Build and Design
The Asus Zenbook Ultra Series 2 stands out with its compact 14-inch form factor, crafted from a unique material known as Ceraluminum—a blend of ceramic and aluminum. This innovative construction not only enhances durability but also significantly reduces weight, making the device feel light yet robust. Users will appreciate that the top lid and inner area resist fingerprints, keeping the laptop looking pristine. Available in Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White, our review unit features the striking Zumaia Gray finish, complete with tasteful branding and graphics that include the Intel Core Ultra 7 logo.
Measuring just 1.19 cm in thickness and weighing around 1.18 to 1.20 kg (1.3-1.4 kg with the charger), this laptop is incredibly portable without compromising on style or functionality.
Intakes and Exhausts
Smartly designed, the laptop incorporates exhaust vents located beneath the screen and intake vents on the bottom, featuring 2715 CNC machined vents that enhance the overall aesthetics and airflow.
Flex, Hinge, and Wobble
In terms of build quality, the top lid exhibits minor flex, while the keyboard shows nearly no flex at all. The hinge quality is commendable, allowing the screen to open with one hand effortlessly—a testament to the laptop’s well-balanced weight distribution.
Specifications
Under the hood, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor is more than just a CPU; it serves as a System on Chip (SoC), boasting eight cores (four performance and four low-power efficient) designed for a variety of workloads. With a maximum turbo frequency and power efficiency that adjusts from 8W to 37W (typically optimized at 28W), users can expect exceptional battery life. The Intel Arc 140V GPU supports ray tracing and offers robust graphics performance, making it suitable for creative tasks. Furthermore, the NPU delivers an impressive 47 TOPS of performance, a significant leap from previous generations.
Memory is handled by 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, integrated directly onto the chip for speeds of 8533 MT/s. Storage options include a 1 TB Gen 4 SSD, expandable up to 2 TB with proper service center installation to maintain warranty.
Intel Evo Badge
This laptop proudly carries the Intel Evo badge, ensuring features like a 1-second wake time, over 10 hours of battery life, and the latest in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. It supports Thunderbolt 4 and features Windows Hello for convenient face or fingerprint unlock, along with fast charging capabilities.
x86 vs. ARM
Unlike ARM-based chipsets, the x86 architecture of this laptop ensures wider compatibility with both legacy and modern applications without requiring emulation. This leads to better raw performance, although x86 processors have historically been more power-hungry. However, the new architecture strikes a balance, offering performance-per-watt that enhances battery life.
Co-Pilot + PC
The laptop is also certified to support the upcoming Co-Pilot+ PC features, which will enhance productivity with functionalities like live captions, automatic super resolution, and Windows Studio Effects. While the release is pending, the groundwork is in place for exciting future capabilities.
Real-Life Use Case
In practical use, the 32 GB RAM shines in multitasking scenarios, handling demanding applications like video editing, Photoshop, and coding with ease. Users can run multiple projects simultaneously without hiccups, and thanks to the NPU, local deployment of custom AI models is supported. However, it’s worth noting that for extremely high-end tasks like game development or 3D modeling, the lack of a discrete GPU may be a limitation
Battery Life
Equipped with a 72 WH battery, this laptop boasts impressive longevity. During testing, it exhibited minimal idle drain and delivered around 13-14 hours of video playback with brightness at 50-60%. Features like “Turn off my device when I leave” and “Dim my screen when I look away” contribute to its impressive battery efficiency.
Ports
Connectivity is well catered for with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port on the right, and on the left, you’ll find an HDMI 2.1 port supporting 4K at 120Hz, along with two Thunderbolt 4 ports that enable fast data transfer and power delivery.
Keyboard
The ASUS ErgoSense keyboard features a white backlight, 1.1 mm key travel, and a comfortable pitch, making typing a pleasure. A dedicated co-pilot button and integrated power button enhance functionality.
Trackpad
The spacious, fully clickable trackpad supports multi-gesture functionality, allowing users to control brightness and volume easily. While typing, there may be a learning curve as the touchpad’s proximity can sometimes misinterpret gestures.
Display
The 14-inch 3K OLED display offers stunning visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR. It covers 100% of sRGB& DCI-P3 color gamut’s, making it ideal for creative work and entertainment.
Speakers
Sound quality is taken up a notch with down-firing speakers certified by Harman Kardon and Dolby Atmos. The system also features noise-cancelling capabilities, ideal for meetings.
Camera and Microphone
The FHD webcam with 3DNR technology and an IR sensor supports Windows Hello for seamless login. The dual-array microphone ensures clear audio quality, with AI noise cancellation helping to reduce background noise during calls.
Adding to it, you’ll also be getting windows studio effect.
Conclusion
The Asus ZenBook Ultra Series 2 represents the future of laptops with its blend of power, efficiency, and portability. Priced at Rs. 1,49,990 (approximately $1,790 USD), it is an attractive option for anyone needing a slim, light, and powerful device for gaming, editing, or multimedia. With AI readiness and top-notch specifications, this laptop is definitely worth considering for your next purchase. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience all that it has to offer!
