If you’re in the market for a laptop that is ultra-portable, feature-packed, and visually appealing, the current options might seem overwhelming, and likely introduce some trade-offs. Should you sacrifice size for portability and performance? Price for display quality and battery life? Like the warrior in a Zen(book) garden, ASUS might have just provided the answer without any compromises.
The Zenbook 14 OLED from ASUS combines simple yet refined design touches with robust performance and a stunning display, all at a competitive price point. With ASUS’s extensive lineup of Zenbook models and the range of 14” laptops on the market, let’s dive in and see if the Zenbook 14 OLED makes the cut for your next purchase.
Design
From an aesthetic standpoint, the Zenbook 14 isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it certainly sets a high standard for sleek, pragmatic design and portability. The all-aluminium chassis is elegantly refined, with a compact form factor of just 14.9mm thin. Despite its slim profile, it maintains a premium look and feel at only 1.2kg, making it a breeze to transport.
Ports
Impressively equipped with a range of ports, on the left-hand side you’ll find a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port (thank you Asus) which earns a gold star for the reducing my dongle needs, while An SD slot would seal the deal but maybe that’s pushing my luck. On the right, the laptop features two USB Type-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Exterior
The Zenbook 14 forgoes flashy RGB colour strips in favour of a more professional, restrained and low-key appearance. The review model came in “Foggy Silver,” emblematic of the “office laptop” aesthetic prevalent in many workspaces. Currently, this is the only colour option available in Australia via the ASUS website, though “Ponder Blue” and “Aqua Celadon” are offered in other markets.
Foggy Silver seems to show up with nicks and dings but keeps the fingerprints at bay. The other colours, however, seem to better accentuate the geometric patterned lines on the lid. Given the choice, I would likely opt for one of the alternative colours to make the design pop a bit more.
Keyboard and Trackpad
It might seem contradictory given that the keyboard is a core element of any laptop, but sometimes the best keyboards are the ones you barely notice. On this model, I found that to be true. I rarely encountered those common errors like accidentally hitting the power instead of backspace or the enter key because of a shortened shift key, nor did I find myself consciously thinking about the keyboard’s performance—a sign that it’s doing its job well.
With satisfying clicks and key travel that feels just right, the keyboard strikes a good balance between firmness and responsiveness. For a laptop of this size, the keys also feel surprisingly spacious. However, one drawback is the white backlighting. The choice of white lighting can be less than ideal in certain low-light scenarios making the keys harder to see. This minor inconvenience can be distracting, especially during late-night typing sessions.
The trackpad is well-integrated into the chassis, sinking in just enough to create a smooth, seamless surface. The trackpad is highly responsive and fluid, adding to the overall polished experience of using this laptop. Despite the minor backlighting issue, the keyboard and trackpad together contribute to a solid and satisfying user experience.
Display
As an OLED sceptic, consider me officially converted. The Zenbook 14’s showstopper is its expansive 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display. This screen is nothing short of spectacular, boasting a vibrant 2880 x 1800 resolution with up to 500 nits of peak brightness. The ultra-smooth refresh rate of either 60Hz or 120Hz, combined with adaptive sync technology, ensures fluid visuals that are always sharp and smooth.
The display’s 16:10 aspect ratio and impressive 87% screen-to-body ratio add to the immersive experience, while its six times more durable surface compared to ordinary laptop glass means it’s built to last. As expected from OLED panels, it delivers deep blacks and incredibly punchy colours, adding richness and depth to everything from movies and videos to everyday tasks. The difference is immediately noticeable when switching back to a non-OLED display, making the disparity between the two impossible to ignore.
Overall, the display on the Zenbook 14 is visually snappy, smooth, and a joy to use. If visual fidelity is important to you, this screen will likely be a significant draw, especially if you’re upgrading from an older laptop.
Performance, Storage, Features
Processor and RAM
For its size the Zenbook 14 packs serious power under the hood, making it a versatile and reliable machine for a wide range of tasks. The review model provided was equipped with the Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor, one of three available processor options.
This powerhouse handles everything a notebook-style unit could be expected to manage, effortlessly tackling everything from day-to-day tasks to more demanding applications. Whether I was editing videos, running intensive tasks, or juggling multiple browser tabs during a research binge, the Zenbook 14 delivered consistently smooth performance without a hitch.
Storage
The laptop also features 1TB of SSD storage, providing ample space for all your files, programs, and multimedia content. The SSD ensures not only fast load times and quick file transfers but also contributes to the overall snappiness of the system, making it feel responsive and efficient.
Complementing this is a generous 32GB of RAM, which allows for smooth and efficient multitasking, even with the most memory-hungry applications. This combination makes the Zenbook 14 a reliable performer capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously without slowing down.
Gaming
While the Zenbook 14 isn’t specifically aimed at the gaming crowd, the integrated Intel® Arc GPU is more than capable of handling graphical demands. If you’re searching the market it’s likely that this model didn’t stick out because of its gaming prowess, and if you’re after a smooth gaming experience, this isn’t the ultra settings machine for the job. However, not a total slouch this laptop isn’t a bad option if you’re into some casual gaming.
AI Features
Worth a mention, Intel’s Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is a standout, boosting AI-driven applications significantly. This dedicated AI engine enhances video calls with advanced functions like background noise cancellation, eye-tracking for better attention awareness, and real-time object recognition.
Battery
The Zenbook 14 OLED strikes an impressive balance between performance and battery life, easily lasting over 12 hours of continuous use on tasks like admin work and video streaming. I was genuinely surprised by how infrequently I needed to charge it, often going multiple days without plugging in. When the battery did need a recharge, it was quick and efficient and I didn’t know where the charger was because I didn’t need it for three days.
Experimenting with different power modes can adjust performance and longevity, but even out of the box, the Zenbook 14 offers a strong combination of speed and endurance. While battery life will vary depending on usage, it’s undoubtedly one of this laptop’s standout features, making it ideal for those who need a reliable, long-lasting device.
Webcam and Video Features
In an era where digital communication is key, the Zenbook 14 OLED’s Full HD webcam is a notable upgrade. With its 1920×1080 resolution, it delivers sharp and clear video for Zoom and Teams meetings—an essential for today’s hybrid work environment.
Windows 11 enhances the webcam experience with several features. The infrared camera enables Autoframing, keeping you centred in the frame, while the Eye Contact feature uses AI to maintain the appearance of direct engagement, even when you look away.
The portrait blur, or digital depth of field, allows you to adjust background blur, making you the focal point and minimizing background distractions. This functionality is integrated into Windows 11 and available across all camera apps, thanks to the built-in hardware, and will likely be one of the more surprisingly appreciated features for those whose work revolves around conference and video calls.
Verdict & Value
For those in search of a laptop that blends ultra-portability, impressive features, and a battery that will run all day, the Zenbook 14 OLED stands out in a crowded market.
The absolute standout display will be a softener to the pricing that starts around AU$2,199 for entry-level models and scales up to A$2,799.00. Ultimately, this isn’t a bargain of all bargains, but the value is genuine. A solid investment for both students and professionals, the Zenbook 14 OLED offers a combination of speed, efficiency, and long-lasting battery life that is hard to match, with a display and form factor that’s even harder to go past.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Excellent OLED display; Powerful performance; Long battery life; Advanced webcam features
Lowlights: Limited colour options; White keyboard backlighting could be improved
Manufacturer: ASUS
Price: AU$2,199 – A$2,799.00. (Depending on model and specifications)
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by ASUS and is currently available via ASUS’s official website and at select retailers.
