ASUS Zenbook S 14 (2024) Review: Iterative Refinement of a Premium Ultraportable

The 2024 ASUS Zenbook S 14: A Top-Tier MacBook Air Competitor

The ASUS Zenbook S 14 (2024) emerges as a leading Windows alternative to Apple's MacBook Air, boasting significant upgrades. This refined ultraportable retains its lightweight design and introduces stylish new color options, all while utilizing ASUS' robust Ceraluminum material. Despite its slim profile, it boasts a generous port selection and an improved cooling system for optimal performance. The Zenbook S 14 showcases Intel's Lunar Lake capabilities, proving its mettle in the expanding ARM-based market.

Highlights:

• Exceptional OLED Display: The 14-inch 3K OLED boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant colors, making it ideal for both content consumption and professional editing.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and an audio jack—surpassing the MacBook Air's port selection.
• Unmatched Portability: Weighing just 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) and measuring 1.1 cm (0.45 inches) thin, it's effortlessly portable.

Areas for Improvement:

• Substandard Webcam: The FHD camera delivers below-average image quality.
• Fan Noise Under Load: While improved, the fan can still be noticeable during intensive tasks.

Pricing and Availability:

The ASUS Zenbook S 14 is available from ASUS, Best Buy, and Amazon. Configurations vary, offering choices of Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, Core Ultra 5 226V, Core Ultra 7 256V, or Core Ultra 9 Processor 288V, along with 512GB or 1TB SSD storage and 16GB or 32GB of RAM.

Specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 series
• GPU: Intel Arc Graphics
• RAM: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5x
• Storage: 512GB or 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
• Battery: 72Wh
• Display: 14-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED (120Hz, 500 nits)
• Camera: FHD
• Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, Audio Jack

Design and Build:

The Zenbook S 14 retains its sleek design, now offered in Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White. The durable Ceraluminum chassis provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The keyboard offers comfortable typing, and the trackpad features a smooth, smudge-resistant coating.

Display Performance:

The Lumina OLED panel delivers exceptional color accuracy and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While brightness could be improved for outdoor use, the display excels in indoor settings. Touch support is included, though the hinge design limits full convertibility.

Performance and Battery Life:

The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor delivers a significant performance boost, enabling smooth multitasking and quick application launches. The improved cooling system keeps temperatures in check, even under heavy workloads. Battery life is excellent, averaging around 10 hours on a single charge.

Final Verdict:

The ASUS Zenbook S 14 (2024) is a compelling ultraportable laptop that excels in performance, portability, and build quality. While minor drawbacks exist, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a strong contender against the MacBook Air. It's an ideal choice for students and professionals seeking a powerful yet lightweight Windows machine.

8/10

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