The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (Q425MA) for 2024 has emerged as a formidable player in the ultrabook market, blending portability with performance. Priced at an attractive $799.99, this sleek device is ideal for professionals on the go and media enthusiasts alike. In this review, we dive deep into its specifications, performance, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Lightweight Aluminum Chassis
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED features a robust yet lightweight aluminum chassis, measuring just 15 mm in thickness and weighing a mere 1.28 kg (2.82 lbs). This makes it one of the most portable laptops in its category, perfect for carrying around whether you're commuting to work or traveling.
Ports and Connectivity
Despite its slim profile, the Zenbook 14 OLED doesn't skimp on connectivity options:
- Two Thunderbolt 4 Ports: High-speed data transfer, power delivery, and display output.
- One Type-A USB Port: Versatile connectivity for various peripherals.
- HDMI 2.1 Port: Supports up to 4K external displays.
- 3.5 mm Combo Jack: For audio input and output.
Display Quality
Stunning OLED Touchscreen
The 14-inch OLED display on the ASUS Zenbook 14 is a standout feature. With a resolution of 1920x1200, this touch-capable screen supports pen input, making it highly versatile for both productivity and creative tasks.
Going a little deeper into the display, the 14-inch OLED panel on the ASUS Zenbook 14 is touch-capable with support for pen input, boasts a resolution of 1200p, and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut. Also, the display can shoot up to 400 nits of brightness in SDR and 500 nits in HDR mode. Combined with the characteristic OLED contrast ratio and deep blacks, the Zenbook 14 should make for a solid media consumption and content creation machine.
Color Accuracy and Brightness
- 100% DCI-P3 Gamut Coverage: Ensures vibrant and accurate colors, essential for content creators.
- Brightness: Reaches up to 400 nits in SDR and 500 nits in HDR mode, providing excellent visibility even in bright environments.
- Contrast Ratio: The characteristic deep blacks and high contrast of OLED technology enhance both viewing and editing experiences.
Performance
Powered by Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
The Zenbook 14 OLED is equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Meteor Lake CPU, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This combination promises robust performance for a wide range of applications from daily office tasks to more demanding content creation and multitasking.
Storage
- 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD: Offers fast read/write speeds, significantly reducing load times and ensuring smooth performance across applications.
Battery Life
The Zenbook 14 OLED is powered by a 75 Wh battery. In our tests, a similar model with the same processor but a different display configuration lasted 11 hours and 47 minutes on a Wi-Fi web surfing test. Given the Q425MA's lower resolution display, we can anticipate even longer battery life, making it an excellent choice for extended use without needing a charge.
Value Proposition
Price and Availability
Initially retailing at $1,049.99, the Zenbook 14 OLED is currently available at a discounted price of $799.99 at Best Buy. This significant price drop makes it a compelling option for anyone seeking a high-performance, portable laptop.
Use Cases
- Productivity: With its powerful CPU, ample RAM, and fast SSD, the Zenbook 14 OLED handles office applications and multitasking with ease.
- Media Consumption: The OLED display and strong battery life make it ideal for streaming and content creation.
- Portability: Lightweight design and robust build quality make it perfect for on-the-go use.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (Q425MA) stands out as a top-tier ultrabook in 2024. Its combination of a vibrant OLED display, powerful performance, and sleek design, coupled with a competitive price, makes it an excellent choice for both professionals and media enthusiasts. Whether you need a reliable work companion or a portable entertainment device, the Zenbook 14 OLED delivers exceptional value and performance.
