Zenbook A14 Review: A true lightweight hero with aesthetics to match
In a sea of laptops made of metal and corporate silver, finding one that is both aesthetic and tailored to my needs is rare. That was the case until I was handed the ASUS Zenbook A14.
A little background: the Zenbook A14 is ASUS’ recent addition to the Zenbook series. Now, up to this point, Zenbooks weren’t particularly renowned for being super lightweight. Lightweight in itself, yes; but not quite what you’d call ultraportable.
This, however, is set to change with the Zenbook A14, which I was graciously given the opportunity to review.
Zenbook A14 specs
Here’s the rundown of the Zenbook A14 unit we received.
| Processor | Snapdragon X1 26 100 (2.96GHz, 8 cores, 8 threads) |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU |
| RAM/Storage | 32GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB SSD |
| Display | 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200), 60Hz, 400nits, 100% sRGB |
| Battery | 48Whrs, 65W (Type-C charging) |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Weight | 899g |
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1x HDMI 2.1 2x USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Price | RM4,999 |
Just to fill you in, this is the lower-end model of the Zenbook A14. For something more powerful, consider the Snapdragon X Elite variant with an OLED display, but be aware that it comes at a substantially higher price — RM5,999. It is also not as light, weighing 980g.
Ceraluminium: So good I wish it was on everything
At risk of sounding repetitive, one of the many highlights of the Zenbook A14 is its feather-like weight. For this to be achieved, ASUS splashed a whole dollop of its secret sauce — Ceraluminium — into every nook and cranny of the laptop. The result is a smooth, yet somehow rugged-to-the-touch chassis that’s both sturdy and fingerprint resistant. And it’s lightweight too — just 899g. I’m genuinely serious when I say you could probably send it flying across the room like a frisbee with a flick of the wrist.
Do you really need something that light? Well, if you’re accumulating long hours on the LRT with a lower back that’s deteriorating quicker than the polar ice caps, this is heaven-sent.
Also, I’ve hardly ever harped on laptop colours – but ASUS really nailed this one. Zabriskie Beige is subtle, yet it stands out. Part of that is due to its carefully balanced tones, the other because all other laptops stink of corporate blacks and silvers that’s bleaker than the industrial age.
This at least has an earthy character that would look well-suited in a cafe full of remote workers and digital nomads.
Display: No OLED, no problem
I was a tad bit disappointed that not all variants were given the OLED treatment. In retrospect, perhaps it was a cost-saving measure to bring the prices down on the lower variants. If you do feel it’s worth the dough, I won’t fault you for spending more on the Snapdragon X Elite model with OLED displays.
That being said, the non-OLED Zenbook A14 didn’t bother me to the extreme, as the colour reproduction was pretty spot on. Assuming your work doesn’t require vital, uncompromising colour accuracy, this will work. This isn’t to say that the displays aren’t suited for creatives. In fact, it does boast 100% sRGB and WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution that would bode well for designers, photographers, and the like. But, you’re going to miss out on the true blacks that are noticeable on OLED displays.
Visual specs aside, the Zenbook A14’s lid does not have the 180-degree lay-flat hinge, but there’s still plenty to work with, with an estimate 150-degree range.
Performance: Sufficient for everyday work
The Zenbook A14 unit we received comes with the Snapdragon X1 processor – specifically the X1-26-100 – along with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB SSD storage. This isn’t the greatest in the Snapdragon X processor line-up, but it’s sufficient if you’re not reliant on power-guzzling software.
Admittedly, I’ve never found myself needing to load software that made my laptop work like a steam engine. Usually (and thankfully), workloads only involve heap loads of internet tabs opened simultaneously and occasionally some light video editing on CapCut. As such, for the average Joe like myself who depends primarily on cloud-based Google software, this posed no issue.
In fact, working on the laptop was an overall joy. Aside from the lightweight build, there were a few other delights, such as the silent keyboard which made working in the library more conducive. Plus, the smart gestures on the mega-sized touchpad were intuitive and seamless.
However, I am compelled to tell you that the Snapdragon X is an ARM processor, and the problem with ARM-based processors is that it’s still in the process of maturing. At this stage, many apps and software will not run natively, including the Adobe Creative Suite apps like Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. You might be able to run it as close to native as possible with emulation, but it may lack certain functions here and there.
Do note that this isn’t a problem exclusive to the Zenbook A14, as this affects all laptops with ARM architecture. Nevertheless, in the case of Adobe, the company is striving for native compatibility with ARM processors, which now seems a matter of when, not if.
As for the gaming experience, well, there was none. Out of curiosity, I tried to run Counter Strike 2 and Road 96, both of which lagged so profusely it was unplayable. This is by no means a gaming laptop, so it’s not a flaw to begin with. But if you’re hoping to do some light gaming on the side, you should know the benchmark is low.
Built-in AI tools in laptops haven’t really proved their worth yet (personally, anyway), but to follow the trend, the Zenbook A14 is an AI Copilot+ PC. This means it comes with the Copilot Key for direct access to Copilot. If you’ve read our ExpertBook P5 review and are wondering if it includes the AI ExpertMeet productivity tools — it does not. It does come with the StoryCube gallery organizer, like most other ASUS AI laptops. However, like all AI-ready, AI-powered, AI-driven laptops, I wouldn’t buy it for AI.
Battery life on the Zenbook A14 is commendable. Its 48Wh battery will last you about 7 to 8 hours — almost a full day’s work — but battery anxiety may start creeping in by the end of the day. If you’re looking for something more robust, the Snapdragon X Elite variant offers a much longer lifespan with its 70Wh battery.
Conclusion: A true lightweight hero
The Zenbook A14 is a stellar choice for on-the-go users like myself. Frankly, I’m a bit hesitant to give it back. While it’s not exactly a power-packed performer that’s going to run intensive apps and games flawlessly, it does have enough in it to ensure the essentials run smoothly.
The 32GB RAM and 1TB configuration, paired with the Snapdragon X1 chipset, is more than sufficient for multitasking. Plus, its display is still gorgeous despite not being OLED.
Moreover, ASUS’ Ceraluminium material continues to deliver with its rugged yet lightweight build. In fact, it feels even more refined here than it did on the Zenbook S 16 OLED which we reviewed last year.
All in all, the Zenbook A14 is one of the finest ultraportable laptops you’ll find in recent times, and its RM4,999 starting price is certainly justifiable. If you’re interested in purchasing, you can do so at ASUS Malaysia’s official website.
