ASUS’s latest ZenBook 14 OLED combines cutting-edge hardware, including Intel’s Core Ultra chips and a stunning OLED screen, with a futuristic twist—built-in AI capabilities. While ASUS makes strides in the AI PC realm, the design seems to lag behind competitors like Apple and Microsoft.
Despite not matching the sleekness of its counterparts, the ZenBook 14 OLED offers excellent value for money, outperforming Apple in terms of computing specs. Priced at $1,300 for a configuration with a Core Ultra 7 155H chip, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it competes favorably with a similarly priced M2 MacBook Air that offers less RAM and storage.
ASUS doesn’t compromise on connectivity either, providing a range of ports, including USB-A, USB-C Thunderbolt, HDMI, and a microSD card slot. This gives it an edge over certain MacBook models, making it an attractive choice for users valuing diverse connectivity options.
While the Core Ultra’s AI capabilities are a highlight, the true star of the show is the ZenBook 14’s 14-inch 3K OLED screen. Delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED displays, its 120Hz refresh rate enhances the overall visual experience, making it ideal for media consumption.
The laptop’s thin bezels contribute to an immersive display, distracting from the somewhat lackluster design. The keyboard and trackpad, while functional, could use improvements in terms of comfort and responsiveness.
Under the hood, the Core Ultra chip, coupled with 32GB of RAM and Intel Arc graphics, outperforms its predecessors, showcasing notable gains in benchmarks. While not a gaming powerhouse, the ZenBook 14 OLED handles light gaming and streaming admirably.
The introduction of an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) opens the door to AI workloads in the future, aligning with industry trends toward AI-powered features. Although the immediate applications may be limited, future developments from major tech players like Microsoft could unlock the true potential of an NPU-equipped PC.
Investing in the ZenBook 14 OLED is essentially a bet on the future, anticipating increased AI integration and functionality. As industry giants focus on AI advancements, ASUS’s commitment to this technology positions the ZenBook series as a potential frontrunner in the evolving landscape of AI-powered PCs.