Review: Core Ultra 7 258V - ASUS Zenbook S 14 (Lunar lake)

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The ASUS Zenbook S14 features a slim design, measuring 1.1 centimeters thick when closed and weighing about 1.2 kilograms for the Intel version. It has a dark gray aluminum unibody chassis that appears sturdier compared to the AMD model, likely due to its smaller size. The laptop shows strong structural integrity, with minimal flex when held with both hands. Both the bottom lid and the rear of the display lid are durable and resist bending, which is often a weak point in less expensive laptops. The device includes four built-in speakers that deliver satisfactory sound quality and bass at moderate volumes, with the ability to reach higher volumes when needed. The ventilation consists of two side-mounted grilles that point downward, which can be blocked if the laptop is not placed on a flat surface. The laptop is equipped with a 1080p webcam that supports facial recognition, although the camera is slightly off-center to the right of the display. Additionally, the Zenbook S14 does not include a fingerprint scanner.


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The Asus Zenbook S14 maintains a design consistent with earlier Zenbook models, featuring a similar size and design elements. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports for charging and connectivity. The laptop's slim design places the HDMI port flush with the bottom of the chassis, slightly elevated by a sloping base to prevent direct contact when placed on a surface. This design choice emphasizes the laptop's compact and streamlined appearance while ensuring necessary connectivity is readily accessible.


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The Asus Zenbook S14 is equipped with a 3K OLED display with a resolution of 2880 by 1800 pixels. This screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp images, comparable to the display on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 released earlier this year. Although the display offers excellent color accuracy and contrast, it reaches a maximum brightness of around 500 nits. The OLED panel provides deep blacks and high contrast ratios, enhancing the viewing experience for both professional tasks and media consumption.


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Asus Zenbook S 14 OLED UX5406SA series, mid-2024 model
Screen14 inch, OLED, 16:10 aspect ratio, touch, glossy,
2.8K 2880 x 1800 px, 120Hz refresh,
400-nits SDR brightness, 600-nits HDR peak,
100% DCI-P3 colors
ProcessorIntel Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V, 4PC+4LPE/8T, up to 4.8 GHz
VideoIntel Arc 140V, 8 Xe Cores, up to 2.05 GHz
Memory32 GB LPDDR5-8533 (soldered), up to 32 GB
Storage1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD (WD PC SN560) – single M.2 2280 slot
ConnectivityWireless 7 (Intel BE201) 2×2, Bluetooth 5.4
Portsleft: 2x USB-C connectors with Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS, mic/headphone
right: 1x USB-A 3.2 gen2, status LED
Battery72 Wh, 65W USB-C charger
Size310 mm or 12.22” (w) x 215 mm or 8.45” (d) x from 11.9 mm or 0.47” (h)
Weight2.65 lbs (1.18 kg) + .18 (.4 lbs) for the USB-C charger and cables, EU version
Extrasclamshell format with 130-degree hinge, dual-fan dual-radiator vapor-chamber cooling,
white backlit keyboard, 1.1 mm travel, larger glass touchpad,
2MPx FHD webcam with IR, ALS, no privacy shutter, no fingerprint sensor,
quad side firing speakers,
Scandinavian White or Zumaia Grey colors

Zenbook S14 offers several ports despite its compact size. It includes one USB Type-A 3.2 port, two USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an HDMI 2.1 port. However, similar to the Zenbook S16, the HDMI port only supports HDMI 2.0 speeds, allowing for display output up to 4K resolution at 60Hz or 2560 by 1440 resolution at 120Hz. The Thunderbolt 4 ports enable connections to external displays with resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz. Unlike the 16-inch model, the S14 does not have an SD card reader, which may be a consideration for users who need direct card access.


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Regarding build quality, the Zenbook S14 variant is thinner and more robust compared to the standard 14-inch models. It utilizes higher-grade metals for the chassis, resulting in a more durable and premium feel. The construction of the laptop shows minimal flex and operates without any creaking or squeaking noises, indicating superior craftsmanship. The sturdy and refined build of the Zenbook S14 places it in close competition with other high-end laptops, such as Dell's XPS series and Apple's MacBook models, offering users a dependable and visually appealing portable computing option.

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