Is the ZenBook 14 better with Intel or AMD this year?
We’ve just wrapped up our parallel review of the AMD-ZenBook 14 with the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 and the Intel-ZenBook 14 powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, and the comparisons proved pretty interesting. Last year, despite some shortcomings in features, we still considered the AMD model the better ZenBook 14—but this year, we’ve come to a different conclusion.
Hardware differences remain
The AMD configuration still trails its Intel counterpart in terms of connectivity:
| Feature | AMD-ZenBook 14 | Intel-ZenBook 14 |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C-Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 plus 1x USB 4 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
Intel's stronger CPU and GPU performance
Both models got fresh processors this year, but only the Intel version actually delivers a performance uplift. The Core Ultra 7 255H runs about 14% faster than last year’s Ultra 7 155H, while AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 350 ends up slightly weaker than the Ryzen 7 8840HS it replaces.
Graphics performance shows an even clearer gap: Intel’s Arc 140T offers noticeably better gaming performance than AMD’s underwhelming Radeon 860M. That’s particularly disappointing, since the older Radeon 780M from last year would still beat Intel’s new iGPU.
The AMD angle: stronger NPU, cooling system kicks in later
AMD’s real advantage lies in its integrated NPU for on-device AI workloads. It can deliver 50 INT8 TOPS, compared to just 13 TOPS on Intel’s side. Another plus: the fans on the AMD system stay silent a little longer before spinning up, making it slightly quieter in lighter use.
Power efficiency is mixed. While AMD promised improvements, Intel actually edges ahead in idle power draw, making the Intel model a bit more frugal when sitting on battery.
Shared strengths and design quirks
Both versions use the same excellent OLED display carried over from last year: vivid colors, deep contrast, and wide color gamut coverage. The only real drawback is the low 60 Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated in 2025.
Weight is one small win for AMD: at 1,225 g, it’s about 50 g lighter than the Intel model (1,288 g). Still, Asus claims both weigh just 1.2 kg, which is misleading. Rounded down, the AMD version can barely justify that spec, but the Intel one really tips closer to 1.3 kg.
Pros and cons at a glance
| AMD-ZenBook 14 | Intel-ZenBook 14 |
|---|---|
| + Slightly lighter + Stronger NPU performance + Fans kick in later (quieter under light loads) - Weaker CPU and GPU performance - Noticeable fingerprint smudges |
+ Faster CPU and GPU + Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports + Wi-Fi 7 support + Lower idle power consumption - SSD throttles under heavy load - High latency issues still present |
Bottom line
Your choice really depends on priorities. If raw CPU and GPU performance matter most—or if you want Wi-Fi 7 and slightly better efficiency—the Intel ZenBook 14 is the stronger pick this year. But if you care about on-device AI acceleration, appreciate a quieter fan profile, or just like the idea of shaving off a few grams, the AMD version still makes a case for itself.
For more in-depth insights, check out our full reviews of both the AMD-ZenBook 14 and the Intel-ZenBook 14.
More articles related to this device
#1 Asus ZenBook 14 OLED UX3405CA, Ultra 7 255H (ZenBook 14 Series), #2 ZenBook 14 OLED UM3406K, Ryzen AI 7 350 (ZenBook 14 Series)Related Articles
