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Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Two-minute assessment
If ever there have been a story of two halves, it is the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025). This dual-screen laptop-megatablet provides a few of the most spectacular cellular {hardware} at the moment accessible. It completely holds its floor with any of the very best laptops you can buy in 2025 in that regard.
That begins with its cutting-edge Intel Arrow Lake CPU, however just like last year’s 2024 model, this revised-for-2025 system actually facilities on its superbly constructed chassis containing twin 14-inch OLED touchscreens, plus a intelligent wi-fi clip-on keyboard and a kickstand that provides an extra ergonomic flourish.
Sure, there are compromises when it comes to the pure {hardware}. The otherwise similar best touchscreen laptops in 2025 supply a slimmer and lighter type issue, plus higher battery life and outright efficiency. There are thermal limitations with this sort of design. However Asus has clearly put in some critical engineering legwork to understand this outstanding machine.
Then there’s the software program aspect of the equation. For starters, Windows 11 has by no means been properly optimized for contact enter and a system like this solely serves to spotlight that shortcoming. Then there’s Asus’ personal suite of contact optimized apps and options, all designed to benefit from the extraordinary dual-screen {hardware}.
You may see what Asus is attempting to do, together with a extremely modular and person configurable contact management interface that in idea might be set as much as go well with virtually any desire. You even get ready-made configurations for particular apps, be that content material creation or media consumption.
Nonetheless, in observe the training curve is extraordinarily steep, and even as soon as you’ve got scaled that peak, the outcomes are slightly patchy and a contact buggy. A slick, absolutely polished contact expertise this in the end will not be. There is a slight vibe of idea {hardware} or a design examine occurring right here regardless of this 2025 mannequin being a second era product.
A few of that’s because of Home windows itself as ever being half baked, a few of it’s certainly all the way down to Asus. In the long run, the explanations do not matter, the result’s a minimum of occasional frustration. That does not make the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) unbuyable, however particularly for a machine this costly it does make for some vital caveats.
For those who’re keen to place up with some ache, there are rewards available. This method can do issues {that a} standard laptop computer cannot dream of. However in return you will have to just accept features that really feel clunky and unfinished to get pleasure from them.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Value and availability
- How a lot does it price? $1,699 (with 1TB SSD) / £2,099 (with 2TB SSD)/ AU$TBC
- When is it accessible? Out there now
- The place are you able to get it? Out there within the US, UK
At $1,699 within the US, the most recent 2025 revision of the Asus Zenbook Duo is definitely outstanding worth when you think about that you simply’re getting twin OLED and a high-end model of Intel’s newest Arrow Lake laptop computer CPU, plus 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
It is positively quite a lot of cellular machine for the cash. The £2,099 worth within the UK appears like conspicuously poor worth by comparability. That works out to $2,650, or thereabouts. Admittedly, the UK worth contains 20% gross sales tax and also you’re additionally getting the 2TB SSD on the UK model as reviewed right here versus the 1TB of the cheaper US mannequin. However there’s nonetheless round $500 that is gone lacking within the translation from US to UK pricing.
All of which implies that within the US the Zenbook Duo 2025 compares properly with the likes of a high-spec standard laptop computer like a Dell XPS 13 with the choices maxed out, which is spectacular, whereas within the UK you are paying a really notable premium for the two-screen expertise, extra’s the pity.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Specs
The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) at the moment is available in one configuration within the US and one within the UK. Additional configurations ought to comply with quickly.
Header Cell – Column 0 |
ASUS Zenbook Duo 2025 (UX8406) |
ASUS Zenbook Duo 2025 (UX8406) |
---|---|---|
Value: |
$1,699 |
£2,099 |
CPU: |
Intel Core Extremely 9 285H |
Intel Core Extremely 9 285H |
Graphics: |
Intel Arc 140T GPU |
Intel Arc 140T GPU |
RAM: |
32GB DDR5 reminiscence |
32GB DDR5 reminiscence |
Show: |
2x 14.0-inch, 3K (2,880 x 1,800) OLED 16:10 side ratio, 0.2ms response time, 120Hz refresh price, 400 nits, contact enter |
2x 14.0-inch, 3K (2,880 x 1,800) OLED 16:10 side ratio, 0.2ms response time, 120Hz refresh price, 400 nits, contact enter |
Storage: |
1TB SSD |
2TB SSD |
Ports: |
2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), USB-A, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack |
2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), USB-A, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Wi-fi: |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Digicam: |
1080p webcam with Home windows Hi there |
1080p webcam with Home windows Hi there |
Weight: |
3.64 lbs (1.65kg) |
3.64 lbs (1.65kg) |
Dimensions: |
12.34 x 8.58 x 0.57 ~ 0.78 inches (31.35 x 21.79 x 1.46 ~ 1.99 cm) |
12.34 x 8.58 x 0.57 ~ 0.78 inches (31.35 x 21.79 x 1.46 ~ 1.99 cm) |
Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Design
With out query, the design and options of the Asus Zenbook Duo OLED (2025) actually stand out. However, really, it is these twin OLED panels that basically shine.
The screens are an identical 14-inch OLED panels with 2,880 x 1,800 pixels every, a peak HDR brightness of 500 nits and easily eye-popping visuals. In addition they run at as much as 120Hz, which is essential not only for issues like scrolling round net pages and paperwork, but additionally for guaranteeing that the contact enter with the bundled Asus Zenpen 2 is responsive, exact and lag free.
Together with the principle chassis you additionally get a clip-in wi-fi keyboard. Snapped into place, the Asus Zenbook Duo 2025 appears like a fairly standard laptop computer, albeit a barely portly machine in comparison with your typical thin-and-light machine. At over 1.6kg (3.5 lbs), it is also heavier than many 15-inch techniques, equivalent to a MacBook Air 15.
Nonetheless, the important thing strokes really feel a lot better than you’d count on for a clip-in board and it really works wirelessly if you detach it, enabling all method of intriguing ergonomic setups when mixed with the twin screens.
Anyway, the fundamental type issue does include some compromises. But it surely’s additionally superbly put along with a lush alloy chassis, a really sturdy feeling hinge, plus a kickstand on the underside slice that means that you can prop each screens up vertically.
That is completely fabulous for some use circumstances, as an example operating collaboration software program, equivalent to Slack or Groups or no matter video conferencing platform you employ on the highest display screen and your paperwork and apps on the underside display screen. Going again to a single-screen laptop computer when you get used to the Zenbook Duo feels awfully constraining, that is for certain.
Asus has additionally positioned a Thunderbolt port on either side of the chassis, which is a welcome change from the in any other case bodily fairly comparable 2024 mannequin that positioned each ports on the identical aspect. You additionally get a full-sized HDMI port and a headphone jack. This 2025 mannequin has additionally been upgraded to Wi-Fi 7, so the shortage of an ethernet socket is even much less of a problem than earlier than.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Efficiency
Cramming the most recent Intel Arrow Lake CPU underneath an OLED display screen was by no means going to be a recipe for completely peak efficiency. But it surely’s not simply any Arrow Lake chip on this case, however the prime spec Intel Core Extremely 9 285H CPU with 16 cores. Total, this can be a very highly effective processor, although as an Arrow Lake mannequin versus Lunar Lake, it has a comparatively weak NPU that does not qualify for Home windows Copilot+ AI assistant performance, which is a little bit of a frustration.
Certainly, there’s a very sturdy case for this laptop computer being higher suited all spherical to that Lunar Lake chip with its decrease energy footprint. The Zenbook Duo (2025) will get fairly toasty even underneath very mild load and the followers are regularly audible. That mentioned, with all cores ignited, this can be a highly effective transportable with loads of grunt for all however probably the most demanding duties. Simply count on some thermal throttling in the event you actually lean on these CPU cores for lengthy intervals.
Asus Zenbook Duo (2025): Benchmarks – Laptops solely
This is how the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) carried out in our suite of benchmark checks:
3DMark: Evening Raid: 30787; Fireplace Strike: 8004; Time Spy: 3800
GeekBench 6: 2770 (single-core); 16082 (multi-core)
SSD sequential learn / write: 5.2GB/s / 4.7GB/s
Handbrake 1.6: 7m 12s
CrossMark: Total: 1955 Productiveness: 1776 Creativity: 2299 Responsiveness: 1604
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm: 15.951ms common body time
PCMark 10 Battery Life: 8 hours and 29 minutes
The Intel Arc 140T graphics can also be fairly speedy for an built-in GPU. Do not count on desktop-class gaming efficiency. However you may get an affordable expertise in most video games at 1080p, albeit you will sometimes have to show down a good few settings.
The 2 OLED panels are additionally just about impeccable and supply a wonderful viewing expertise, with good pixel density and unbelievable colours and response. Rated at 400 nits, each screens are primarily an identical and run at as much as 120Hz for responsive contact enter. In {hardware} phrases, these screens are gorgeous.
The issues include the software program and interface ergonomics. Home windows 11 merely is not properly optimized for contact and whereas the Asus ScreenXpert software program is totally filled with options, instruments and widgets for each doable want, there is a steep preliminary studying curve getting used to each the varied gestures for doing issues like increasing home windows throughout the 2 display screen, mentioning objects just like the the varied digital keyboards and trackpads, after which getting app-specific toolbars setup and optimized.
Even when you’ve got a setup that you simply’re proud of, it may well really feel slightly flaky as numerous objects, as an example, can sometimes be obscured by the taskbar, contact controls might be unresponsive and a few components are properly thought by means of. You will additionally discover little oddities, like the highest display screen solely dimming barely for some time earlier than each screens shut down to save lots of energy.
After the preliminary delight of utilizing a 5 finger gesture to develop a webpage throughout two screens fades, then, you are left with an interface that may really feel barely like fairly exhausting work. Furthermore, the core dual-screen expertise utilizing the decrease display screen as a keyboard and trackpad isn’t any substitute for bodily enter gadgets. You are going to need to take that clip-on keyboard with you. The upsides, after all, contain a wealth of ergonomic choices no regular laptop computer can match.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Battery life
Battery life generally is a concern with any single-screen OLED laptop computer, however with two screens? Yikes. Really, the Zenbook Duo (2025) in all probability outperforms expectations.
In PCMark 10’s net take a look at with the screens set to half brightness on the full 120Hz, the Zenbook soldiered on for eight and a half hours. Set the screens to 60Hz and merely watch some video and chances are you’ll properly see the Zenbook sail previous the ten hour mark.
For certain, standard laptops can last more. However that is nonetheless an excellent outcome and makes for usable near-enough all day battery life.
Ought to I purchase the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025)?
Attribute |
Notes |
Ranking |
---|---|---|
Worth: |
Within the US, the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) is definitely strong worth contemplating the unbelievable {hardware} you are getting. Within the UK, not fairly a lot. |
4 / 5 |
Design: |
The standard of the design and engineering is that this laptop computer’s major spotlight. It is a beautiful system with a pair of unbelievable OLED panels. |
5 / 5 |
Efficiency: |
Cramming a high-performance CPU underneath an OLED display screen is not preferrred. However the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) makes a fairly good fist of it. |
4 / 5 |
Battery: |
OLED laptops do not often do all that properly for battery life. With two OLED screens the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) is not the perfect, however it nonetheless manages to come back near all-day battery life. |
3.5 / 5 |
Common Ranking: |
The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) actually has some shortcomings in relation to software program and interface ergonomics. But it surely’s nonetheless an unbelievable dual-screen system. |
4 / 5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally Contemplate
If our Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) assessment has you contemplating different choices, listed below are two laptops to think about…
Header Cell – Column 0 |
Dell XPS 13 (2025) |
---|---|
Value: |
$1,999.99 / £2,049 / AU$3,998.50 |
CPU: |
Intel Core Extremely 9 288V |
Graphics: |
Intel Arc graphics |
RAM: |
32GB DDR5 reminiscence |
Show: |
13.4-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 60Hz |
Storage: |
2TB SSD |
Ports: |
2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C |
Wi-fi: |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Digicam: |
1080p webcam with Home windows Hi there |
Weight: |
2.70lbs (1.21kg) |
Dimensions: |
11.6 x 7.8 x 0.58 inches (29.5 x 19.9 x 1.48cm) |
Header Cell – Column 0 |
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 |
---|---|
Value: |
$1,649.99 / £1,599 |
CPU: |
Intel Core i7-1360P |
Graphics: |
Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
RAM: |
16GB DDR5 reminiscence |
Show: |
14-inch WQUXGA (3840 x 2400), OLED, Contact, 100% DCI-P3, 400 nits, 60Hz |
Storage: |
1TB SSD |
Ports: |
2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4.0, 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Wi-fi: |
Wi-Fi 6E 11AX (2×2) & Bluetooth 5.1 |
Digicam: |
1080p webcam with Home windows Hi there |
Weight: |
1.4kg (3.08 lbs) |
Dimensions: |
12.52 x 9.06 x 0.6 inches (15.2 x 318 x 230mm) |
How I examined the Asus Zenbook Duo 2025
I used the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) as my at-home and on-the-go machine for doing virtually the whole lot for every week. Which means the whole lot from primary net looking to watching brain-rot content material on YouTube and the same old collab’ instruments and video conferencing. Oh, and getting extra critical work carried out together with picture enhancing.
The latter was notably attention-grabbing given the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025)’s twin contact screens and funky interface instruments. That mentioned, it was really extra mundane duties, particularly video conferencing and normal work collaboration the place the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) actually shines. As soon as you’ve got acquired used to having a spare display screen to have these instruments operating whereas retaining a main show in your different precise work, you will not need to return to a single-screen laptop computer.
I essay that having been a laptop computer geek for about 20 years and assessing them professionally for about 15. Most laptops do not transfer the sport on or make you suppose that you simply would possibly really need it in your life. The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) is much from excellent, however it’s novel sufficient to just do that.
First reviewed February 2025