Is The Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702) a Game-Changer or Just Another Niche Toy?
Asus has always been known for pushing boundaries in the tech world, and their latest offering, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702), is no exception. This innovative device attempts to bridge the gap between laptops and tablets with a foldable 17.3-inch OLED display, offering a versatile experience for both productivity and entertainment. But is it truly a game-changer, or just another pricey niche gadget? We spent some time with the ZenBook 17 Fold to bring you our initial impressions and explore whether this unique device can solve any real-world problems or cater to existing needs.
Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702) Price in India
The ZenBook 17 Fold is priced at a hefty Rs. 3,29,000 in India. While that’s a significant investment, it’s not entirely unreasonable considering the high-end specifications and unique design. Luckily, Asus has announced some compelling pre-booking offers including up to Rs. 40,700 off in exchange for a qualifying laptop, and Rs. 5,000 instant cashback, bringing the price down to a more palatable Rs. 2,84,290. These offers also include a 500GB portable SSD, warranty extension for both the OLED panel and folding mechanism, and accidental damage protection – all valuable additions for this high-end device.
Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702) Design, Specifications, and Features
The ZenBook 17 Fold comes packaged in an elegant, wedge-shaped box that emphasizes the anticipation of unveiling this unique device. Inside, you’ll find the tablet itself, an included 65W USB-PD charger, a separate Bluetooth keyboard, a protective sleeve, and a USB Type-A to Type-C adapter.
Unfolding the ZenBook 17 Fold reveals a massive 17.3-inch, 2560×1920-pixel, 4:3 screen that dominates the user’s vision. While the tablet’s borders appear somewhat thick, they provide a secure grip and act as a subtle barrier to prevent accidental pressure on the screen during folding. The screen’s surface feels soft and pliable, but doesn’t evoke the same anxiety about damage that other foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold might inspire.
The ZenBook 17 Fold offers a range of usage modes, including a tablet mode, a book mode with a slightly bent screen, and a classic laptop mode with a magnetically attached keyboard. The keyboard unit snaps in place over the bottom half of the screen creating a roughly 12.5-inch, 1920×1280 display area. If you prefer, the keyboard can be detached, allowing you to use the full screen in a curved portrait orientation.
Weighing in at 1.5kg (1.8kg with the keyboard), the ZenBook 17 Fold is surprisingly lightweight for a device with a 17-inch screen. The keyboard layout is standard with decent key travel and spacing, but its position and height might feel awkward over extended periods. The trackpad is comfortable and responsive, but the keyboard unit’s inherent flexibility may be a concern, and the need for wired charging via USB Type-C cable is surprising, especially given the lack of contact points. The absence of a stylus is another surprising omission.
The ZenBook 17 Fold is a thick, chunky device when closed, making it feel more like carrying a hefty encyclopedia than a sleek laptop. The hinge housing acts as an extra protective shell, while the rear surfaces are made of glass and metal. The screen curves in the middle and doesn’t fold completely flat, but the magnetically attached keyboard creates a seamless, gapless sandwich when placed between the screen halves, ensuring a secure and damage-free experience.
Asus has subjected the ZenBook 17 Fold to rigorous testing, claiming it can withstand 30,000 open-and-close cycles, exceeding even military toughness standards. The device is also designed to resist vibrations, shocks, humidity, and extreme temperatures. The visible crease down the middle of the unfolded display is noticeable at certain angles, but its prominence depends on the content being displayed and may not be a significant distraction for most users.
ZenBook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702) Performance and Features
Underneath the hood, the ZenBook 17 Fold packs a powerful punch with a 12th generation ‘Alder Lake’ Core i7-1250U CPU featuring two performance cores and eight efficiency cores, along with integrated Iris XE graphics. An active cooling system is necessary to manage the heat generated by this powerful processor, but the strategically positioned vents are designed to never be blocked, regardless of the mode in which the device is used. The same careful placement applies to the quad speakers and two Thunderbolt ports, ensuring easy access in any configuration.
The ZenBook 17 Fold is powered by a 75Wh battery and can even be charged using a 65W USB-PD power bank for added convenience. The 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM is soldered for reliable performance, while the internal storage utilizes a standard 1TB PCie 4.0 M.2 SSD module. Although this SSD is upgradable, Asus discourages users from attempting to open the device for upgrades. Other notable features include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 5-megapixel webcam.
While the ZenBook 17 Fold’s hardware specifications are impressive, the real question is how it performs in real-world scenarios. Will it truly be a productive work tool or just a novelty device? Can it seamlessly blend the power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet? Can it provide a truly immersive entertainment experience? These are the questions that will be answered in our full review, where we’ll put this innovative device through a comprehensive battery of tests to determine its true potential.
Is the ZenBook 17 Fold a Game-Changer or Just a Toy?
The Asus ZenBook 17 Fold represents a bold step into a future where foldable devices might become commonplace. It is a compelling concept, offering a unique combination of versatility and portability. However, it’s a relatively expensive and undeniably bulky device, ultimately requiring a significant financial investment and an adjustment in user habits.
Its success ultimately hinges on whether users find its unique features and functionalities truly beneficial in their everyday lives. Does the ZenBook 17 Fold solve a real need or simply add another option to an already crowded market? Only time, user reviews, and long-term testing will tell.
Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for our full review of the Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702), where we’ll delve into its performance, user experience, and overall value.
