ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED Review: The Future of Laptops is Here

Introduction to the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED

The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is not just another laptop; it’s a bold vision for the future of personal computing. As one of the world’s first truly viable foldable laptops, it challenges everything we know about form factors and versatility. Combining a massive, seamless 17.3-inch OLED touchscreen that folds in half with the power of a 12th Gen Intel processor, this device aims to be your laptop, tablet, desktop, and notebook all in one.

This definitive guide delves into every aspect of the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, helping you understand if this groundbreaking technology is ready for your daily workflow.

Full Technical Specifications

In-Depth Analysis and Performance Review

1. The Revolutionary Foldable Display

The centerpiece of the Zenbook 17 Fold is its stunning 17.3-inch OLED screen.

• Unfolded Experience: It serves as a massive, immersive canvas for productivity, letting you view multiple windows side-by-side with ease.

• Folded Modes: When folded, it automatically splits into two 12.5-inch 1920×1280 displays. The bottom half can become a virtual keyboard or a secondary screen, while the top is for content.

• OLED Quality: Expect perfect blacks, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification, making it exceptional for media consumption and creative work.

2. Performance: Power-Efficient 12th Gen Intel

• Processor (Intel i7-1250U): This is a low-power, high-efficiency CPU from Intel’s 12th Gen series. With its hybrid architecture (2 P-cores + 8 E-cores), it is perfectly suited for this device, offering excellent performance for office productivity, web browsing, and content consumption while maximizing battery life.

• Use Case Limitation: It is not a machine for video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming. The integrated Iris Xe graphics and U-series CPU are chosen for efficiency and thermal management within the ultra-slim foldable chassis.

3. Innovative Form Factors and Use Cases

The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED shines through its versatility:

• Laptop Mode: Attach the magnetic Bluetooth keyboard over the bottom half of the folded screen for a classic 12.5-inch laptop experience.

• Desktop Mode: Unfold the screen fully and use the keyboard in front of it for a powerful all-in-one desktop setup.

• Tablet Mode: Use the fully unfolded device as a massive 17.3-inch tablet for drawing, note-taking, or media viewing.

• Extended Mode: Use the folded device with the keyboard detached, turning the bottom screen into a palette for apps like Slack, Spotify, or a digital notebook.

4. Build, Keyboard, and Connectivity

• Build Quality: It features a premium build with a durable, hinge engineered to withstand over 30,000 folds and unfolds.

• Bluetooth Keyboard: The full-size ErgoSense keyboard is comfortable to type on and connects wirelessly. Its portability is a plus, but forgetting to charge it is a potential downside.

• Ports: It only features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which offer immense speed and versatility (power, data, display) but will require dongles for connecting to legacy USB-A devices, HDMI, or Ethernet.

Pros and Cons of the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED

Pros:

✅ Revolutionary Form Factor – Unparalleled versatility in a single device.
✅ Stunning Foldable OLED Display – Exceptional color, contrast, and sharpness.
✅ Surprisingly Portable – Consolidates multiple device functions into one 1.5kg package.
✅ Premium Build and Innovative Hinge – Feels solid and well-engineered.
✅ Excellent for Specific Workflows – Perfect for multitasking, presentations, and digital note-taking.

Cons:

❌ Extremely High Price – Positioned as a luxury, early-adopter product.
❌ Limited Performance – Not for power users, creators, or gamers.
❌ Software Quirks – Windows 11 is still adapting to foldable screens, leading to occasional bugs.
❌ Fragility Concerns – The screen, while durable, is the device’s most vulnerable point.
❌ Limited I/O – Only two USB-C ports necessitate dongles.

Who is the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED For?

This device is a niche product designed for:

• Early Adopters & Tech Enthusiasts: Those who must have the latest and most innovative technology.

• Executive Professionals: Who value the “wow” factor in presentations and need a versatile device for travel that replaces a laptop and tablet.

• Mobile Multitaskers: Consultants, analysts, and writers who thrive on having multiple documents and apps visible simultaneously.

• Media Consumers: Anyone who wants a portable, large-format OLED screen for watching movies and reading.

Verdict and Final Recommendation

The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is a spectacular achievement in engineering and design. It successfully delivers a cohesive and functional foldable PC experience that feels like a genuine glimpse into the future. The display is breathtaking, and the versatility it offers is unmatched by any traditional laptop.

Final Recommendation: The Zenbook 17 Fold is not about specs-for-dollar value; it’s about pioneering a new form factor. You are buying a vision of the future. If you are an early adopter with the budget for it and your workflow aligns with its strengths (multitasking, portability, media), it is a fascinating and rewarding device. However, if raw performance, a traditional typing experience, or value is your primary concern, a conventional high-end laptop or a 2-in-1 like the ASUS Zenbook Flip will be a far more practical choice.