Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406) Review:
The Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406) is a stunning blend of style, power, and practicality, bringing a premium experience to the ultrabook market. With the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc GPU, this laptop targets users who need reliable performance for daily tasks, light gaming, and multimedia enjoyment, all packed into a sleek, lightweight design. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this laptop a standout choice.
Design and Build Quality
Asus has crafted the Zenbook S 14 OLED with an eye for detail and durability. The laptop’s lid is made from “Ceraluminium,” a hybrid of ceramic and aluminium, offering strength and a unique texture. The matte finish not only gives the laptop an elegant look but also resists fingerprints, keeping it looking clean and fresh. Another standout design feature is the geometric grille on the underside, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also serves a functional purpose by facilitating better airflow. The Zenbook S 14 OLED weighs just under 1.5 kg, making it ideal for users who need to carry their laptops between classes, meetings, or trips.
Display Quality
The display is one of the Zenbook S 14 OLED’s biggest strengths. With a 3K OLED panel (2880 x 1800) and a 120Hz refresh rate, it brings out vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast that’s perfect for creative work, media consumption, and general productivity. OLED technology ensures superior color accuracy, which will please photographers, designers, and anyone who values rich visuals. The high refresh rate adds a smooth feel, whether you’re scrolling through documents or watching videos. However, the glossy finish, while striking indoors, can be reflective under direct sunlight, making outdoor use a bit challenging in bright environments.
Keyboard and Audio Experience
The Zenbook S 14 OLED’s backlit keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience with well-spaced keys that offer a good level of feedback. This makes long typing sessions more enjoyable, especially for professionals and students. The laptop also features a spacious touchpad that’s responsive and precise, enhancing the overall usability.
Audio quality is where the Zenbook S 14 OLED goes above and beyond. Equipped with a quad-speaker system by Harman Kardon, this ultrabook delivers clear, immersive sound with a hint of bass, which is quite rare for laptops of this size. While it won’t replace a dedicated speaker setup, the audio is impressive enough for enjoying movies, music, or online meetings without the need for external speakers.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Zenbook S 14 OLED is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset and Intel Arc graphics. This combination allows the laptop to handle multitasking, browsing, and media consumption with ease. The Intel Arc GPU also supports moderate gaming, though it’s best suited for lighter games or older titles rather than demanding AAA games. Overall, the performance is smooth and reliable, making it an ideal choice for students, remote workers, and content creators looking for dependable hardware.
Battery life is another area where the Zenbook S 14 OLED shines. Its 72Wh battery, combined with the efficiency of Intel’s latest processor, supports a full workday on a single charge. With moderate usage, you can expect around 8-10 hours of battery life, covering most tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video playback without needing to reach for the charger. For power users, battery life may reduce slightly, but the laptop’s quick-charging feature helps it get back to full power swiftly.
Connectivity and Ports
Asus has equipped the Zenbook S 14 OLED with a variety of modern connectivity options, making it easy to connect peripherals and external devices. The laptop includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI 2.0b port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, providing flexibility for both productivity and entertainment. The Thunderbolt ports allow for fast data transfers, support for 4K displays, and charging, further enhancing the laptop’s versatility.
Verdict
The Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406) sets a high bar in the Windows ultrabook category, offering a premium package that excels in design, display quality, performance, and battery life. Its sleek design and top-notch build quality make it a pleasure to carry and use, while the 3K OLED display elevates the multimedia experience to a new level. The laptop’s keyboard and audio system ensure a comfortable user experience, whether you’re working or unwinding with a movie.
For students, professionals, or creatives seeking a lightweight, powerful laptop, the Zenbook S 14 OLED is a solid choice that balances portability with performance. Its price might place it in the higher range for ultrabooks, but the features and premium feel justify the investment. In summary, the Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406) is a stylish, capable ultrabook that deserves attention from anyone who values a premium, high-performance laptop experience.
