2025 ASUS Zenbook 14 Review: A Good Laptop at a Decent Price
April 25, 2025
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Which Should You Buy?
Summary
If you're in the market for a solid all-rounder laptop under $1,000, ASUS's 2025 Zenbook 14 may be worth a look—especially if you catch it during a sale.
Table of contents:
With refreshed Intel and AMD processor options, this year’s models offer respectable performance, long battery life, and the same ultra-portable form factor. But is it enough to stand out in a crowded midrange market?
Intel vs AMD: Which One Wins?
ASUS is offering nearly identical Zenbook 14 models for 2025, mostly differentiated by their processor: Intel's new Core Ultra 7 255H (Arrow Lake H) and AMD's Ryzen 7 350 (Krackan Point). Here's how they stack up:
- Intel: Better CPU and GPU performance, but runs louder during heavy workloads with high-pitched fan noise.
- AMD: Quieter and cooler, but the performance bump over last year’s Zen 4 chip is minimal.
If quiet operation matters and you find last year’s AMD Zenbook 14 on sale, go with that instead. But if performance is your top priority, Intel’s Arrow Lake H wins—especially for graphics-heavy tasks.
Performance Breakdown
- CPU: Intel’s 255H outperformed AMD in both Geekbench and Cinebench multi-core scores. AMD does slightly better in Geekbench single-core but not by a wide margin.
- Sustained Load: The AMD model maintained peak performance longer without throttling, while the Intel model dipped slightly under continuous load.
- Power Efficiency: Intel achieved 37% more performance with just 21% more power draw. AMD’s latest chip delivered minimal gains compared to its Zen 4 predecessor.
GPU & Real-World Use
Intel’s integrated ARC 140T GPU is miles ahead of AMD’s pared-down graphics. Whether you're gaming lightly or doing creative work, Intel’s laptop delivers significantly better performance. That said, Apple's M4 MacBook Air still leads in efficiency and raw GPU power.
Thermals & Fan Noise
- Heat: Intel CPUs hit higher peak temps but averaged cooler. However, the AMD laptop felt cooler to the touch.
- Fan Noise: The Intel version had a noticeable high-pitched whine under load. AMD was much quieter.
Build Quality
- Chassis & Design: Both models feel basic and pick up fingerprints. Keyboard decks have minor flex, and the touchpads are serviceable but not top-tier.
- Ports: Decent I/O for a 14-inch laptop, but both charging ports being on the right side may cause cable clutter.
Battery Life
In video playback tests, here are our results:
Both are impressive thanks to large 75Wh batteries and low-res OLED panels. However, under performance workloads, the Intel model lasted longer, even though it throttled a bit when unplugged.
Display & Input
The 1920x1200 OLED panel remains unchanged from previous models. It’s bright enough for indoor use (380 nits), but the glossy finish is highly reflective and tough to use in bright settings. Lower-end models are locked to 60Hz, while some higher-tier variants offer 120Hz.
The keyboard feels slightly cheap, and key feedback varies between units. ASUS’s so-called "Quiet Keyboard" isn't uniformly quiet—backspace is especially loud. Trackpads are usable but not competitive at this price.
Final Thoughts
At around $800–$900 on sale, the Zenbook 14 (2025) still offers excellent value as a lightweight, capable daily driver. But at full price? It’s a little harder to recommend. Competing models like Lenovo's Slim 7i Aura Edition or HP’s OmniBook Ultra offer more polish and power respectively. And if you're open to macOS, the MacBook Air with M4 is simply in a different league.
Should You Buy It?
- Buy if: You need good all-round performance under $1,000, especially during sales.
- Skip if: You care about screen brightness, premium build quality, or plan to use demanding apps frequently.
Pro tip: Always check our price trackers before buying. ASUS laptops frequently go on steep discounts, and timing your purchase can save you hundreds.
