My latest video takes a look at a pretty affordable 14″ Asus laptop that comes equipped with an OLED display and starts at $799 (compensated affiliate link).
The review loaner I received came equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125h processor, 8GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB NVME SSD. Given what these new Intel chips are capable of, I would recommend the 16 GB variant that will make the most of the processor’s capabilities. For light duty work this model is fine, but if you’re looking to do casual gaming and moderate video editing the $1049 (affiliate link) version is going to perform better.
The laptop’s OLED display, a highlight of the device, didn’t disappoint. Like most OLEDs it has a great contrast ratio and vivid colors along with meeting 100% of the DCI-P3 color space for creative work. It’s running with a 1080p equivalent resolution at 1920 by 1200 pixels at 60hz.
While the display’s brightness peaks at 380 nits it has a peak brightness of 500 nits in HDR mode. ASUS implemented several features to mitigate the OLED’s inherent burn-in risk which I detail in the video review.
Weighing in at a comfortable 2.82 lbs and constructed from aluminum, the Zenbook 14 OLED feels both lightweight and durable. The laptop’s design facilitates easy opening with one hand which is a nice bonus. The onboard 1080p webcam, with its privacy shutter, delivers clear imagery, while the speakers offer surprisingly rich sound quality.
The keyboard and trackpad are decent providing a comfortable and responsive input experience. Port selection on the Zenbook is adequate, featuring two full service Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI output, and a USB-A port.
Performance-wise, the Zenbook 14 OLED navigates everyday tasks quite well, from web browsing to streaming video, thanks to its Core Ultra processor and Wi-Fi 6E radio. While the 8GB RAM model manages basic video editing and playing older games, those seeking to push the device’s limits should consider the 16GB variant, especially for more demanding games and creative work. In addition to the extra RAM capacity the 16GB version’s RAM also runs at a faster clock speed.
Battery life is good, with the laptop handling 8 to 10 hours on a single charge for standard use.
The Zenbook 14 OLED got a failing grade on the 3DMark Stress Test at 93%, which means that under heavy sustained load it’ll lose about 7% of its overall performance. The fan though isn’t too noisy and under most standard use cases it is not even audible.
Linux enthusiasts might face challenges with the latest version of Ubuntu failing to detect most of the hardware. This will likely improve with bios and driver updates in the future. .
In wrapping up, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED emerges as a compelling option for those in search of a mid-range laptop that doesn’t compromise on display quality or build. While the base model serves well for general use, investing in the variant with enhanced RAM and processing power unlocks the full potential of this versatile device.
Disclosure: the laptop was provided to the channel on loan from Asus. They did not sponsor the video nor did they review or approve the review before it was uploaded.