a good ultra-portable for less than 1000 euros

After a model equipped with the new Intel Meteor Lake processor, Asus is offering its Zenbook 14 Oled in a version powered by a latest generation AMD Ryzen 7 chip.

Same chassis, same comfort, identical Oled panel… difficult to distinguish this Asus Zenbook 14 Oled UM3406HA from the UX3405 model that we tested a few months ago. And for good reason. If nothing changes on the outside, the game is under the hood. Indeed, while the previous model is powered by the new star chip of Intel’s ultra-portable laptops, the Core Ultra 7 155H, this new Asus is powered by its “equivalent” from the other founder, AMD, with the Ryzen 7 8840HS. Two chips with similar ambitions, in particular to tackle uses linked to artificial intelligence, but which nevertheless manage to differentiate themselves – very slightly – on other points.

Particularities that come from their architecture. 16 cores and 22 threads on the Intel side, 8 cores and 16 threads for AMD, an Arc GPU for Intel, Radeon 780 for AMD, an L2 cache of 18 MB and L3 of 24 MB at Intel compared to 8 MB and 16 MB at AMD… so many points of divergence which sometimes make some differences in terms of performance. However, the good news is that the price remains the same. The Asus Zenbook 14 Oled in its AMD version is billed at the same price as the Intel version, i.e. 999 euros. We were able to test this new Zenbook powered by AMD for several days. Here is our verdict.

Asus Zenbook UM3406HA: a design that retains its strengths and flaws

The general design of this Zenbook does not change one iota compared to the UX3405 model that we have already tested and which we invite you to consult for more details. Same matte black chassis (which still takes fingerprints), same size and same finishes.

It therefore has the same advantages but also the main defects. Namely a connection essentially located on the right side of the machine leaving a single USB-A port on the left.

The keyboard layout is also identical with the power key oddly placed in the penultimate place in the first row, just in front of the Delete key. So we always get our fingers mixed up when using it.

However, we note a small eccentricity on the keyboard. Asus has swapped the Ctrl key to the right of the space bar for a key that provides direct access to CoPilot, the AI ​​built into Windows. Well, for the moment, as CoPilot is still not deployed, the key allows you to directly display the search in Windows, which saves a click in the search field in the taskbar. Why not.

Dimensions (31.24 x 22.01 x 1.49 cm) and weight (1.2 kg) remain identical again. This Zenbook is therefore part of the category of compact and light ultra-portables that we enjoy carrying around everywhere very easily.

Asus Zenbook UM3406HA: an Oled screen as pleasant and brilliant as ever

No difference compared to the Intel model regarding the screen either. Asus, as always, is now focusing on an Oled panel with infinite contrasts. We benefit from a 14-inch 3K screen (2880 x 1800 pixels). A very well defined screen which therefore offers great precision for the display of images or the readability of texts for example. However, the flaws remain the same. If the peak brightness reaches 600 nits – which remains very comfortable for indoor use – the panel remains very bright and reflections are very present during outdoor use or when the sun is strong.

On the sound side, no improvement either. The Harman Kardon system does what it can, but the bass remains behind. The speakers, always placed below, are sufficient for watching a film or series but are not up to the task for music.

Asus Zenbook UM3406HA: performance a hair above Intel

Technical sheet

It is of course here that the main differences between the Zenbook model under Intel UX3405 and this Zenbook under AMD are the most visible. Right away, we see that AMD’s Ryzen 7 8840HS takes a slight advantage over Intel’s Core Ultra 7 in CPU operations. With our Cinebench R23 benchmark, 3000 points separate the two machines in multicore. The results are more tenuous in single core but the ratio goes from x6.45 with Intel to x9.05 on AMD. With the PC Mark 10 and GeekBench tests, however, the two machines are neck and neck.

On the GPU side, AMD’s Radeon 780 and Intel’s Arc also play on the same table. The gaps remain quite tight.

Out of the benchmarks, in real use, the two PCs therefore offer more or less the same responsiveness. This Ryzen model is very fluid on a daily basis and also comfortable when gaming. With slightly demanding titles, it is capable of running at 60 frames per second with an average level of detail. This is enough to play in good conditions.

Note that like Intel’s Core Ultra 7, the AMD 7 is also designed for operations linked to artificial intelligence with its AMD Ryzen AI accelerator. This is what justifies the presence of the key dedicated to activating CoPilot on the keyboard.

Asus Zenbook UM3406HA: always satisfactory battery life

Like the Intel model, this ZenBook has a 75Wh battery. We had some apprehensions about the efficiency of the AMD processor compared to its alter-ego at Intel. Ultimately, the differences are minimal. Subjected to the same test in video playback with the Netflix app while keeping the screen brightness at 50% and the audio volume also at 50%, this Zenbook lasted almost 15 hours, which is an hour less than the Intel model but nothing prohibitive all the same.

On the charging side, Asus provided a 65 W charger. 30 minutes of charging allowed the battery life to go from 0 to 39%. It took 100 minutes to refuel to 100%. It’s pretty good and even faster than the Intel model.

Asus Zenbook UM3406HA: should you go for the small laptop from Asus under AMD?

Sold at the same price as the Intel Core Ultra 7 variant, this Zenbook powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS offers just as much everyday comfort. The performance gaps are quite small. At most we can notice a slight advantage in multi-core processing but not enough to mark a real difference either. The choice between the two versions will therefore have to be made according to the affinities of each person towards one or the other of the founders. Overall, this Zenbook 14 Oled running Ryzen appears to be a compact ultra-portable PC that is very pleasant to use on a daily basis. He doesn’t shy away from the task and is durable enough to accompany you all day away from a power outlet. At this price, it’s a bargain.