Building a mid-range or budget laptop is a delicate balancing act, requiring astute compromises to deliver value without sacrificing essential features. ASUS has approached this challenge with finesse in the ASUS Zenbook 14 (Q415M), a sleek Ultrabook priced at an attractive 0. This device showcases a robust aluminum chassis, a user-friendly backlit keyboard, and an impressive touch-enabled OLED display, all powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor. It’s a compelling choice for many consumers, especially considering its price point.
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Pricing and specifications
The ASUS Zenbook 14 (Q415M) is available for 9.99 at Best Buy, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Given its display quality and overall feature set, this laptop represents exceptional value. For those needing more RAM and storage, the ASUS Zenbook 14 (Q425M) offers an upgraded configuration at ,049.99.
- Value rating:
Reviewed configuration:
- Price: 9.99 at Best Buy
- Display: 14-inch OLED, FHD+ (1,920 x 1,200) resolution, 60Hz refresh rate
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores, 18 threads, up to 4.5GHz)
- GPU: Intel Graphics
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5 @ 6,400MHz
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD
- Battery: 75Whr, 65W USB Type-C fast charging
- Dimensions: 312.4 x 220.8 x 15mm
- Weight: 1.28kg (2.82lbs)
While the Q415M offers a solid setup, it’s important to note that the 8GB of non-upgradable RAM may pose limitations for users who frequently multitask. For those requiring more memory, the Q425M model provides 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, albeit at a higher price point.
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Design and build quality
The design of the Zenbook 14 (Q415M) is a testament to ASUS’s commitment to quality, featuring an aluminum and glass construction that belies its price. At just 15mm thick and weighing under three pounds, it’s remarkably portable. While some flexing is noticeable, particularly around the speaker grilles, the overall build quality remains impressive.
- Design rating: ½
The laptop includes a commendable selection of ports, including a full-sized HDMI 2.1 port, which enhances its practicality despite its compact form factor.
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Display quality
The OLED display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the Q415M. While it may not boast the highest resolution or refresh rate, the image quality is exceptional. The display achieves 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut without any calibration, making it a delight for visual tasks.
- Display rating:
Brightness levels are adequate for various lighting conditions, and the color accuracy further enhances the viewing experience, ensuring vibrant and saturated visuals.
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Performance and thermals
Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, the Zenbook 14 (Q415M) delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. While it may not be suited for intensive gaming or creative workloads, it excels in casual computing scenarios. The laptop remains cool and quiet under load, thanks to efficient thermal management.
- Performance rating:
However, the limitation of 8GB of RAM can hinder multitasking capabilities, particularly when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Battery experience
With a 75Whr battery, the Q415M offers reliable performance throughout the day. While it may not lead the pack in battery longevity, it consistently provides six hours of usage, making it suitable for typical work or school days.
- Battery rating:
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Other features
The keyboard is comfortable and responsive, complemented by a large touchpad that supports multitouch gestures, though it may occasionally register unintended taps. The laptop also features a decent webcam, solid audio performance, and a streamlined software experience with minimal bloatware.
- Other features rating: ½
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Competition
In the competitive sub-,000 market, the ASUS Zenbook 14 (Q415M) faces stiff competition from other manufacturers. Notably, the ASUS Zenbook 14 (UM3406) offers similar specifications with an AMD processor and additional RAM at the same price point, making it a worthy alternative.
Zenbook 14 (Q415M) review: Score card
| Attribute | Rating & notes |
|---|---|
| Value | 5/5 — Excellent balance between features and price. |
| Design | 4.5/5 — Practical and reliable aluminum design. |
| Display | 5/5 — Highly color accurate OLED display. |
| Performance | 4/5 — Responsive for casual use but limited by RAM. |
| Battery | 4/5 — Reliable endurance for daily tasks. |
| Other features | 4.5/5 — Great software experience with minor drawbacks. |
| Overall | 4.5/5 — A well-balanced laptop with few compromises. |
In summary, the ASUS Zenbook 14 (Q415M) stands out as a commendable choice for casual users seeking a dependable laptop under 0. With its attractive design, vibrant display, and solid performance, it effectively meets the needs of its target audience, though potential buyers should consider their multitasking requirements due to the limited RAM.
