The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold marks the company’s ambitious entry into the foldable PC market, a space still in its infancy. While foldable smartphones from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei have already gained traction, the consumer PC segment remains largely untapped. With the Zenbook 17 Fold, ASUS offers only the second foldable PC available to the public, following the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold.
Design & Build Quality
Designing a foldable computer is no small feat, especially when it involves creating a reliable hinge mechanism within a slim 10mm form factor. ASUS has done an impressive job with the hinge design on the Zenbook 17 Fold, which feels both sturdy and smooth, providing a frictionless experience when adjusting the screen to different angles. Once positioned, the device stays put with no wobbling, and opening it feels like unfolding a futuristic digital newspaper.
The device features a metal chassis with a premium leather exterior cover that adds a touch of sophistication while also protecting the hinge. The Zenbook logo’s subtle blue gradient is a stylish detail, and the rubber ring surrounding the OLED screen helps protect the edges. Compared to its closest competitor, the ThinkPad X1 Fold, ASUS’ design features narrower bezels, making the device look sleeker and more refined.
A retractable stand on the back allows the device to be propped up at a comfortable viewing angle when used as a desktop. Despite its 1.8-kilogram weight, the Zenbook 17 Fold feels well-balanced, providing a surprisingly comfortable user experience.
Display & Performance
The 17-inch OLED screen on the Zenbook 17 Fold is a showstopper. With a resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate, the display offers vibrant colors and excellent brightness. Even outdoors, 60% brightness is usually more than enough. While the touchscreen works well, the plastic material used for foldability is prone to attracting fingerprints and potential scratches over time. Unfortunately, ASUS doesn’t offer a stylus for this device, so finger usage is the only option for touchscreen interaction.
Powered by a 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1250U processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, the Zenbook 17 Fold handles daily productivity tasks like web browsing, writing, multimedia consumption, and even light image editing with ease. However, when it comes to more demanding tasks like video editing, performance starts to falter. The thermal design is tuned well to keep the device from overheating, even during prolonged usage.
Keyboard & User Experience
The included Bluetooth keyboard, which attaches magnetically to one half of the screen, offers a decent typing experience with good tactile feedback. However, the lack of a backlight may be a drawback for some users. The trackpad is responsive and accurate, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience.
As for the Windows 11 experience, ASUS seems to have nailed the software optimization for foldable devices. The device smoothly switches between different orientations and modes without any noticeable hiccups, making it feel like a standard laptop in terms of usability.
Connectivity & Battery Life
The Zenbook 17 Fold features a limited but adequate selection of ports, including two USB-C 4.0 ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, a 3.5mm audio jack, and volume buttons. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, but lacks LTE or 5G connectivity options. The speakers are Dolby Atmos-certified, delivering clear and crisp audio even at high volumes.
Battery life is surprisingly good for such a power-hungry device, lasting around 7 hours during regular use. Charging, however, is slow, with the included 65W charger taking around two hours to fully charge the device.
Verdict
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold is undeniably a technological marvel that showcases the potential of foldable PCs. Its vibrant display, strong performance for everyday tasks, and refined hinge design are commendable. However, the high price point and lack of practical use cases make it feel more like a futuristic showcase than a must-have device for most consumers.
For enthusiasts and early adopters willing to pay a premium for innovation, the Zenbook 17 Fold offers an exciting glimpse into what the future of portable computing could be. But for the average user, its benefits may not yet justify its substantial price tag.
Leave a Reply