ASUS Zenbook A14: Impressions of a Lightweight Marvel

The ASUS Zenbook A14, which was recently revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show 2025, is a notable new entry in ASUS’s Zenbook series. This laptop is unique because it uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon technology in a newly designed, lightweight body that weighs less than a kilogram. It’s specifically designed for those who need a portable laptop that still performs well for everyday tasks. The Zenbook A14 combines a modern look with efficient computing power.

Weighing only 980 grams, the Zenbook A14 is one of the lightest 14-inch laptops available. This significant weight reduction is made possible by using a ceramic aluminum-magnesium alloy for the entire case, the same material that ASUS applied to the lids of previous models like the Zenbook S14 and Zenbook S16. Although the finish did not seem as premium to me initially, it is something that you might grow to appreciate over time. Despite being lightweight, the laptop has a strong build quality. ASUS claims that this material is resistant to wear and scratches and that the laptop meets the MIL-STD 810H military standards for enhanced durability. The Zenbook A14 comes in two colors: Zabriskie Beige and Iceland Gray.

The laptop features a 14-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and can reach a peak brightness of 600 nits, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum and 133% of sRGB, with a Delta E of less than 1. It holds VESA certification, supports Display HDR True Black 600, and has SGS Eye Care Display certification. However, the display is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and does not have touch functionality.

Both the keyboard and touchpad are designed for comfort. Like earlier models, the touchpad allows for gesture controls to easily adjust volume, brightness, or seek video playback. The laptop has a good selection of ports, including two USB 4.0 Type-C ports, a USB-A 3.2 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a full-size HDMI 2.1.

Inside, the Zenbook A14 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78-100) processor, which has 12 cores and can clock up to 3.4GHz. There’s also a more affordable option with the Snapdragon X chip, which has 8 cores and a maximum clock speed of 2.97GHz. For cooling, the laptop includes two fans and a thicker heat pipe. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5-8488 RAM, which is soldered to the motherboard, and features a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for storage.

In terms of wireless connectivity, it supports WiFi 7 through Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800 and Bluetooth 5.4. The laptop is equipped with a 70Whr battery that can last up to 32 hours while playing videos offline. It also has a full-HD webcam, which includes an infrared feature for quick logins with Windows Hello.

The ASUS Zenbook A14 is available for pre-order on the ASUS online store, starting at Rs 99,990 for the Snapdragon X version, while the Snapdragon X Elite is priced at Rs 1,29,990. The company is offering a pre-order promotion that includes branded earbuds, a two-year extended warranty, and three years of accidental damage protection, all valued at Rs 15,998 for just an additional Rs 1.

Overall, the ASUS Zenbook A14 is an appealing option for users who prioritize portability alongside everyday computing. Its lightweight structure, durable quality, and efficient performance make it suitable for casual use and multitasking. However, its 60Hz refresh rate, lack of touch capability, and limited graphics performance may not suit professional users needing advanced specifications. Additionally, relying on Windows on ARM may lead to some limitations in software compatibility. Those interested should consider their specific performance needs and the cost before deciding to purchase. We are currently testing the Zenbook A14, so look out for our full review soon.