CES 2024 | Asus announces the Zenbook Duo, unleashing the future of ultraportable laptops with dual 3K OLED screens in a 1.35 kg marvel

In an announcement today, Asus introduced the Zenbook Duo UX8406, an ultraportable laptop with a unique design that aims to redefine the way we experience productivity when on the go. Carrying the title of the world's first dual-screen laptop equipped with twin 14-inch 3K 120 Hz OLED touchscreens, the ZenBook Duo promises a versatile blend of multitasking prowess and mobility.

At the heart of the Zenbook Duo is its dual full-size 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED 16:10 displays. The lay-flat 180° hinge allows for an instant expansion of the visual workspace to a massive 19.8 inches, offering users the flexibility of working in various orientations - be it in Laptop, Dual Screen, Desktop, or Sharing mode. The detachable and rechargeable keyboard adds an extra layer of convenience, enabling users to fully utilise the expansive visual workspace. However, the effectiveness of these multiple orientations in terms of real-world usage can only be verified once the device has been reviewed thoroughly.

According to Asus, the OLED displays are Dolby Vision certified, Pantone Validated, and boast a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, ensuring vivid and accurate colour reproduction. Additionally, the screens are VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified, delivering the deepest black levels. High-precision stylus input is supported with the optional 4096 pressure-level ASUS Pen, while the built-in ScreenXpert software introduces smartphone-like multitouch gestures for seamless operation.

Despite its ultra-compact form factor, the Zenbook Duo doesn't seem to compromise on performance. Powered by the latest generation of Intel processors, up to the all-new Core Ultra 9 H-series, featuring up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to a 2 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, the laptop ensures smooth and efficient performance for a wide range of tasks without breaking a sweat. The redesigned 75 Wh battery features an extended lifespan that supports up to 20% more charging cycles than the previous generation, as per Asus's claims.

The lack of a dedicated GPU may seem alarming to some, especially given the fact that most 14" laptops these days ship with optional dedicated GPUs. However, Intel's H-series Core Ultra chips come equipped with an integrated Arc GPU, which should provide some relief for GPU-tasks that aren't too heavy. 

The Zenbook Duo comes equipped with AI trickery, featuring an AI-accelerated processor and Windows Copilot. The Intel Core Ultra processors feature the first integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which is expected to deliver low-latency AI computing and enhance multitasking efficiency for work, creativity, and entertainment. How this plays out in real world usage, remains to be seen.

Despite measuring at just 14.6 mm thin, the Zenbook Duo doesn't seem to compromise on I/O capabilities. It features a plethora of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The laptop also boasts a powerful Harman Kardon-certified audio system with Dolby Atmos certification.

The Zenbook Duo starts in the US from $1,499, but that version comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 H-series and dual FHD displays, so buyers looking for the highest-end Core Ultra 9-based SKU along with dual 3K displays will have to shell out extra.

Buy the Zenbook 14X OLED laptop on Amazon