Not long ago, Microsoft introduced Copilot+ PCs which run on Snapdragon X Elite processors, to gain an edge over fellow tech giant, Apple. Intel, however, has taken the competition to a whole new level with its new Asus Zenbook S14 OLED. This is the new Lunar Lake laptop with a powerful Core Ultra 7 258V processor. With an emphasis on performance, Intel continues to be relevant when buying a laptop.
Hardware
The Zenbook S14 has a unique build of ‘ceraluminum’ – a fusion of ceramic and aluminum – a first of its kind. The surface is much more resistant to scratches and paint chipping off compared to normal aluminum and is extremely slim with a thickness of 1.1 cm.
With a weight of just 1.2 kg, it is lighter than a MacBook Air and you can easily carry it around all day for your work. The Asus Zenbook S14 boasts a total of 5 ports – two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5 mm audio port.
The keyboard lets you type with keys that go a mere 1.1mm. Even though they do not go as deep as some other laptops, the keys feel good to press and do not make much noise. You can change how bright the lights behind the keys are, which helps when it is dark. The touchpad stands out as it is relatively bigger and matches the screen’s shape.
You can use different finger movements to change brightness, adjust volume, and control videos. The glass top makes the cursor move, but many might need time to get used to how big it is. There are several tiny pores above the keyboard for air intake to support the inbuilt cooling system.
Display
The 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen is a refreshing experience for many users. Its 120 Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time make cursor movements and video playback look smooth. The screen reaches 500 nits peak brightness with HDR content working well both indoors and outdoors. It also guarantees deep blacks and high contrast, while the 16:10 aspect ratio gives extra vertical room to work.
The display’s colour accuracy catches the eye making it good for creative tasks. Touch features respond well and work, with stylus support adding options for taking notes or creating digital art.
Performance
The Zenbook S14 comes with an incredible Core Ultra 7 258V processor. Boasting 8 cores and 8 threads, plus an integrated NPU with 47 TOPS capability, the processor excels at standard computing and AI tasks. It maintains an optimum temperature, thanks to its two-fan cooling system and vapour chamber design. The built-in Intel Arc graphics work well for content creation and light gaming, though they are not meant for serious gaming sessions.
The 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD allow easy multitasking and quick file retrieval. What stands out is how the laptop keeps up its performance while staying quiet. When not working hard, the ambient cooling tech keeps fan noise under 25 dB making it silent during normal use.
OS and AI Features Windows 11 Home comes preinstalled on the Zenbook S14 OLED giving users a clean, up-to-date interface. Asus has added its Copilot+ PC suite to boost everyday tasks with AI-powered tools. This package includes features to caption in real-time remove backgrounds, and create videos making the laptop a good fit for modern work needs. Other tools like MyASUS and GlideX help to connect devices and share screens, while ScreenXpert assists in handling multiple displays.
Audio
The Zenbook S 14 OLED has an influence on audio quality with its Harman Kardon-certified speakers and Dolby Atmos support. These features create full enveloping sound. Yet, the speakers’ location on the device’s underside can dampen the audio on soft surfaces. This issue a somewhat problematic otherwise strong setup for multimedia. Still, the sound holds up well to stream content and listen. The built-in array microphone picks up voices for calls.
Battery
The 72 WHr battery lasts all day since the laptop can run for an estimated duration of 9-10 hours with mixed use. This includes browsing the web, editing documents, and playing videos. The 65 W USB-C charger is small and works well powering up the laptop.
Camera
Asus has also improved its FHD IR camera for a better video calling experience. It supports Windows Hello for a quick and safe login. Even in low-light situations thanks to 3D Noise Reduction technology, the visuals remain crisp, and it is even better with the variable lighting capability of the camera which helps again during video calls to ensure clarity whether it is for business meetings or friendly calls.
Verdict
The new Asus Zenbook S14 OLED makes its mark as a standout ultrabook ticking all the boxes for day-to-day productivity. Its eye-catching 3K OLED screen light but tough Ceraluminum body, and high-performance Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor give users top-notch functionality in a slim, easy-to-carry package. If you are in dire need of a laptop that puts function first, the latest Asus Zenbook S14 OLED is not just another choice in its class – it is a cut above the rest.