Asus continues to impress with its premium line of ultra-portable laptops, and the Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406) exemplifies the brand’s commitment to performance, design, and display quality. This laptop packs a lot into a compact, sleek frame, making it a solid choice for professionals and creatives. Let’s dive into the features that make the Zenbook S 14 OLED stand out.
Design and Build Quality
The Zenbook S 14 OLED has a slim, ultra-light chassis that measures only 14.9mm in thickness and weighs around 1.4 kg, making it one of the most portable laptops in its category. Constructed from recycled aluminum, the build is not only durable but also eco-friendly, which aligns with Asus’s commitment to sustainability. The overall aesthetic is sophisticated, with a “Jade Black” finish and subtle Asus branding that gives it a professional appeal.
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.7 x 0.59 inches
- Weight: 1.4 kg
- Color: Jade Black
Display Quality
One of the most striking features of the Zenbook S 14 is its 14-inch OLED display, which offers a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) resolution. The display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a wide contrast ratio, making it a dream for photographers, video editors, and anyone who appreciates high display quality. With a 90Hz refresh rate, the screen is smooth for scrolling and gaming, while the 16:10 aspect ratio gives more vertical screen space, perfect for productivity tasks.
- Display: 14-inch 2.8K OLED, 2880 x 1800 resolution
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
Performance
Under the hood, the Zenbook S 14 OLED is powered by Intel’s 13th Gen Core i7-1355U processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB SSD storage. This combination delivers exceptional performance, handling multitasking and demanding applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro with ease. It’s ideal for professionals who require power without compromising on portability. The Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics are sufficient for basic creative tasks, though it’s not intended for heavy gaming or 3D rendering.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U (13th Gen)
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for ultra-portable devices, and the Zenbook S 14 OLED does not disappoint. With a 67Wh battery, it offers around 10 hours of usage under typical productivity tasks, which is impressive for a high-resolution OLED screen. Fast-charging support allows the battery to recharge to 60% in approximately 49 minutes, adding convenience for users on the move.
- Battery: 67Wh
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Fast Charging: 60% charge in 49 minutes
Connectivity and Ports
Despite its slim profile, the Zenbook S 14 OLED comes with a decent selection of ports. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, one USB-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing connectivity to various peripherals and external displays. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard is comfortable and well-spaced, featuring backlighting for use in low-light conditions. Asus has also included their ErgoSense touchpad, which is larger than previous Zenbook models and features smooth glass with responsive tracking. It includes an integrated NumberPad 2.0, allowing users to switch between a standard touchpad and a numeric keypad, which is a handy addition for productivity.
- Keyboard: Backlit, comfortable typing experience
- Trackpad: Large glass touchpad with NumberPad 2.0
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning 2.8K OLED display with vibrant colors and deep contrast
- Slim and lightweight build, easy to carry
- Strong performance for productivity and creative tasks
- Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient design
- Decent battery life with fast charging
Cons:
- Intel Iris Xe graphics limit gaming and high-end creative tasks
- Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers
- Limited port selection for professional creatives
Verdict
The Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED (UX5406) is a fantastic laptop for those who prioritize display quality, portability, and robust performance for everyday and professional tasks. Its OLED screen, lightweight design, and efficient processor make it a top choice for professionals on the go. While it may not suit heavy gamers or those needing dedicated graphics, it offers more than enough for productivity, content creation, and media consumption. The Zenbook S 14 OLED is a refined, premium device that does justice to Asus’s commitment to quality and innovation in the ultra-portable laptop category.
