ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 Review: Not Everything Is So Clear!
The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 is a premium 2-in-1 notebook that combines sleek design, powerful performance, and the versatility of a tablet. As part of the well-established Zenbook family, this laptop inherits the reputation of its predecessors for being thin, light, and feature-packed.
Weighing just 1.5 kilograms, the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is designed to be highly portable, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go professionals or students. Its slim profile and premium build quality further enhance its aesthetic appeal and overall durability.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is positioned as a premium 2-in-1 device, and its price reflects that. While it may be among the more expensive 2-in-1 laptops available, it aims to justify the cost with its high-end specifications, sleek design, and versatile functionality. It targets users who value both style and substance, demanding a device that excels in performance and can adapt to their evolving needs.
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023: Video Review
| Specs | ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 |
| Display | 14in, 16:10 AMOLED touchscreen, 2880×1800, 90Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-12500H, Intel Core i7-1360P |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe |
| Memory | 8/16GB |
| Storage | 256/512GB SSD |
| Camera | 720p |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Wireless | WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5 |
| Battery | 75Wh |
| Charging | 65W USB-C (included) |
| Weight | 1.5kg |
| Dimensions | 31.15 x 22.34 x 1.59 cm (12.26" x 8.80" x 0.63") |
| Colours | Jade Black, Pine Grey |
Unboxing
The laptop arrives in a stylish dark gray box adorned with subtle lines that mimic the lid design of the device itself. This choice of packaging sets the tone for the premium nature of the product.
Upon opening the box, the contents are neatly arranged, reflecting a thoughtful approach to organization. The first item you encounter is the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED itself, which is cleverly positioned on a cardboard hinge, elevating it towards you. This deliberate arrangement not only adds a touch of elegance but also makes the unboxing process feel special.
Next, you’ll find the necessary accessories. The package includes a power cable with 65W Charger, ASUS Pen, Carrying case and documentation.
Design
The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 boasts a sleek design that combines a blend of metal and plastic components, resulting in an elegant and modern appearance. The top of the device proudly displays the ASUS Zenbook logo, adding a touch of sophistication. While the Silver model is the one being reviewed, it’s worth noting that a darker Grey version is also available. The Silver model manages to resist fingerprints fairly well, maintaining its clean and polished look.
Weighing 1.5 kilograms, the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is lightweight compared to traditional laptops but not the absolute lightest in its class. This is partly due to the inclusion of a touchscreen, necessitating a slightly thicker glass panel. With a thickness of 15.9mm, it is not ultra-thin, but it still offers good portability for users on the go. Despite its slim profile, the device feels sturdy and well-built, with the hinges providing smooth movement and minimal wobble when opening and closing the laptop. This reliability enhances the overall user experience.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED prioritizes connectivity by including an array of ports. On the right-hand side, you’ll find a full-sized HDMI 2.1 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and two USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4. These Thunderbolt 4 ports offer high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity options. On the left-hand side, there is a single USB-A port, which is convenient for connecting legacy devices.
The keyboard features a half-sized chiclet key layout, offering a comfortable typing experience. The keys provide good feedback, and the large trackpad complements the overall functionality of the device. Navigating through Windows and performing general work tasks feels effortless and intuitive. The keyboard also includes three levels of brightness for its white LED backlighting, allowing users to adjust the illumination according to their preferences and ambient lighting conditions.
While the trackpad includes a virtual number pad feature, it may not be particularly noteworthy, as it has become a common feature in ASUS notebooks. Its usefulness may vary depending on individual preferences. However, the trackpad excels in its primary function. Its generous size enables easy selection and highlighting of text, while maintaining precision for precise cursor control. It serves as an excellent alternative to using a separate mouse, providing a smooth and accurate pointing experience.
Display
The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 boasts a standout feature in its display. The 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED touchscreen is truly impressive and visually stunning. The display offers a high level of clarity and crispness, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The OLED technology delivers rich, vibrant colors and deep blacks, which contribute to a genuinely immersive content consumption experience.
The tablet/touchscreen mode adds another layer of enjoyment, allowing users to interact directly with the display and take advantage of the versatile functionality. This mode is particularly beneficial for activities such as drawing, note-taking, or navigating touch-centric applications.
One notable aspect of the display is its support for a 90Hz refresh rate. The increased refresh rate enhances the fluidity of on-screen animations and interactions, making everything feel more responsive and smooth. This feature is especially beneficial for activities that require quick and precise touch input.
However, there is one minor drawback to the display, which is its brightness level. At 550 nits, it could have been brighter, especially considering the presence of a reflective glass coating. While the display performs admirably indoors, it may struggle to maintain visibility and legibility in bright environments, such as direct sunlight. This limitation might pose some inconvenience when using the laptop outdoors or in brightly lit areas.
Nevertheless, the high resolution of the display ensures ample detail and sharpness in visual content. Whether you’re watching videos, editing photos, or working on creative projects, the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED’s display delivers a captivating visual experience that meets and even exceeds expectations.
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023: Performance
The performance of the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 is commendable, although it may not be considered top-notch.
Equipped with Intel’s latest 13th-generation CPUs, specifically the Core i5-1340P or Core i7-1360P, the laptop offers solid performance but falls short of the most powerful options available in the CPU lineup. The P-series chips are commonly found in thin and light devices, whereas the H-series chips offer significantly higher capabilities. However, the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED, paired with 8 or 16GB of DDR5 RAM, is capable of handling most regular tasks with ease. Storage options include a choice between 512GB and 1TB of SSD storage, with the former being sufficient for the needs of most users.
One notable limitation in terms of performance is the integrated graphics. The laptop relies on Intel Iris Xe graphics rather than a dedicated GPU, making it unsuitable for demanding tasks such as content creation or playing graphically intensive games. While the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED can handle daily tasks and a reasonable number of ongoing workloads, it is not designed for resource-intensive activities.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that this notebook is primarily designed for on-the-go productivity and may not excel in tasks that require rendering 3D environments, video editing without issues, or playing graphically demanding games. Outside of those requirements, the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED performs adequately as expected.
In terms of connectivity, the laptop offers standard features such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5. However, it lacks support for 4G or 5G connectivity. While it would have been nice to have the option for cellular connectivity while on the move, users can always rely on hotspotting from their smartphones to stay connected outside of Wi-Fi networks.
Battery
The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 is equipped with a 75Wh battery, a capacity that is comparable to many of its competitors.
The laptop delivers above-average battery life, providing a satisfactory experience for most users, unless they have particularly demanding requirements. With a single charge, you should be able to comfortably get through a full working day. However, it is advisable to have access to a power source towards the end of the day to ensure uninterrupted usage.
In our video loop battery test, the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED lasted an impressive 13 hours and 18 minutes on a single charge. It’s important to note that this test measures the screen-on time, with the brightness set to a relatively low 120 nits and volume muted. These results highlight the device’s efficiency and ability to sustain extended periods of use without needing to be plugged in.
When it comes to charging, both USB-C ports on the laptop support Power Delivery fast charging. With the included power adapter, you can expect to regain 34% of battery capacity in just 30 minutes of charging. A full charge typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Considering the size of the battery, this charging speed is quite commendable.
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023: Conclusion
The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 proves to be a compelling 2-in-1 laptop option with its sleek design, versatile functionality, and impressive display. While it may not be the lightest or thinnest notebook available, its hybrid design allows for seamless transformation into a tablet, catering to those seeking both a tablet and a portable notebook experience.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is its 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED touchscreen display. The OLED panel impresses with its clarity, vivid colors, and deep blacks, creating an immersive visual experience.
While the display’s brightness at 550 nits is decent, it could have been brighter, especially considering the reflective glass coating.
In terms of performance, the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is equipped with Intel’s 13th-generation CPUs and offers sufficient power for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. However, its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics restrict its suitability for content creation and demanding gaming.
Battery life on the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is commendable, providing above-average performance that can last a full working day on a single charge.
In conclusion, the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED 2023 is an attractive option for users seeking a 2-in-1 laptop with a versatile design and impressive display. While it may not be the most lightweight or offer top-tier performance, its combination of features, solid battery life, and above-average performance make it a reliable companion for productivity tasks and multimedia consumption.
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