22.01.2025 
Performance in benchmarks
During my testing, I loved the performance offered by the ASUS Zenbook S 14 and its overall energy efficiency. However, I wanted to see how it compares to other laptops. Therefore, I took the ASUS Zenbook S 16 (a larger laptop with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor) and the ASUS Vivobook S 15 that is powered by a Snapdragon X Elite X1E78100. Then, I ran the same benchmarks to see how they compare. Here are the results:
The first thing I measure on all the computers I test is how fast they load Windows. To do that, I use an app named BootRacer. As you can see in the chart below, the Zenbook S 14 loaded Windows 11 in just 22 seconds, making it equally fast to the Zenbook S 16.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in Bootracer
I moved on to the CPU-Z benchmark, which simulates intensive workloads to determine the processor power of the laptop you’re using. Its Single Thread score shows how well the processor handles tasks that use a single core.
As you can see in the chart below, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V powering the Zenbook S 14 scored an excellent 761 points, placing it first in my comparison.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in CPU-Z Single Thread
The Multi Thread score evaluates how well the processor can use multiple cores simultaneously for applications that require them (video editing, 3D rendering, etc.) Again, the processor on the Zenbook S 14 performed well. However, the Snapdragon X Elite X1E78100 on the Vivobook S 15 performed even better.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in CPU-Z MultiThread
I moved on to Cinebench 2024 and ran its multi-core rendering test. This is useful because it simulates complex 3D rendering tasks, which are commonly run by digital artists, engineers, or architects. The ASUS Zenbook S 14 had a decent score. However, it was last in my comparison, delivering only 50% of the performance you get from the ASUS Vivobook S 15.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in Cinebench 2024
One of the selling points of this laptop is that it has built-in AI capabilities and a dedicated NPU. For this reason, I used Geekbench AI, which tests how good computers are at machine learning tasks. This benchmark gives you three different scores that are a bit difficult to understand and explain.
As you can see below, the ASUS Zenbook S 14 outperformed the two laptops I’ve compared it to.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in Geekbench AI
Most people buy premium laptops like the ASUS Zenbook S 14 to use them productively at work. That’s why I also ran the PCMark 10 Applications test. As you can see, the Zenbook S 14 scored 13141 points, which confirms it is great for all kinds of business and productivity applications. However, the Zenbook S 16 scored even higher.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in PCMark 10 Applications
Many people spend their digital lives in browser tabs, so it's important to know how efficient your laptop is at browsing the web. To evaluate web browsing performance, I used the JetStream 2 benchmark. As you can see, the ASUS Zenbook S 14 was the fastest laptop for this task, which will please many users.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in JetStream 2
I couldn't resist putting the ASUS Zenbook S 14 through its gaming paces, even though it's not built for that. So I ran the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. I was impressed to see how well the Intel Arc 140V GPU performed on the Zenbook S 14.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 - Benchmark results in 3DMark Time Spy
I also wanted to see how well this laptop's cooling system works, so I ran a benchmark that kept the processor under full load for several minutes and checked its temperature.
As you can see, the processor on the ASUS Zenbook S 14 didn’t get very hot, reaching a maximum temperature of just 57 degrees Celsius (134.6 Fahrenheit).
The maximum CPU temperature I measured on the ASUS Zenbook S 14
Next, I measured the ASUS Zenbook S 14’s power consumption during gaming. The laptop drew 53 watts, which is pretty good. It’s not as energy-efficient as the ASUS Zenbook S 16 that I reviewed some time ago, but it’s better than the ASUS Vivobook S 15.
The power draw while gaming
Now that you know more about the general performance offered by the ASUS Zenbook S 14, read the next section to learn about its energy efficiency.
Fast charging and battery life
Battery life has improved significantly since the dawn of Copilot+ PC devices, and the ASUS Zenbook S 14 is a great performer in this regard. However, I also wanted to objectively measure its battery life and compare it to other laptops. I used the PCMark 10 Modern Office battery test, and I was pleased to see the Zenbook S 14 lasting for 16 hours and 34 minutes - an impressive result that proves it is far better than any previous generation laptop with an Intel processor.
Battery life measured by PCMark 10 Modern Office
ASUS promises the laptop's battery will charge from 1% to 60% in 49 minutes. I measured the charging time myself, and in 45 minutes, it reached 57%. In 95 minutes, it reached 96%, while charging fully to 100% required 130 minutes.
The charging time for ASUS Zenbook S 14
After analyzing all these results, I conclude that the ASUS Zenbook S 14 is a laptop with solid performance for most tasks. It excels in battery life, AI capabilities, web browsing performance, and gaming.
Do you like the ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) Copilot+ PC?
You have arrived at the end of this review. Thank you for reading until the end. Now you know a lot more about the ASUS Zenbook S 14, its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it is a good choice for your specific needs. Before closing this review, I’m curious to know what you think about this laptop: Do you like its design? What about its features and performance? Are you considering buying it? Comment using the options below, and let me know.
