The Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED is the brand's attempt at a foldable PC. While it showcases a new and exciting form factor, Asus itself admits that it's "not a mass-market product." In this Fold OLED review, we'll discuss the positives and negatives of this device and explore its potential in the future.
Although I have major issues with this device, I must admit that I am impressed with the concept of folding PCs after using the ZenBook 17 Fold for a few weeks. The main appeal of these devices is the ability to carry around a large display in a portable form. The ZenBook 17 Fold OLED, when unfolded and placed on the stand, offers a glorious 17-inch OLED screen that is ideal for multitasking and working with spreadsheets. The brightness of the screen is very impressive so it is great for outdoor work. The Windows 11 OS works quite well with this screen.
The device also comes with a Bluetooth keyboard, which can be stored inside the device or used separately. The keyboard is of good quality and can be placed on a desk while using the device in laptop mode. Additionally, users have the option to connect their own keyboard and trackpad if they prefer. It might not be a virtual keyboard but it is useful.
In laptop mode, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED falls short of expectations. The 17-inch display is reduced to a smaller 12.5-inch size due to thick bezels. The keyboard typing experience is also compromised, with the accessory flexing more on uneven surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, the keyboard itself is comfortable to type on, albeit with limited travel, and the trackpad is responsive.
The device can be used with or without the keyboard in various folding modes. However, the half-screen configuration, which Asus promotes as another mode, doesn't offer any compelling advantages over using the fully unfolded display. The tablet mode is fine to use. Some users might find the crease on the folding screen near the hinge bothersome.
Under the hood, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED boasts solid productivity laptop-like specs. It features a lower-power U-Series Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. While it performs well for everyday tasks, it lacks the power for gaming or editing purposes. The device maintains a comfortable temperature during use, but its battery life is subpar, offering only around 5 to 6 hours of screen time in a day. Using the wireless can increase battery drain.
Unfolded, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED shines as a multimedia device. The 17.3-inch OLED panel provides an immersive viewing experience for videos and sports. Despite a visible crease when viewed at an angle, it doesn't significantly hinder the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the device supports big-screen game streaming as a workaround for its lack of internal gaming performance. The Webcam was perfectly fine capturing crisp pictures.
The ZenBook 17 Fold OLED faces performance issues that detract from its overall usability. The separate keyboard frequently experiences lag, likely due to Bluetooth connectivity. Moreover, adjusting modes and screen orientation is unreliable, and the device occasionally fails to respond to the placement of the keyboard on the display. While these problems can often be resolved through a restart, they remain inconvenient for a device that emphasizes its versatility.
Despite being thicker than conventional laptops, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED remains reasonably portable, weighing only 1.5 kg. Its compact size allows for easy transportation of the 17.3-inch display. The device's port selection is limited, featuring just two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. However, it impresses with its loud and accurate speakers, albeit with a lack of bass. Aesthetically, the device sports a sleek design with a dark blue magnesium alloy chassis, a black faux leather stand, and thick plastic bezels. While it lacks a luxurious feel, it comes with a practical wallet for storing the device and keyboard. The touchpad was solid and its inputs were sound.
Foldable PCs are an emerging trend, and despite its shortcomings, the Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED demonstrates the potential of this form factor. However, at its current price of $3,499 (£3,299), it is difficult to recommend compared to its competitors. Lenovo, in particular, poses a formidable challenge with its second-generation ThinkPad X1 Fold, offering a larger and more refined display at a lower price. In the coming years, foldable PCs need to address their pricing, design, and connectivity to truly become the future of portable computing.
One of the main advantages of the ZenBook Fold 17 OLED is its large screen. The device features a bright 17-inch OLED display, which is great for productivity. The keyboard and trackpad are also highly praised, providing a good typing experience. Additionally, the device is very portable, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
On the downside, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED comes with an eye-watering price tag. It also has some software and connectivity quirks that can be frustrating. The stand only allows for landscape mode, limiting its flexibility. Furthermore, the device lacks ports and has an unimpressive battery life. Some users may also find the crease on the folding screen bothersome.
Despite some positive aspects of the Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED, I do not recommend purchasing this device. Asus itself acknowledges that it's not meant for everyone, and the high price is a major deterrent. Even for early adopters with the means to make such a purchase, there are better options available.
The Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED will be available for purchase in Q4 2022.
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