ASUS Zenbook DUO (2024) Review: The Dual Screen Laptop Worth Recommending

For years, I've been a slave to the multi-monitor life. My desk constantly resembles a mini-mission control center, overflowing with displays vying for my attention. It wasn't ideal, but the extra screen real estate was essential for my workflow as a journalist.

Enter the ASUS Zenbook DUO 2024, a laptop that throws convention out the window with its audacious dual-screen design. After weeks of putting it through its paces, I can definitively say this isn't just a flashy gimmick; it's a productivity game-changer and a legitimate contender for the best laptop of 2024, at least for me.

PROS

• Stunning dual 14-inch OLED displays
• Perfect for multitasking
• Intuitive software that maximizes the utility of the dual screens
• Outstanding keyboard
• The included stylus works perfectly
• Great battery life
• Affordable pricing for a dual-screen laptop

CONS

• Speakers are a bit tinny
• Prone to heating up quickly
• No SD card slot is a bummer
• There is no magnetic attachment for the pen

ASUS Zenbook DUO: Complete Specifications

ASUS Zenbook DUO: Price

Before we head into the review, let's take a look at the pricing. The ASUS Zenbook DUO comes in 4 variants:

• Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD - ₹1,59,990
• Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD - ₹1,99,990
• Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD - ₹2,19,990
• Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD - ₹2,39,990

We have the top-of-the-line variant which costs ₹2,39,990, as mentioned above.

A Design for Functionality

The Zenbook DUO opts for a sophisticated dark gray aluminum lid. This color choice exudes a sense of professionalism and pairs well with any office environment. It also has the added benefit of hiding minor scuffs and fingerprints better than lighter colors.

But don't let the sleek design fool you. The Zenbook DUO boasts MIL-STD 810H certification. This military-grade standard ensures the laptop can withstand everyday bumps, drops, and even harsher environments. So, whether you're a frequent traveler or just a bit accident-prone, the Zenbook DUO can handle the bumps along the way.

Speaking of connectivity, the laptop comes equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1) port, HDMI 2.1 for direct video output, and a standard 3.5mm audio jack. However, it's disappointing to note the absence of an SD-card reader, a feature often utilized by the professional demographic this laptop targets.

A Feast for the Eyes: The Dual Display Experience

The centerpiece of the Zenbook DUO is undeniably its dual-screen configuration. Each 14-inch OLED display boasts a crisp Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) resolution, ensuring sharp visuals for text-heavy tasks like writing. The 60Hz refresh rate delivers smooth performance for everyday use, while HDR and Dolby Vision support elevate the viewing experience with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making watching content on this laptop a delight.

ASUS kept the bezels around the displays nice and slim, maximizing that precious screen real estate. Corning Gorilla Glass adds a layer of protection against scratches and accidental bumps, a welcome feature for a laptop destined for frequent travel.

But the true magic lies in how you can utilize these displays. Here are some ways I found myself working with the Zenbook DUO:

Dual screen mode (with Bluetooth keyboard) - This configuration is perfect for writers like myself. Having one display stacked neatly above the other creates a seamless flow for research and writing. This is also the preferred way in which I use the laptop.

Side-by-Side Mode: Need even more space? Expand the displays side-by-side and juggle multiple applications with ease. This is ideal for tasks like comparing documents, editing photos, or keeping an eye on social media while writing an article.

Laptop Mode: Attach the ASUS ErgoSense Bluetooth keyboard and transform Zenbook DUO into a familiar laptop experience. The spacious 14-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio provides a comfortable workspace for on-the-move productivity.

The built-in kickstand deserves a special mention. It folds out effortlessly and provides a sturdy base for the laptop in either stacked or side-by-side mode. It's not the most glamorous addition, but its functionality is undeniable.

Power Under the Hood

The ASUS Zenbook DUO doesn't just look good; it packs a serious punch. My review unit came equipped with the top-of-the-line Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, a powerhouse chip designed for demanding tasks. Paired with a whopping 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the Zenbook DUO handled everything I threw at it with ease. Multitasking was a breeze, whether I was running multiple Chrome tabs alongside Slack and Spotify or juggling research documents and writing tools.

Check out the benchmarks.

For storage, you get a super-fast PCIe 4.0 SSD. This translates to quick boot times, speedy app launches, and the ability to store large files without breaking a sweat.

Can it Handle Casual Gaming?

I tested the laptop with "Lies of P," a visually demanding title, and achieved an average frame rate of 40 fps on medium settings with Chrome open on the second display. This indicates that the integrated Intel Arc graphics can handle some modern games at playable frame rates, but with a few caveats.

Pushing the graphics settings to max resulted in noticeable stutters, impacting the overall gameplay experience. To ensure smooth performance, sticking to medium settings seems to be the sweet spot for the Zenbook DUO.

Regarding FPS games such as CS:GO, CS2, and Valorant, you can have a great gaming experience, but don't expect crazy high frame rates.

Coming to thermals, due to the design limitations with the dual screens, the laptop can get warm under heavy workloads. The fans do kick in to dissipate heat, but they can get a bit noisy under sustained pressure. This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but it's something to consider if you prioritize silent operation.

The Detachable Keyboard: It's Fantastic

The Zenbook DUO's detachable keyboard is fantastic. Despite hiding a second screen beneath it, the keys boast a satisfying 1.4mm travel and clicky feel, rivaling standard laptops. Dedicated FN keys offer display projection, mute, Bluetooth connection, emoji access, quick settings, and control over the secondary screen.

The generous 3 x 5.3-inch touchpad allows for smooth navigation and multi-gesture support. But the convenience doesn't stop there. Both the keyboard and touchpad charge rapidly via a conveniently located USB-C port, ensuring a seamless workflow. Even better, you can use the keyboard wirelessly via Bluetooth while it charges, maximizing your productivity without interruption.

Utilizing the second screen as a touch keyboard is an option, but I advise against it as the experience feels unnatural. The glass surface makes finger movements awkward, often resulting in missed touch targets.

Built for a Busy Day: The Zenbook DUO's Battery Life

Despite packing dual OLED displays, the ASUS Zenbook DUO manages to deliver a full workday's worth of battery life on average. This is a commendable feat considering the power demands of those high-resolution screens.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

• Real-World Usage: During my testing, which involved web browsing, document editing, having Slack run in the background, and more than 15 Chrome tabs open, the Zenbook DUO consistently lasted around 7 hours on a single charge.
• Factors Affecting Battery Life: Of course, battery life will vary depending on your usage. Screen brightness, specific applications you run, and even the dual-screen configuration itself can all impact how long you can stay unplugged. In my case, I was running the laptop with both displays at full brightness.
• Fast Charging: The included 65W GaN charger is the most compact charger I've seen. It's highly portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. More importantly, it can get the Zenbook DUO back to full power in roughly 2 hours. Lastly, the charger gets seriously hot, so do take caution if you are taking it out.

Software and Special Features: Unlocking the DUO's Potential

The ASUS Zenbook DUO isn't just a hardware marvel; it's a software playground as well. The ASUS ScreenXpert software is the key to unlocking the true potential of the dual displays. It allows you to:

• Manage Window Placement: Easily drag and drop windows between the two displays or maximize them to fill a single screen.
• Adjust Brightness: Control the brightness of each display independently for optimal viewing comfort.
• Activate On-Screen Keyboard: Utilize the secondary display as a touch keyboard, perfect for situations where you don't want to use the detachable keyboard.

But ScreenXpert goes beyond basic functionality. Features like Task Groups let you pre-configure app layouts for specific workflows. For example, you can create a group that automatically opens your essential Chrome tabs and apps such as Slack and WhatsApp on your preferred layout across both screens.

The ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus is also included with the Zenbook DUO. This makes it a great choice for artists, designers, and anyone who prefers the natural feel of pen-on-screen input. Whenever I'm using the Zenbook DUO in its dual display mode without a mouse, I use the included stylus a lot for dragging and dropping stuff, especially in photo editing apps like Canva.

Speakers & Webcam: It's Alright

The Zenbook DUO's dual Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos sound promising, but their bottom placement holds them back. They can get loud, but lack bass and sound muffled in the dual-screen mode where they face away from you. Thankfully, Dolby Atmos helps dialogue stand out in movies. Overall, the audio is decent, but not ideal for audiophiles.

The 1080p webcam shines in bright light, capturing crisp video calls. Security is a breeze with Windows Hello facial recognition thanks to the integrated IR scanner, which works flawlessly even in low light. ASUS goes a step further with built-in AI features: noise reduction ensures clear audio, while background effects and auto-framing keep you in focus during video conferences.

Should You Buy?

The ASUS Zenbook DUO represents a bold leap in laptop design. Its dual-screen functionality is a game-changer for multitaskers, providing unparalleled flexibility and a spacious workspace. The internals effortlessly handle demanding tasks, while the battery life impresses, especially considering the presence of two displays.

While I've noted some cons, they aren't significant deal-breakers. Personally, I'm a fan of this laptop, and returning to my personal machine would make me miss the second screen. It suits the type of work I do perfectly. If I were to invest in a new laptop, this would certainly be my choice.