The Asus Zenbook S 14 (2024) is a testament to how far ultraportable laptops have come, blending premium design with impressive performance in a remarkably thin and light chassis. This Windows 11 powerhouse proves that you don't need to sacrifice power for portability, making it one of the most compelling options for professionals and creatives alike.

Design and Build Quality

The Zenbook S 14 immediately stands out with its sleek, minimalist design. Measuring just 1.29 cm thin and weighing a mere 1.3 kg, it's one of the most portable 14-inch laptops available. The magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis feels premium and durable, while the matte finish resists fingerprints—a common annoyance with ultrabooks.

  • Color Options: Available in sophisticated Basalt Gray and Ponder Blue
  • ErgoLift Hinge: Automatically tilts the keyboard for improved typing comfort
  • Military-Grade Durability: MIL-STD-810H certified for reliability

Display: A Visual Treat

The 14-inch 3K (2880×1800) OLED touchscreen is simply stunning, with:

  • 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage
  • VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
  • 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling
  • 0.2ms response time

This display makes the Zenbook S 14 ideal for photo and video editing, with exceptional contrast and vibrant colors. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for productivity.

Performance That Impresses

Powered by Intel's latest Core Ultra processors (up to Core Ultra 9 185H) and Intel Arc graphics, the Zenbook S 14 delivers surprising power for its size:

  • CPU Options: Core Ultra 5 125H to Core Ultra 9 185H
  • RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5X
  • Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
  • Thermal Design: New dual-fan system with liquid metal thermal compound

In real-world use, the laptop handles everything from heavy multitasking to light creative work with ease. The Intel Arc graphics provide enough power for casual gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Asus has refined its keyboard design:

  • 1.4mm key travel (excellent for an ultraportable)
  • Backlit keys with three brightness levels
  • Large 5.9-inch touchpad with NumberPad 2.0 (LED numpad overlay)

The typing experience is among the best in its class, with good tactile feedback and quiet operation—perfect for coffee shop work sessions.

Connectivity and Ports

Despite its thin profile, Asus didn't skimp on ports:

  • 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
  • 1x HDMI 2.1
  • 3.5mm audio combo jack
  • MicroSD card reader

The inclusion of a USB-A port is particularly welcome, as many ultraportables have eliminated this still-useful connector.

Audio and Webcam

The Harman Kardon-certified stereo speakers deliver surprisingly rich sound for a laptop this size. The 1080p IR webcam with Windows Hello support is excellent for video calls, featuring:

  • AI noise cancellation
  • Adaptive dimming
  • Privacy shutter

Battery Life and Charging

With a 63Wh battery, the Zenbook S 14 delivers:

  • Up to 15 hours of typical use (OLED model)
  • Fast charging: 60% in 49 minutes
  • USB-C charging compatibility

Real-world usage typically yields 8-10 hours with mixed productivity tasks, which is solid for an OLED laptop.

Windows 11 Optimization

The Zenbook S 14 comes with Windows 11 Home or Pro, optimized for:

  • Snap Layouts for the 14-inch display
  • Touchscreen gestures
  • AI-powered Windows Studio Effects
  • Copilot integration

Asus's MyASUS app adds useful utilities without being bloatware-heavy.

Who Should Buy the Zenbook S 14?

This laptop is perfect for:

  • Business professionals needing portability
  • Creatives who value display quality
  • Frequent travelers
  • Students who want premium build

Verdict

The Asus Zenbook S 14 (2024) sets a new standard for premium ultraportables, combining breathtaking design with surprising power. While not meant for hardcore gaming or intensive 3D work, it excels at nearly everything else, making it one of the best Windows laptops of the year.

Pros:
- Gorgeous, color-accurate OLED display
- Excellent build quality
- Strong performance for its size
- Good port selection

Cons:
- OLED model has shorter battery life than IPS alternatives
- Can get warm under heavy loads
- Premium price tag