ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 Review: An Innovative 2-in-1 Workstation

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By Anthony Ugochukwu Iloh

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My take on ASUS ZenBook Flip 14

Summary

The ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 is a powerful convertible laptop that offers overall solid performance. Furthermore, this laptop has a lot of innovative features, including the ScreenPad 2.0 and 360-degree Ergolift hinges. However, the laptop lacks a Thunderbolt port.

Overall
4.4

Pros

  • Responsive keyboard
  • Sufficient storage
  • Lightweight
  • Decent battery life
  • ScreenPad 2.0

Cons

  • No Thunderbolt
 

ASUS ZenBook Flip 14: At First Glance

ASUS is a leading laptop brand best known for manufacturing various kinds of amazing laptops. So, in 2020, in order to add to its awesome collection of laptops, the brand released the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14.

The ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 is a 2-in-1 convertible business laptop that is very reliable and offers solid performance. Furthermore, this laptop comes with some futuristic specifications and features, such as the ScreenPad 2.0 and Ergolift hinges.

Impressively, despite its long list of amazing specs, the laptop is well-priced. To be more specific, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 had a starting price of $679 as of March 2022 (when I wrote this review).

I know you must be eager to know more about this laptop. Well, kindly read on!

ASUS Zenbook Flip 14: Design, Dimension, and Weight

To start with, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 features a sleek and compact design with robust build quality. Specifically, this laptop comes with a sturdy metal chassis that has an attractive gun-grey matte finish.

Speaking of sturdiness, the laptop passed various MIL-STD 810G tests – a set of tests that assesses the durability of military-grade weapons. Hence, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 is durable enough to withstand rough handling including vibrations and extreme temperatures.

That said, to add to the beauty of the laptop, ASUS engraved its logo on the center of the lid. Moreover, this lid is securely attached to the base of the laptop by two 360-degree Ergolift hinges with a glossy finish.

These hinges are very sturdy and allow the laptop’s lid to stand firmly with minimal wobble. Besides, as a convertible laptop, the hinges also allow the lid to rotate a full 360 degrees.

Thereby enabling users to use the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 in numerous modes. These modes include the typical laptop mode, stand mode, tent mode, and tablet mode.

Moreover, due to the Ergolift technology of the hinges, they lift the keyboard to a better typing position when you open the lid past 135 degrees. Speaking of opening the lid, opening the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14’s lid reveals a NanoEdge 14-inch touchscreen display with a glossy surface.

This glossy surface allows the display to render adequate brightness and exceptional color accuracy. However, there are some major setbacks associated with a glossy surface, such as the tendency to cause reflection.

Additionally, the glossy surface tends to cause eyestrains when you stare at the display for a long period of time. On a positive note, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14’s 14-inch touchscreen display features an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution.

This resolution enables the display to render detailed and sharp picture quality for an adequate viewing experience and image editing tasks. Besides, the display offers an impressive maximum brightness of 300 nits.

Therefore, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 is suitable for usage in a bright or sunny environment. In addition to its impressive brightness, this laptop’s display is also made with an IPS panel that allows it to deliver wide viewing angles.

Hence, even when viewing the laptop off-center, pictures and colors on the display will remain intact without losing quality and accuracy. That aside, this laptop’s display is surrounded by ultraslim bezels.

Impressively, despite being very slim, ASUS managed to imprint its logo on the center of the bottom bezel. Meanwhile, the center of the top bezel features an HD webcam with IR (Infrared sensor).

Performance-wise, this HD webcam is very good for video calls but may not deliver adequate performance for selfies. This is because it produces blurry and grainy images.

On the plus side, the Infrared sensor of the webcam allows for facial recognition. Hence, with the help of Windows Hello, you will be able to log into the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 using your face.

Moving on, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 comes with a backlit chiclet-style keyboard. This keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience due to its responsive keys and adequate key travel of 1.4mm.

In case you’re wondering, key travel is the distance between the resting point of a key to full depression.

Moving further, beneath the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14’s keyboard is a unique touchpad that ASUS calls the ScreenPad 2.0. Although it can be used as a conventional touchpad, this ScreenPad 2.0 has an LCD touchscreen display with a smartphone-like interface.

Also, the ScreenPad 2.0 come with built-in utilities and apps that improve productivity and give wider interactive options. Besides, the surface of the ScreenPad 2.0 is very responsive and swift, enabling easy navigation and finger-gliding.

In terms of port selection, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 features a good number of ports shared among its sides. Specifically, the left side houses a USB Type-A port, a USB Type-C port, a DC power-in port, and an HDMI 1.4 port.

Meanwhile, the right side features another USB Type-A port, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, a microSD card reader, and a power button. However, despite being a 2020 laptop, this ASUS laptop lacks a Thunderbolt port.

For dimension and weight, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 measures 320 x 206 x 17.9 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 1400 g. In comparison, this laptop is more compact but heavier than the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s.

To be more specific, the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s measures 331 x 226.8 x 18.4 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 1310 g.

In conclusion, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 offers an attractive design with a durable metallic build. Furthermore, this laptop comes with 360-degree hinges and an innovative ScreenPad 2.0 touchpad.

Hence, I will rate the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 a nine out of ten in this design review section.

ASUS ZenBook Flip 14: Processor (CPU) Performance

For the processor, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 employs the 10th generation Intel Core i7-10510U processor. This processor is a quad-core CPU that comes with a cache memory of 8 MB.

That’s not all; the CPU also features a base frequency of 1.80 GHz and a maximum frequency of 4.90 GHz. Performance-wise, the Intel Core i7-10510U is a power-efficient and fast processor capable of handling any computing task, including heavy multitasking.

Hence, with this CPU, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 should be able to run demanding applications like Adobe Photoshop. Also, the laptop will be able to handle intensive tasks like video editing.

In order to further verify this laptop’s performance, I will now be sharing its result on a Cinebench R15 test. In brief, the Cinebench R15 test is an app-based benchmark test that evaluates a computer’s processor performance by assessing its cores.

Therefore, this test involves two distinct tests which are the multi-core test and the single-core test. While the multi-core test evaluates the processor’s performance when all its available cores are in use, the single-core test is the exact opposite.

To be more specific, the single-core test evaluates the processor’s performance when one of its cores is put to use. Besides, it is worth noting that a high score on these tests means good processor performance.

So, according to the test results, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 scored 836 points on the multi-core test. Meanwhile, on the Cinebench R15 single-core test, the laptop scored 197 points.

Compared to the Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i, which uses the same processor, this ASUS laptop fared way better. Specifically, according to the Cinebench R15 test results, the Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i scored 681 points on the multi-core test.

On the other hand, the laptop scored 182 points on the single-core test.

Thus, I will rate the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 a nine out of ten in this processor review section.

ASUS ZenBook Flip 14: Memory (RAM) Performance

In terms of memory, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 offers a standard memory size of 8 GB LPDDR3. Sadly, this memory is onboard, meaning it is soldered directly on the laptop’s motherboard.

As a result, the memory can neither be upgraded nor removed. However, before you get disappointed, you need to know that there is another model of the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 that features 16 GB RAM.

Thus, for intensive computing tasks, I suggest you purchase that model of the laptop. However, if all you will be doing is basic tasks like web browsing, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 with 8 GB RAM is enough.

Having said that, it is worth mentioning that this review is based on the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 with 16 GB RAM. With this amount of memory, this laptop should be able to handle rigorous tasks like heavy multitasking.

Speaking of which, the laptop should be able to run 35+ Chrome tabs and two YouTube videos simultaneously without lagging. Besides, transitioning between the YouTube videos are Chrome tabs will be seamless for the laptop.

That said, to further verify the laptop’s performance with 16 GB RAM, I will now be sharing its result on a PCMark 10 test. Briefly, PCMark 10 is an app-based benchmark test that assesses the memory performance of a computer by simulating day-to-day productivity tasks.

Furthermore, a high score on this test means good memory performance. Thus, based on the PCMark 10 test result, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 scored 4312 points.

Impressively, compared with the Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i, this laptop performed better with over 200 points. To be more precise, the Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i was only able to deliver a score of 3988 points on the PCMark 10 test.

All things considered, I will rate the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 a nine out of ten in this memory performance review section.

ASUS ZenBook Flip 14: Storage Options and Performance

For storage, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 is equipped with M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD. This storage drive offers a maximum storage capacity of 1 TB, which I presume should be enough for most users.

However, if you ever find this storage space insufficient to handle your storage needs, there is an option for storage expansion. Specifically, this ASUS laptop offers a microSD card reader for storage expansion.

Besides, because the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 uses SSD, it should offer a rapid boot time and fast transfer speed. To verify this, let us briefly consider the performance of the laptop on a file transfer (copy) test.

According to this test, the Zenbook Flip 14 was able to copy 4.97 GB of multimedia files at an impressive transfer rate of 310.63 MB/s.

To further prove this laptop’s storage performance, I will be discussing its result on a CrystalDiskMark test. CrystalDiskMark is a benchmark test that evaluates a computer’s storage performance by measuring its read and write speed in “MB/s.”

If you don’t know, the read speed is the time it takes a storage drive to open a file. Whereas write speed is the time it the storage drive to save a file.

Besides, on the CrystalDiskMark test, the higher the “MB/s” value, the faster the read and write speed of the computer’s storage drive. Hence, from the test result, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 has a sequential read and write speed of 905 MB/s and 532.9 MB/s, respectively.

Sadly, compared to the Lenovo Yoga 910, which also uses SSD, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 performed less. Precisely, the Lenovo Yoga 910 registered a sequential read and write speed of 1412 MB/s and 578.4 MB/s, respectively.

Hence, I will rate the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 an eight out of ten in this storage review section.

ASUS ZenBook Flip 14: Graphics Card Performance

For the graphics card, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 offers two graphics card options. While one of the graphics card options is an integrated GPU, the other is a dedicated GPU.

For the integrated graphics card option, this laptop offers an Intel UHD Graphics 620. This GPU features a base frequency of 300 MHz and a boost frequency of 1000 MHz.

However, as an integrated graphics card, the GPU is embedded into the laptop’s CPU. As a result, the graphics card has to share the system memory with the processor to carry out graphics-related tasks.

Hence, with the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU, the ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 won’t be able to handle graphics-demanding apps or games. Nevertheless, low-end games such as Candy Crush should be easy for the laptop.

For the dedicated graphics card option, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 offers the NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU. This graphics card has a base and boost frequency of 1519 MHz and 1582 MHz, respectively.

Furthermore, as a dedicated GPU, it features a dedicated VRAM of 2 GB GDDR5. Hence, the graphics card doesn’t have to depend on or share the system memory with the CPU to perform graphics-related tasks.

Thus, with this dedicated GPU, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 should be able to run most graphics-demanding apps and title AAA games. For example, this laptop delivered an impressive 70.9 fps while playing FIFA 21 at high graphics settings.

To further prove the performance of this laptop with the dedicated GPU option, we will now discuss its 3DMark 11 test result. In brief, the 3DMark 11 test is an app-based benchmark test that evaluates the graphics rendering ability of a computer.

Furthermore, similar to other benchmark tests in this article, a high score on the 3DMark 11 test means better performance. Thus, based on the test results, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 delivered a score of 4404 points.

However, when compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad S540, which uses the same GPU, this ASUS laptop performed less. Specifically, on the 3DMark 11 test, the Lenovo IdeaPad S540 scored 4950 points.

In conclusion, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 offers two graphics card options, including a dedicated GPU. However, on a graphics benchmark test, this laptop was beaten by one of its closest competitors.

Thus, I will rate the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 an eight out of ten in this GPU review section.

ASUS ZenBook Flip 14: Battery life and Performance

ASUS powered the ZenBook Flip 14 with a 3-cell 50 WHrs Li-ion battery. However, ASUS never mentioned how long the laptop could last with this battery.

Hence, to find out, I will now consider the laptop’s result on a battery rundown test. In case you’re curious, this battery rundown test involves continuous web surfing over a WIFI connection until the laptop dies.

So, at the end of the test, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 delivered a battery life of 9 hours and 27 minutes. This battery runtime is quite impressive and surpasses the category average of 6 hours.

As a matter of fact, the laptop’s battery life is longer than that of the Dell XPS 13 7390. To be more specific, on the same battery rundown test, the Dell XPS 13 7390 delivered 7 hours and 56 minutes of battery life.

Hence, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 deserves a nine out of ten rating in this battery review section.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 comes with a touchscreen display?

Sure, it does. As a 2-in-1 convertible laptop, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 offers a 14-inch touchscreen display.

2. Does the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 have a Thunderbolt?

No, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 lacks a Thunderbolt.

3. When was the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 released?

The ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 was released in 2020.

4. How much does the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 cost?

The ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 had a starting price of $679 when I wrote this review article in March 2022.

5. Does the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 have a camera?

Yes, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 comes with an HD webcam at the top of its display bezel.

Conclusion

The ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 is an efficient 2-in-1 convertible laptop that provides plenty of amazing specs and features. Specifically, this laptop comes with a powerful processor and two graphics card options, including a dedicated GPU.

Furthermore, the battery life of this laptop is very impressive, as it can last a full day. That’s not all; the laptop also comes with some unique features, such as the ScreenPad 2.0.

However, despite its decent number of ports, this ASUS laptop lacks a Thunderbolt port. Nevertheless, if you need a well-priced convertible laptop for numerous uses, you should consider the ASUS ZenBook Flip 14.

I hope you found this ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 review helpful. If you found the review helpful, we would love to hear from you.

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About the Author

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Anthony Ugochukwu Iloh

Anthony Ugochukwu is a Technical Writer for Itechguides.com. He has an HND in Electrical Electronics Engineering. Anthony loves trying new things, is an electronics hobbyist and is interested in Embedded systems/AI. He writes technology explained articles in Itechguides.com.

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