ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022)

ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022)

Manufacturer	ASUS
Product family	ZenBook
Release date	January 2022 (2022-01)
Introductory price	USD 2500 to 3500
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Home (Can be configured with Windows 11 Pro)
CPU	Intel Core i7-12700H Intel Core i9-12900H
Memory	16 or 32 GB LPDDR5 (onboard)
Memory slots	None (onboard)
Storage	512 GB or 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
Storage slots	1 user accessible
Display	Screen size: 15.6 inch Panel type: OLED Coating: Glossy Resolution: 3840 x 2160 or 1920 x 1080 PPI: 282 or 141 Aspect ratio: 16:9 Refresh rate: 60 Hz Brightness: 550 Nits Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1 DCI-P3: 100 % VRR: No Screen-to-body ratio: 93 %
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop 8 GB GDDR6
Sound	2 x stereo speakers w/ harman/kardon audio Realtek HD audio chip
Camera	Front: HD camera with IR function for Windows Hello
Touchpad	Touchpad with NumberPad, support ScreenPad™ Plus (14" 3840 x 1100 IPS-level Panel)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 Bluetooth 5.3 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (supports display) 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack 1 x DC-in
Power brick	240W AC adapter
Battery	92 WHr, 4S2P, 8-cell Li-ion
Keyboard	Backlit Chiclet Keyboard with Num-key
Chassis	Color: Celestial Blue Materials: Aluminum alloy lid and chassis Cooling: Dual-fan cooling system
Number pad	Yes
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	Yes (Windows Hello)
Website	ASUS

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

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   The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is a high-end dual-screen laptop designed for creative professionals and power users. It features Intel 12th gen H-series processors and Nvidia RTX 30 series GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) can come with the following processors:

• Intel Core i7-12700H with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache and a max frequency of 4.7 Ghz.
• Intel Core i9-12900H with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache and max frequency of 5.0 Ghz.

ASUS supplies the processors with sufficient power and cooling for CPU-intensive tasks resulting in average to above-average performance compared to other laptops with the same processors. In CPU-only tasks, SKUs with the i7-12700H and i9-12900H perform as expected. SKUs with i9-12900H perform impressively well - scoring on average 10-12% higher than the average i9-12900H and only 5% behind the average i9-12900HK. Performance sustainability is good but not perfect, with all processors losing about 5% performance in long stress tests.

ASUS also supplies the processor with sufficient power in mixed CPU and GPU tasks like video editing leading to noticeably better performance than competitors with the same configurations. In particular, the SKU with i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti performs better than most other laptops with this configuration and is only 10% behind the Pro Duo with i9-12900HK and RTX 3080.

All SKUs lose a significant amount of CPU performance when running on the battery.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23:
  • i7-12700H: ~1800 pts (single-core), ~23000 pts (multi-core)
  • i9-12900H: ~2000 pts (single-core), ~27000 pts (multi-core)

Graphics

In addition to the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) ships with the following discrete GPUs:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory.

All configurations support DLSS 2.0, Dynamic Boost 2.0, VR ready, and DirectX® 12 Ultimate technologies.

ASUS supplies all GPU configurations with sufficient power even though RTX 3060 and 3070 Ti get diminishing returns beyond 100W. Nevertheless, in GPU-only benchmarks, SKUs with RTX 3070 Ti perform slightly above average while SKUs with RTX 3060 perform impressively with results that are up to 15% faster than the average laptop RTX 3060.

In gaming, the RTX 3070 Ti SKUs with the i9-12900H perform significantly better than the competition with the same GPU and are just 10% behind the RTX 3080 Pro Duo with the better i9-12900HK CPU. The RTX 3060 and i7-12700H SKU also perform above average and outperform laptops with the same RTX 3060 configured with a lower power processor.

All SKUs lose a significant amount of graphics performance when running on the battery.

Benchmarks:

• 3D Mark TimeSpy 2560 x 1440:
  • RTX 3060: ~9000 pts
  • RTX 3070 Ti: ~12000 pts
• 3D Mark Fire Strike 1920 x 1080:
  • RTX 3060: ~22000 pts
  • RTX 3070 Ti: ~28000 pts
• The Witcher 3 1920 x 1080 Ultra HBAO+:
  • i7-12700H and RTX 3060: ~90 fps
  • i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti: ~120 fps

Memory

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) comes with onboard LPDDR5 memory, available in the following configurations:

• 16 GB LPDDR5 (onboard)
• 32 GB LPDDR5 (onboard)

The memory is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The dual-channel memory configuration ensures better performance in memory-intensive tasks.

Benchmarks:

• AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~75000 MB/s

Storage

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) can ship with 512 GB or 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD depending on the seller. The OEM SSD only uses 1 slot in all configurations leaving the other slot open for upgrades.

Reviews of the i9-12900H + RTX 3070 Ti and i7-12700H + RTX 3060 SKUs note that both came with the Samsung PM9A1 1 TB SSD which is an OEM version of the popular 980 Pro. This SSD provides high transfer rates and good performance in stress tests.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark 8:
  • SEQ1M Q8T1 (Sequential 1MB blocks): ~7000 MB/s (read), ~5000 MB/s (write)
  • RND4K Q1T1 (Random 4 KB blocks): ~100 MB/s (read), ~300 MB/s (write)

Co-processors

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) does not have a dedicated NPU to accelerate AI applications.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) comes with a backlit chiclet keyboard with a num-key and 1.4mm key travel. The keyboard also supports the ScreenPad™ Plus, a secondary 14-inch 4K IPS-level panel that supports stylus input.

The typing experience is generally well-received, with reviewers noting the comfortable key travel and responsive feedback. The inclusion of the ScreenPad™ Plus adds a unique element to the typing and navigation experience, allowing for multitasking and additional functionality.

Touchpad

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) features a touchpad that supports NumberPad and the ScreenPad™ Plus. The touchpad is positioned to the right of the keyboard, which may take some getting used to for users accustomed to a more traditional layout.

The touchpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, but its unconventional placement can be a drawback for some users.

Webcam

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) comes with an HD camera with IR function to support Windows Hello.

The webcam provides adequate image quality for video calls and supports facial recognition for secure login. However, the color accuracy and sharpness are average compared to standalone webcams.

Microphone

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is equipped with a built-in microphone and an array microphone.

The microphone quality is sufficient for video calls and voice recording, with clear audio capture and minimal background noise.

Output Devices

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Display

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) offers two main display options:

• 15.6-inch, 4K (3840 x 2160) OLED, 16:9 aspect ratio, 0.2ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate, 550nits HDR peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 500, 1.07 billion colors, PANTONE Validated, Glossy display, 65% less harmful blue light, Touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 93%, With stylus support
• 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) OLED, 16:9 aspect ratio, 0.2ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate, 550nits HDR peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 500, 1.07 billion colors, PANTONE Validated, Glossy display, 70% less harmful blue light, SGS Eye Care Display, Touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 93%, With stylus support

Both display options are praised for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. The 4K OLED display, in particular, is noted for its exceptional color accuracy and sharpness, making it ideal for creative professionals.

The secondary ScreenPad™ Plus display is a 14-inch 4K IPS-level panel that supports stylus input. It offers additional screen real estate for multitasking and creative workflows.

None of the tested panels exhibit any PWM flickering at any brightness level.

Audio

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) comes with built-in stereo speakers tuned by harman/kardon.

The speakers deliver clear and balanced audio with good mids and highs, but they lack significant bass. The maximum volume is adequate for a laptop of this size, but it may not be sufficient for larger rooms or noisy environments.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is equipped with either a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) WLAN module.

The laptop performs well in wireless connectivity tests, providing stable and fast internet connections. The Wi-Fi 6E module offers improved performance and lower latency compared to the standard Wi-Fi 6 module.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 transmit AXE11000: ~700 Mb/s
• iperf3 receive AXE11000: ~1200 Mb/s
• iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6 Ghz: ~900 Mb/s
• iperf3 receive AXE11000 6 Ghz: ~1300 Mb/s

Bluetooth

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) comes with a Bluetooth 5.3 module.

SD Card Reader

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) does not include an SD card reader.

USB

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (supports display)
• 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL
• 1 x 3.* 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• 1 x DC-in

Community reports suggest that the Thunderbolt 4 ports support display output and high-speed data transfer, making them versatile for various peripherals and external displays.

Display Outputs

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) comes with multiple display outputs:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (supports display)
• 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL

The laptop supports up to three external displays simultaneously, including the built-in display and the ScreenPad™ Plus.

Case

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The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is available in Celestial Blue color. The chassis is made of aluminum alloy, providing a premium and durable build. The lid and keyboard deck have a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges.

The design is sleek and modern, with thin bezels around the main display and a high screen-to-body ratio of 93%. The secondary ScreenPad™ Plus display is seamlessly integrated above the keyboard, adding to the laptop's unique aesthetic.

The laptop is relatively heavy due to its dual-screen design and robust build, making it less portable compared to other ultrabooks. However, the build quality is excellent, with no noticeable flex or creaking.

Maintenance

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The bottom panel of the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is held on by several Torx screws. Removing the panel provides access to the SSD and battery for upgrades and maintenance.

Upgradeable components:

• 92 WHr battery.
• One M.2 2280 PCIe4 x4 SSD slot (most configurations only have one slot filled from the factory).

Cooling System

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The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is equipped with a dual-fan cooling system connected to the core components with multiple heat pipes. The system intakes air from the bottom and exhausts it through the sides and back.

Heat

Surface temperatures vary depending on the configuration.

The i7-12700H + RTX 3060 SKU gets warm while idling, up to 38 °C on the bottom of the device. Under heavy load, there is a hot spot of 55 °C on the bottom.

The i9-12900H + RTX 3070 Ti SKU is slightly cooler while idling across all areas, reaching up to 35 °C on the bottom. The palm rest and the WASD keys remain comfortable during intensive tasks.

Benchmarks:

• i7-12700H + RTX 3060:
  • Maximum upper side: ~42 °C
  • Maximum bottom: ~50 °C
  • Idle upper side: ~29 °C
  • Idle bottom: ~33 °C
• i9-12900H + RTX 3070 Ti:
  • Maximum upper side: ~43 °C
  • Maximum bottom: ~54 °C
  • Idle upper side: ~31 °C
  • Idle bottom: ~35 °C

Noise

There is no electronic noise or coil whine. The laptop is effectively silent during undemanding loads like light browsing or video playback, hovering below 30 dB(A). During intensive tasks, the fans quickly ramp up even when set to balanced mode. Fan noise while gaming in balanced mode is identical to performance mode despite temperatures being noticeably lower in balanced mode. During intensive tasks, the laptop emits noise above 50 db(A) and is louder than most other dual-screen laptops. Most variants emit the same amount of noise with more powerful configurations being slightly louder.

Benchmarks:

• i7-12700H + RTX 3060:
  • Load: > 50 db(A)
• i9-12900H + RTX 3070 Ti:
  • Idle: ~23 db(A) (min), ~23 db(A) (avg), ~25 db(A) (max)
  • Load: ~45 db(A) (avg), ~53 db(A) (max)

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) ships with a 240W AC adapter.

ASUS remains very liberal with the power supplied to the CPU during combined CPU and GPU loads. Both the i7-12700H + RTX 3060 and i9-12900H + RTX 3070 Ti SKUs consume around 200 W during load with temporary spikes to around 230 W.

The i7-12700H + RTX 3060 ZenBook draws around 40 W when idling for the most part, reducing to 15-20 W after waiting a very long time and any minor input brings the consumption back up to 40 W.

Battery Life

All ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) SKUs come with a 92 WHr Li-ion battery that ASUS claims can charge from 0-60 % in 49 mins using the provided power adapter.

The battery life during light tasks is slightly below average for this class of laptop. Many competitors now include 100+ Whr batteries. Reviews verify the charging claims to be accurate.

Benchmarks:

• i7-12700H + RTX 3060:
  • WiFi Browsing (150 nits): 320 minutes
  • Load: 110 minutes
• i9-12900H + RTX 3070 Ti:
  • WiFi Browsing (150 nits): 300 minutes
  • Load (max brightness): 70 minutes

Biometrics

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The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) supports Windows Hello face recognition through its IR webcam.

Software

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All SKUs ship with Windows 11 Home but the laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro, either manually or when buying directly from ASUS.

Preinstalled Software

MyASUS

The MyASUS program acts as the primary control center in the ZenBook Pro Duo 15. In addition to the performance profiles, the program also handles hardware troubleshooting, system updates, and other settings.

There are three preset performance profiles - quiet, balanced, and performance. ASUS supports adding an AI engine in balanced mode that automatically adjusts system parameters based on the context. There is also a customized mode where the user can manually set various parameters.

Most reviewers use performance mode for performance benchmarks and quiet mode for the battery tests unless otherwise stated.

ProArt Creator Hub

The ProArt Creator Hub app is designed for creative professionals, offering tools and settings to optimize the laptop for creative workflows.

ScreenXpert

The ScreenXpert app manages the ScreenPad™ Plus, allowing users to customize the secondary display and its functionalities.

GlideX

The GlideX app provides screen mirroring and screen extending functionalities, allowing users to use their mobile devices as additional displays.

Other Preinstalled Software

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 also comes with other software like Office Home and Student 2021, a 1-month trial for new Microsoft 365 customers, and McAfee security trial.

Accessories & Warranty

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The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 comes with a 240W AC adapter, a backpack, a stand, a palm rest, and a stylus (ASUS Pen SA203H-MPP2.0 support).

There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2022) is considered one of the best dual-screen laptops for creative professionals, offering high CPU and GPU performance relative to competitors. Often found under $3000, the ZenBook is suitable for people looking for a high-performance laptop with unique multitasking capabilities. The laptop also comes with a vibrant OLED display and is highly upgradeable. The primary downsides are the poor battery life, large size, and weight which make it unsuitable for portable use away from an outlet for a long time.

Problems Summary

• No SD card reader.
• Below average speakers given the form factor.
• High idle power consumption.
• Higher than average surface temperatures while idling and during intensive tasks.
• Below average battery life.
• Heavy.
• Large size.

Links

i7-12700H, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: TechRadar,

i7-12700H, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: TechGuyBeau

i9-12900H, RTX 3070 Ti, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NoteBookCheck,

i9-12900H, RTX 3070 Ti, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NoteBookCheck