The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED aims to strike a balance between portability, power, and value, making it an option worth considering for creative work on the go. This laptop packs an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and a stunning OLED display, making it a versatile machine for tasks like photo editing, video work, and even some gaming.
Coming to you from Jacek Sopotnicki, this comprehensive video breaks down both the advantages and limitations of the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED. With its vibrant 14-inch OLED display, this laptop offers a crisp 2,880 x 1,800 resolution, which is ideal for detailed photo work and immersive visuals. The display has a 16:10 aspect ratio, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, and a 90 Hz refresh rate. However, Sopotnicki points out that some aspects of the laptop’s performance—especially when unplugged—may not fully meet expectations. For instance, while the Zenbook 14 OLED handles tasks well when connected to a power source, unplugging it can lead to noticeable drops in performance, especially in demanding applications like video exports and gaming. This means you might have to manage your workload or limit browser tabs to ensure smoother use on battery power.
Sopotnicki also dives into the machine’s real-world photo and video editing capabilities. In DaVinci Resolve, he finds that while the Zenbook can handle 4K footage, certain features, like color grading with curves, tend to lag. When working with high-resolution files, particularly in photo editing software, you may notice a slower preview process and occasional choppiness when browsing through numerous images. These delays don’t stop the laptop from performing adequately overall, but they’re worth noting if you’re accustomed to a faster editing flow on higher-end machines.
Nonetheless, the Zenbook 14 OLED has a respectable set of specs for its price range:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H (13th Gen), 14-Core
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe
- Display: 14” OLED, 2,880 x 1,800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 90 Hz refresh rate
- Memory and Storage: 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM (not upgradeable), 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD
- Inputs/Outputs: 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x USB-A 3.1/3.2 Gen 2, 1x HDMI 2.1a
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery: 4-cell, 75 Wh
- Weight: 3.06 lbs
The specs reflect a solid mid-to-high-range device capable of handling a variety of workflows. However, Sopotnicki highlights some quirks you might encounter in day-to-day use. While the machine supports Intel’s AI-enhanced graphics technologies like XeSS, it can still experience performance fluctuations in gaming, particularly when multiple applications are running in the background. Sopotnicki suggests updating all drivers and making adjustments, like turning off hardware acceleration for smoother video playback, as these steps significantly improve the experience.
Overall, the Zenbook 14 OLED presents an affordable option that can handle a range of creative and productivity tasks, though there are performance sacrifices to be aware of if you need it to operate unplugged or manage heavy multitasking. Sopotnicki notes that despite its limitations, the Zenbook’s OLED display and overall build quality make it a strong choice for users who prioritize portability and don’t require consistent high-end performance across all tasks. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Sopotnicki.
I have this laptop with 32 GB RAM, not 16 as listed above, and it does not slow when using the battery for video or image editing. Remember that 32GB RAM really is the minimum to use for such functions.
I have used this on numerous commissions whilst travelling in the past few months when a 'quick' image was required for social media or press coverage - it never let me down or felt slow in operating,
So for a laptop that does not require a charging brick to be carried, that can be charged in your car or from a power bank that is fast with a really good display I highly recommend it.