Tag: ASUS

February 22, 2025
Asus Tops New Laptop Repairability Report with Best Score
Key Takeaways
1. The 2025 “Failing the Fix” report evaluates the repairability of popular laptops from eight major brands in the US, including Lenovo, Dell, and Apple.
2. Asus ranked highest with a score of 8.0 (A-), while the average score across brands was 6.7; Lenovo received an F for lacking sufficient data.
3. Acer and Dell followed closely with scores of 7.6 (B+) and 7.0 (B-), respectively, while HP and Apple scored C and C-.
4. The report highlighted significant model variability in repairability, with Dell’s Inspiron 16 achieving a perfect disassembly score, while the MacBook Pro scored poorly.
5. Repairability is increasingly important to consumers seeking value and durability in electronics.
The US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund has published the 2025 version of Failing the Fix, which evaluates how easily the most popular laptops in the country can be repaired.
Assessment of Major Brands
The evaluation focused on laptops from eight leading manufacturers in the US market: Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Microsoft, Apple, Asus, HP, and Samsung. They gathered the Reparability Index scores from France for as many models as possible from each brand and factored in the impact of each company’s lobbying efforts related to the right-to-repair. For instance, being part of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) led to a reduction of half a point in their overall scores.
Rankings and Scores
In 2025, Asus emerged at the top with a solid score of 8.0 (equivalent to an A-), while the average score across all brands was 6.7. Acer followed closely with a B+ (7.6), and Dell, Microsoft, and Samsung each received a grade of B-. HP and Apple fell behind with C and C- scores, respectively. Lenovo received an F, as it did not provide a score at all.
The PIRG deemed Lenovo to have failed because it could only find a Reparability Index score for a single Lenovo laptop, in stark contrast to the 9 or 10 scores available for other brands.
Variability in Repairability
The report highlighted significant differences in repairability between different models. For instance, the Dell Inspiron 16 6540, priced at $649.99, achieved a perfect “disassembly score” of 20/20, while the MacBook Pro 16 with an M2 Pro chip, costing $1,434.99, only scored 6.5/20.
Additionally, the report did not consider whether the unique designs of certain laptops, like the Zenbook Duo or Aspire Spin 14, influenced their grading process.
Ultimately, the ability to repair devices is becoming a crucial factor for consumers who want better value and durability in the electronics they purchase.
Source:
Link
Tags: ASUS, Lenovo
February 18, 2025
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) Launching in China on February 25
Key Takeaways
1. The Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is a gaming laptop and tablet hybrid powered by AMD’s Strix Halo APUs, launching in China on February 25, 2025.
2. It features the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 16 Zen 5 CPU cores and 40 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores, competing with dedicated gaming laptops.
3. The revamped cooling system includes a larger vapor chamber and advanced fans for optimal heat management.
4. The 13-inch ROG Nebula Display offers a 2.5K resolution, 180Hz refresh rate, touchscreen capability, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
5. The Z13 is lightweight (1.2kg), has a detachable keyboard, multiple ports, and supports Asus’ ROG XG Mobile eGPU for enhanced gaming performance.
At CES 2025, Asus unveiled its impressive ROG Flow Z13, a gaming laptop and tablet hybrid, powered by AMD’s Strix Halo APUs. The release date has been announced, but currently only for China.
Launch Details
According to teasers, the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is set to hit the Chinese market on February 25 at 11:00 UTC (19:00 CST). While the pricing in China remains under wraps, the models intended for the US will be priced between $1,999 and $2,699.
Specifications and Performance
The ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, which boasts 16 Zen 5 CPU cores and 40 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores. This integrated GPU is designed to compete with dedicated gaming laptops, moving away from less powerful handheld gaming chips.
With 50 TOPS of NPU performance, it acts as a Windows Copilot PC, offering AI-enhanced productivity features. It can be paired with an impressive 128GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, allowing for smart resource distribution between system RAM and VRAM.
Cooling and Design
The laptop showcases a revamped cooling system, featuring a vapor chamber crafted from lightweight stainless steel and copper, which is 54% larger than its predecessor. Additionally, it comes with Dual Arc Flow fans and ultra-thin heatsink fins for optimal heat management.
The 13-inch ROG Nebula Display provides a 2.5K resolution, a swift 180Hz refresh rate, full DCI-P3 color coverage, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Its 16:10 aspect ratio and touchscreen capability make it perfect for both gaming and creative projects.
Port Options and Expandability
Weighing in at 1.2kg (without the keyboard), the Z13 features a detachable keyboard and kickstand, enabling it to be used as a tablet, laptop, or gaming station. The Flow Z13 is also well-equipped with ports, including:
– Dual USB4 Type-C ports
– USB Type-A port
– HDMI 2.1
– MicroSD card reader
– 3.5mm audio jack
Moreover, it supports Asus’ ROG XG Mobile eGPU, which can accommodate up to an NVIDIA RTX 5090, effectively transforming it into a powerful desktop-level gaming system.
Source:
Link

Tags: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, ASUS, ROG Flow Z13
February 18, 2025
RTX 5070 Ti Price Manipulation and Pre-Release Review Guidelines
Key Takeaways
1. RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs are being sold significantly above their MSRP.
2. Buyers accuse companies like Asus of price manipulation related to Nvidia’s review embargo.
3. The official launch of the RTX 5070 Ti is on February 20th, but reviews will be available a day earlier.
4. Limited availability of RTX 5070 Ti at MSRP, with only a single model near the price in the U.S.
5. Nvidia faces backlash over high prices and limited supply, affecting consumer options and market dynamics.
It’s well-known that stores are offering RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs at prices significantly higher than their suggested retail prices (MSRP). Buyers of the RTX 5070 Ti are now accusing companies like Asus of manipulating prices to align with Nvidia’s review embargo rules. The official launch date for the RTX 5070 Ti is February 20th, but reviews for the $749 MSRP cards are set to be released on February 19th. Despite the anticipation, few GPUs are available at this price point.
Review Embargoes and Price Manipulation
The embargo on reviews for the more expensive RTX 5070 Ti cards will lift on February 20th. This might not sound like much, but the initial reviews tend to capture the most attention. VideoCardz.com pointed out that similar price tactics helped draw attention to other RTX 50 series cards. For instance, Asus first listed the RTX 5080 Prime at $999 with standard clock speeds. This pricing allowed the graphics card to be featured in early reviews. Just one week later, though, the price rose to $1265 in Asus’ own store.
Limited Availability and High Prices
Currently, there’s no guaranteed option at the MSRP for the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti unless buyers seek out the Founders Edition. Nvidia has suggested a starting price of $749 for these cards. When customers in the U.S. check listings at Micro Center and Best Buy, the only RTX 5070 Ti that is near that price is a single PNY model. The situation is just as bleak in Europe, where retailers are advertising shockingly high prices for the RTX 5070 Ti.
The Blame Game Continues
The ongoing debate over RTX 5070 Ti prices sees Nvidia facing a lot of the backlash. It’s been reported that one reason EVGA left the GPU market is due to Nvidia making it hard to earn profits on custom cards. A limited supply greatly contributes to the issue, while tariffs compel manufacturers to reconsider their pricing strategies. As always, it’s the consumers who bear the brunt of these challenges.
The initial benchmarks for the RTX 5070 Ti show that its performance is surprisingly close to that of the RTX 5080. Sadly, the idea of paying $250 less for this GPU is becoming increasingly unlikely.
Source:
Link

Tags: ASUS, NVIDIA, RTX 5070 Ti
February 7, 2025
ASUS Launches New Vivobook, Zenbook & V16 Laptops on Feb 13
ASUS is set to unveil three new laptops in India on February 13 at 12 PM. The lineup includes the ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip, ASUS Zenbook 14, and ASUS V16, all equipped with dedicated AI chips, ASUS AI apps, and gaming features enhanced by AI technology.
Powerful Performance
These devices, part of the Copilot+PC series, will be driven by Intel Core Ultra 9 processors (Series 2), delivering impressive performance of up to 47 TOPS for NPU and up to 12 cores and threads. They will also showcase ASUS Lumina OLED screens that can reach up to 3K resolution, a refresh rate of 144Hz, and peak brightness of 600 nits. Specifically for gaming, the ASUS V16 will be fitted with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU.
ASUS V16 Details
While information on the other models is scarce, the ASUS V16 might be the same device that was revealed back in December 2024. This laptop is expected to sport a 16-inch FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1920 x 1080 resolution, and a 16:10 aspect ratio, all housed in a military-grade durable chassis. Internally, it is anticipated to feature either an Intel Core i5-13420H or an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, combined with 8GB or 16GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM, along with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU.
Recent Releases
This announcement follows the recent debut of the ROG Phone 9 FE smartphone and the Zenfone 12 Ultra. The ROG Phone 9 FE comes equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, supported by a 5,500mAh battery and 65W wired charging (15W wireless). In contrast, the Zenfone 12 Ultra features a Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite chip, with the same battery and quick charging, plus an IP68 rating.
Source:
Link
Tags: AI laptops, ASUS, ASUS V16
February 6, 2025
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra: Major Investment in AI Technology
Hot on the heels of the ROG Phone 9 FE announcement, Asus has today introduced the Zenfone 12 Ultra, which is essentially a simplified version of the ROG Phone 9 Pro, lacking the gaming-specific features. This new smartphone opts for a more traditional user experience and takes design elements from the previous year’s Zenfone series.
New AI Features
While the Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with the typical upgrades seen in new models, Asus is putting a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence this time. The main driver of this AI focus is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite chipset, which Asus claims provides a 45% increase in CPU performance, a 40% faster GPU, and a 40% enhancement in NPU capabilities relative to its predecessor. For those who need more power, the device can be configured with as much as 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Advanced Camera Systems
Asus is integrating AI directly into the Zenfone 12 Ultra, which comes with Meta’s Llama 3 8B model pre-installed for various AI tasks. One notable feature is the AI Call Translator 2.0, which offers real-time voice translation within the native Phone app and other VoIP messaging services. The Recorder app also benefits from AI features, including the ability to identify multiple speakers, summarize recordings, and translate audio content.
On the camera side, Asus has replaced the IMX890 sensor with a Sony Lytia-700, complemented by a fourth-generation 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer that is said to improve movement correction by 66%. It includes a 32MP telephoto lens with up to 3x optical and 10-30x HyperClarity zoom, alongside a 120° ultra-wide lens for expansive shots. The front features a 32MP selfie camera with a 90° lens.
Display and Battery Performance
The AI camera functionalities encompass AI Tracking, AI Portrait Video 2.0, and AI Voice Clarity for videos. For photography, users will find AI Magic Fill to eliminate unwanted objects, AI Unblur to sharpen out-of-focus images, AI Panning Shot for dynamic motion blur, and AI HyperClarity that enhances images at 10x zoom.
The Zenfone 12 Ultra boasts a 6.78-inch Samsung E6 OLED display with LTPO technology, allowing refresh rates between 1 and 120Hz, and a special 144Hz mode for gaming. Its brightness can reach an impressive 2,500 nits and it is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Battery life has also been improved with a dual-cell 5,500mAh setup that supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. Asus claims that a complete charge takes only 39 minutes and offers up to 26 hours of usage from a single charge.
Asus has also managed to retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming rare, and enhances audio with Dirac Virtuo for Headphones technology. The Zenfone 12 Ultra is designed with sustainability in mind, using 100% recycled aluminum for its frame and 22% recycled glass for the display. It is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and comes in Sage Green, Ebony Black, and Sakura White.
Pricing and Availability
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is now on sale in Europe, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It is priced at €1,100, but Asus is currently offering an early bird discount, allowing customers to purchase the device for €1,000 until February 28.
Tags: ASUS, Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite, Zenfone 12 Ultra
February 5, 2025
Asus ROG Phone 9 FE Launches with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 at Great Price
Asus has launched the ROG Phone 9 FE, which is a cost-effective option compared to the flagship ROG Phone 9. This new model is now listed on the Asus Thailand website. While it keeps the essential gaming features intact, this version makes thoughtful changes to provide a premium experience without the high cost. Let’s take a closer look at what the FE variant offers to potential buyers.
Key Specs and Features of the Asus ROG Phone 9 FE
The Asus ROG Phone 9 FE comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ Samsung AMOLED LTPO display that supports HDR10+ and can reach brightness levels of up to 2,500 nits. The display can adapt its refresh rate dynamically, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, and can be boosted to 165Hz through system settings or even 185Hz via Game Genie.
Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. Its power source is a robust 5,500mAh battery, which supports 65W wired Quick Charge 5.0 and Qi 1.3 wireless charging capabilities. The device operates on Android 15 with ROG UI, featuring a triple rear camera array that includes a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary sensor with gimbal OIS, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. On the front, users will find a 32-megapixel RGBW camera for selfies.
Gaming and Durability Features
For gaming enthusiasts, the ROG Phone 9 FE includes AirTrigger pressure-sensitive controls and a customizable AniMe Mini-LED (85 dots) matrix on the back. Connectivity options are robust, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. In terms of durability, the device features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for display protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Its dimensions are 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm, and it weighs 225 grams, making it a solid choice for gamers on the go.
Pricing of the Asus ROG Phone 9 FE
The Asus ROG Phone 9 FE is offered in a Phantom Black color scheme for THB 29,990 (approximately $890). Although it does not include the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a larger 5,800mAh battery, or the 512GB storage option available in the standard ROG Phone 9, it still presents an attractive choice for mobile gamers who desire a high-performance device at a more accessible price.
Tags: ASUS, Gaming Smartphone, ROG Phone 9 FE
February 5, 2025
Asus ROG Phone 9 FE Launches as Budget Option to ROG Phone 9 Pro
Asus has introduced the ROG Phone 9 FE, expanding its premium gaming phone lineup. This new device offers a budget-friendly choice for those who love the ROG series, following the launch of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro earlier this year.
Specs and Features
The ROG Phone 9 FE is now available in Thailand. It packs last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is different from the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in its more expensive counterparts. The specifications are quite similar to the standard ROG Phone 9, featuring 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. For photography, it includes a 50 MP IMX890 main camera, a 13 MP ultra-wide camera, a 5 MP macro lens, and a 32 MP front camera for selfies.
Display and Performance
Much like its siblings, the ROG Phone 9 FE comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, boasting a refresh rate that ranges from 120 Hz to an impressive 185 Hz. Additional highlights include dual stereo speakers, a robust 5500 mAh battery, 65 W fast charging support, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The price tag for this device is set at ฿29,990, which is approximately $890. Although the ROG Phone 9 is not available in Thailand, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is priced at ฿29,990 ($1,190), making the ROG Phone 9 FE a more economical choice.
Source:
Link
Tags: ASUS, Gaming Smartphone, ROG Phone 9 FE
February 3, 2025
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Renders Reveal New Camera Design and Colors
It has been several weeks since Asus revealed when it plans to launch its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Zenfone 12 Ultra. Following this announcement, there have been a few leaks and even an official teaser video released by Asus. Now, just days before the launch, a new leak has surfaced, showcasing renders of the phone, giving us our clearest view yet of this Android flagship.
Design Similarities and Changes
The renders shared by Winfuture indicate that the front design of the Zenfone 12 Ultra will resemble that of its predecessor. The phone will feature a centered punch hole for the selfie camera and have very slim bezels around the display. However, on the back, Asus has made some noticeable changes.
Camera Setup and Aesthetics
The Zenfone 12 Ultra will keep the triple camera arrangement similar to the Zenfone 11 Ultra (currently priced at €840.33 on Amazon.de). However, the camera island has been redesigned; it is now wider from side to side but shorter from top to bottom. The glass covering the main 50MP sensor, which includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), appears darker, and the LED flash has been relocated and reshaped into a pill-like form. Additionally, there is an Asus logo featured within the camera island.
The design no longer includes the lines found on the back of the Zenfone 11 Ultra. Moreover, the ASUS Zenfone branding has been shifted from the top right to the center of the device.
Color Options and Build
The Zenfone 12 Ultra will come in three color options: Black, Green, and Light Purple. Based on the renders, the camera island and frame colors will match the phone’s body, unlike the Zenfone 11 Ultra, where the camera island and frame were always black regardless of the phone’s color.
Asus’s new flagship will maintain the placement of buttons and ports from the Zenfone 11 Ultra. The SIM card tray, USB-C port, and audio jack will be located at the bottom, while the buttons will be positioned on the right side of the frame.
Display and Performance Features
The Zenfone 12 Ultra will boast a 6.78” LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 144Hz. Like the ROG Phone 9, it will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, along with options of 8GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
In terms of cameras, the Zenfone 12 Ultra will feature a 32MP front camera, a primary rear camera with a 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor and OIS, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 32MP telephoto camera that includes OIS and 3x optical zoom.
Battery and Software Specs
The Zenfone 12 Ultra will maintain the battery capacity and charging features of its predecessor, with a 5,500mAh battery supporting 65W fast wired charging and 15W fast wireless charging. Additionally, it will have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and will come pre-installed with Android 15.
Source:
Link
Tags: ASUS, Smartphone, Zenfone 12 Ultra
February 2, 2025
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra: Specs and Official Images Leaked Before Launch
Asus has officially announced that the Zenfone 12 Ultra will be released globally on February 6. A recent teaser provided a sneak peek of its front design and highlighted new AI features, including real-time call translation. This teaser also confirmed that the phone will include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming scarce in today’s flagship devices. There are speculations that the phone could share its main hardware with the ROG Phone 9 Pro but will lack the gaming features. A new report from WinFuture.de has disclosed the full specifications and official images of the phone. Keep reading to discover if this device is just a revamped ROG gaming phone or something unique.
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Design and Color Options
The Zenfone 12 Ultra showcases a premium design that differentiates it from Asus’ gaming lineup. While it bears a resemblance to the ROG Phone 9 Pro in terms of form, the camera module has undergone a notable redesign with etched details, such as 50MP, OIS, and gimbal stabilization. Unlike the bold designs of ROG products, the Zenfone 12 Ultra opts for a more elegant appearance. It will come in several color choices, although specific details are still under wraps. Furthermore, the flash module’s positioning sets it apart visually from its ROG counterpart. Leaked images have indicated that the phone will be available in black, green, and pink hues.
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Specifications
The Zenfone 12 Ultra boasts a 6.78-inch Samsung LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2400×1080 and a refresh rate of 120Hz, which can go up to 144Hz during gaming. It runs on a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, available with either 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options reaching up to 512GB UFS 4.0.
In terms of photography, Asus has outfitted this device with a 50-megapixel Sony Lytia 700 sensor, which includes hardware-based gimbal stabilization. There’s also a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 32-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The front camera is a 32-megapixel shooter, which is unchanged from the ROG Phone 9 Pro. A 5,500mAh battery powers the Zenfone 12 Ultra, offering 65W wired charging and 15W Qi wireless charging. It runs Android 15 out of the box and integrates AI functionalities to enhance photography and video capture. Notably, it retains the 3.5mm headphone jack while also featuring IP68 dust and water resistance.
Similarities to the ROG Phone 9 Pro
The Zenfone 12 Ultra shares many similarities with the ROG Phone 9 Pro, including the same display, chipset, RAM, storage, and front camera. However, it stands out with a slightly smaller battery of 5,500mAh (compared to the 5,800mAh of the ROG Phone 9 Pro), a revamped camera module, and the lack of gaming-specific features like AirTriggers. This phone shifts its focus towards camera capabilities and AI-enhanced functionalities, providing a more mainstream option compared to ASUS’ gaming flagship.
Tags: ASUS, ROG Phone 9 Pro, Zenfone 12 Ultra
January 31, 2025
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Teaser Highlights Super-Thin Bezels
Asus has given a sneak peek of the Zenfone 12 Ultra, which is likely to be a rebranding of the ROG Phone 9 Pro. In a brief 15-second video, the company highlighted the smartphone’s ultra-slim bezels, and similar to its ROG counterpart, it has a display with a centered punch-hole.
Features and Design
The teaser also revealed that the Zenfone 12 Ultra will include a headphone jack, a feature that’s becoming increasingly uncommon in high-end smartphones nowadays. Nevertheless, it’s not surprising to see it included in Asus’ new phone, considering the ROG Phone 9 Pro also has this feature.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro provides 32-bit Hi-Res audio support through its 3.5 mm audio jack, and it’s expected that the Zenfone 12 Ultra will offer the same capabilities. For those who prefer wireless sound, the phone is anticipated to retain the aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and aptX HD support from its ROG sibling.
Specifications and Performance
Aside from the display and the 3.5 mm jack, there isn’t much else revealed in the teaser. However, if the Zenfone 12 Ultra indeed turns out to be a rebrand of the ROG Phone 9 Pro, it’s likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This top-of-the-line SoC could be complemented by the advanced cooling system that the ROG phone is known for.
Other likely specifications for the Zenfone 12 Ultra include a 50 MP main camera, along with a 32 MP telephoto and 13 MP ultrawide cameras. It’s also expected to have a 5800 mAh battery with support for 65 W fast charging, plus options for up to 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Asus has not yet revealed the launch date or the pricing for this smartphone, with the ROG Phone 9 Pro currently available on Amazon.
Source:
Link
Tags: ASUS