ASUS Floods Computex with AI-Centric Lineup: Snapdragon, Intel, and AMD Zenbooks Take Center Stage
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A Three-Way Processor War in One Chassis
At Computex, ASUS didn’t just launch a new laptop; they launched a strategic experiment in silicon versatility. The new Zenbook 14 is arriving in three distinct flavors, effectively allowing users to choose their poison between Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. This move highlights the industry’s current volatility as OEMs scramble to find the right balance between the raw performance of x86 and the efficiency promised by ARM.
The most striking departure is the UX3480QA, the Windows 11 ARM64 variant. Powered by the Snapdragon X X1 26 100 processor, it leans heavily into the “AI PC” narrative with a 45 TOPS Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. Because the ARM architecture allows for a smaller battery footprint without sacrificing endurance, this model is a featherweight at 2.43 pounds. It pairs a 1,920 x 1,200 OLED display with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, targeting the hyper-mobile professional who prioritizes battery life over legacy software compatibility.
For those who aren’t ready to make the jump to ARM, ASUS is offering the UX3480GA (AMD) and UX3480AA (Intel). The AMD version utilizes the Ryzen AI 9 HX 475, boasting a 60 TOPS NPU—currently one of the strongest neural processing figures in the consumer space. Meanwhile, the Intel model tops out with a Core Ultra 9 386H, pushing a 16-core configuration and a higher-resolution 2,880 x 1,800 120Hz OLED panel. Both the Intel and AMD variants weigh slightly more at 2.65 pounds, reflecting the thermal and power demands of their respective chips.
Enterprise Flexibility and the B5 Flip
While the Zenbooks target the consumer and prosumer markets, the ExpertBook line is where ASUS is doubling down on corporate utility. The ExpertBook B5 Flip G2 is a 360-degree convertible designed for the “hybrid” worker. Weighing 2.9 pounds, the G2 integrates a unique MPP 2.0 stylus with a dedicated internal garage for storage and charging. In a move toward genuine productivity, ASUS claims that a mere 15 seconds of charging provides 60 minutes of stylus use.
Under the hood, the B5 Flip G2 runs Intel’s latest Core 7 350 processor. While its 18 TOPS NPU doesn’t reach the heights of the Zenbook’s AI capabilities, the focus here is clearly on stability and connectivity. With dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and a full array of legacy I/O, it’s built for the boardroom. This model is slated for a Q3 2026 arrival, suggesting a longer development cycle to ensure enterprise-grade reliability.
Ruggedizing the C-Suite
Alongside the convertible, ASUS introduced the ExpertBook P5 G2 and PM5 G2. These are available in 14- and 16-inch configurations and are specifically engineered to meet MIL-STD-810H standards. This means they are certified to survive the vibrations, moisture, and temperature swings that typically kill consumer laptops. Depending on the model, users can opt for the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H or the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX, the latter of which offers 55 NPU TOPS for local AI processing.
Vivobook and the Push for 20-Hour Battery Life
Rounding out the announcement are the Vivobook S14 and S16 Flip models. Like the ARM-based Zenbook, these convertibles are powered by Snapdragon X processors. The primary selling point here isn’t just the 45 TOPS NPU performance, but the endurance. ASUS is claiming battery life exceeding 20 hours, a figure that puts these machines in direct competition with the MacBook Air’s efficiency.
Both Vivobooks feature 2K OLED touchscreens and support the ASUS Pen 3.0. By leveraging 68W fast charging via USB-C, ASUS is attempting to eliminate the “charging anxiety” that has plagued Windows laptops during the transition to AI-heavy workloads.
While pricing for most of these units remains under wraps, the sheer breadth of the lineup suggests ASUS is hedging its bets. By offering the same chassis with three different processor architectures, they are letting the market—and the benchmarks—decide who wins the AI PC era.
