ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED review
The Asus ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED ranks as the #532 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #287-ranked connectivity among 167 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS Vivobook 17X or Asus ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is an impressive device with its flexible design and impressive specs. However, its flaws hold it back from being truly exceptional. The magnetic keyboard, while innovative, is finicky and frustrating to use. Software issues and pre-loaded bloatware are also a nuisance. Additionally, the $3,500 price tag is steep, especially considering Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold offers similar features at a more competitive price. Ultimately, whether or not the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is worth it depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're willing to overlook its quirks and invest in a premium device, then this might be the laptop for you. However, if you're looking for a more polished and affordable option, there are other choices available.
Build
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED's build is a mixed bag. While the device's flexible design and larger 17.3-inch screen are major advantages, the compromises made to achieve this feat become apparent upon closer inspection. The keyboard, although wireless and compact, struggles with connectivity and requires frequent re-pairing. Additionally, the touchpad can be unresponsive or erratic at times. Despite these issues, the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED's overall construction is sturdy and well-built, making it a testament to ASUS's engineering prowess. However, the compromises made in the name of innovation are noticeable, particularly in the keyboard and touchpad departments. Asus ASUS E510 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED boasts an impressive display that justifies its premium price tag. The 17.3-inch touchscreen is vibrant and sharp, making it perfect for watching movies or working on tasks that require a larger canvas. When folded in half, the screen remains responsive and retains its color accuracy, even in bright conditions. However, the display's crease is noticeable when folded, which may detract from the overall experience. Despite this minor quibble, the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED's display is a standout feature that justifies its high-end status. For an improved display, Asus ASUS ROG Flow X16 is worth considering.
Performance
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED's performance is a mixed bag. In desktop mode, the device delivers smooth performance, with no issues navigating Windows 11 or running demanding applications. However, in laptop mode, the system can feel sluggish at times, especially when using resource-intensive apps like video editors or games. The keyboard and touchpad also occasionally malfunction, causing frustration during use. Despite these quirks, the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED still manages to deliver respectable battery life, lasting around 14 hours on a single charge in desktop mode. Overall, the device's performance is adequate for general productivity tasks but falls short of expectations when pushed to its limits. You might want to check out Asus ASUS Zenbook A14, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is impressive, lasting up to 14 hours and 9 minutes in desktop mode and 15 hours and 26 minutes in laptop mode. The device's charging system is efficient, with a USB-C port that can quickly top up the keyboard and laptop when used separately. However, it would be convenient if both devices could be charged simultaneously, eliminating the need to carry separate chargers. Overall, the battery life and charging capabilities of this laptop are satisfactory for frequent travelers or users who work on-the-go.
Connectivity
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED's wireless keyboard is a letdown, struggling to stay connected and requiring frequent re-pairing. The touchpad also exhibits erratic behavior, making everyday use frustrating. Separate keyboard charging feels like an oversight, especially considering the device's premium price tag and experimental nature. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Asus ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED.
Features
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is a premium device with a flexible convertible design. It features a 17.3-inch OLED screen that folds into a compact tablet form factor. The device has a wireless magnetic keyboard, touchpad, and USB-C charging port. Its battery life lasts up to 14 hours in desktop mode and 15 hours in laptop mode. It’s worth checking out Asus ASUS TUF Gaming A17, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Zenbook 17 Fold's design is admirable, but it feels dated compared to Lenovo's next-gen foldable. The flexible convertible takes up valuable room where a battery might go, and its software is subpar, with McAfee constantly bombarding users and ads in the Asus Glidex app. Maintenance is also a concern, with a wireless keyboard that often disconnects.
Pros
1. The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is an admirable first attempt at a flexible laptop design.
2. Its flexibility changed from being a big tablet for watching shows and movies to an ultra-portable that let me work in tight spaces to a portable desktop that I could use as my command station away from home.
3. Between Windows 11 and ASUS's Screen expert software, it's much easier to choose the right app layout for whatever mode you're in.
4. The decision to include a bigger 17.3 inch screen gives you more room for work or play while also making content look great.
5. The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED lasted 14 hours and 9 minutes in desktop mode and an even better 15 hours and 26 minutes in laptop mode, which is a good mark for any portable PC.
Cons
1. The Bluetooth keyboard struggled to stay connected, requiring me to unpair and repair it every time the Zenbook went to sleep.
2. The touchpad was sometimes erratic or slow to respond to my commands.
3. The system failed to automatically recognize when you lay the keyboard on top of the bottom half of the screen in laptop mode for some reason, causing everything to jump back into full screen mode until you lift the keyboard and drop it down again.
4. The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED has a weird oversight - the Bluetooth keyboard needs to be charged separately, which feels like an afterthought compared to other devices.
5. Some of ASUS's software and pre-loaded apps are rather irritating, such as McAfee Livesafe constantly bombarding you with unnecessary notifications and trying to find important settings in the Maya Asus app is a real chore.
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