Asus Zenbook 14X: A Game-Changer in the Laptop World

The Asus Zenbook 14 and 14X have made waves in the tech community, with the 14X standing out as a particularly revolutionary device. Its introduction has set a new standard, even making giants like Apple sit up and take notice.

Design and Build

The Zenbook 14 is compact, weighing in at 3.1 pounds, making it a highly portable option. In comparison, the 14X, with its 14.5-inch screen, is slightly larger and mirrors the weight of the MacBook Pro 14. The 14X's lid boasts abstract lines, adding a touch of flair to its design. Both laptops have a sturdy feel, but they don't quite match the robustness of a MacBook or Razer.

Display

Both Zenbooks come equipped with OLED panels, offering vibrant colors and a 16:10 aspect ratio. This ratio provides more vertical space, ideal for scrolling through documents or web pages. The 14X's display is slightly brighter and offers a more vivid experience. Interestingly, while the Zenbook 14 supports 10-bit color, the 14X supports 8-bit. The 14X also boasts a faster 120Hz refresh rate compared to the 14's 90Hz.

Performance

The Zenbook 14 features a Ryzen 7730U processor, while the 14X is powered by an Intel i7 13700H processor. In performance tests, the 14X consistently outperformed its counterpart and even surpassed other competitors like the Dell XPS 15. However, under prolonged stress, both laptops showed signs of throttling, indicating that their cooling systems might not be optimal for extended high-performance tasks.

Battery Life and Ports

The Zenbook 14's battery life is impressive, outlasting many competitors and even the MacBook Air with M2 in some tests. Port selection on both models is commendable, with a slight edge to the Intel processor models which feature faster Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports.

User Experience

Both laptops offer a top-tier typing experience with standard keyboard layouts. The trackpads are responsive, and Asus's number pad feature is a nice touch. For those concerned about security, the Zenbook 14 offers a fingerprint reader, while the 14X provides facial recognition.

Sound and Webcam

In sound tests, the Zenbook 14X delivered a fuller sound with more bass than the 14. However, neither could surpass the MacBook Pro 14's audio quality. Both laptops come with decent webcams, suitable for standard video calls.

Pricing and Final Thoughts

The Zenbook 14 starts at a competitive $700, making it a strong contender in its price bracket. The 14X, starting at $800, offers incredible value for its performance and features. In fact, when on sale, the 14X becomes an unbeatable option in the sub-$1000 range. In conclusion, the Asus Zenbook 14X has reshaped the landscape of affordable, high-performance laptops. Its combination of features, performance, and price makes it a standout choice for those seeking power and value.