Tag: ASUS

  • Asus Launches 4G Chromebooks with 360-Degree Hinge and Durability

    Asus Launches 4G Chromebooks with 360-Degree Hinge and Durability

    There is no doubt that a significant number of laptop users, particularly students, have very basic performance needs from their devices. For these individuals, Chromebooks, despite their limitations, can be a practical option. Asus seems to recognize this market and has introduced the CR series of budget-friendly Chromebooks, which emphasize strong build quality.

    Display Options and Features

    The laptops come in two sizes: 11.6 inches and 12.2 inches, both featuring a 16:10 aspect ratio and touch support. There will also be convertible variants, and others will include 180-degree hinges that enable lay-flat use. As expected from a Chromebook, high performance is not a key focus, and these models will be powered by a maximum of a 6-watt Intel N250 processor, which has a four-core, four-thread setup and can reach a boost frequency of 3.8 GHz.

    Performance and Connectivity

    That being said, for everyday light tasks, the Intel N250 should perform adequately. LTE connectivity is available, along with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth capabilities. Users can opt for up to 16 GB of RAM and 128 GB of eMMC storage. While the RAM is sufficient for most needs, the storage options leave much to be desired. The range of ports is fairly good, featuring dual USB-C, dual USB-A, HDMI 1.4b, an audio jack, and a Kensington lock. Asus also mentions that the keyboard is spill-resistant, which is a nice touch.

    Pricing and Availability

    As of now, there is no information regarding the pricing or release date, but further details should surface soon. Given the specifications, it is reasonable to anticipate that the Asus CR series of Chromebooks will be quite budget-friendly.

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  • Asus ROG Phone 9: New Budget Model Coming Soon

    Asus ROG Phone 9: New Budget Model Coming Soon

    It has been just a few months since Asus revealed their ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro, the most recent additions to their gaming smartphone lineup. However, rumors suggest that a new model is on the horizon, likely to be more budget-friendly based on its name and model number.

    New Model Emerges

    The new device, identified as the ROG Phone 9 FE, has been found in the databases of Malaysia and Thailand, similar to the FCC in the U.S. The “FE” in its name seems to echo Samsung’s Galaxy FE series, which is known for its affordable options, indicating that Asus might be aiming for a similar market segment.

    Similarities to Previous Models

    The model number for this phone is AI2401_N, which closely resembles the model numbers for the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro that were released last year. This similarity leads to speculation that the ROG Phone 9 FE could be a rebranded version of one of those previous models. For reference, the ROG Phone 9 series is designated with the model number AI2501.

    Given that the ROG Phone 9 series starts at a hefty $999.99 for the standard version and $1,199.99 for the Pro variant, many fans would appreciate a more cost-effective option. Nonetheless, since the specific features of the ROG Phone 9 FE are not yet revealed, it’s wise to keep expectations in check.

    Anticipating the Launch

    More information about the ROG Phone 9 FE is likely to emerge as the launch date approaches. Although the exact announcement date is still uncertain, Asus has an event planned for February 6, where they intend to showcase the Zenfone 12 Ultra. There’s a possibility that the ROG Phone 9 FE could also be unveiled during that event.

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  • ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090: 32GB GDDR7 Card Weight Explained

    ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090: 32GB GDDR7 Card Weight Explained

    It’s evident from various videos and images of the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 OC Edition that it is a formidable piece of hardware. The official dimensions are listed as 357.6 x 149.3 x 76 mm, or 14.1 x 5.9 x 3 inches, which is significantly larger than Nvidia’s RTX 5090 FE, measured at 304 x 137 x 48 mm, or 11.9 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches. Recently, a video surfaced on Bilibili, shared by @harukaze5719, showcasing the impressive size of the upcoming Astral GeForce RTX 5090.

    Weight and Considerations

    The video shows that the card weighs in at an astonishing 3.042 kg, eventually stabilizing at 3.040 kg, translating to about 6.7 pounds. For context, the World Health Organization states that the average weight for a female newborn is 3.2 kg (7 lbs.), while a male averages around 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs.). PC builders might want to really consider the implications of incorporating an Astral GeForce RTX 5090 into their systems since its considerable weight adds to various factors, such as its overall size and hefty power needs (Asus suggests a 1,000-W PSU to adequately support this demanding component).

    Pricing Speculation

    As for the cost, the exact price for this custom GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card hasn’t been disclosed yet. However, there are suggestions that the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 could retail for approximately $2,500 or perhaps even more. For comparison, the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 is currently listed for $2,899 on Amazon. Nvidia’s FE variant starts at $1,999, so it’s reasonable to expect that the additional premium features will add several hundred dollars to the price tag. The 3.8-slot Astral GeForce RTX 5090 boasts an impressive memory speed of 28 Gbps and features a quad-fan setup, a phase change GPU thermal pad, and a patented vapor chamber to effectively manage its high operating temperatures.

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  • ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE Global Launch Soon with Key Certifications

    ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE Global Launch Soon with Key Certifications

    Asus seems to be broadening its ROG Phone 9 lineup with an additional variant, the ROG Phone 9 FE, which might be a more budget-friendly “Fan Edition.” Recent certifications from Malaysia (SIRIM) and Thailand (NBTC) have uncovered the model number “ASUS_AI2401_N,” indicating that it exists and could be launched in those areas shortly. This model number was also spotted earlier on the GSMA certification website.

    Certification Details

    The SIRIM certification for the Asus ROG Phone 9 FE and the NBTC certification both confirm its upcoming release. While there is still a lack of concrete details, there’s speculation that the ROG Phone 9 FE could share features with the ROG Phone 8, as their model numbers are quite similar (the ROG Phone 8 is identified as AI2501C). This leads to the expectation that the ROG Phone 9 FE might be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip that powers the rest of the ROG Phone 9 range. Hence, the FE variant is likely to offer slightly lower performance to maintain a more affordable price.

    Expected Features

    Asus is anticipated to keep the hallmark features of the ROG Phone in the FE model, including the AirTrigger button, AeroActive cooling accessories, and sophisticated heat dissipation technologies. It will be intriguing to find out whether the device will include the Anime vision display on its back. If it turns out to be a precise duplicate of the ROG Phone 8, we can expect it to come equipped with the following specifications.

    ROG Phone 8 Specifications

    The ASUS ROG Phone 8 boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ Samsung E6 AMOLED display featuring a refresh rate of 1-165Hz, a peak brightness of 2500 nits, and protection from Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The camera system includes a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with gimbal stabilization, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, a 32MP telephoto lens with OIS, and a 32MP front-facing camera.

    It is equipped with a 5500mAh battery supporting 65W HyperCharge and 15W wireless charging. In terms of connectivity, it features Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. For environmental protection, it holds an IP68 water resistance certification.


  • Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Leak: Flagship Chipset & 16GB RAM Details

    Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Leak: Flagship Chipset & 16GB RAM Details

    Asus has recently announced the existence of the Zenfone 12 Ultra after the global launch of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro. However, this new model, which follows last year’s Zenfone 11 Ultra (currently priced at $899.99 on Amazon), is not set to be released immediately. The company has confirmed that the official unveiling is scheduled for February 6 during a special event.

    Device Specifications

    In the meantime, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has been listed on Geekbench with the model number ‘ASUSAI2501H’. The benchmarks show that Asus will be using the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for this device, which is also the same processor found in the ROG Phone 9 lineup. Furthermore, the smartphone will offer configurations with up to 16 GB of RAM. It’s likely that there will be a more affordable version with 12 GB of RAM, just like the Zenfone 11 Ultra and the ROG Phone 9 have.

    Performance Expectations

    According to the available listings, the Zenfone 12 Ultra should deliver performance that aligns with other Snapdragon 8 Elite devices we’ve evaluated. This means it is expected to achieve around 3,000 points in Geekbench 6.3’s single-core test and nearly 9,500 points in the multi-core test. If the performance trends of the ROG Phone 9 series hold true, the Zenfone 12 Ultra will also feature a larger battery and a faster display than its predecessor upon its launch next month.

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  • ASUS and Zepto: Get Premium Peripherals Delivered Fast in India

    ASUS and Zepto: Get Premium Peripherals Delivered Fast in India

    To cater to the needs of today’s consumers in India, ASUS is tapping into the booming quick commerce sector. The company is partnering with Zepto, a well-known player in this field, to offer speedy delivery of select premium accessories and peripherals.

    ASUS and Zepto Team Up for Fast Delivery

    On January 15, 2025, the Taiwanese technology leader revealed its collaboration with Zepto, a rapid delivery service. This initiative will enable ASUS to send out accessories such as mice and keyboards within minutes to key cities including NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. With this partnership, premium peripherals will now be at your doorstep in no time.

    Available Accessories

    The selection of available products features the ASUS Marshmallow Keyboard KW100 (offered in Oat Milk and Green Tea Latte colors), ASUS Marshmallow Mouse MD100 (available in Blue and Gray), ASUS MW203 Multi Device Wireless Silent Mouse in Black, and the ASUS T300 Mouse in Black. Interestingly, over 30 percent of urban consumers in India have started using quick commerce platforms like Zepto for purchasing tech items.

    Future Plans for Expansion

    ASUS is utilizing Zepto to enhance its market presence. With metro cities being key areas for quick delivery services, having prompt access to essential accessories is beneficial for consumers. According to the official statement, this partnership marks ASUS’s entry into the world of quick commerce. In the future, the company also aims to collaborate with other popular platforms like BlinkIt and Instamart. This means that soon, you can look forward to finding ASUS products on all major quick delivery applications.

  • Asus Zenfone Smartphone Coming Soon with Two Major Upgrades

    Asus Zenfone Smartphone Coming Soon with Two Major Upgrades

    Asus has recently showcased a range of new gadgets this month, bringing a large selection of ROG, Vivobook, and Zenbook devices to CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The company has now officially announced plans to refresh the Zenfone line, introducing a direct successor to last year’s Zenfone 11 Ultra (currently priced at $899.99 on Amazon).

    Upcoming Unveiling

    Details about the new device are still under wraps, including its design. However, Asus has stated that the full reveal of the Zenfone 12 Ultra will take place on February 6, with an event set to kick off at 06:30 UTC. The teaser image suggests that the Zenfone 12 Ultra will support shooting 4K videos for long durations, complete with autofocus and subject tracking features. Other specific technical aspects of the device are yet to be confirmed.

    Expectations Based on Previous Models

    That said, we can make some assumptions about the Zenfone 12 Ultra by looking at its predecessor. In essence, Asus based the Zenfone 11 Ultra on the ROG Phone 8. Therefore, it’s likely that the Zenfone 12 Ultra will inherit nearly all specifications from the ROG Phone 9, which we reviewed not long ago. It features a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen that boasts a 185 Hz refresh rate and over 1,600 nits of brightness across the full panel. For more information on what to expect from Asus’ upcoming Zenfone, check out our ROG Phone 9 review.

    Asus is clearly making strides in the smartphone market with these upcoming releases.

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  • Asus NUC 14 Pro AI+: Unique E-Ink Display and Stunning Design

    Asus NUC 14 Pro AI+: Unique E-Ink Display and Stunning Design

    Asus has unveiled the NUC 14 Pro AI+ mini-PC, presenting yet another version of a similar device that was first introduced at the end of December. Like the NUC 14 Pro AI, this new model is powered by Intel Lunar Lake processors, including the Core Ultra 7 258V and Core Ultra 9 288V. However, the NUC 14 Pro AI+ comes with several additional features that the standard model lacks.

    Design Differences

    One key difference is the NUC 14 Pro AI+’s translucent casing, which sets it apart from the solid black design of the standard NUC 14 Pro AI and its Intel Meteor Lake-based version, currently priced at $779 on Amazon. However, the bottom of the device maintains a simple black appearance, contrasting with the top.

    Unique Features

    In addition, Asus has incorporated an opaque top panel that houses an E-Ink display. This display allows for various customization options through a built-in app. It’s said that the content on this screen remains visible even when the device is powered off, and it does not emit harmful blue light.

    Connectivity and Pricing

    The mini-PC also includes modern connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.4, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and M.2 2280 NVMe storage. Sadly, Asus has yet to announce when the NUC 14 Pro AI+ will hit the market or its pricing details. For further information, check the company’s official website.

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  • ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Global Launch on February 6 with AI Features

    ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Global Launch on February 6 with AI Features

    ASUS introduced the Zenfone 11 Ultra in March of the previous year. Now, the new model, the Zenfone 12 Ultra, has been spotted in the IMEI database during the third quarter of last year. The company has officially announced that the launch will take place on February 6th at 14:30 (GMT+8), which is a month ahead of the previous model.

    AI Enhancements for Photography

    The tagline “Zenfone 12 Ultra unlocks the power of AI” was highlighted in a teaser from ASUS, indicating that artificial intelligence will play a key role in enhancing photography. It will be curious to see how much this new model improves on its predecessor in this area.

    The teaser image also suggests capabilities like 4K video recording and a potential focus-tracking feature for videos. Moreover, it appears there will be numerous new features added and a general enhancement in image quality.

    A Shift in Design Philosophy

    ASUS has moved away from the small Zenfone designs that were common until last year. The company is clearly leaning towards larger, feature-rich devices for the future. Although specific details about the Zenfone 12 Ultra are still unknown, it’s likely that ASUS will continue to share more teasers as the launch date approaches.

    Looking Ahead

    For those who are keen on speculating, it’s important to remember that the Zenfone 11 Ultra was largely a rebranded version of the ROG Phone 8. If ASUS uses a similar approach this time, the Zenfone 12 Ultra may share a lot of features with the recently launched ROG Phone 9.

    The ROG Phone 9 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which can be combined with up to 24GB of RAM and an impressive 1TB of storage, making it a powerhouse in performance. It’s uncertain whether ASUS will keep these specifications for the Zenfone 12 Ultra or introduce something new.

    Sadly, the Zenfone 11 Ultra did not reach the Indian market, although the ROG Phone 8 Pro launched with an initial price of Rs 94,999. It remains to be seen if the Zenfone 12 Ultra will follow a similar trajectory.


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  • Asus Zenbook A14: The MacBook Air Rival We’ve All Been Waiting For

    Asus Zenbook A14: The MacBook Air Rival We’ve All Been Waiting For

    At CES 2025, Asus introduced the Zenbook A14, a sleek ultraportable laptop aimed at rivaling Apple’s Macbook Air. With its unique features, eye-catching design, and competitive cost, the Zenbook A14 stands out as a strong contender in the ultraportable laptop arena. Asus has designed a machine that focuses on being portable, delivering solid performance, and offering excellent battery longevity, which makes it a great choice for professionals, students, and those who travel frequently.

    Design and Build Quality

    The Zenbook A14 is notably lightweight, tipping the scales at just 0.98 kilograms, which is much lighter than the Apple Macbook Air, which weighs around 1.24 kilograms. This laptop utilizes a cutting-edge material known as Ceraluminum, a blend of ceramic and aluminum that guarantees strength while keeping the body both light and pleasant to touch.

    It laptop is available in two stylish colors: Iceland Gray and Zabriskie Beige. The natural matte finish helps resist fingerprints and scratches, ensuring it looks good even with regular use. Furthermore, the device undergoes extensive testing for real-world toughness. It is put through scratch resistance, shock resistance, and wear-and-tear assessments to make sure it keeps its fresh look, no matter how it’s handled day-to-day. Additionally, the hinge mechanism allows for easy one-handed opening, a small yet valued feature that is usually seen in higher-end laptops.