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Final Up to date: June 1st, 2022
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version is a uniquely designed laptop computer from one of many largest manufacturers within the enterprise that commemorates the twenty fifth anniversary of the primary ASUS laptop computer despatched into area. The whole lot concerning the design of the laptop computer to the packaging it comes with is an homage to humanity’s historical past of area exploration. It’s a wonderful machine, but additionally an expensive one, the query is, is it value your cash? Learn on to seek out out.
ASUS Zenbook 14x OLED Area Version
CPU
Intel Core i5-12500H / i7-12700H / i9-12900H
RAM
8GB / 16GB / 32GB LPDDR5
Storage
512GB / 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
Max Refresh Price
60Hz / 90Hz
Specs & upgradability
Opening up the again of this laptop computer is an actual ache and we had fairly a number of points doing so. Moreover eradicating the Torx screws (together with the 2 beneath the toes) it’s a must to prise off the panel because it’s held on by a number of plastic clips. Doing this with out breaking one thing shouldn’t be simple, so we’d keep away from doing it your self until you recognize what you’re doing and truly do have to improve the machine.
There’s one single M.2 2280 slot close to the CPU which homes the SSD that may be upgraded at a later date, must you want to, as can the Wi-Fi 6E chip.
The LPDDR5 4800MHz dual-channel RAM is obtainable in 8GB / 16GB (our configuration) / 32GB configurations on the level of buy, however non-upgradable when you’ve ordered it because the RAM is soldered to the board.
There are three Intel twelfth Gen laptop computer CPU choices: the Intel Core i5-12500H, i7-12700H (our configuration), and i9-12900H, supplying you with a lot of pricing choices relying in your private wants. As to be anticipated with a slimline non-gaming laptop computer, there isn’t a devoted graphics card, simply the Intel Iris Xe built-in graphics (iGPU) which include the CPU, although this doesn’t imply some gentle gaming isn’t doable on this machine (as we present under).
The mini-screen on the rear of the laptop computer is a 3.5” 256 x 64 monochrome P-OLED that comes with all fashions of this machine. Learn the display part under for extra data on the completely different spec choices for the primary show.
Intel Core i5-12500H / i7-12700H / i9-12900H
512GB / 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
2880 x 1800 / 3840 x 2400
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-A, 2x USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 (energy supply), 1x HDMI 2.0b 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, Micro SD card reader
Execs
distinctive commemorative design and aesthetic
highly effective twelfth gen CPU choices
good high quality keyboard & trackpad
16:10 display provides extra display in your cash
very good coloration gamut, whitepoint, and panel uniformity
good distinction ratio and black level
touchscreen choice
good variety of I/O ports for a smaller gadget
90Hz choice with very quick response time for gentle gaming
usually excellent construct high quality
very loud audio system of respectable high quality
gentle, skinny, and moveable
Cons
considerably dearer on account of distinctive design
lacklustre battery life
not vibrant sufficient for out of doors use in very sunny circumstances
poor coloration accuracy
some speaker rattle on the particular unit we had
merely common mic and webcam with no Infra Purple
Software program
The MyASUS software program that the laptop computer comes with in all fairness simple to navigate and user-friendly (definitely extra so than the Armoury Crate app that comes with ASUS gaming laptops).
Beneath Customization > Fan Profile you get three to decide on between, every which permits the CPU and different inside parts to run at completely different energy limits and subsequently efficiency: Efficiency (35-45W), Normal (25-25W), and Whisper (20W).
You additionally get a alternative of three Battery Well being Charging choices to both prioritize the longevity of the battery’s lifespan, or enhance the charging capability.
Beneath Customization > Audio & Visible you get numerous noise cancelation choices, plus choices to cut back flickering and display burn-in on the OLED show. You can too swap the show refresh fee from the usual 90Hz to the decrease 60Hz to save lots of battery, and again once more.
Beneath the identical part, Splendid permits you to alter the vividness of your OLED show, to both save battery / cut back Blue gentle for eye care functions / make the display look one of the best it might probably when viewing photographs or watching movies. Customization > Goal Mode dims all non-active home windows which are in your display, enabling you to save lots of battery and extend the lifespan of your show.
Design aesthetics & RGB
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Arguably the most important draw of this Area Version Zenbook is the aesthetic design, which evokes the area race in a large number of the way. It’s not simply the laptop computer however the packaging it is available in that efficiently manages this, and this was simply one of the best unboxing expertise we’ve had in a laptop computer. The big black field has a design on it taken from the Golden Report despatched with NASA missions to speak with any extraterrestrial intelligence. Inside it is a smaller, nicer-looking silver field with comparable designs that comprises the laptop computer itself. You additionally get the same silver field that comprises the charging adapter, which doubles as an impromptu laptop computer stand. You additionally get a padded laptop computer cowl with a vibrant silver design with orange accents that evokes the spacesuits and mylar foil utilized in area missions. Even the handbook, phrases and circumstances documentation is available in a silver padded pouch that evokes ration packaging.
The laptop computer itself comes with a single choice for the colour scheme, often known as ‘Zero-G Titanium’, and has a barely matte texture over the vast majority of the machine, each of which do a good job of hiding fingerprint marks or different filth and dirt. As soon as you’re taking off all of the associate branding stickers, it truly is a wonderful machine. There are quite a few nods to the historical past of area exploration in hidden particulars all through the physique of the machine (some in morse code), which we gained’t spoil for you, however they positively rating extremely within the rule of cool and make this fairly a novel and particular gadget. Probably the most eye-catching function is the mini monochrome display on the reverse of the laptop computer lid, which may be set throughout the MyASUS software program to point out a wide range of astral-themed pre-programmed animations, show the time, or a customized message you could enter your self.
The one lighting on this machine comes from the keyboard backlighting, which doesn’t have any RGB controls however has three completely different brightness ranges that may be managed from the keyboard. Something however the highest brightness settings (or with the lighting utterly switched off) could make the lettering of the keyboard a bit arduous to see, and we’ve seen higher under-key lighting than this when it comes to its tidiness/the way it appears, but it surely does the job.
Dimension, construct high quality & ergonomics
The scale of the bottom ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version are as follows:
Top: 1.59cm / 0.63″, Width: 31.12cm / 12.25″, Depth: 22.11cm / 8.70″
Wanting on the weight now:
Laptop computer: 1.4kg / 3.09lb, energy brick & cable: 0.4kg / 0.88lb, mixed weight 1.8kg / 3.97lb
This Zenbook 14X is a bit heavier than the two.8lb Zenbook 14s of previous years, the tradeoff for a taller 16:10 show and extra highly effective CPU with the mandatory cooling, nonetheless, the laptop computer itself remains to be very skinny and simply moveable. The bigger 100W charger has a little bit of chunk to it in comparison with that of the 14s, and it’s a bit difficult to suit it in the identical silver area foil laptop computer case that comes with the gadget with out scratching the floor of the laptop computer (a little bit of an oversight from ASUS) nonetheless it’s nonetheless sufficiently small match right into a bag or bigger jacket pocket.
As is widespread amongst ASUS laptops the construct high quality of the 14X Area Version is mostly excellent – from the steel chassis itself to the show hinges, keyboard and trackpad, all the things appears stable, feels stable and is sweet to the contact. The one exception to this was the rattling noise we skilled from the entrance of the laptop computer (we talk about this extra beneath the Audio part under) although we’ve not seen anybody else point out this so hopefully it’s restricted to this unit.
In a design that we’re seeing throughout a lot of the Zephyrus and Zenbook line, opening the display causes the rear of the laptop computer to raise off the bottom by roughly 1cm at full extension as the underside of the display primarily props it up. This improves the typing angle barely and likewise the airflow for the intakes on the underside of the laptop computer. This design has been proven to enhance inside cooling and cut back thermal throttling in different machines.
There are two rubber toes on the rear corners of the laptop computer however whenever you open the lid this raises them off the bottom, rendering them considerably ineffective. The 2 toes on the entrance of the laptop computer had been of a tougher, non-rubberized plastic, giving them much less grip, which appears a curious design alternative.
Keyboard & trackpad
The membrane keyboard of the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version offers a really good typing expertise general. I discovered the sizable keys and spacing stored typos to a minimal, the marginally matte really feel of the keys (moreover the spacebar which was clean) gave a pleasant little bit of buy, and the actuation and responsiveness of the keys felt satisfying.
The glass trackpad is equally of a top quality, is sweet and huge, and the numpad activation for it’s pretty intuitive (you merely press the highest proper nook for 1 second to activate/deactivate). There’s additionally the choice to slip alongside the highest of the trackpad to shortly convey up a calculator on display.
Webcam & inbuilt microphone
The 720p webcam is serviceable however doesn’t have one of the best picture high quality. The F10 key does nonetheless operate as a webcam blocker – inflicting a privateness shutter to bodily cowl the lens in addition to disconnecting it, which is a superb function. There is no such thing as a Infra Purple know-how with the webcam, sadly (regardless of this being a function of the older Zenbook 14s), which suggests no Home windows Hi there.
Microphone high quality is middling, however may be improved for video-conferencing utilizing numerous AI Noise-Canceling settings throughout the onboard software program (beneath Customisation > Audio & Visible) to cut back background noise (although this can sap your battery at a sooner fee).
Ports, sockets, and different options
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The array of ports and sockets is about nearly as good as you possibly can count on for such a skinny and lightweight pocket book of this measurement. You get 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-A port, and 2x USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 sockets which each help show and energy supply, in addition to a HDMI 2.0b socket and 1x 3.5mm audio combo jack.
Creatives who deal with pictures and digital camera footage will likely be please to know a Micro SD card reader can be included. The Micro SD card slot is pretty effectively disguised alongside the precise aspect of the laptop computer to look a part of the exhaust port design, which is visually pleasing (simply be sure to don’t unintentionally put your SD card into the fallacious slot).
Like different 14-inch laptops, the Zenbook 14X lacks an ethernet port, however you do get a Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (6GHz) reference to ASUS WiFi SmartConnect, which provides stable efficiency, we definitely skilled no points with it.
There’s a fingerprint reader positioned within the energy button on the top-right of the keyboard.
Display screen
Show choices embody a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) contact display, a non-touch display of the identical decision, and a 4K contact display choice. All variants are 16:10 OLED shows that include a reported response time of 0.2ms, although solely the two.8K choices have the upper 90Hz refresh fee, with the 4K capped at 60Hz.
In the event you’re thinking about doing a bit of sunshine gaming, the 90Hz choice is unquestionably the one we’d decide and contact display does turn into extra helpful on gadgets of this measurement, and that is the choice got to check.
From a purely subjective perspective, the show appears implausible, the skinny bezels and additional headroom of the 16:10 display actually maximizing display actual property when viewing paperwork and internet pages on such a small gadget, and it was a pleasure to work on.
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version coloration gamut
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ASUS claimed that the G14 coloration gamut of this show covers 100% of the DCI-P3 area, and subsequently 100% sRGB by extension. The outcomes of our check fell very barely wanting this however solely simply.
We recorded 100% sRGB protection and 98.8% DCI-P3, which for sensible utility is simply nearly as good as 100% actually. Adobe RGB protection was 99.3%. Successfully these outcomes imply means you should use the laptop computer for colorwork in all three of those coloration areas, assuming the accuracy outcomes (under) meet the necessities. For gaming the colour replication is greater than sufficient.
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version coloration accuracy out of the field
Previous to calibrating the show, the colour accuracy of the 14X OLED out of the field confirmed a mean delta of 4.98, which isn’t good and effectively above the two.5 threshold that marks a decent degree of variance. White level was very good at 6518K, very near the best 6500K outcome. Gamma was respectable at 1.89 (2.2 being the best). Black depth was completely good at 0.0m² – you actually can not get a greater outcome than this – and the identical was true for distinction ratio at infinity:1. In abstract, a decent outcome for gamma, an ideal outcome for black level and distinction ratio and close to sufficient for the white level, however a disappointingly poor delta variance.
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version coloration accuracy following calibration
Calibration did little change to the ends in any optimistic method, aside from gamma, which was elevated to 2.16 (near the two.2 excellent). White level moved barely additional away from the best to 6525K. Black level and distinction remained the identical good values that they did pre-calibration, and common delta received each so barely worse at 5.01. Finally it could be worthwhile calibrating for the slight gamma enhance, however that’s it.
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version panel uniformity
We do a panel uniformity check on all laptops we assessment after their calibration, which checks for each luminance and coloration accuracy. We begin on the centremost level as a reference after which check all the opposite sections of the display (25 in whole) to see how they examine.
Usually, any common coloration variation beneath 1.00 is nice and exhibits up as inexperienced within the picture under, although the typical shopper gained’t be capable to inform a lot distinction under 3.00. Visible editors who work with coloration nonetheless could have a keener eye.
The outcomes we received on the ASUS Zephyrus G14 had been nice general, with solely the second from prime left quadrant exhibiting a most variance of two.03 at 100% brightness (112.35cd/m²).
With a uniformity this good, and virtually all the opposite outcomes being top-notch, it’s an actual disgrace that the accuracy isn’t as much as scratch, as this makes us hesitant in recommending this machine for color-accurate skilled use.
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version brightness
We completed off our coloration accuracy testing by working a luminance check. On the unit we examined, we received a peak brightness of 362 cd/m² and a minimal of three.5 cd/m² which is effectively under the five hundred nits of most brightness claimed by ASUS (although this may increasingly have been restricted to when viewing HDR content material, which we didn’t check). When utilizing the laptop computer indoors through the daytime we’d advocate matching the brightness to 120 cd/m² which equates to a brightness setting of 61% beneath the brightness controls for this laptop computer.
When it comes to our subjective expertise when testing this laptop computer, 100% brightness when working exterior on a sunny day in Northern England was affordable to do work on, however disappointing for an OLED display. Customers in sunnier climes could have points in seeing the display in a lot brighter daylight.
Audio
ASUS are one of many higher Home windows laptop computer manufacturers in terms of speaker high quality, with a few of their higher choices approaching audio high quality just like that of the MacBook (the gold commonplace on this space). The Asus ZenBook 14X OLED Area Version has Harman Kardon assured sound however nonetheless isn’t fairly up there with one of the best we’ve heard.
When it comes to quantity it’s very spectacular, even with the positioning of the audio system beneath the laptop computer: 50% quantity is fairly loud for many makes use of and in case you crank issues to the max you possibly can have your self a celebration. Bass replication is healthier than common by laptop computer requirements, although the decrease sub-bass frequencies are nonetheless pretty absent. Basic crispness and high quality of audio is nice, even on the upper volumes.
Sadly, on the mannequin now we have no less than, there was a loud, disagreeable fuzzy and rattley vibration noise that occurred on the entrance of the laptop computer on sure excessive and low frequencies (together with the audio alerts that accompanied popups of the MyASUS software program). Holding the entrance, decrease chassis of the laptop computer collectively minimize out about 80% of this noise, positively indicating some form of free paneling / inside part because the trigger. It’s unclear if that is simply a problem with our particular unit or a extra broad one (we haven’t observed some other reviewers mentioning it but) but it surely was fairly irritating and we’d contemplate getting a substitute if this subject was current in a machine we purchased.
Battery life
There are completely different choices throughout the MyASUS software program to increase the battery lifetime of the Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version, which we’ve talked about above within the Software program part. These embody lowering the show refresh fee to 60HZ, enabling Goal Mode, setting the Fan profile to Whisper, and lowering the vibrancy of the OKED show beneath Splendid.
With all these settings turned on to allow most energy effectivity, we performed a battery check, leaving the laptop computer enjoying consecutive YouTube movies in giant window mode with the sound turned on, quantity set to 50% and brightness to 50% additionally, with all background purposes switched off.
On this check we received 5 hours, which is kind of disappointing, significantly as 50% brightness is unquestionably not ample for working outdoor in direct daylight, and turning up the brightness to max would possible lose you a further hour’s value, or thereabouts (though you’d possible get some extra juice in case you had been simply phrase processing somewhat than watching YouTube movies). Though OLED shows are usually all the time extra power-hungry, there are fashions available on the market with considerably longer battery life, and it’s a disgrace that there’s not an AMD Ryzen 6000 collection model of the Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version, as these extra energy-efficient CPUs would possible add one other couple of hours on prime.
Efficiency, noise & temperature
Noise
On the Normal setting the followers function at a quantity that’s a bit louder than your typical pocket book (although far quieter than a gaming laptop computer), however these may be decreased down within the onboard software program (beneath Customisation > Energy & Efficiency) to Whisper mode. This makes the followers barely noticeable on the expense of decreased efficiency and elevated temperature, although that is superb for normal Phrase processing and the like.
Setting the fan profile to Efficiency mode is barely actually really useful in case you’re doing an intensive artistic / workstation activity (rendering a picture or video as an example) or some gentle gaming, because the noise that followers produce is pretty substantial – just like what you’d count on from a gaming laptop computer.
Exterior temperature
Exhaust vents are positioned on the edges of the laptop computer, which is the place the vast majority of warmth is expelled. Though a noticeable quantity of warmth is expelled from the edges beneath Efficiency mode, the keyboard and chassis by no means received uncomfortably heat at any stage of our testing, on any of the settings.
Inside temperature
Usually talking, inside temperatures throughout normal utilization (word-processing and internet searching) on both Whisper or Normal mode was superb.
When enjoying CS:GO on low settings, with the Fan Profile set to Efficiency mode, we noticed inside CPU temps common across the 90°C mark after about an hour’s play, which is kind of sizzling for this older sport, although inside acceptable limits. Nonetheless, you’ll wish to bear in mind that constant, extended gaming will cut back the lifespan of the CPU. It’s positively not suggested to play video games on something aside from Efficiency mode for any size of time, given the elevated warmth output.
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version benchmark
Gaming clearly isn’t what this machine is designed to do, given the dearth of devoted GPU, however given the 90Hz show with very quick response time, we wished to see the way it faired in an older, extra CPU-driven title like CS:GO.
We examined the machine with the Fan profile set to Efficiency and the show set to Vivid. We ran the sport on the bottom graphical settings (which many CS:GO gamers use anyway to spice up efficiency), at each the native decision and at 1920 x 1200. As you possibly can see under, the typical FPS went effectively above the efficient 90 FPS cap imposed by the display’s refresh fee.
The upper decision had a noticeable destructive influence on the 1% and 0.1% drops, inflicting noticeable body drops in-game once in a while. The upper 32GB RAM choice (we had been utilizing 16GB) would possibly assist to alleviate a few of this by compensating for the dearth of VRAM considerably, however usually, we’d advise enjoying it on the decrease decision regardless.
All-in-all, in case you’re a severe aggressive gamer you gained’t have an interest on this machine, however for some gentle gaming in much less graphically demanding shooters like CS:GO, it performs decently sufficient you could have a superb time. It could even be good for less-demanding technique/journey titles, the place FPS isn’t as vital (DOTA 2 or Crusader Kings II as an example) although as ever, be sure to verify the system necessities of the sport first.
Remaining Phrase
The whole lot thought-about, the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Area Version is a novel and delightful laptop computer, however which has a number of flaws that stop it from getting a must-buy suggestion. First amongst these is the battery life: a most of 5 hours actually is decrease than the typical, even for OLED laptops of this measurement, and hinders its usefulness as a conveyable machine considerably. Secondly, the poor coloration accuracy lets down what would in any other case be the best laptop computer for colorwork – though you possibly can nonetheless use it for these functions, artistic professionals will possible wish to look elsewhere. Lastly, the height brightness is considerably disappointing and should postpone individuals searching for one thing they will use exterior in sunnier climates.
Had been no less than two of those elements not points, we wouldn’t thoughts paying the couple of hundred {dollars} extra this laptop computer prices in comparison with a lot of the competitors. At WePC, we often favor efficiency over aesthetics, however this laptop computer is so distinctive, and the design that effectively thought via, that we are able to’t assist however love this machine greater than the efficiency of the show and core parts alone account for. Though we had some speaker-induced rattle at occasions on our unit, we haven’t heard of this subject from different reviewers, so have chosen to chorus from this being mirrored within the rating, as moreover this the construct high quality was distinctive. Finally it is a highly effective laptop computer for the dimensions in case you go for the i7 or i9 variations, and the 90Hz show choice is nice for many who fancy a bit of sunshine gaming alongside their normal utilization. It has a wide selection of ports, is a pleasure to sort on, the trackpad is nice, and the audio system are good and loud. Regardless of the drawbacks, that is nonetheless a laptop computer we want we owned.
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