The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED stands out as a remarkable value laptop, offering a comprehensive package for its price. The Zenbook 14X OLED elevates this further with Intel processors, a faster refresh rate display, and enhanced performance. While not as budget-friendly, the Zenbook 14X remains a compelling option, particularly for those seeking a more premium experience.
Specifications and Configurations
| Feature | Asus Zenbook 14X OLED |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.67 inches x 8.88 inches x 0.67 inches |
| Weight | 3.44 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-13500H, i7-13700H, or i9-13900H |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe or Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB |
| Display | 14.5-inch 16:10 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800) OLED, 120Hz |
| Storage | 512GB SSD or 1TB SSD |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Webcam | 1080p with infrared for Windows Hello |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 70 watt-hours |
| Price | Starting at $800 |
Asus offers three configurations. The base model ($800) features a Core i5-13500H, 8GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. The mid-range model ($1,000) upgrades to a Core i7-13700H and 16GB RAM. The top-tier configuration ($1,500) boasts a Core i9-13900H, 32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an RTX 3050. The lower-end models offer the most compelling value. While the $1,500 model remains competitive, it lacks the standout appeal of the others. Compared to the Zenbook 14 OLED, the base 14X model costs $100 more but doubles the storage.
Premium Design, Familiar Aesthetics
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Many Windows laptops embrace minimalist designs, and the Zenbook 14X OLED follows suit. Its Inkwell Grey aluminum chassis features subtle tapered edges and geometric lines on the lid. A Sandstone Beige model with a ceramic matte finish is also available. The build quality is robust for its price point, with minimal flex in the lid and none in the keyboard deck. The Zenbook 14X OLED is compact thanks to its slim bezels, measuring 0.67 inches thin and weighing 3.44 pounds.
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The keyboard offers comfortable travel and snappy feedback. While not class-leading, it’s suitable for extended typing sessions. The large touchpad is responsive, though the click buttons are a bit loud. Asus’s NumberPad 2.0, an embedded LED numeric keypad within the touchpad, is a handy addition for number crunchers.
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The 1080p webcam with image enhancement technology delivers a high-quality video conferencing experience. Windows Hello facial recognition via the infrared camera ensures quick and secure logins.
Performance Boost, Battery Life Trade-off
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The Zenbook 14X OLED utilizes 45-watt 13th-gen Intel CPUs and integrated Iris Xe graphics. This combination excels in productivity tasks but falls short for GPU-intensive creative applications. While an RTX 3050 option is available, it won’t significantly impact performance in demanding software like Adobe Premiere Pro. However, for productivity workflows, the Zenbook 14X OLED performs admirably.
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| Benchmark | Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (Core i7-13700H) | Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (Ryzen 5 7530U) | Acer Swift Go 14 (Core i7-13700H) | … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (single/multi) | Bal: 1,848 / 11,157 Perf: 1,852 / 11,160 | Bal: 1,457 / 7,527 Perf: 1,458 / 8,207 | Bal: 1,866 / 11,061 Perf: 1,854 / 11,824 | … |
| Handbrake (seconds) | Bal: 84 Perf: 82 | Bal: 123 Perf: 121 | Bal: 82 Perf: 82 | … |
| … | … | … | … | … |
Battery life is where the Zenbook 14 OLED excels. The Zenbook 14X OLED delivers average battery life, lasting less than a full workday in typical usage.
| Test | Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (Core i7-13700H) | Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (Ryzen 5 7530U) | … |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web browsing | 8 hours, 2 minutes | 12 hours, 13 minutes | … |
| Video | N/A | 17 hours, 19 minutes | … |
| … | … | … | … |
Stunning OLED Display
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The Zenbook 14X OLED features a vibrant OLED display with wide color coverage (100% sRGB, 98% AdobeRGB, 99% DCI-P3) and excellent color accuracy. The 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals, a step up from the 90Hz panel in the Zenbook 14 OLED. The audio quality is adequate for casual use, but headphones are recommended for a better media experience.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice, But Consider Your Priorities
Both the Zenbook 14 OLED and 14X OLED are excellent laptops, especially at their entry-level prices. The 14X offers more storage and a faster CPU, but at the cost of battery life and a higher price. Choosing between them depends on your priorities. If performance is paramount, the Zenbook 14X OLED is a great choice. However, if battery life is a key concern, the Zenbook 14 OLED might be the better option.
