In the ever-evolving landscape of ultrabooks, Asus has consistently been a player that pushes the boundaries of design and performance. The Zenbook series, known for its sleek aesthetics and powerful internals, has a new contender in town – the Asus Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the features, design, performance, display, and overall user experience of this 2-in-1 laptop.

Unboxing and First Impressions

As with any premium device, the unboxing experience sets the tone for what’s to come. The Asus Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED doesn’t disappoint in this department. The packaging is minimalistic yet elegant, hinting at the sophistication within. Upon opening the box, you’re greeted by the meticulously crafted laptop, accompanied by the stylus, charging cable, and user manuals.

The first impression is striking – the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED boasts a slim profile, premium metal chassis, and a 360-degree hinge that allows it to transform effortlessly into tablet mode. The build quality is exceptional, and the laptop feels robust while maintaining a lightweight form factor.

Design and Build Quality

Slim and Sturdy

One of the standout features of the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED is its ultra-slim design. Measuring just a few millimeters thick, Asus has managed to pack a lot of power into a compact and portable form. The aluminum chassis not only adds to the premium feel but also ensures durability.

Ergonomic 360-Degree Hinge

The 360-degree hinge is a game-changer for those who value versatility. It allows the laptop to seamlessly transition between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. The hinge feels sturdy and well-engineered, with no wobbling in any position. This flexibility adds a new dimension to the user experience, making the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED suitable for various scenarios, from productivity tasks to multimedia consumption.

Chic Aesthetics

Asus has always excelled in the aesthetics department, and the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED is no exception. The laptop features the signature concentric circle pattern on the lid, giving it a distinct and elegant look. The metallic finish adds a touch of sophistication, making it a head-turner in any setting.

Display

OLED Brilliance

The star of the show is undoubtedly the OLED display. The 13.3-inch touchscreen panel boasts vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The 4K resolution ensures crisp details, making it a visual delight for both work and entertainment. The use of OLED technology enhances the overall viewing experience, with each pixel emitting its light, resulting in true blacks and a higher dynamic range.

Touch and Stylus Experience

The touch responsiveness is flawless, and navigating through applications feels intuitive. The inclusion of a stylus adds another layer of functionality, particularly for creative professionals or note-taking enthusiasts. Whether you’re sketching, annotating, or simply navigating the interface, the stylus proves to be a valuable tool that complements the touchscreen experience.

Performance

Powerhouse Under the Hood

Equipped with the latest Intel processors and ample RAM, the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED is a powerhouse in terms of performance. Whether you’re multitasking between applications, editing photos, or running resource-intensive software, the laptop handles it all with ease. The combination of SSD storage ensures swift boot times and responsive file access, contributing to a seamless user experience.

Cooling and Fan Noise

With great power comes the need for efficient cooling. Asus has implemented an advanced cooling solution to keep temperatures in check during demanding tasks. The fan noise is minimal under regular usage but becomes audible under heavy workloads. However, the noise level remains within acceptable limits, and the laptop doesn’t exhibit thermal throttling, maintaining consistent performance. 

Also Read: Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402): Review

Keyboard and Trackpad

Typing Comfort

The backlit keyboard on the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED offers a comfortable typing experience. The key travel is sufficient, and the tactile feedback is well-balanced, making it suitable for long typing sessions. The inclusion of dedicated function keys enhances productivity, and the overall layout is user-friendly.

Precise Trackpad

The large and precise trackpad complements the keyboard, providing smooth and accurate navigation. Windows gestures are responsive, and the glass surface feels premium under the fingertips. The inclusion of a physical click mechanism adds to the overall user experience, striking a good balance between touch and tactile feedback.

Audio Quality

SonicMaster Excellence

Asus has a reputation for delivering impressive audio quality in its laptops, and the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED continues this tradition. The SonicMaster audio technology, combined with Harman Kardon-tuned speakers, delivers clear and immersive sound. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video conferences, the audio quality stands out among its peers.

Connectivity

Future-Proof Ports

In terms of connectivity, the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED doesn’t disappoint. It features a selection of USB-C and USB-A ports, along with a microSD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 support adds a layer of future-proofing, enabling high-speed data transfer and the possibility of connecting to external GPUs for enhanced graphics performance.

Battery Life

All-Day Productivity

Despite its slim profile, the Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED manages to deliver commendable battery life. The combination of efficient hardware and optimized power management ensures that the laptop can last through a full workday on a single charge. For casual usage, such as web browsing and document editing, the battery life extends even further, making it a reliable companion for users on the go.

Software and User Interface

ZenUI Flourish

The Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED runs on Windows 10, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface. Asus has added its touch to the software experience with the ZenUI, a collection of utilities and optimizations that enhance the overall user experience. From system management tools to display customization options, the ZenUI adds value without overwhelming the user with bloatware.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED is a testament to Asus’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. It successfully combines a slim and premium design with powerful internals, an exceptional OLED display, and versatile 2-in-1 functionality. Whether you’re a creative professional, a business user, or a student, this laptop offers a compelling package that caters to a diverse range of needs.

The OLED display, with its stunning visuals and touch capabilities, elevates the user experience to new heights. The 360-degree hinge adds a layer of versatility that goes beyond traditional laptops, making it a suitable device for various scenarios.

While the laptop comes with a premium price tag, the combination of build quality, performance, and features justifies the investment for those seeking a top-tier ultrabook. The Asus Zenbook S 13 Flip OLED stands out in a crowded market, setting a new standard for what a modern ultrabook can achieve.