ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Ultra Laptop, 13.3” OLED 2.8K Display, Intel Evo Certified, i7-1355U CPU, Intel® Iris Xe Graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Basalt Grey, UX5304VA-XS76T

About This Product

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of technology, laptops continue to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. One such marvel is the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Ultra Laptop. With its 13.3″ OLED 2.8K display, Intel Evo certification, and powerful Intel Core i7 processor, it promises to redefine the way we work and play on portable devices. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the Zenbook S 13, exploring its design, display, performance, battery life, and more. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of whether this laptop is the right fit for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED boasts a sleek, premium design that immediately catches the eye. The laptop features a precision-crafted aluminum unibody with diamond-cut edges, giving it a luxurious appearance. The mineral-inspired finish adds an extra layer of sophistication. ASUS has put considerable effort into making the Zenbook S 13 not just a functional device but a fashion statement.

The laptop is incredibly portable, measuring just 11.98 x 8.07 x 0.55 inches (30.4 x 20.5 x 1.39 cm) and weighing only 2.62 pounds (1.19 kg). It slips effortlessly into a backpack or briefcase, making it ideal for on-the-go professionals and students.

The hinge deserves special mention. ASUS calls it the “ErgoLift Hinge,” and it does more than just hold the display in place. When you open the laptop, the hinge automatically lifts the rear edge of the keyboard to create a comfortable typing angle and improve cooling. This seemingly small feature enhances the overall user experience.

Another thoughtful design element is the placement of the ports. The laptop includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 is particularly noteworthy as it allows for high-speed data transfers and versatile connectivity options. The placement of the ports on both sides of the laptop ensures convenience, whether you’re left or right-handed.

Display ASUS Zenbook S 13

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED’s standout feature is its 13.3″ OLED 2.8K display. This is where the laptop truly shines and justifies its premium price tag. OLED technology offers several advantages over traditional LCD panels, and ASUS has leveraged it to create a breathtaking visual experience.

First, let’s talk about the resolution. The 2.8K resolution (2880 x 1800 pixels) provides an exceptional level of detail and sharpness, whether you’re working on spreadsheets, editing photos, or streaming high-definition videos. It’s a noticeable improvement over the more common Full HD displays.

The OLED panel takes the display quality to a whole new level. OLED technology enables each pixel to emit its light, resulting in true blacks and vibrant, lifelike colors. The contrast ratio is astonishing, making movies and images pop with incredible depth. Colors are rich and accurate, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Whether you’re a creative professional or a media enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the accuracy and vibrancy of the Zenbook S 13’s display.

Furthermore, the display supports HDR content, making it an excellent choice for consuming high-dynamic-range videos on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The brightness levels are excellent, with up to 500 nits, ensuring visibility even in brightly lit environments.

The thin bezels around the display create an immersive viewing experience, and ASUS has managed to fit a 13.3-inch screen into a chassis typically associated with 12-inch laptops. This design choice contributes to the laptop’s overall compactness.

Touchscreen functionality is another feature worth mentioning. While not everyone uses touchscreens extensively on laptops, it can be a valuable tool for certain tasks, such as drawing or annotating documents. The touch response on the Zenbook S 13 is smooth and precise.

ASUS has also implemented blue-light reduction technology to reduce eye strain during long hours of use. The display features ASUS’s “TÜV Rheinland-certified ASUS Eye Care,” which is a welcome addition for those who spend extended periods in front of their screens.

Overall, the Zenbook S 13 OLED display is a testament to ASUS’s commitment to delivering top-tier visual quality on a portable laptop.

Performance

Under the hood, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is powered by the Intel Core i7 processor, making it a powerhouse in a compact form factor. The specific model may vary depending on the configuration you choose, but even the base model offers impressive performance.

The Intel Evo certification ensures that the laptop meets specific standards for responsiveness, battery life, and connectivity. This certification is a guarantee of high-quality performance and reliability, and it’s an essential factor for professionals who rely on their laptops for productivity.

In terms of memory and storage, the Zenbook S 13 doesn’t disappoint. It can be configured with up to 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to a 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD. The combination of ample RAM and speedy storage ensures smooth multitasking, quick application launches, and snappy system responsiveness.

The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics chip provides competent graphical performance for a wide range of tasks, including light gaming and content creation. While it won’t compete with dedicated gaming laptops or workstations, it’s more than sufficient for everyday use.

If you’re a content creator or a professional who deals with resource-intensive tasks, you’ll appreciate the laptop’s ability to handle demanding applications like Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software, and 3D modeling programs. The Intel Core i7 processor and ample RAM make these tasks a breeze.

The laptop also manages thermal performance impressively. ASUS’s intelligent cooling system ensures that the laptop remains thermally efficient even during extended use. The ErgoLift Hinge mentioned earlier, aids in dissipating heat, and the computer stays quiet under typical workloads.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED features a full-sized keyboard with comfortable, well-spaced keys. The key travel is adequate, providing a satisfying typing experience. The backlighting is adjustable, allowing you to work in dimly lit environments without straining your eyes. The keyboard layout is standard, and the inclusion of dedicated function keys is appreciated.

One unique aspect of the keyboard is the presence of a dedicated numeric keypad integrated into the touchpad. ASUS calls this the “Number Pad 2.0.” By simply tapping the Number Pad icon in the touchpad’s top right corner, it transforms into a numeric keypad with LED-illuminated keys. This innovation is beneficial for those who frequently work with numbers, such as accountants and data analysts. The touchpad itself is spacious and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures.

Audio

The audio quality of the Zenbook S 13 is impressive for a laptop of this size. The Harmon Kardon-certified stereo speakers produce clear, well-balanced sound with decent bass. The placement of the speakers on either side of the keyboard helps create a sense of stereo separation. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video conferences, the audio quality enhances the overall multimedia experience.

ASUS has also included its SonicMaster technology, which fine-tunes the audio for optimal clarity and richness. The laptop supports DTS:X Ultra technology, which can simulate 3D audio for a more immersive audio experience when using headphones.

Connectivity

Connectivity options are robust on the Zenbook S 13 OLED. The laptop features two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The Thunderbolt 4 ports support high-speed data transfer and offer versatile connectivity for a variety of peripherals, including external displays, storage devices, and docking stations.

The inclusion of a microSD card reader is especially useful for photographers and content creators who frequently transfer files from cameras or drones. It saves the hassle of carrying a separate card reader.

The laptop also supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, ensuring fast and stable wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 is onboard for seamless pairing with wireless peripherals.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for any portable device, and the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED delivers respectable performance in this regard. The laptop is equipped with a 67Wh lithium-polymer battery, which, combined with efficient power management, ensures all-day productivity.

In real-world usage, you can expect the Zenbook S 13 to last approximately 9-10 hours on a single charge with typical office tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. This impressive battery life means you can confidently leave your charger behind when heading out for the day.

ASUS has also included fast-charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly top up the battery. In just 49 minutes, the laptop can reach a 60% charge, which is handy when you’re in a hurry.

Software

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11, depending on the version you choose. The operating system provides a familiar and user-friendly interface, allowing you to customize your workspace and install a wide range of software applications to suit your needs.

ASUS has also included some helpful software enhancements to improve the user experience. One such feature is the MyASUS application, which provides easy access to system information, customer support, and device diagnostics. It’s a handy tool for keeping your laptop running smoothly and addressing any issues that may arise.

Additionally, ASUS has integrated AI noise-canceling technology into the laptop’s microphones, which can be a game-changer for video conferencing and online meetings. The technology helps reduce background noise and ensure that your voice comes through clearly.

Security

In terms of security, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED offers multiple layers of protection. It features a fingerprint sensor built into the touchpad, providing a quick and secure way to unlock your laptop. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of security and convenience.

The laptop also supports Windows Hello facial recognition through its infrared (IR) camera. This facial recognition technology is not only secure but also fast and convenient, allowing you to log in with just a glance.

For added security, ASUS has included a physical webcam cover, giving you control over your privacy. It’s a simple yet effective feature that many users appreciate in an age of increasing concerns about online privacy.

Pros of the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Ultra Laptop:

1. Stunning OLED Display: The 13.3″ OLED 2.8K display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness, making it perfect for both work and entertainment.
2. Premium Build Quality: The aluminum unibody construction with diamond-cut edges and a mineral-inspired finish gives the laptop a luxurious and sophisticated look.
3. Portability: Weighing just 2.62 pounds and featuring a slim profile, the laptop is highly portable, making it ideal for on-the-go professionals and students.
4. Powerful Performance: The Intel Evo certification, Intel Core i7 processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD ensure smooth multitasking and efficient performance for various tasks, including content creation and productivity.
5. Innovative ErgoLift Hinge: The ErgoLift Hinge not only holds the display in place but also improves cooling and creates a comfortable typing angle.
6. Versatile Connectivity: The laptop offers two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader, providing a wide range of connectivity options.
7. Long Battery Life: With up to 10 hours of battery life and fast charging capabilities, you can work on the go without constantly searching for a power source.
8. Excellent Audio: The Harmon Kardon-certified stereo speakers produce clear and balanced sound, enhancing the multimedia experience.
9. Multiple Security Features: The laptop offers biometric authentication through a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, along with a physical webcam cover for added privacy.
10. Windows Hello Support: Windows Hello facial recognition is supported through the laptop’s infrared (IR) camera, providing a secure and convenient login method.

Cons of the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Ultra Laptop:

1. Premium Price: The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is a premium laptop, and its high-quality features are reflected in its price, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
2. Limited Gaming Performance: While it can handle light gaming and everyday tasks, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics may not satisfy gamers or those requiring high-end GPU performance.
3. Noisy Fans Under Load: When performing demanding tasks, the laptop’s fans can become noticeable, which may be a minor distraction in quieter environments.
4. Limited Upgradeability: The laptop’s components are not user-upgradeable, so you’ll need to choose your desired specifications when purchasing, as you won’t be able to upgrade them later.
5. No Ethernet Port: While the laptop offers various connectivity options, it lacks an Ethernet port, which may be inconvenient for users who require a wired internet connection.
6. Limited Availability of 2.8K Content: While the laptop’s 2.8K display is impressive, there is still limited availability of content optimized for this resolution, which may not fully utilize its capabilities for all users.
7. Learning Curve for Number Pad: The integrated Number Pad in the touchpad may take some time to get used to for users who are not accustomed to this feature.

Conclusion

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Ultra Laptop is a remarkable piece of technology that combines style, performance, and portability into one sleek package. With its stunning 2.8K OLED display, Intel Evo certification, powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and a host of thoughtful features, it’s designed to meet the demands of modern professionals and tech enthusiasts.

The laptop’s design is elegant and portable, making it easy to carry wherever you go. The innovative ErgoLift Hinge, thin bezels, and premium build quality contribute to an excellent overall user experience.

The display is undoubtedly the highlight of the Zenbook S 13. Its 2.8K OLED panel offers breathtaking visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness levels. Whether you’re working on creative projects, watching movies, or simply browsing the web, the display doesn’t disappoint.

Performance-wise, the laptop is no slouch. The Intel Core i7 processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD combine to deliver snappy performance, whether you’re multitasking or running resource-intensive applications.

The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the touchpad’s integrated Number Pad is a unique and practical addition. The audio quality is above average for a laptop of this size, and the laptop’s array of ports ensures versatile connectivity.

Battery life is another strong suit of the Zenbook S 13. With all-day battery life and fast charging capabilities, you can stay productive on the go without constantly searching for an outlet.

Security features like the fingerprint sensor, facial recognition, and webcam cover add to the laptop’s appeal, providing peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.

In conclusion, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Ultra Laptop is a well-rounded and premium offering from ASUS. It’s designed for professionals, creatives, and anyone who values top-notch display, performance, and portability. While it may come with a premium price tag, the combination of its features and capabilities justifies the investment for those seeking a high-quality laptop that can handle a wide range of tasks.

Whether you’re a content creator, a business traveler, a student, or simply someone who appreciates cutting-edge technology, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is worth serious consideration. It’s a glimpse into the future of portable computing, where style and substance come together to redefine what a laptop can be.