ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX431) Now Available

[btarunr]

ASUS today announced ZenBook 14 (UX431). It balances value and performance to deliver a sleek, sophisticated ultraportable that doesn't compromise on power. This premium laptop is packed full of the latest technology that includes 8th Generation Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics, up to 16GB of RAM, ample SSD storage space and the latest connectivity options. The ZenBook 14 is available now, in two configurations, starting at $799.99.

ZenBook 14 exudes sophistication without screaming for attention. Its Utopia Blue color and spun-metal finish are decidedly chic while still being distinctly Zen. Lifting the lid reveals a 14-inch FHD (1920x1080) IPS NanoEdge display that offers great viewing angles and uniform color, whether the user is sitting square in front of it at work, or lounging to one side watching Netflix.



For a more immersive experience, the NanoEdge display technology shrinks the bezels on either side down to just 6.5mm while also cutting down on the laptop's overall size. Thanks to the narrow bezels, ASUS engineers were able to squeeze the 14-inch screen into a compact 13-inch chassis. Portability is about size as much as weight, though, and ZenBook 14 weighs just under 3.2 pounds, making it easy for users to slip it into their bags or tuck under arm and carry anywhere.

Despite its good looks, ZenBook 14 prioritizes function alongside form, with some thoughtful tweaks to ensure the design serves more than just aesthetics. The ErgoLift hinge automatically tilts the keyboard up at an angle when the lid is opened, creating a more comfortable typing position while improving airflow under the chassis for better cooling.

Uncompromising performance
When taking notes in a meeting, tabbing over to check an email, and then switching over to edit a video presentation, capable hardware is what helps maintain smooth performance. Intel's 8th Generation Core i5, and i7 CPU options offer up to four Hyper-Threaded cores that run at frequencies as high as 4.6GHz thanks to Turbo Boost technology. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 engine is ample for photo editing and video streaming, but upgrading to discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics with 2GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory makes light gaming an enjoyable option.

These days, 8GB of system memory is a common luxury for mobile multi-tasking, but ZenBook 14 is available with up to 16GB of RAM to ensure seamless switching between tasks. On top of that, up to a 512GB SSD provides a powerful combination of low latency and high capacity.

Quad-speaker audio system
Users will want to share the audio experience because ZenBook 14 boasts a total of four speakers. In addition to the pair of upward firing speakers flanking the keyboard, there are two more bass speakers on the underside of the laptop, and the extra space created by the ErgoLift hinge results in clearer bass.

The quad-speaker system provides truly immersive sound, with a 1.4X-higher frequency response compared to its predecessor, UX430. Powered by a smart amplifier, the Harmon Kardon-certified setup employs advanced signal processing to deliver a wider frequency response and powerful bass for especially crisp sound.

Mobility without bounds
ZenBook 14 features I/O ports befitting a flexible workhorse. There's one USB 2.0 Type-A port for a mouse, and the USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports readily accommodate external storage, flash drives, printers, and other peripherals. Users can connect to a second monitor via HDMI, and the SD card slot accepts memory cards without the need for a USB adapter. There's also a 1.8mm audio combo jack for headphones. ZenBook 14 features a 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi configuration, so users can move huge files to and from the cloud in record time or stream video without a hitch.

Availability & Pricing
The ASUS ZenBook 14 is available in two configurations, and is available for purchase now:

• The ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX431FA-ES51) with Intel Core i5-8265U, 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is available for $799.99 at ASUS, Amazon, NewEgg, and other retailers.
• The ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX431FA-ES74) with Intel Core i7-8565U, 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage is available for $899.99 at Amazon, NewEgg, and other retailers.

A third configuration will be available in Q2:

• The ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX431FN-IH74) with Intel Core i7-8565U, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage will be available for $1,199 exclusively at Costco.

For more information, visit the product page.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Caring1]

Waiting for an AMD powered version to be truly Zen.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Amazing, this thing has both a full size SD card slot and a USB port, yet fatter laptops are missing both...

 

[lemonadesoda]

That ‘clever hinge’ is asking for trouble. Asus has some great UHD laptop displays, so where is it?

 

[newtekie1]

Sadly, the only version with the MX150 is $1,200, but you pay for the form factor.

 

[Deathmourne]

Waiting for an AMD powered version to be truly Zen.

I would also instantly buy one if amd powered.

 

[ZhangirDuyseke]

Waiting for an AMD powered version to be truly Zen.

OMG. AMD fanboys alert! AMD CPUs are slower than Intel CPUs.

 

[Deathmourne]

OMG. AMD fanboys alert! AMD CPUs are slower than Intel CPUs.

what are you smoking? this not a gaming laptop, for productivity amd better, get over yourself.

 

[ZhangirDuyseke]

what are you smoking? this not a gaming laptop, for productivity amd better, get over yourself.

for gaming AND productivity clock speeds are important and AMD CPUs have lower clock speeds! I am smoking weed.

 

[Deathmourne]

in a laptop battery life is important, and while intel reaches higher clock speed, it does so at higher power usage... to each his own.

 

[newtekie1]

what are you smoking? this not a gaming laptop, for productivity amd better, get over yourself.

in a laptop battery life is important, and while intel reaches higher clock speed, it does so at higher power usage... to each his own.

Look, I love AMD, I bought FX chips just to support them. But you're just wrong here. On the desktop side, AMD is pretty equal for productivity, and if you consider cost AMD is better.

However, the mobile market is a different story entirely. First of all, Intel does not have higher power usage, the fact is Intel still has the lead with power consumption. The lead is certainly a lot smaller now than it was just a few years ago, but Intel's lead is still there. That power consumption lead translates to better mobile processors, that can do more with the same size batteries. It also translates to less heat, with means lighter laptops with smaller heatsinks.

 

[Deathmourne]

Look, I love AMD, I bought FX chips just to support them. But you're just wrong here. On the desktop side, AMD is pretty equal for productivity, and if you consider cost AMD is better.

However, the mobile market is a different story entirely. First of all, Intel does not have higher power usage, the fact is Intel still has the lead with power consumption. The lead is certainly a lot smaller now than it was just a few years ago, but Intel's lead is still there. That power consumption lead translates to better mobile processors, that can do more with the same size batteries. It also translates to less heat, with means lighter laptops with smaller heatsinks.

if you are even comparing fx to intel back then you lose credibility in my eyes, fx was trash, at work I currently have laptops from both camps with similar specs and amd tend to have longer battery life... but as I said, to each his own. Dont want to argue with sheep.

 

[newtekie1]

if you are even comparing fx to intel back then you lose credibility in my eyes, fx was trash, at work I currently have laptops from both camps with similar specs and amd tend to have longer battery life... but as I said, to each his own. Dont want to argue with sheep.

Ah, I see, you're using the extremely accurate "comparing two different laptops battery life" method to determine battery life...

 

[Tartaros]

if you are even comparing fx to intel back then you lose credibility in my eyes

He hasn't compared the FX line to the Intel line, he just pointed that out to show he is not biased towards any brand...

 

[Arjai]

I don't think I like that hinge. There are other ways to prop it up, without it being part of the screen. IDK, it may be fine but, looks like it could be the weak link.