Intel subnotebook regains ground — Asus ZenBook 14 OLED UX3405CA review

Last year, the AMD ZenBook was our preferred choice, but this year, the situation has reversed. Unlike the AMD version, the Intel ZenBook benefits from hardware advantages (Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 7) and a meaningful CPU performance boost. While the new CPU in the AMD model scores lower than its predecessor, the Intel CPU performs better than its previous generation. The differences aren’t huge, but they are enough for the Intel model to surpass the now slightly weaker AMD ZenBook.

Some minor criticisms remain. Latency is still high in benchmark tests, hinting at some driver issues. The SSD is underwhelming and throttles heavily under heat—something Asus handles better on the AMD version. Also, while Asus advertises the Intel ZenBook as 1.2 kg (similar to the AMD’s 1,225 g), it’s technically a bit heavier (1,288 g), making the marketing claim somewhat misleading.

The ZenBook 14 with Intel instead of AMD costs roughly 100 euros more in our configuration, which makes it a good starting point for comparing the two models. Instead of the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, this version is equipped with a Core Ultra 7 255H.

Since we have already tested the almost identical AMD ZenBook 14 OLED in more detail, we will refer to our review of the ZenBook 14 OLED UM3406K for the sections on case, ports, and input devices when testing the Intel version. Any differences will still be noted.

Unlike being available only in black, the Intel model also comes in silver, and unlike the AMD version, both USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4. At least the silver variant also doesn’t have the fingerprint issue.

Instead of a MediaTek module, this model uses Intel’s Wi-Fi 7 chip BE201. In Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6E, however, the AMD ZenBook manages slightly faster transfer rates.

Our Intel test unit comes with 16 GB of RAM instead of 32 GB, but paired with its CPU, iGPU, and accurate OLED panel, it still offers excellent all-around performance for office work and multimedia. With just 16 GB of RAM (expandable to 32 GB), it’s less ideal as a serious workstation for content creators.

The MyAsus app offers four fan profiles. For consistency, we tested the Intel, the AMD, and the previous-gen model all in Standard mode, but we also checked the other modes when needed.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is a high-end laptop CPU with 16 cores (6 performance, 8 efficiency, and 2 low-power) running up to 5.1 GHz.

In Cinebench loop, the CPU starts strong with a much higher initial score than the AMD version. Unfortunately, performance steadily declines until it actually drops below the AMD ZenBook after about 14 runs. In short bursts and single-core workloads, however, Intel clearly takes the lead. Across the board, the Intel model edges ahead, thanks more to its strong initial burst than to long-term sustained performance.

On battery, performance drops by roughly 10%.