Having had the chance to witness Intel’s cutting-edge mobile chip production firsthand in 2023, the curiosity to explore the real-world performance of these chips lingered. Asus presented an opportunity by offering their latest Zenbook, powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor. Intrigued by the potential, I embarked on a journey to explore the capabilities of this device.
Ultrabook Experience
When it comes to defining a superior ultrabook, three factors stand out: display, performance, and battery life. Asus has impeccably addressed all these aspects with the Zenbook 14. The device boasts a stunning 2K resolution OLED panel, delivering bright and vivid visuals with remarkable contrast and a peak brightness of up to 600 nits. While lacking a 360-degree hinge for convertibility, the display truly sets a benchmark for 14-inch laptops.
Functionality and Design
Beyond the display, the Zenbook 14 impresses with its ergonomic keyboard and a trackpad that ingeniously doubles as a num pad. Despite its slim profile, Asus hasn’t compromised on connectivity, offering a full-sized HDMI port, USB-A port, USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the absence of a microSD slot might be a drawback for some users.
AI Capabilities
While the Zenbook 14 promises AI prowess, its current offerings in this realm are somewhat limited compared to smartphones like the Galaxy S24. Nevertheless, equipped with the necessary hardware, the device awaits software optimization to unlock its full potential. Microsoft Copilot and upcoming NPU-supported technologies hold promise for enhancing AI experiences on this laptop.
Performance
Powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra processor, the Zenbook 14 delivers seamless performance for daily tasks and multimedia consumption. The inclusion of Intel Arc graphics ensures competent gaming capabilities, allowing users to enjoy AAA titles at respectable settings. Moreover, intelligent core allocation optimizes power efficiency, leading to impressive battery life even during prolonged usage.
Gaming
Despite its ultrabook classification, the Zenbook 14 surprises with its gaming capabilities. The Intel Arc GPU handles AAA titles with ease, offering smooth gameplay at modest resolutions. While the high-resolution display may slightly compromise visuals at lower resolutions, the overall gaming experience remains commendable.
Verdict
Priced at over a lakh rupees, the Asus Zenbook 14 presents itself as a compelling option in the premium laptop segment. While its AI-specific features may currently seem elusive, the device holds immense potential for future optimizations. For those seeking a future-proof Windows laptop with stellar performance and functionality, the Zenbook 14 is undoubtedly a worthy contender.