Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406S Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 7 258V) Review

Rating: 8.5.

We first got our hands on Intel Lunar Lake – AKA Core Ultra 200V – at an event in Germany at the start of the month. Today however, the machines are going on sale and we can present our full review of the Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406S, sporting the Core Ultra 7 258V. There's also been some fun and games with Windows Update, so strap in as we go over everything you need to know…

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
01:03 Lunar Lake specs
02:43 So what’s new?
04:10 Meet the ASUS Zenbook S 14
06:40 I/O, keyboard + trackpad
07:42 Leo has some fun with the webcam
08:45 Fan profiles – real-world behaviour
10:42 Performance benchmarks
14:22 Gaming performance
16:01 There’s been some drama…
20:24 Closing thoughts

Features

• New Zen with superior AI: Latest Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V with Intel Arc graphics, up to 47 TOPS. Plus, up to 32 GB of fast RAM and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
• A fusion of art and technology: Functional aesthetics uses Ceraluminum and CNC milling to create 1.1 cm ultrathin design and unique geometric grille design.
• Immersive audiovisuals: 14″ 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display and unprecedented four-speaker audio system deliver a true theater experience.
• Thincredible thermal solution: Incorporates a 3D vapor chamber in the ultra-quiet ambient cooling system, efficient distraction-free performance with < 25 dB cooling.
• Zenbook does more: Massive seamless 16:10 touchpad with smart gestures.
• Stay secure and fast: Face login with the IR camera and Windows passkeys. Microsoft Pluton security for sensitive data, securely stored on device.
• Easy on-the-go: Boasts a full set of I/O ports, including two Thunderbolt 4, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack. WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Master Premium certification ensures the fastest, most reliable connections everywhere.
• With a 72 Wh battery capacity, Zenbook S 14 has the day-long stamina you need, and more. And when it’s time for a top-up, USB-C Easy Charge is ultra-quick and ultra-convenient!

Specification

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (4P + 4E)
• NPU: up to 48 TOPS
• Screen: 14.0-inch, 2,880×1,800 3K, 120Hz refresh OLED touch screen, 500 nits
• Graphics: Intel Arc 140V 16GB
• Memory: 32GB of on-board Micron LPDDR5X-8533MT/sec
• SSD: 500GB Samsung PM9C1 Gen 4 M.2 NVMe SSD
• Wi-Fi:  Asus Wi-Fi 7 Tri-band and Bluetooth 5.4
• FHD IR Camera
• I/O ports
  • Left hand side:
    • 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C 40Gbps
    • 1x HDMI 2.1
    • 3.5mm Audio combo jack
  • Right hand side:
  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• Battery 72Wh/4-cell, 65W adapter
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home with Copilot+
• Dimensions 310mm x 215mm x 11.9mm-12.9mm
• Weight 1.2kg plus 250g for power supply and mains cable

You can buy the Asus Zenbook S 14 for £1,500 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

• Stunning battery life.
• Impressive WiFi 7 connectivity.
• Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports.
• Compact, light and classy appearance.

Cons:

• The battle between Intel and Microsoft is hurting consumer products.
• It would be better to have one Thunderbolt 4 port on each side.

KitGuru says: Lunar Lake proves that Intel can design a chip but cannot necessarily manufacture it.

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