Asus ZenBook Pro 14, experience after 10 days of use

Looking for a stylish laptop with productivity features and different options? I have been able to test the Asus ZenBook Pro 14, model UX480 for 10 days. It is the new Asus bet for the laptop in the high range, a light device, with good design and a lot of power. The most interesting are the functions that it has applied to the productiviad, such as its ScreenPad, a screen integrated into the trackpad that allows us to perform different functions. Here is my analysis with all the features and user experience.

The ScreenPad, the essence of the ZenBook Pro 14

One of the most striking features is the Screen Pad. It is a normal trackpad, with the correct size. Although it is not continuous with the design, so we have a small step between the chassis and the trackpad. Also, it is not as fluid on the finger as other trackpads. The interesting thing about this panel is that it has a 5.5-inch screen with Full HD resolution . It reminds us a lot of Apple's TouchBar. Its function is similar, although in this case many more uses can be made of it.

The Screenpad allows us different functions. All of these can be changed via the F6 key on the keyboard . The first, lets us see some shortcuts, such as a music control, calculator, calendar or numeric keypad. In this way, if you need to do a quick operation, you just have to slide and select the icon. The second option allows us to use this screen Pad as a second screen. It is without a doubt what I have used the most during these 10 days of use.

Split screen mode on the ScreenPad

It is as if you had a small screen of a mobile. You can send the content by dragging the window down and moving as if it were a touch panel. I, for example, have used it when working. I have also used it for entertainment as you can watch YouTube videos in full screen without any problem.

Finally, there is an option that allows us to deactivate this panel. In this way it will only be used as a Trackpad and will use less autonomy. Not everything is positive, I have missed some other features and better optimization with third-party applications. For example, being able to press accept or cancel in pop-up windows or shortcuts with other apps and services.

Asus ZenBook PRO 14 UX480 DATA SHEET

The design of the Asus ZenBook Pro 14 UX480

The design of the Asus ZenBook Pro 14 UX480 is very elegant. One of the strongest points is the style of its hinge. The truth is that it is not the first Asus team to include this design that hides the screen hinge.In this case, it makes the upper part rise slightly , which allows us better handling on the keyboard and makes the screen is a little higher.

The laptop has very good finishes, with aluminum details and a screen with very good use on the front. Its weight is 1.6 kilos . I have carried it on more than one occasion and coming from a Macbook Pro, I have not had any type of complaint. It is light and comfortable. Let's take a closer look at the design.

The lid of the Asus ZenBook Pro 14 has a kind of texture, it is a magnet for fingerprints, but it offers a rather elegant design . On the left side are the charging connector, a USB C, USB 3.1 and HDM . On the right are the power and autonomy indicator LEDs, audio connector, micro SD slot and another USB port. One negative point: we don't have an Ethernet connection and it doesn't come with an adapter in the box either.

When you open the lid, we find its 14-inch screen with Full HD + resolution and a frame on the bottom, where the model logo is housed. After going through the hinge, a frame with a gold finish and the keyboard. A 'bubblegum' keyboard. The keys are comfortable, very comfortable. They are not slippery at all and have a very good ride . Of course, they are backlit. An interesting detail is that these keys are not illuminated from the sides, but rather that each letter lets the light pass through. In night situations it offers a better virtual experience, there does not seem to be a flash on the keyboard. And speaking of keys, the power is at the top. Unfortunately we do not have a fingerprint reader, so we have to unlock the device through Windows (I'll talk later).

In short, I liked the design of the Asus ZenBook Pro 14. It is elegant, comfortable and with very good finishes . Its dimensions are moderate and the keyboard offers a very good typing experience. There are some aspects that should be improved. The device does not have a fingerprint reader and fingerprints are marked on the chassis a lot.

Screen and sound

The screen is 14 inches and has Full HD resolution, IPS technology and a use of more than 80 percent of the front. It is a bright panel, with very good detail in the images and very good color, with hardly any saturation in the images. The gloss is very good indoors. Outdoors, a little more brightness is missing and reflections on the screen are very visible.

As for the sound, we have a double stereo speaker located in the back. As the device rises slightly when opening the screen there is no shutter problem. The sound is very, very clear and with a very good quality. In the volume the good feelings are still appreciated. A very clear high volume and a very well achieved minimum, without losing detail.

Autonomy

Asus ensures that we can get up to 12 hours of autonomy with the new ZenBook pro 14 UX480. In our tests we have not reached that limit, yes around 9 - 10 hours with intensive use, which is not bad at all . Taking into account the thickness and size it is a good duration of autonomy. Charging is done through a specific connection. With the original 240V charger, we have achieved a full charge in about an hour.

performance

We move on to one of the most interesting sections: its performance. Here we find an Intel Core i7 processor with up to 16 GB of RAM and internal memory of 512 GB . How do you move from day to day?

I have been able to perform different tasks with the device: productivity, games, multimedia ... in all the notebook it is handled with total fluidity. In productivity tasks, the system moves perfectly, with fast processes in the transfer of files, downloads, video rendering, etc. At stake we find similar results, those powerful, such as Fortnite or Apex move them without any problem. However, I have noticed that this device is not so focused on gameplay. Especially since I have noticed a drop in Fps and some cuts in games that demand more performance.

Therefore, you should keep in mind that this device is not the most suitable for those who want to make the most of it in games. Yes for people looking for extreme fluidity in the application process, image editing, rendering, etc.

What about storage? In this case we have a 512 GB PCI version . In my opinion, more than enough storage, with a quick read.

Windows 10 Home with its extras

Windows 10 Home is the operating system that comes with this computer. Asus recommends the professional version, but this must be purchased separately. In this case, Windows 10 has no more changes than Asus adds with its programs and options. This version has Windows Helo for unlocking. An alternative to the fingerprint reader that works very well. It's fast and accurate in most situations, even indoors in low light. It also has speech recognition for Cortana, Microsoft's assistant. It can also be configured with Amazon's Alexa. 

There are hardly any additions by Asus. We do have applications on the ScreenPad, as well as some programs that come pre-installed on the system . Of course, also the graphics card settings and display options. As for Microsoft, we have all the programs that usually come in Windows 10. Also the official store, where we can download different applications. These are the own apps and services that we will find in the Software.

ASUS Live Update

ASUS Product Registration Program (APRP)

ASUS Splendid

ASUS GiftBox

ScreenPad Toolbar

ScreenPad Launcher

ScreenPad Calculator

ScreenPad Calendar

ScreenPad for Office

ScreenPad for YouTube

ScreenPad Music Player

ScreenPad NumKey

ASUS Sync

ASUS Battery Health Charging

ASUS Tru2Life Video

Price and conclusions

The Asus ZenBook Peo 14 is an elegant laptop, with a very good screen and a very interesting feature for those looking for more productivity in a device . It is the feeling that the ScreenPad has given me, enhancing productivity. Especially the way that allows us to use the device as a second screen for a kind of 'multitasking' and even play videos. The performance also makes it clear to us which users this device is going for. For all those who want raw power when it comes to work. It moves the games in the highest quality without any problem, but we noticed the odd cut and drop in Fps that, for the most demanding, will not seem enough.

The Asus ZenBok Pro 14 is also a good device for the multimedia section. Its screen has a very good quality , with a good brightness and good viewing angles (maybe it reflects a lot in bright conditions). To this we add a double speaker with excellent sound quality.

What about the price? The UX480 costs 1,500 euros . It is not cheap, but we must take into account the benefits it offers, its finishes and versatility. Looking at the competition we see similar prices. Therefore, you must take into account all these aspects and if you think that this device suits your needs or if you think that with something more basic you will have enough. For my part, it has left me very good feelings.

The best of the Asus ZeenBook Pro 14

• Screen quality is very good
• The ScreenPad and options
• Good overall performance
• Good design

It could get better

• It does not have a fingerprint reader
• The screen is not touch