The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is a sleek, powerful, and versatile laptop designed for professionals, creatives, and everyday users alike. With its stunning OLED display, cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra processors, and a host of premium features, this laptop is a strong contender in the ultraportable market. Whether you’re a business professional, a content creator, or someone who values a high-quality display, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) has something to offer. Let’s dive into the details and explore what makes this laptop stand out.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) boasts a sophisticated design with its Ponder Blue color option, giving it a modern and professional look. Weighing just 1.28 kg (2.82 lbs) and measuring 0.59 inches thick, this laptop is incredibly portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The build quality is solid, with a premium feel that reflects its high-end positioning.
The 14-inch OLED display is the star of the show, offering a 3K resolution (2880 x 1800) with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This means more vertical space for productivity tasks like coding, editing, or browsing. The display also features a 120Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and 500 nits of peak brightness, ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colors. With 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and support for 1.07 billion colors, this laptop is a dream for creatives who need accurate color reproduction.
ASUS has also incorporated eye-care features, such as a 70% reduction in harmful blue light and SGS Eye Care Display certification, making it easier on the eyes during long work sessions. The touchscreen functionality and stylus support (ASUS Pen SA203H-MPP2.0) add another layer of versatility, especially for artists and note-takers.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors. You can choose between the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or the Ultra 9 185H, both of which deliver exceptional performance for multitasking, content creation, and even light gaming. The processors feature up to 16 cores and 22 threads, with clock speeds reaching up to 5.1 GHz on the Ultra 9 model.
One of the standout features is the Intel AI Boost NPU, which offers up to 11 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) for AI-driven tasks. This makes the laptop ideal for applications like video editing, machine learning, and other AI-enhanced workflows.
Graphics are handled by Intel Arc Graphics, available on models with the Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 processors. While it’s not a dedicated GPU, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks, light gaming, and creative applications.
The laptop comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for fast storage and quick boot times. The dual-channel memory support further enhances performance, making this laptop a powerhouse for both work and play.
Connectivity and Ports
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) offers a good selection of ports for an ultraportable laptop. It includes:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for display and power delivery (up to 40Gbps data speed)
- 1x HDMI 2.1 port
- 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
The Thunderbolt 4 ports are particularly useful for connecting high-resolution displays, external storage, or docking stations. The inclusion of a USB-A port is a nice touch for those who still use older peripherals.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Audio
The backlit chiclet keyboard on the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is comfortable to type on, with 1.4mm key travel and a responsive feel. The precision touchpad is large and supports multi-touch gestures, making navigation smooth and intuitive.
Audio quality is another highlight, thanks to the Harman/Kardon-tuned speakers and Smart Amp technology. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video calls, the sound is clear and immersive. The built-in array microphone ensures your voice comes through clearly during virtual meetings.
Battery Life and Charging
The laptop is equipped with a 75Wh battery, which provides decent battery life for everyday tasks. With moderate use, you can expect around 8-10 hours of runtime, though this may vary depending on the workload. The 65W USB-C charger is compact and supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Software and Included Accessories
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, making it a great choice for business users. ASUS also includes some useful software, such as MyASUS for system management, ScreenXpert for display customization, and GlideX for screen sharing and multitasking across devices.
In the box, you’ll find a sleeve for added protection, a USB-A to RJ45 gigabit Ethernet adapter, and the ASUS Pen SA203H for stylus support. These accessories add value and enhance the overall user experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning 14-inch 3K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 processors
- Intel AI Boost NPU for AI-driven tasks
- Lightweight and portable design
- Excellent audio quality with Harman/Kardon speakers
- Good selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4
- Includes useful accessories like a stylus and Ethernet adapter
Cons
- No dedicated GPU, limiting gaming and heavy graphics performance
- Battery life could be better for an ultraportable laptop
- Glossy display may cause reflections in bright environments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) good for gaming?
While the Intel Arc Graphics can handle light gaming, this laptop is not designed for heavy gaming. It’s better suited for productivity and creative tasks.
2. Does the laptop support external monitors?
Yes, the Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 ports allow you to connect external monitors for expanded workspace.
3. Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
The 32GB RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, so it’s not upgradeable. However, the 1TB SSD can be replaced or upgraded if needed.
4. Is the ASUS Pen included in the box?
Yes, the ASUS Pen SA203H is included, providing stylus support for the touchscreen display.
5. How does the OLED display perform in bright environments?
The glossy display can cause reflections in bright environments, but the 500 nits peak brightness helps maintain visibility.
6. Is the laptop suitable for video editing?
Yes, the powerful processors, ample RAM, and high-quality display make it a great choice for video editing and other creative tasks.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is a well-rounded laptop that combines stunning visuals, powerful performance, and portability. Its OLED display is a treat for the eyes, while the Intel Core Ultra processors and AI Boost NPU ensure smooth performance for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re a professional, a creative, or just someone who appreciates premium features, this laptop is worth considering. While it may not be perfect for gaming or heavy graphics work, it excels in almost every other area, making it a top choice in the ultraportable category.
