ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 (2021)
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Product family | Zenbook |
| Release date | January 2021 |
| Introductory price | USD 1000 to 2000 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Core i5-1155G7 Intel Core i7-1165G7 Intel Core i7-1195G7 |
| Memory | 8, 16, or 32 GB LPDDR4X (onboard) |
| Memory slots | None (soldered) |
| Storage | 512 GB, 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible |
| Removable storage | Micro SD card reader |
| Display | Screen size: 14 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Brightness: 400 Nits sRGB: 100 % Touchscreen: Yes Screen-to-body ratio: 93 % Additional Display: 12.65 inch, 1920 x 515 IPS-level Panel |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics Nvidia GeForce MX450 2 GB GDDR6 |
| Sound | Built-in stereo speakers with Harman/Kardon with Cortana voice-recognition support |
| Camera | HD camera with IR function for Windows Hello |
| Touchpad | 2.6 x 2.1 inches, supports ScreenPad™ Plus |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2 Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Power brick | 65W AC Adapter |
| Battery | 70 WHr, 4-cell Li-ion |
| Keyboard | Backlit Chiclet Keyboard, 1.4mm Key-travel |
| Chassis | Color: Celestial Blue Materials: Magnesium main-chassis, aluminum lid cover |
| Fingerprint reader | No |
| Facial recognition | Yes (IR webcam with Windows Hello support) |
| Website | ASUS |
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The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) is a unique dual-screen laptop designed for enhanced productivity. It features a primary 14-inch FHD display and a secondary 12.65-inch ScreenPad Plus, both of which support touch and stylus input. The laptop is powered by Intel's 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors and offers configurations with up to 32 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 1 TB of NVMe SSD storage.[1]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) can be configured with the following processors[1]:
- Intel Core i5-1135G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.2 GHz.
- Intel Core i5-1155G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.5 GHz.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, 12 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.7 GHz.
- Intel Core i7-1195G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, 12 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.8 GHz.
The Intel Tiger Lake processors in the Zenbook Duo 14 provide solid performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. The i7-1165G7, in particular, runs at high power and clocks for a few runs before stabilizing at around 25W of sustained power, clock speeds of ~2.9 GHz, and temperatures of 68-72 degrees Celsius. This results in above-average performance for the Tiger Lake i7-1165G7, with scores of 750+ points in Cinebench R15.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R15: 750+ points
- Cinebench R20: 2195 cb
- Cinebench R23: 5154 cb
- GeekBench 5.3.1: Single-Core: 1555, Multi-core: 5646[2]
Graphics
The Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) comes with integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics and can also be configured with the discrete Nvidia GeForce MX450 GPU with 2 GB GDDR6 memory.[1]
The Intel Iris Xe Graphics perform well for integrated graphics, allowing for decent gaming performance at lower settings. The Nvidia GeForce MX450 provides a boost in graphics performance, making the laptop suitable for light gaming and more demanding graphical tasks.[2]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Fire Strike: 5293 (Graphics – 5832, Physics – 13692, Combined – 2026)
- 3DMark Night Raid: 17370 (Graphics – 22348, CPU – 7679)
- 3DMark Time Spy: 1826 (Graphics – 1653, CPU – 4517)
- 3DMark Wild Life: 12323[2]
Memory
The Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) is available with 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, all of which are soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.[1]
The large amount of RAM allows for smooth operation even with multiple applications running simultaneously. The laptop feels snappy with daily multitasking, video streaming, and text-editing.[2]
Benchmarks:
- PassMark: 3992 (CPU: 12318, 3D Graphics: 3931, Disk: 22317)[2]
Storage
The Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) can be configured with the following storage options[1]:
- 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD
- 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD
- 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 Performance SSD
- 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD with 32 GB Intel Optane Memory
The SSD provides ample storage for applications and files, with quick read/write speeds. The SSD is fast and has a thermal pad that helps keep temperatures at bay.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Disk score in PassMark: 22317[2]
Co-processors
The Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) does not have any dedicated co-processors.[2]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Zenbook Duo 14 features a backlit Chiclet keyboard with 1.4mm key travel. The keyboard layout is compact, with smaller keys (14×13 mm), and lacks a wrist rest, making it ergonomically challenging for extended typing sessions.[2][3]
Typing feels like using a short-stroke desktop keyboard without any sort of arm-rest. The keys feel nice to the touch, with bouncy feedback and quick and quiet actuation. The backlit keys have bright and fairly uniform white LEDs, but light creeps out from beneath the keycaps, which can be annoying.[2]
Touchpad
The touchpad is 2.6 x 2.1 inches and is located to the right of the keyboard. It supports the ScreenPad™ Plus functionality but lacks a physical clicking mechanism.[1][3]
The touchpad's odd and unusual position makes gestures beyond two-finger scrolling nearly impossible. The surface feels nice, but the limited size restricts usability.[2][3]
Webcam
The Zenbook Duo 14 comes with an HD webcam with IR function to support Windows Hello.[1]
The webcam is fine for occasional calls but lacks detail, with stubble looking more smudgy than it should. The camera includes an electronic shutter for privacy.[2][3]
Microphone
The Zenbook Duo 14 has a built-in array microphone.[1]
Output Devices
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Display
The Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) features a primary 14.0-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS-level panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio, LED backlit, 60Hz refresh rate, 400 nits brightness, 100% sRGB color gamut, PANTONE Validated, anti-glare display, and touch screen. It also includes a secondary ScreenPad™ Plus (12.65" 1920 x 515 IPS-level panel) that supports stylus input.[1]
The main screen is around 300-nits, making it difficult to use outdoors. The secondary screen has good brightness and contrast but requires a steep angle for proper viewing. Both screens support finger-touch and work with the included pen, although hand rejection needs improvement.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Main screen: 99.3% sRGB, 70.8% AdobeRGB, 73.3% DCI-P3
- Secondary screen: 60.2% sRGB, 41.5% AdobeRGB, 42.7% DCI-P3
- Max brightness in the main screen: 313.92 cd/m2
- Max brightness in the secondary screen: 428.21 cd/m2[2]
Audio
The Zenbook Duo 14 comes with built-in stereo speakers with Harman/Kardon branding and Cortana voice-recognition support.[1]
The volume is averagely loud, at up to 78-80 dB at head-level, but vibrations distortions at higher volumes. The audio quality is fine for daily use but lacks in the lower-end frequencies.[2][3]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Zenbook Duo 14 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2 or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.3.[1]
The Wi-Fi 6 module performs well with a strong signal and performance at 30-feet with obstacles in between. The connectivity is reliable for everyday tasks.[2]
Bluetooth
The Zenbook Duo 14 comes with a Bluetooth 5.2 or Bluetooth 5.3 module.[1]
SD Card Reader
The Zenbook Duo 14 includes a microSD card reader.[1]
USB
The Zenbook Duo 14 is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 supports display / power delivery
- 1x HDMI 1.4
- 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
The inclusion of multiple USB ports enhances connectivity options.[3]
Display Outputs
The Zenbook Duo 14 comes with an HDMI 1.4 port for external display support.[1]
Case
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The Zenbook Duo 14 has a Celestial Blue hue, with a concentric circles pattern etched on top. The design uses Ergolift hinges for better airflow and typing angle.[1][3]
The laptop is well made and nice looking, with a dark-blue color scheme, but thicker and heavier than average 14-inch ultrabooks. The design is novel and neat, but it's one of the least lap-friendly laptops due to its dual-screen setup.[2][3]
Maintenance
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The Zenbook Duo 14 is fairly easy to get inside, but there is a warranty sticker on the SSD that may complicate upgrades. The SSD is the only component that can be upgraded, while the RAM is soldered.[2]
Cooling System
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The Zenbook Duo 14 is equipped with two fans grouped together on one side, with a single thick heatpipe for the CPU.[2]
Heat
The laptop stays cool on the outside, with temperatures in the low to mid-60s with demanding loads. The keyboard runs cooler than on a standard ultrabook design.[2]
Benchmarks:
- After streaming 15 minutes of full HD video, the touchpad temperature was 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the keyboard temperature was 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The underside mostly stayed at 92 degrees, with one spot near the middle hitting 97 degrees.[3]
Noise
The fans ramp up to 42-43 dB in demanding tasks and games on Performance mode but can be quieter on Balanced mode at around 35-37 dB.[2]
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Zenbook Duo 14 ships with a 65W AC adapter.[1]
Battery Life
The Zenbook Duo 14 comes with a 70 WHr, 4-cell Li-ion battery. The laptop lasts around 4-10 hours depending on usage, with specific scenarios yielding different results.[2][3]
Benchmarks:
- 8 W (~8+h of use) for text editing in Google Drive
- 13.5 W (~4-5h of use) for browsing in Edge
- Web surfing at 150 nits: 10 hours and 37 minutes
- With ScreenPad Plus off: 14 hours and 11 minutes[2][3]
Biometrics
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The Zenbook Duo 14 supports facial recognition for secure login via its IR webcam with Windows Hello support.[1]
Software
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All SKUs ship with Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 11 Home, or Windows 11 Pro. The laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11, either manually or when buying directly from ASUS.[1]
Preinstalled Software
MyASUS
The MyASUS app acts as the primary control center in the Zenbook Duo 14. It handles power profiles, battery and screen settings, updates, and other system settings.[2]
ScreenXpert
The ScreenXpert app provides control over the ScreenPad Plus, allowing users to manage and customize the secondary display.[2]
Other Preinstalled Software
The Zenbook Duo 14 also comes with other software like McAfee Antivirus and a Microsoft Office 1-month trial for new Microsoft 365 customers.[2]
Linux Support
Linux support is not specified.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The Zenbook Duo 14 comes with a 65W AC adapter and paperwork.[1]
There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The Zenbook Duo 14 is considered a unique and innovative laptop with its dual-screen design, which enhances productivity but compromises typing comfort. It offers solid performance, good thermals, and long battery life. However, it has limited portability and ergonomics when noton a desk, a cramped keyboard, and narrow ScreenPad angles.[2][3]
Problems Summary
- Cramped keyboard with smaller keys and no wrist rest, making it ergonomically challenging for extended typing sessions.[2][3]
- Minuscule touchpad located to the right of the keyboard, limiting usability.[2][3]
- The main screen's brightness is around 300 nits, making it difficult to use outdoors.[2]
- The secondary ScreenPad Plus requires a steep angle for proper viewing.[2]
- The webcam lacks detail, making it less suitable for high-quality video calls.[3]
- The laptop is thicker and heavier than average 14-inch ultrabooks, reducing portability.[2][3]
- The design is not lap-friendly due to the dual-screen setup.[2][3]
- The fans can be noisy during demanding tasks.[2]
- Limited upgradeability with only the SSD being user-accessible.[2]
Links
i7-1165G7, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: UltrabookReview
i5-1135G7, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: Tom's Guide
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 "Zenbook Duo 14 (2021) Specifications". ASUS.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 "ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 UX482 Review". UltrabookReview.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 "ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 UX482 Review". Tom's Guide.