laptops.
Geometric Elegance
Above the keyboard, you’ll find a geometric grille featuring 2,715 CNC-machined vents, enhancing the laptop’s airflow efficiency. This unique design element also houses the new Asus logo, giving the laptop a modern and distinctive appearance.
Built to Last
The Zenbook S 14 OLED features an all-metal construction and holds US MIL-STD 810H certification, ensuring durability and sturdiness. The hinge is robust yet smooth, allowing you to open the lid effortlessly with one finger. While it doesn’t go a full 180 degrees, the laptop still feels solid and well-built. With intake vents at the bottom and strategically placed speaker slits on the sides, the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Portability Without Compromise
Despite being remarkably slim at just 1.2cm thick, the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED doesn’t compromise on connectivity. It offers an HDMI 2.1 port, dual USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. This array of ports ensures you can seamlessly connect to various devices without the need for adapters.
Display Brilliance
OLED Excellence
The Zenbook S 14 OLED’s 14-inch display is a visual delight. Whether you choose the touch or non-touch variant, you’ll be treated to stunning visuals. The OLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. With a resolution of 3K (2,880 x 1,800) and a 16:10 aspect ratio, this display delivers a crisp and immersive viewing experience.
HDR and Beyond
The display supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and boasts 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. It’s also Pantone Validated, ensuring color accuracy for creative professionals. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or working on spreadsheets, the Zenbook S 14 OLED’s display excels in every aspect.
A Minor Drawback
While the display is exceptional indoors, its glossy coating makes outdoor use less than ideal due to reflections. However, the viewing angles are excellent, allowing you to enjoy content from different positions without any loss in quality.
A Decent Input Experience
Keyboard Comfort
The Zenbook S 14 OLED features a chiclet-style keyboard with good spacing between keycaps and decent travel. While it may not rival the keyboards on larger laptops, it’s more than adequate for a slim ultrabook. The backlit keyboard offers three levels of brightness, ensuring you can type comfortably in various lighting conditions. The dedicated Copilot key adds convenience, allowing quick access to functions.
Smooth Touchpad
The touchpad on this laptop is smooth, responsive, and supports multi-touch gestures. It also features edge controls for adjusting volume, brightness, and video playback. The click feedback is satisfying, although it would have been nice to see the inclusion of the touch keypad function on the touchpad.
Audio Surprises
The Zenbook S 14 OLED surprises with its audio performance. The quad-speaker setup, tuned by Harman/Kardon and enhanced with Dolby Atmos, delivers loud and clear sound. While it may not rival premium laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Air/Pro, it’s impressive for its class.
Software Features
A Suite of Tools
Running Windows 11 Home, the Zenbook S 14 OLED comes pre-installed with essential software, including Office and useful AI features like Live captions and Studio Effects. The MyAsus app allows you to manage settings, customize power profiles, and explore various features the laptop offers. ScreenXpert enhances multi-window use, making multitasking a breeze.
AI-Powered Organization
One standout feature is StoryCube, an AI-driven organizer that simplifies media management. It helps you search for photos and videos, create highlight reels, and keep your digital life organized.
Seamless Compatibility
With its Intel architecture, the Zenbook S 14 OLED ensures compatibility with a wide range of software applications. Whether you’re using Microsoft Office or creative tools, you can expect smooth performance and excellent app support.
Performance that Impresses
Power Under the Hood
At the heart of the Zenbook S 14 OLED lies the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, supported by up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD. This combination ensures quick load times, seamless multitasking, and ample storage for your files. The integrated Intel Arc GPU adds a touch of gaming capability, allowing you to enjoy light gaming sessions.
Efficient Power Management
The laptop’s power management is commendable, keeping heat minimal during normal usage. While the chipset doesn’t outperform higher-end processors in benchmarks, it handles everyday tasks effortlessly. The laptop remains cool and quiet, with fans only ramping up during gaming or intensive tasks.
Light Gaming Delight
Surprisingly, the improved Intel Arc GPU delivers impressive gaming performance for an integrated solution. Titles like Forza Horizon 4 and Expeditions offer playable frame rates, making the Zenbook S 14 OLED a versatile choice for work and leisure.
Battery Life for On-the-Go
All-Day Performance
The Zenbook S 14 OLED’s battery life is commendable. With a 72Wh battery and efficient power management, you can expect a full 10-12 hours of productivity on a single charge. Whether you’re browsing the web, editing documents, or streaming videos, this laptop keeps up with your demands.
Quick Charging
Charging is swift thanks to the 65W fast charger, taking the laptop from 20 to 100 percent in approximately 50 minutes. This convenience ensures you’re always ready to tackle your tasks without long interruptions.
The Verdict
A New Favorite
In conclusion, the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406) stands out as a remarkable ultrabook in today’s market. Its unique design, brilliant OLED display, and impressive performance make it a top contender for anyone seeking a versatile Windows laptop. While it may have minor drawbacks, such as its glossy display and keyboard travel, these are outweighed by its numerous strengths.
Perfect for Versatile Users
Whether you’re a professional looking for a reliable work companion or a student needing a powerful yet portable laptop, the Zenbook S 14 OLED delivers on all fronts. Its ability to balance aesthetics, performance, and portability makes it a worthy investment for those seeking a premium computing experience.
Ready to Explore?
If you’re ready to experience the Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED for yourself, head to your nearest retailer or visit our website for more information. Discover the future of ultrabooks and elevate your computing experience today.
