ASUS Zenbook DUO 2024 Review: You’ve never seen a laptop like this before!
Introducing the latest innovation from ASUS, the ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406M. This ultrabook showcases the seamless integration of two OLED screens, offering users unparalleled versatility whether used with or without the accompanying Bluetooth keyboard, in portrait or landscape mode. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and its ARC iGPU, the Zenbook Duo promises exceptional performance for both work and play.
While the Zenbook Duo UX8406M is not ASUS’s first foray into the realm of dual-display ultrabooks, it represents a significant evolution in design and functionality. Previous offerings like the Zenbook Pro Duo featured a second screen occupying half of the lower part of the laptop, which, though innovative, often fell short in terms of ergonomics due to the lack of a wrist rest and the offset placement of the touchpad.
The introduction of the Zenbook Fold and similar devices brought forth a new approach, with a single large OLED screen that folds into two separate displays. However, the adoption of foldable OLED technology proved to be prohibitively expensive for many users.
In response to these challenges, Lenovo introduced a more affordable solution with its dual 13.3-inch OLED touch screens and Bluetooth keyboard configuration. Now, ASUS enters the arena with the Zenbook Duo UX8406M, offering a compelling alternative to the Yoga Book 9i and similar devices.
Stay tuned as we explore the unique features and capabilities of this groundbreaking ultrabook in our in-depth review.
ASUS Zenbook DUO 2024: Video Review
| Specs | ASUS Zenbook DUO 2024 |
| Screen | 2 x 14.0-inch, OLED, touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 aspect ratio, 60Hz, 400 nits (500 peak) |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Core Ultra 9 185H |
| Graphics | Intel Arc |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X, 32GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Camera | Full HD, infrared (Windows Hello compatible) |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Audio | Built-in speaker, Built-in array microphone |
| Battery | 75WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion |
| Power Supply | USB C 65 W |
| Keyboard & Touchpad | Soft Keyboard, 1.4mm Key-travel, Precision touchpad |
| I/O Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 supports display / power |
| delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | |
| Dimensions | 31 x 21.8 x 2 cm |
| Weight | 1.35 kg (without keyboard), 1.65 kg (with keyboard) |
| Military Grade | US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard |
ASUS Zenbook DUO 2024: Design
The ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406M, released in 2024, represents a paradigm shift in the realm of ultrabooks with its innovative dual-screen design and versatile functionality. At first glance, the Zenbook Duo resembles a conventional ultrabook, sporting a 14-inch form factor and the signature blue-gray chassis that ASUS has employed for several years, adorned with a discreet stylized A pattern. With dimensions measuring 31 x 21.8 cm, it maintains a compact profile.
However, the standout feature of the Zenbook Duo becomes apparent upon opening the laptop. Unlike traditional ultrabooks, the lower portion of the Zenbook Duo integrates a second screen, accompanied by a removable Bluetooth keyboard. This unique design not only provides additional screen real estate but also enhances productivity by offering multi-tasking capabilities.
The Bluetooth keyboard, unlike its counterparts in similar devices, boasts a touchpad and seamlessly covers the second screen, integrating perfectly with the laptop. The hinge mechanism ensures that the laptop closes securely whether the keyboard is attached or not, eliminating the need to carry the keyboard separately—a notable improvement over competing models like the Lenovo Yoga Book.
While the inclusion of the second screen and keyboard slightly increases the thickness of the Zenbook Duo to 2 cm, it offers unparalleled convenience and functionality. Without the keyboard, the Zenbook Duo weighs 1.35 kg, comparable to traditional ultrabooks, but with the keyboard attached, the weight increases to 1.65 kg.
The Bluetooth keyboard features backlit keys and a USB-C port for charging when used with the Zenbook Duo. Users also have the option of utilizing a virtual keyboard, which can be activated by placing six fingers on the screen. Additionally, various configurations allow for flexible usage, including split-screen viewing and virtual touchpad functionality.
Another distinguishing feature of the Zenbook Duo is the adjustable kickstand, reminiscent of the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet, which offers five different usage modes, including traditional laptop mode, dual-screen mode, and book mode, providing versatility for various tasks and preferences.
In terms of security, the Zenbook Duo adopts an infrared webcam compatible with Windows Hello for facial recognition, eliminating the need for a fingerprint reader. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI 2.1 video output, and a headphone/microphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 technologies provide reliable wireless connectivity.
Audio quality is another area where the Zenbook Duo excels, thanks to the integration of Harman/Kardon speakers and the Dolby Access application, allowing users to customize audio settings according to their preferences.
Dual 14-inch OLED screens
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 2024 sets itself apart with its dual 14-inch OLED screens. Unlike its competitor, the Lenovo Yoga Book, the Zenbook Duo’s screens cannot rotate 360 degrees, maxing out at a 180-degree hinge angle, meaning tent mode is unavailable. However, when you lay the two parts of the laptop flat, you have a potential display of 20 inches (around 50 cm diagonal).
Both panels are touch-sensitive, offering users the flexibility to navigate and interact without relying on the physical keyboard. Unlike Lenovo, ASUS does not include a stylus as standard.
The configuration we tested features Full HD OLED panels in a 16:10 aspect ratio, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. While the refresh rate may seem basic compared to the Yoga Book’s higher resolution screens, the Zenbook Duo’s panels are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass coating, guarding against scratches and damage.
The alternative version of the Zenbook Duo laptop, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, features more advanced OLED panels that support a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and a higher resolution (2880 x 1800 pixels).
In terms of display performance, ASUS claims a maximum brightness of 400 nits, with peak brightness reaching up to 500 nits. The MyAsus application offers various display profiles such as sRGB, DCI-P3, Display-P3, and Native.
In our testing, the Zenbook Duo’s panels exhibited impressive performance. In SDR mode, peak brightness is measured at 358 nits, with an average color temperature of 6711K and an average Delta E of 1.6, ensuring color fidelity. In HDR mode, peak brightness increased to the advertised 400 nits, with an average color temperature of 6446K and a smaller average Delta E of 1.3.
The Zenbook Duo facilitates easy movement of windows between screens, enabling users to extend applications across both displays or multitask efficiently. However, the hinge between the screens may hinder viewing experience for certain tasks like photo viewing or video playback.
Additionally, the OLED Care section in the MyAsus application offers options to mitigate potential issues like pixel burn-in, ensuring the longevity of the screens.
Performance
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 2024 is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor from the Meteor Lake generation, a chip renowned for its remarkable performance and efficiency. This processor, also found in models like the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED and the Acer Swift Go 14 2024, sets a new standard for processing power in ultrabooks.
With 16 cores, including two low-energy cores, and a total of 22 threads, the Core Ultra 7 155H boasts a TDP of only 28 W, comparable to its predecessor, the Core i7-1360P chip from the Raptor Lake generation. However, in terms of raw computing power, the Core Ultra 7 155H surpasses the Core i7-1360P, particularly in multi-threaded operations, as evidenced by its impressive performance in benchmarks like Cinebench R20.
In multi-threaded mode, the Core Ultra 7 155H achieves indices of 4848, a significant improvement over the 3914 obtained by the Core i7-1360P. This translates to nearly 25% faster performance in multi-threaded tasks. While it may not match the performance of higher-end processors like the Core i7-13700HX found in gaming laptops like the Alienware m16, the Core Ultra 7 155H excels in other areas, particularly in graphics processing.
The integrated ARC iGPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in the Core Ultra 7 155H delivers exceptional performance, surpassing the Iris Xe integrated graphics found in previous-generation processors. In tests such as Time Spy and Time Spy Extreme in the 3D Mark application, the Core Ultra 7 155H achieves scores significantly higher than its predecessors, demonstrating a 50% improvement in 3D graphics operations.
When operating in high-performance mode, the Core Ultra 7 155H’s scores further improve, allowing for smoother gameplay and enhanced visual experiences in demanding applications like Fortnite. With frame rates ranging between 30 and 40 frames per second on High settings, users can enjoy fluid animations and immersive gaming experiences on the Zenbook Duo 2024.
Overall, the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor elevates the Zenbook Duo 2024 to new heights, delivering unparalleled performance and efficiency, making it a standout choice for users seeking a powerful and versatile ultrabook experience.
Battery life
The ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406M comes equipped with a 75 Wh battery, slightly smaller in capacity compared to the Lenovo Yoga Book’s 80 Wh battery. According to ASUS, the Zenbook Duo is purportedly capable of delivering uninterrupted usage for up to 8 hours with dual screens and up to 9 hours with a single screen, as per PC Mark’s Modern Office test.
In terms of video streaming, ASUS claims an autonomy ranging from 10.5 hours with both screens active to 13.5 hours with a single active screen in traditional laptop mode. However, in our testing scenario with the keyboard placed on the second screen and the brightness set to 200 nits, streaming a video for 4 hours depleted the battery by 35%. Extrapolating from this data, we estimate a total video streaming autonomy of approximately 11 hours and 25 minutes, slightly below the manufacturer’s claims but still commendable.
The Zenbook Duo comes bundled with a 65 W USB-C adapter, allowing for rapid charging. In just 49 minutes, the adapter can recharge the battery up to 60%, ensuring quick and convenient replenishment of battery power when needed.
ASUS Zenbook DUO 2024: Conclusion
The ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406M is an original and innovative ultrabook that excels in many aspects. With its efficient dual OLED display, satisfactory battery life, and high performance, it offers a compelling solution for users seeking versatility and productivity in a portable device.
Like
- The ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406M impresses with its powerful performance, thanks to the combination of the Meteor Lake processor and the ARC iGPU, ensuring smooth and efficient operation for various tasks.
- The dual OLED displays offer exceptional visual clarity and vibrant colors, enhancing productivity and multimedia experiences.
- The Zenbook Duo delivers satisfactory battery life during video streaming sessions, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content without constantly worrying about recharging.
- The inclusion of an adjustable stand provides enhanced flexibility in usage, allowing users to find the most comfortable viewing angle for their needs.
- Despite its dual-screen design, the Zenbook Duo maintains a compact and portable form factor, making it convenient to carry and use on the go.
- The backlit Bluetooth keyboard offers convenience and usability in various lighting conditions, enhancing typing comfort and accuracy.
- The inclusion of a Full HD infrared webcam ensures high-quality video calls and conferencing experiences, adding to the overall versatility of the device.
- The compact and lightweight power adapter contributes to the Zenbook Duo’s portability, making it easy to charge the device even when traveling.
Don’t Like
- The absence of a fingerprint reader may be considered a drawback for users who prioritize convenience and security in device authentication methods.
- While the Zenbook Duo offers touch functionality, the lack of an included stylus may disappoint users who rely on precise input for tasks such as drawing or note-taking.
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