Laptops

ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED review: Serious-looking champ

This serious looker made me want to skip work

Published

January 8, 2022

MJ Jucutan

When it comes to displays, OLED panels are usually considered the best of the best. Whether it’s a TV, monitor, smartphone, or even a laptop.

Hopping on the opportunity of bringing a visual spectacle, ASUS unveiled a full range of notebook computers — all sporting OLED displays. What came to my lap is the sleek-looking Zenbook 14X OLED, gearing up to be a machine for professionals on the go.

Looks that really mean business

The Zenbook 14X OLED looks like your familiar clamshell notebook, carrying a distinct style that screams ASUS. It evokes a serious vibe, parading a glossy shade adorned with an off-center version of the iconic ZenBook spun-metal finish.

It’s more evident in the Jade Black colorway. It’s not my cup of tea, but it projects a serious mood. Showing off this laptop can mean business for anyone who’ll see it.

Especially when you lay it flat with its 180-degree ErgoLift hinge — perfect for when you’re sharing information and presenting to your clients.

You can also conveniently type when you tilt the rear of the laptop a little bit. The arrangement of the keys, together with the slightly elevated platform, helped me in writing my stories and preparing documents.

Build that can take a beating

I haven’t been stuck to a desktop ever since I started working. It’s why I’ve always been fascinated with the desire to learn about laptops and other portable machines. I don’t want to be tied down in one place, ruminating over papers and a messy desk.

Before the pandemic, I used to work in airport lounges, restaurants, cafes, and even inside a car while I travel between provinces. For professionals on the go, having a thin and lightweight laptop means a lot.

While I barely work outside these days, the Zenbook 14X OLED — despite carrying a design that I find bland — still amuses me with its thin and light form factor. It weighs only 1.4kg and measures only 16.9mm. You can easily carry it in between your meetings, or fit it inside your everyday bag without straining your shoulder and arms.

The chassis and lid are made of military-grade diamond-cut aluminum alloy. That’s why it felt sturdy even if it is lightweight. The Zenbook 14X OLED is built extra durable, it can probably take a beating when it gets thrown into bins at airports during security checks.

Display that makes you want to stare at it all day

One of the most underrated parts of a laptop is the screen. Most people go after power and performance, and I can’t argue with that. But a good display can elevate your experience.

We spend a lot of time staring at our screens. The work we do, the shows we watch, the games we play — all of these activities can be made more fascinating if you have a display that brings out the best in whatever you do.

And that’s why I enjoyed using the Zenbook 14X OLED. Its 14-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display is perfect for accompanying me in my pursuit of a work-life balance.

The slim, 3mm bezels and 92 percent screen-to-body ratio made my favorite Netflix shows immersive. Games look expansive, as well

It’s like watching on an OLED TV but on a smaller machine. The colors reproduced are so rich and vivid, and I like how it exhibits the same amount of color detail even at a lower brightness setting.

If it’s easy switching gears, I could probably move back to a Windows laptop. Except, the display alone isn’t enough to make me switch, no matter how spectacular it looks.

Sadly, no secondary screen

Unlike the Intel version of the Zenbook 14X OLED, the Ryzen variant uses the proprietary NumberPad 2.0 instead of a second-screen built into the touchpad.

It would’ve been nice to get a secondary display, but it’s not necessary especially when the 4K OLED touchscreen takes so much battery life.

Lose yourself in that audio-visual experience

What I enjoyed the most is the audio-visual experience that the Zenbook 14X OLED brought me. When you parade a visually-stunning display together with a stereo sound system tuned by Harman Kardon, you could lose yourself in awe.

I had a pleasant time watching Single All The Way on Netflix, I forgot I was working. Sometimes, I end up zoning out when I play “La Vie En Rose” on YouTube Music. The experience is simply spectacular, it helps you enjoy a bit of life.

Professional laptop that lets you work and literally play

Like many guys out there, I care for power — especially when talking about a Windows laptop. Maybe it was me growing up tinkering with computers, but I have so many high expectations on Windows laptops.

When I got the Zenbook 14X OLED, I knew right away it’s a multi-tasking powerhouse. And it certainly did not disappoint despite having a unit that only has 8GB of RAM and 512GB of Internal Storage. My only gripe is how there’s a one- or two-second delay opening up important programs like the file explorer and anything related to the system settings.

It’s not the case when you’re browsing, switching apps, or even playing games. Yes, I did install Steam and re-downloaded my favorite games. My exact unit uses an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H clocking up to 3.3GHz, so it made me wonder if a professional-looking laptop can handle my desire to blow off some steam.

I played some of my favorite MMORPGs, Dota 2, and of course, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. I’d say the machine handled everything well — keeping up with graphics-intensive gameplay, high resolution, vivid colors, and staying lag-free.

Excessive heat and shorter runtime

What bothered me was the excessive heat the Zenbook 14X OLED produced when I was playing for only a few minutes. I guess I pushed it harder than what’s expected, but happy to report that you can balance work and play.

Its new, thermal design and smart sensors — like the ones in the ProArt Studio — helped maintain high performance at optimal power efficiency. No. Throttling. Involved.

Its heat pipes and 90-blade fan tried their best, so props to that. What’s funny though, is how the Zenbook 14X OLED promises up to 8.3 hours of work and play unplugged, but it actually has a shorter runtime. Much shorter when you play a game. My 100 percent battery went down to 51 percent in just 30 minutes of playtime.

It is, however, important to note that this laptop isn’t exactly built for gaming. So, if you’re looking to play, perhaps keep it to more casual games.

For everyday tasks, the laptop lasted me around five to six hours. That includes writing my stories on moderate brightness, watching videos, music playback, hopping on virtual meetings, and browsing on the web.

Charging it for one hour with its thick yet compact power brick gave me enough juice to power through the day. From 20 percent, I was able to fill the battery up to 82 percent.

Ready to keep you connected whenever, wherever

If you’re the type of professional who needs a lot of ports for different devices and peripherals, the Zenbook 14X OLED is packed with relevant input and output ports. There are two (2) reversible USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, supporting up to 10Gbps of data transfers. There’s also your regular HDMI port and even a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port for your connectivity needs.

My favorite would be the 3.5mm combo audio jack and the microSD card reader — which I still deem essential for transferring confidential files obtained using my smartphones and cameras.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

If you’re a professional in need of a machine that lets you balance work and life, the Zenbook 14X OLED can surely keep up. And it’s probably the way to go, especially when you’re in the market for a new laptop.

The Zenbook 14X OLED simply means business from the way it looks. And it can carry its duties excellently whether it’s sharing presentations, a half-day worth of video meetings, or even doing creative work.

It can run hot when playing since it’s not really a gaming machine. But it can surely deliver the power, audio-visual experience, and performance that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle and go-getter personality.

The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED (UM5401) retails for PhP 64,995 for the 8GB/512GB variant. Meanwhile, it costs PhP 66,995 for the 16GB/512GB configuration.

Editors' Choice

Favorite Laptops of 2025

This year had some hidden gems.

Published

December 23, 2025

GadgetMatch and Luigi Leonardo

The mystique of laptops has not abated since the pandemic. Portable PCs are still finding niches in today’s market. Whether you need an on-the-go office machine or a plug-and-play gaming rig, there is a laptop out there for you. This year is no different. As the year closes, it’s time to show some love to our Favorite Laptops of 2025.

ROG Zephyrus G14

As a gaming laptop, the ROG Zephyrus G14 brandishes a lot of the industry’s most powerful hardware. Shining with only a little more accoutrements as a MacBook, this notebook is sleek but a force to be reckoned with under its aluminum chassis.

We described the Zephyrus G14 as a laptop’s equivalent of “quiet luxury”; it doesn’t stand out, but anyone who knows the brand will give you a silent nod of approval. As part of the premium luxury segment, it does have a pretty high price tag, but that’s about the only thing that stops this laptop from being an immediate buy. Everything else is perfect.

Apple M5 MacBook Pro

Before the year ended, Apple dropped a surprising bombshell for its fans. The M5 MacBook Pro brings out a more powerful processor for Apple’s notebook segment. A premium alternative to the M4 MacBook Air, the notebook is “Pro but without the overkill.”

Obviously, it’s not for everyone. But, to those who need an additional jolt of power, the M5 MacBook Pro delivers everything you need and more.

Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition

If you’ve dabbled in notebooks over the past decade, you should recognize Lenovo’s Yoga lineup. The 2-in-1 notebook popularized foldables before foldables were even a thing. With a 360-degree hinge, users can fold the notebook back into a tablet and vice versa.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is the perfection of this technology, infused with today’s hardware. It’s not a perfect laptop or a perfect tablet, but if you need both, this notebook saves you the hassle of shopping for two separate devices. It’s a great deal.

ASUS Gaming V16

A robust gaming rig might be one of the most expensive things you can spend on today, especially because of rising RAM prices. Thankfully, being a gamer doesn’t have to be just as pricey. The new ASUS Gaming series brings decent gaming performance for a fraction of the price.

The ASUS Gaming V16 is your gateway drug to portable gaming. Starting at only PhP 59,995, the notebook offers users a taste of what the gaming world can do. It has a decent Intel Core 5 chipset and an RTX 40 series GPU. Plus, with a 63Whr battery, it’s built for grinding.

Apple M4 MacBook Air

If the MacBook Pro is too much power for you, this year’s M4 MacBook Air might fit your needs more. Though it doesn’t have Apple’s latest chipset, it’s still a decent all-around notebook for everyday use.

Because it doesn’t have the most robust hardware, the new MacBook Air is a master of portability. Even if it came out in the first quarter of this year, we were quick to call it one of the best laptops of 2025. As the year winds down, we’re still not taking away that distinction.

Lenovo Legion Go S

In the strictest sense of the word, the Legion Go S technically is not a laptop. Hear us out, though: Being a Windows-powered device, the handheld gaming device can act like a notebook in a pinch. Most importantly, it deserves some love as a computer, too.

For those who were expecting more traditional laptop fare, here’s a refresher: The Legion Go S is a portable gaming device that’s shaped like a Nintendo Switch. One version comes with Windows and can do much of what a laptop can do. Though it doesn’t have a standard keyboard, the power lurking underneath earns it a spot on this list.

ASUS Zenbook A14

There’s only so many ways you can differentiate a laptop from another, while keeping its essence as a notebook intact. In the case of the Zenbook A14, beauty takes center stage. Yes, it looks like any run-of-the-mill notebook, but it will still feel like one of the most premium devices you’ve ever touched.

The notebook sports ASUS’s iconic Ceraluminum which gives the Zenbook A14 a smooth, tactile finish that feels great to lug around. Plus, it weighs only 899 grams, making it handy for portability. If that’s not enough, the PhP 65,996 price tag is so affordable for its quality.

Editors' Choice

2025 GadgetMatch Approved Devices

Laptops, Headphones, Wireless Earbuds, and more!

Published

December 20, 2025

GadgetMatch and Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

GadgetMatch doesn’t revolve with just smartphones alone.

2025 has been bombarded by all sorts of gizmos — cameras, laptops, earbuds, and a whole lot on the table.

And, much like our approved smartphones list, here goes our 2025 GadgetMatch Approved Devices.

* This listicle has been arranged in a descending order — from the latest to oldest article published.

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro by Luigi

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro made me eat humble pie. After years of snobbery towards ultra-light wireless mice, Razer’s latest peripheral mended my ways and convinced me to drop the weightier mouse.

But that’s just me. If you’re already a fan of wireless mice, the DeathAdder V4 Pro is a no-frills gaming mouse that brilliantly prioritizes function over form. It’s simple, fast, and reliable as a plug-and-play peripheral. But when it needs to be better, it can tailor your entire experience to give you a competitive edge.

The only aspect that might make you think twice is its price. At US$ 169.99, the DeathAdder V4 Pro asks you to pay for a bit more than other alternatives. It’s still within the range of its contemporaries, but the price tag is a heavy ask.

It’s still a Super Swipe for me, though. Price aside, it’s a perfect mouse for all occasions.

Shokz OpenFit 2+ by MJ

The Shokz OpenFit 2+ is not for everyone. But, it is for people like me. The ones who train and the ones who move. The ones who sweat through sessions and still have a full day ahead of them.

It is for people who want comfort, durability, awareness, and audio that levels up their way of life.

At PhP 11,990 / US$ 199.95, it feels like a steal when you consider how much higher other open-ear wearables cost for similar quality.

More importantly, it has earned a place in my life longer than any other open-ear earbuds I have owned. Long enough that when I lost one pair, I got another. That alone tells the full story.

DJI Osmo Action 6 by MJ

The DJI Osmo Action 6 excelled in every environment I threw it into. Water, low light, heat, fast movement, and unpredictable conditions? It handled everything with ease.

If you live an active life and thrive outdoors, the Osmo Action 6 will meet your needs. You will appreciate how quick it is to use, and you will love the size, durability, and picture quality.

It feels like the kind of gadget you bond with. And, anyone who wants a companion for adventures will find comfort in the Osmo Action 6.

QCY H3S by Vincenz

The QCY H3S has a shockingly affordable price of only US$ 49.99 / SG$ 43 / RM 299 / as little as PhP 1779 in the Philippines.

Just like me, you’re probably wondering how on earth was it possible for QCY to deliver excellent sound and affordable price tag at the same time. It’s something only the company can answer. For me though, my answer is as crystal clear as how the pair sounds.

Given, the QCY H3S may not be the flashiest and most elegant of the bunch. However, its clean aesthetics, mean sound punch, and even lean pricing all make this a deserving pair.

Apple M5 MacBook Pro by Michael Josh

While I still firmly believe that the MacBook Air is the MacBook for most people, think of the base M5 MacBook Pro as the “Pro without the overkill.”

It’s perfect for someone who loves the MacBook Air’s portability, but needs a little more power, ports, and longevity.

Maybe if you’re a student in design or film, a content creator, or someone who just wants a quieter, cooler Mac that will last longer under heavy loads, this is the device I recommend.

If you need it now, I say go for the upgrade!

Apple M5 iPad Pro by Michael Josh

The iPad Pro is, without question, a device for professionals. Every part of its hardware shines — power, performance, fast connectivity, studio-quality cameras and mics. This is the iPad Pro we’ve been waiting for!

It’s almost as if Apple is saying “this isn’t just a tablet. It’s a new kind of computer.” One powerful enough for work, creative enough for play.

While the M5 iPad Pro might seem like another refresh, to me it’s another start of a new chapter. A powerful, intelligent tool, that finally feels ready for the future of creativity.

BOYA Magic by Luigi

I love the BOYA Magic. The 4-in-1 mic is easily the most versatile audio solution for any creator. The number of ways to use the mic easily trumps any other option today. Besides being a great mic, the package is also filled with several just-in-case accessories for the unpredictability of outdoor shoots.

Plus, the price is just right. The base package — with only a USB-C receiver — comes at only US$ 89.99. All three will set you back by US$ 129.99. The tripod, unfortunately, is a separate purchase, costing you US$ 30.00.

Still, just for the sheer flexibility and audio quality, the BOYA Magic is an easy Super Swipe.

DJI Osmo Nano by MJ

I’ve always believed that the best camera is the one that never slows you down, and the Osmo Nano fits that perfectly — especially for an athlete and storyteller like me.

Even if you’re not living life on the move, it’s still a Swipe Right, especially considering how complete the package is for its price: PhP 15,990 for the 64GB model and PhP 18,390 for the 128GB model.

Of course, it’s not flawless. But as a new device, the Osmo Nano is promising. So promising that five automotive journalists I was with in Zhengzhou bought one on the spot after seeing mine in action.

If that’s not convincing enough, I don’t know what is. Because right now, as most people see it, the DJI Osmo Nano deserves a spot in your camera arsenal, and perhaps, a place in the story of your life on the move.

Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro by Luigi

At PhP 7,699 (US$ 130), the OpenWear Stereo Pro places itself firmly as a midrange earbuds option. However, for its audio quality and its elegant design, this feels like a steal.

Personally, there are other (more expensive) options I’d go for, but that’s purely based on subjective opinion because of auditory preferences. However, if you’re in the market for somewhere around this price range, Xiaomi’s latest wearable is a worthy option.

Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition by Luigi

Ten generations in, I’m still constantly impressed with the Yoga series. At first, I thought that it was a quirky addition to the laptop market. Now, because of all the improvements that can pack powerful hardware in a small package, I’m even more impressed.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is a distillation of the past ten generations of the series. On its own, it is already a capable notebook for everyday tasks. Coupled with its flexibility, the 2-in-1 convertible is a head turner and a unique piece for your digital ecosystem.

With all of that said, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets a Super Swipe. Though my tastes lean more toward premium and gaming devices, the notebook impresses with great hardware and an affordable price.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 by Michael Josh

If you’re in the market for a new pair of earbuds, there’s nothing better than the AirPods Pro 3 — both in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation. All other features like the Heart Rate Sensor and Live Translation are icing on an already yummy cake.

The best part? AirPods Pro 3 have the same US$ 249 launch price as the AirPods Pro 2. Definitely a must-have accessory if you’re an iPhone user. More so, if you’re often on the road.

QCY MeloBuds N70 by Vincenz

With a price of just US$ 59.99, most people will doubt how reliable the QCY MeloBuds N70 are. But, the buds’ price-to-performance is just unmatched. There’s honestly no reason to Swipe Left except if you don’t prefer the sucker type of wireless buds.

In contrast to the previous earbuds I have reviewed, QCY’s offering is more compelling for being able to beat them (or at least be in the same level) in terms of battery life, ANC effectivity, and overall sound quality — all for an even lower, more affordable price tag that major brands barely slap on nowadays.

Backed by a good software experience, hi-res LDAC audio alongside Lossless audio playback, plus the additional wireless charging support, what more can you ask for?

ASUS Gaming V16 by Luigi

The ASUS Gaming V16 starts at only PhP 59,995. With how high a gaming notebook can usually go, this price tag is an absolute steal. Now, if you had some more cash to spare, I’d still recommend going for a TUF Gaming laptop. But honestly, the new ASUS Gaming lineup is still the perfect choice for beginners.

It’s an easy Super Swipe for students or young professionals who want to start their gaming journeys while saving up for something more robust in the future. To be clear, this notebook can easily stand on its own, but it’s also a good bridge to more setups in the future.

Sony WH-1000XM6 by Michael Josh

Whether you’re looking for solid noise cancellation, or headphones that can produce dynamic, well-balanced audio, you currently can’t get any better than the Sony WH-1000XM6.

They’re comfortable to use, take up less space in the bag, and do everything we expect them to do right, and do it better.

I guess the only consideration is price. It is a little bit pricier compared to its competitors. But, if you’re looking for the best of the best, I definitely believe it’s worth every penny.

Still a mouthful, still a great buy!

ROG Flow Z13 (2025) by Rodneil

Personally, the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) fits seamlessly into my lifestyle. It’s a perfect match for the kind of work, chill, and play loop I throw myself into.

The AMD Ryzen AI+ 395 processor powering this machine is promising. It’s already impressive as it is, but it’s bound to get better over the years. I’m excited for its potential and what other possible form factors it can manifest into in the near future.

Its USD 2799.99 / PhP 174,995 price makes it a little tough to recommend. I can think of a few other ways to spend that sum that would satisfy my personal work, chill, and play loop in a different way on a platform I’m more comfortable working on.

Still, it’s a unique device. There’s literally nothing quite like it in the market right now that offers the same overall package.

Apple M4 MacBook Air by Michael Josh

I’ve always loved the MacBook Air. And this year, it’s really quite near-perfect.

If you’re in the market for a new MacBook, I highly recommend the M4 MacBook Air. It’s the laptop I recommend to most people. Because, there really is no laptop quite like it. It balances power, portability, and price quite nicely.

Apple M3 iPad Air by Michael Josh

The iPad Pro is way more powerful for what I use my iPad for. And for that reason, I’d be more than happy with the iPad Air.

And when it comes to iPads, there’s nothing more well-rounded, more worth your money, than the iPad Air.

I’ve said this over the years, and I still believe it’s true today: the iPad Air is the iPad for most people. This iPad delivers on everything most users will need, and then some.

Xiaomi Pad 7 by Luigi

Normally, I don’t gush over tablets. After all, the form factor is essentially just a smartphone on a much bigger screen. However, the Xiaomi Pad 7 changes everything for me. I can’t stop talking about how great the tablet is for entertainment and productivity.

Now, if you’re already a connoisseur of tablets, you might have a much more robust set of options that accurately caters to your needs. But, if you’re looking for a clean all-around experience on a larger screen, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is worth every penny.

And speaking of, the tablet costs only EUR 399 (or approximately US$ 416 or PhP 24,078). That’s bang for your buck!

HONOR Buds Open by Luigi

The HONOR Earbuds Open will immediately become my go-to pocket earbuds owing to its combination of being comfortable to wear, sounding great, and a cool extra AI translation feature.

This has been one of the easiest gadgets to recommend. Of course, if circumstances allow, it’s still best to go to a store and try one for yourself. Comfort and fit matter a lot for a device like this and you have to make sure it’s to your liking.

Outside of that, I’m confident people will enjoy its sound quality, noise cancellation, and other features.

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro by Rodneil

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, bundled with its Pro suite of accessories is a Super Swipe. The whole set is exactly what I want and need for a tablet. The 11.5-inch display and overall footprint is the sweet spot in terms of size. The IPS LCD display can be better, sure, but it’s adequate for what it is. And the performance is just what the doctor ordered for an all-rounder tablet.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you might want to just get the same set but opt for the Xiaomi Pad 7 instead. Our editor who has been testing it says it’s also more than decent for what you need a tablet to do, all the while coming with a suite of accessories that offer great value to the product.

Lemokey L5 HE 8K by Luigi

For a long time, I never understood the hype for high-quality mechanical keyboards. The Lemokey L5 HE 8K educated me on how a good keyboard can drastically change your experience. Increased actuation sensitivity, even at an absurd 0.01mm, is a godsend and will have you never looking back again.

On its own, the keyboard costs US$ 199 via the company’s Kickstarter page. It’s pricey for a new keyboard, but you get exactly what you paid for — and you get a lot of features. If you’re looking for a highly customizable keyboard with a lot of comfort, this is the one for you!

Samsung DU8100 Crystal UHD 4K TV by Vincenz

The Samsung DU8100 Crystal UHD is a smart TV worth considering this 2025. It was able to delight me with its harmony of hardware and software features that totally made the product compelling. It’s mid in price but not in performance.

Moreover, the price is justifiable especially for budget-conscious consumers who want to buy a shiny, new Smart TV in 2025 from a Korean tech giant that’s been tried, tested, and trusted for several decades.

That’s also an honest opinion from someone who doesn’t earn that much and is living in an inflation-fested third-world country.

Naga LAKAN 15 by Luigi

The Naga LAKAN 15 starts off at PhP 73,500, touting a Ryzen 7 processor and an RTX 4060 GPU. The Intel variants start off at PhP 79,900 and top off at PhP 115,000.

As a gaming notebook, it does cost a pretty penny. However, compared to similar gaming notebooks with top-of-the-line specs, the Naga LAKAN 15 is impressively priced. Being able to play the latest Call of Duty for only a fraction of what you might pay for a new PC is amazing.

SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds by Rodneil

As great as it is, we can’t say the SteelSeries isn’t for everyone. It also comes at a price range that might turn some off.

Still, the Arctis Gamebuds is a dream in-ear headphones for multi-platform gamers. It sounds phenomenal for play and more than adequate for other listening activities. The customization and control capabilities are cherries on top that make this deserving of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.