The Asus ZenBook A14 is a remarkable feat of engineering, pushing the boundaries of laptop lightness and battery longevity. However, its low-powered processor raises questions about its value proposition at a premium price point. This review delves into the ZenBook A14’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right laptop for you.
The ZenBook A14 captivates with its “Ceraluminum” chassis, a ceramic-coated aluminum that contributes to its incredibly light 2.16-pound weight. It also boasts impressive battery life, surpassing a full day of use in our testing. But this longevity comes at the expense of performance, as Asus has opted for a lower-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor typically found in more budget-friendly laptops. This begs the question: is the trade-off worth it?
Design and Build Quality
Asus Zenbook A14 design IDG / Chris Hoffman
The ZenBook A14’s defining feature is its featherlight weight, a direct result of the Ceraluminum construction. This material blends the lightness of aluminum with the durability of ceramic. While it doesn’t offer the traditional tactile satisfaction of metal, the ceramic coating provides a unique feel. The overall design is sleek and modern, available in an “Iceland Gray” finish with a black bezel and hinge. The laptop opens easily with one hand and feels remarkably light to hold.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Asus Zenbook A14 keyboard IDG / Chris Hoffman
The keyboard offers 1.3mm of key travel, which, while slightly squishy, is adequate for a thin and light laptop. The trackpad is well-sized and positioned, providing a smooth gliding surface and a satisfying click. While a haptic touchpad would have been a welcome addition, the existing trackpad performs its function reliably.
Display and Audio
Asus Zenbook A14 head on shot IDG / Chris Hoffman
The ZenBook A14 features a 14-inch OLED display with a 1920×1200 resolution. The OLED technology delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, although the 60Hz refresh rate feels somewhat limiting for a premium device. Furthermore, the display lacks touchscreen functionality. The speakers offer ample volume for casual use, but the bass is noticeably lacking. Headphones are recommended for a richer audio experience.
Webcam, Microphone, and Biometrics
The ZenBook A14 is equipped with a surprisingly crisp 1080p webcam, ideal for video conferencing. While it lacks a physical privacy shutter, the image quality is above average. The microphone is also adequate for meetings, though not exceptional. An IR camera enables convenient Windows Hello facial recognition login, while a fingerprint reader is absent.
Connectivity
Asus Zenbook A14 right side IDG / Chris Hoffman
Port selection is minimal, featuring two USB Type-C ports (one for charging), an HDMI output, a combo audio jack, and a single USB Type-A port. The limited connectivity necessitates the use of a dongle for expanded options. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Performance
The ZenBook A14’s performance is sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing and office productivity. However, the Snapdragon X processor struggles with graphically demanding applications and games. Benchmark results confirm its lower performance compared to other Snapdragon-powered laptops. While day-to-day usability is acceptable, the performance limitations are noticeable when pushing the system beyond basic tasks.
Asus Zenbook A14 Cinebench results IDG / Chris Hoffman
Asus Zenbook A14 Time Spy results IDG / Chris Hoffman
Asus Zenbook A14 3DMark results IDG / Chris Hoffman
Battery Life
Asus Zenbook A14 battery life results IDG / Chris Hoffman
The ZenBook A14 shines in battery life, lasting an astonishing 24 hours in our video playback test. This exceptional longevity is a major selling point, though it comes at the expense of processing power.
Conclusion
The Asus ZenBook A14 is a compelling device for users prioritizing extreme portability and exceptional battery life. However, the performance limitations imposed by its lower-tier processor make it a niche product. While the ultralight design and all-day battery are impressive, the premium price tag may not be justified for users who require more robust performance. Consider your needs carefully before making a purchase decision.
