ASUS ZenBook S14 Review: Power and Elegance in a Compact Package

The ASUS ZenBook S14 is a sleek and ultra-portable laptop that combines performance, premium build quality, and modern features, making it an excellent choice for professionals and students alike. In this review, we’ll explore the key aspects that define the ZenBook S14 and why it stands out in the crowded ultrabook market.

Design and Build Quality

The ZenBook S14 is a masterclass in design. Crafted from a durable, lightweight aluminum chassis, it exudes elegance while maintaining a sturdy feel. Weighing just around 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs), the ZenBook S14 is designed for portability without compromising durability. The device is incredibly thin, typically measuring just 15.9mm in thickness, making it easy to carry in a backpack or briefcase.

Available in colors like Jade Black and Pine Grey, the laptop has a minimalist, professional look. ASUS’s signature Zen-inspired concentric circle finish on the lid adds a touch of sophistication. The ErgoLift hinge not only improves typing ergonomics by slightly tilting the keyboard but also enhances cooling and audio quality by providing extra clearance for the speakers.

Display

The ASUS ZenBook S14 comes with a 14-inch display that’s available in multiple configurations, ranging from Full HD (1920 x 1080) to 2K or 4K resolutions, depending on the specific model. With slim bezels on all sides, the screen boasts an impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio, delivering an immersive viewing experience, especially in such a compact device. The color accuracy and sharpness are ideal for media consumption, light content creation, and productivity tasks.

The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles and good brightness levels, typically around 400 nits, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Colors are vibrant, and contrast levels are high enough for professional work like photo editing, but also perfectly suited for binge-watching movies.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZenBook S14 doesn’t disappoint. The laptop is typically equipped with the latest Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors (11th Gen or newer), ensuring fast and efficient performance for everyday tasks. Paired with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, multitasking is a breeze, even with several browser tabs open, running productivity apps like Microsoft Office, and light creative software such as Adobe Photoshop.

For graphics, the ZenBook S14 is powered by Intel Iris Xe Graphics. While this isn’t a laptop designed for gaming, the Iris Xe handles light gaming and graphical tasks smoothly, along with video streaming, 4K playback, and basic video editing.

In terms of storage, you’ll find fast SSD options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, which means snappy boot times and quick data access. Whether you’re launching applications or transferring large files, the SSD significantly boosts the overall performance.

 

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the ZenBook S14 is its impressive battery life. With a typical usage of productivity apps, browsing, and media consumption, you can expect around 10-12 hours on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for full workdays without needing a charger.

ASUS also includes fast charging technology, which can top up the battery quickly, providing around 60% charge in under an hour. This is particularly helpful for professionals on the go who may need a quick recharge between meetings or commutes.

Also Read ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606) Review: A Blend of Power, Portability.

Keyboard and Trackpad

ASUS has nailed the typing experience with a backlit keyboard that’s comfortable and responsive. The keys have decent travel despite the slim form factor, and the backlighting makes it easy to type in dim environments. The ErgoLift hinge also contributes to a better typing angle, reducing strain during long typing sessions.

The trackpad is spacious and responsive, supporting Windows Precision drivers for smooth and accurate gestures. Some ZenBook S14 models feature the ASUS NumberPad 2.0, where the trackpad doubles as a virtual numeric keypad, a clever design that adds functionality without sacrificing space.

Audio and Webcam

The ZenBook S14’s speakers are Harman Kardon certified, delivering surprisingly good sound for an ultrabook. While bass might not be as deep as some external speakers, the overall sound is crisp and clear, making it more than adequate for video calls, presentations, and casual music listening.

The laptop’s 720p HD webcam is sufficient for video conferencing, though not groundbreaking in terms of clarity or sharpness. It does feature AI noise-canceling microphones, which help reduce background noise during video calls, a much-appreciated feature in today’s remote work environment.

Ports and Connectivity

Despite its slim profile, the ASUS ZenBook S14 offers a decent array of ports:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C): Ideal for fast data transfer, charging, and connecting external displays.
• 1 x USB-A 3.2: For older USB devices.
• 1 x HDMI: Useful for external monitors or projectors.
• 1 x microSD card reader: Handy for photographers or anyone transferring data from mobile devices.
• Audio jack: For headphones or external speakers.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster and more stable internet connectivity, particularly when connected to compatible routers, making streaming, downloading, and web browsing smooth and efficient.

Software and Features

The ZenBook S14 runs on Windows 11, taking full advantage of the sleek new interface and performance improvements. ASUS also includes several useful utilities, such as MyASUS, which lets you optimize performance, control fan speeds, and troubleshoot potential issues. There’s also an instant-on feature, which resumes from sleep almost instantly, making it feel as responsive as a tablet.

A fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button ensures quick and secure login via Windows Hello, adding a layer of convenience and security.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight and premium build.
• Strong performance with Intel’s latest processors.
• Excellent battery life with fast charging.
• High-quality display with narrow bezels.
• Wide selection of ports for connectivity.
• Backlit keyboard and responsive trackpad.

Cons:

• Webcam quality could be better.
• Limited gaming potential with integrated graphics.
• Limited upgradability (RAM is usually soldered).

Verdict

The ASUS ZenBook S14 is a near-perfect ultrabook for users seeking a blend of style, performance, and portability. Its elegant design, impressive display, long battery life, and robust performance make it ideal for professionals, content creators, and students who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. While it’s not built for heavy gaming or advanced creative workloads, it excels in all other areas, particularly as a productivity machine.

For anyone in the market for a premium ultrabook that won’t break the bank, the ASUS ZenBook S14 is a top contender.