Full research-based reviewASUS Zenbook S 14 UX5406 review
Overview and current position
The ASUS Zenbook S 14 UX5406 is a premium 14-inch ultraportable introduced for the 2024–2025 generation. By 2026 it is an older design within a Zenbook range that has expanded around newer Zenbook A, Duo and refreshed conventional models. It can still be an excellent discounted laptop because it combines a light Ceraluminum chassis, Intel Lunar Lake efficiency, a 3K OLED display and a more useful port selection than many thin rivals.
The exact suffix matters. UX5406 configurations can differ in processor, memory, storage, touch support, Windows edition and supplied accessories. Retailers may shorten the name to “Zenbook S 14” and mix photographs or specifications from regional versions. Confirm the full UK product code, display type, Core Ultra processor and warranty rather than assuming every UX5406 listing is identical.
Performance, OLED display and comfort
Intel Core Ultra 200V-series processors give the Zenbook strong everyday responsiveness with competitive efficiency. Office work, web applications, coding and moderate photo editing are comfortable, while integrated Arc graphics can handle accelerated creative tools and light gaming. This is not a replacement for a laptop with a discrete GPU. Long renders, complex 3D work and demanding games remain constrained by integrated graphics and the thermal limits of a thin 1.2kg chassis.
The 14-inch 3K OLED panel is the visual highlight. It offers excellent contrast, vivid colour and a 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animation smoother than a 60Hz MacBook Air. The high pixel density is useful for text and detailed images, although Windows scaling must be configured sensibly. OLED also introduces trade-offs: glossy reflections can be distracting, full-screen brightness is lower than short HDR highlights, and static toolbars or application layouts can contribute to uneven ageing over long ownership. Panel-care functions should remain enabled.
Keyboard comfort is generally strong, but the shallow lightweight chassis and large touchpad will not suit every user. The laptop can become warm and audible under sustained load. Buyers planning lengthy processor-heavy work should prioritise a larger performance laptop rather than assuming the Core Ultra 9 badge removes cooling limits.
Ports, battery and configuration limits
Connectivity is unusually practical for this size. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports support charging, fast storage and displays, while USB-A, HDMI and a 3.5mm audio socket reduce reliance on a dock. The HDMI implementation and maximum external-display combinations depend on source bandwidth, cables and system settings. One USB-C port may be occupied while charging, but the remaining built-in connections are still more flexible than the two-port Dell XPS 13.
ASUS uses a large 72Wh battery, yet the 3K OLED screen can consume significant power at high brightness or 120Hz. Real endurance varies with refresh mode, HDR use, browser load, video meetings and performance profile. Manufacturer video figures should not be treated as mixed-work guarantees. Battery-saving refresh switching and sensible brightness can extend runtime, while sustained creative work will shorten it.
Memory is soldered and cannot be upgraded. SSD serviceability should be checked against the exact model and warranty before opening the chassis. A 16GB configuration is adequate for normal use, but 32GB is more appropriate for long ownership, development, virtual machines or heavier creative applications. Storage capacity should also be chosen carefully because cloud storage does not replace fast local space for large projects.
Value and verdict
The UX5406 remains one of the most balanced previous-generation Windows ultraportables when discounted. It is lighter and more connected than many premium rivals, and its OLED screen is far more dramatic than the MacBook Air’s 60Hz LCD. It also runs standard x86 Windows applications without the Arm compatibility questions attached to Snapdragon laptops.
Its disadvantages are an ageing platform position, reflective OLED panel, soldered memory and limited sustained performance. Newer Zenbook models may offer better efficiency, newer processors or different display priorities, so old stock should not command original launch pricing. Choose the UX5406 for portable general productivity and media quality, confirm 32GB memory where possible, retain OLED protection features and compare the final price with current Zenbook A-series and other 2026 ultraportables.