[09:12 Mon,6.July 2026 � by Thomas Richter] ��� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ASUS is launching the next generation of its dual-screen laptop with the Zenbook DUO (2026), which features several interesting improvements such as a more powerful processor and a brighter display—flanked by the significantly lighter 16" Zenbook A16 model. Both devices are available now. ![]() Asus Zenbook DUO Asus Zenbook DUOThe main highlight of the ![]() Modes of the Asus Zenbook DUO A new MagLatch docking system with retractable pogo pins allows for switching between working modes—laptop, dual-monitor, desktop, or sharing—enabling the detachable Bluetooth keyboard to be docked magnetically and without tools. The hidden kickstand has also been redesigned to ensure stability in all configurations. The entire chassis is made from ASUS&s proprietary Ceraluminum material, which promises greater stability at a lower weight. Under the hood, it features either an Intel Core Ultra X9 (Series 3) with an integrated Arc GPU and an NPU with up to 50 TOPS—the total platform reaches up to 180 TOPS. For video editing, color grading, or other compute-intensive creator workflows, the improved cooling should be particularly interesting: ASUS mentions ventilation slots with three times the surface area compared to the previous generation and larger fan blades (97 instead of the previous smaller design). The TDP has been increased by 28 percent to 45 watts, which is intended to provide more constant clock rates under sustained load without the fan spinning excessively high. The system is powered by a dual battery with a total capacity of 99 Wh. ![]() Modes of the Asus Zenbook DUO ASUS has also upgraded the audio: A Dolby Atmos system with six speakers, including dual-membrane woofers and front-firing tweeters integrated into the hinge, is designed to provide richer sound than the previous model. Practical for collaboration: The ScreenXpert software automatically detects when the lid is opened beyond 175 degrees and then displays sharing and annotation tools for cross-screen use—for example, when both displays are to be used as one continuous wide monitor. ![]() Asus Zenbook DUO What has been improved compared to the predecessor?The most important improvements of the ASUS Zenbook Duo Local AI performance is also set to increase significantly: While the 2025 model with Core Ultra 9 285H offers an NPU with up to 13 TOPS, the 2026 Zenbook Duo comes with Panther Lake processors, depending on the configuration, with up to 50 NPU TOPS or up to 180 platform TOPS. In addition, the top-tier configuration includes more powerful integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics. ![]() Asus Zenbook DUO Other practical changes concern the design: The new MagLatch system with retractable pogo pins is intended to connect the detachable keyboard more stably and reliably. At the same time, the battery grows from 75 to 99 Wh, which should be particularly relevant in dual-screen operation. The performance limit specified by ASUS also increases from up to 35 to up to 45 watts.
Zenbook A16: Lightweight with SnapdragonIn parallel, ASUS is launching the ![]() Asus Zenbook A16 ASUS Zenbook A16: 16 inches, Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, and only 1.2 kgWith the Zenbook A16 (UX3607OA), ASUS is expanding its highly mobile Copilot+ notebooks with a large 16-inch model. Despite the comparatively large display, the device weighs only about 1.2 kg according to ASUS, aiming to bridge the gap between an ultra-portable work device and a large-format OLED notebook. The 16-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display has a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels in 16:10 format, operates at up to 120 Hz, and reaches a typical brightness of 500 nits and up to 1,100 nits HDR peak brightness according to specifications. This should make the Zenbook A16 interesting not only for office and web applications but also for media playback and mobile image editing—at least where particularly high GPU performance is not required. Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme with 80-TOPS NPUIn the top configuration, ASUS relies on Qualcomm&s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. The ARM processor offers 18 cores, an integrated Adreno GPU, and a Hexagon NPU with up to 80 TOPS. This allows the Zenbook A16 to meet the requirements for Microsoft&s Copilot+ PC class and can be used for local AI functions as well as AI-supported workflows. ASUS positions the model accordingly as a particularly powerful Snapdragon notebook; however, as with all ARM Windows devices, it remains relevant for classic Windows applications whether programs are available natively for ARM64 or run via emulation. Lightweight Ceraluminum chassis and 70 Wh batteryAccording to ASUS, the chassis is made of Ceraluminum, a ceramic-like treated aluminum material that is said to be more resistant to scratches, wear, and fingerprints. A smudge-free coating is also used. Depending on the configuration, features include up to 48 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, Wi-Fi 7, and an audio system with up to six speakers and Dolby Atmos support. The battery has a capacity of 70 Wh. ASUS claims a battery life of over 21 hours for the Zenbook A16, though this was measured under their own test conditions with reduced display brightness and a specific usage scenario. In practice, the battery life will therefore vary significantly depending on brightness, wireless connection, app mix, and ARM compatibility. For users looking for the lightest possible 16-inch notebook with a large OLED display, long battery life, and local AI acceleration, the Zenbook A16 is an unusually mobile work device. For GPU-intensive creative applications or software without native ARM support, however, one should check more carefully how well the required programs run on Windows on ARM. Availability and WarrantyThe Asus Zenbook DUO and A16 models are available now. Price for the Zenbook A16: From approx. 1,997 euros in the German market (Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, 48 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD). deutsche Version dieser Seite: Neues Asus Zenbook DUO - zwei 14"-OLED-Displays werden ausgeklappt zu 20" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||






