Exploring the Potential of Asus' Latest Dual-Screen ZenBook for Work Travel

Having a penchant for dual-display gadgets, my excitement was palpable when I encountered Asus’ latest ZenBook Duo recently. Sporting substantial updates, the device now includes a reinforced construction, a more robust kickstand, an improved hinge mechanism, and an expansive battery, all within a more compact frame.

The 2026 iteration of the Asus ZenBook Duo boasts dual 14-inch OLED touch displays with a crisp resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels (2.8K), featuring a fluid 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness that reaches 1,000 nits for supported HDR visuals. Both screens adhere to a 16:10 aspect ratio, akin to Apple's M4 MacBook Air displays.

Asus has minimized the bezels near the hinge this year, achieving a striking 93% screen-to-body ratio that enhances the viewing experience. Although a thicker top bezel accommodates the camera with Windows Hello support, the overall display remains remarkably immersive.

Beyond visual upgrades, Asus has upgraded the detachable Bluetooth keyboard to incorporate a more substantial trackpad and greater key travel distance. Although my typing time was limited, it promises improved comfort compared to the previous model.

Constructed from Asus’ patented Ceraluminum, the ZenBook Duo (2026) offers a surface that resists scratches, wear, and smudges while managing weight efficiently. It weighs 1.65 kg and measures 14.6 mm in thickness, though its maximum thickness is slightly increased due to refinement in the hinge design.

Under the hood, the ZenBook Duo (2026) offers two configurations: one with an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor equipped with a 48 TOPs NPU, and another featuring the more powerful Core Ultra 9 386H chip with a 50 TOPs NPU. Both models come with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD.

The previous-generation ZenBook Duo was impressive but struggled with battery longevity, a shortfall addressed in the 2026 model with a significant upgrade to a 99Whr battery from the earlier 75Whr. This, combined with more energy-efficient processors, should result in notable improvements in battery life.

Connectivity is well-served with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and an audio jack. Wireless connectivity is top-notch with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The enhanced audio system comprises two front-firing tweeters and four woofers, positioning the ZenBook Duo (2026) as a formidable all-rounder for media consumption and productivity alike.

While I have a preference for the sleekest, most lightweight laptops for mobility, the advancements in thinner design, upgraded display features, and enhanced battery capacity make the ZenBook Duo (2026) a compelling candidate for replacing my current travel laptop.