The new Zenbook S14 from Asus, featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake chip, is making waves in the laptop world. Intel has made bold claims about this new processor, and after testing it, we can confidently say it exceeded our expectations. Asus has been consistently producing excellent laptops, and the S14 is no exception. It boasts a modern, sleek design, much like other models in the S lineup, but with some noteworthy upgrades inside.
Design and Build Quality:
Externally, the Zenbook S14 features an aluminum chassis that is both durable and resistant to fingerprints, making it as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing. The design is sleek and modern, much like the other laptops in Asus’ S lineup, but at an even more affordable price point. The build quality stands out for the price, and its lightweight frame makes it an ideal choice for those on the go.
Hardware Specifications:
Let’s start with the hardware specs. If you opt for the 1TB model, you’ll get 32GB of RAM and Intel’s Ultra 7 Gen 2 processor, which delivers outstanding performance. Windows Hello is also built-in, allowing you to log in with ease. The trackpad is another standout feature it comes with shortcuts for media controls, volume, brightness, and more, making it easy to navigate and manage your tasks quickly.
The keyboard, like the other laptops in the S series, feels fantastic. The all-metal chassis adds to the overall premium feel of the device. What’s even more impressive is that the Zenbook S14 competes directly with the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip but at a much lower price point. Plus, it offers more RAM while being incredibly light at just 2.65 lbs lighter than a MacBook Air, yet offering better performance.
Ports and Connectivity:
The Zenbook S14 also doesn’t skimp on connectivity options. On the left side, you’ll find an HDMI 2.1 port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack. These Thunderbolt ports deliver blazing-fast external storage speeds. On the right, you get a full-sized USB 10GB per second port, which barely fits due to the laptop’s incredibly thin design. Despite its size, this laptop comes equipped with a robust cooling system, featuring dual fans, an ultra-slim vapor chamber, and a graphite sheet for heat dissipation.
Cooling System and Performance:
Speaking of cooling, the Zenbook S14 doesn’t just look good—it performs even better. The CNC machined cooling vents improve airflow, helping to keep the device cool even under load. This allows the laptop to handle 28 watts of TDP cooling, despite its ultra-thin frame, which is usually only seen in 15-watt systems. This lightweight laptop, thinner than the MacBook Air, also features a 14-inch touchscreen OLED 3K display, which supports 100% DCI P3 color coverage, Dolby Vision, HDR, and has a 120Hz refresh rate.
Display and MyAsus App:
The display quality is top-notch, offering bright, vibrant visuals with 500 nits of brightness. In addition, Asus’ MyAsus app provides an intuitive user experience, giving you access to a range of useful settings, such as fan speed control, CPU temperature monitoring, and display adjustments. This app also allows professional users to fine-tune color grading settings for more precise work.
The app’s built-in features, like AI noise reduction and display tweaks, make the Zenbook S14 a powerful tool for both creative professionals and casual users. Additionally, it supports Co-Pilot, a handy tool that helps with file searches, AI-powered image sorting, and video trimming, making it a versatile device for productivity.
Audio and Other Features:
Audio is another strong point, with the S14 offering a four-speaker system that delivers clear, rich sound. The webcam has also been improved, and the included software makes it easy to fine-tune your video settings. Asus continues to pack in high-end features without inflating the price, making the Zenbook S14 one of the best value options on the market.
Lunar Lake Chip and Performance:
Now, let’s talk about the Lunar Lake chip, which is where this laptop truly shines. This new processor from Intel supports Wi-Fi 7 and features a powerful video engine that allows for 8K 60Hz HDR or dual 4K external monitors. The chip is based on a 3nm process, the same as Apple’s M3, but with a twist—Lunar Lake features four performance cores and four efficiency cores, optimizing both performance and battery life.
The laptop handles everyday tasks with ease, from setting up to unzipping files—it’s as snappy as any ARM-based laptop we’ve used. Unlike older Intel chips, this one stays quiet even when running in high-performance mode. You’ll only hear the fans when pushing the device to its limits, like during video exports or benchmarks, and even then, it remains impressively quiet.
Battery Life and Standby Time:
Battery life has also seen a significant improvement. The laptop lasts for days on standby closing the lid at 85%, we came back four days later, and it was still at 56%. This level of power efficiency means that you can easily go up to two weeks without charging if used moderately. When it comes to daily use, the battery performs exceptionally well, delivering great endurance for tasks like web browsing, video playback, and productivity work.
Real-World Performance:
In terms of actual performance, the Zenbook S14 doesn’t disappoint. The SSD read speeds are significantly faster than the previous generation, and in single-core performance, it keeps up with competitors like Apple’s M3 and AMD’s offerings. In multi-core tests, it lags slightly behind, but for most real-world applications like web browsing and media consumption, it excels.
For integrated graphics, Lunar Lake shows impressive improvements, especially in gaming and 3D rendering. In benchmarks like Wildlife Extreme, it outperforms AMD’s and Apple’s chips in some areas. Plus, because it’s an x86 processor, you’ll have no issues running traditional Windows applications and games, unlike on ARM-based systems.
Video Editing and Graphics Performance:
Video editing is another area where the Zenbook S14 stands out. Compared to previous Intel chips and even Apple’s M3, it handles tasks like exporting video in DaVinci Resolve in half the time. This makes it an excellent option for content creators who need a lightweight but powerful machine for on-the-go editing.
Conclusion: A Worthy Competitor:
With its combination of lightweight design, excellent performance, and competitive pricing, the Asus Zenbook S14 is a solid choice in the 14-inch laptop category. The Lunar Lake chip delivers in terms of both performance and efficiency, while the display, build quality, and feature set make this a standout device for 2024. Whether you’re a professional needing a portable workhorse or a casual user looking for a premium experience without breaking the bank, the Zenbook S14 is a top contender.
