Insider Spotlight
The new Zenbook lineup highlights ASUS’ strategy to capture demand for AI-ready PCs among professionals and creators. Powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 chips and neural processing units reaching up to 50 TOPS, the devices are designed for multitasking and on-device AI workloads.
“These are intentional upgrades to reshape the premium AI PC market. We redefine what ‘premium’ means when it comes to laptops by solving real-life problems and empowering real people. With the 2026 Zenbook series, ASUS promises seamless integration and performance in the AI era,” Harrison Cheng, ASUS business development manager, said in a press statement on March 25, 2026.
What’s new
The Zenbook DUO leads the lineup with dual 14-inch OLED touchscreens, 144Hz refresh rates, and five usage modes aimed at productivity. It is priced at P179,995, positioning it firmly in the premium tier.
The Zenbook S14, priced at P129,995, focuses on portability with a 1.1 cm thin chassis and 1.2 kg weight, while maintaining similar AI capabilities and battery endurance of up to 27 hours.
Why it matters
The launches reflect a broader industry shift toward AI PCs, where built-in NPUs enable features like real-time assistance, automation, and enhanced productivity without relying heavily on cloud computing.
ASUS is betting that Filipino consumers, particularly professionals and hybrid workers, are ready to upgrade to devices that support emerging AI workflows.
Zoom in
The Zenbook A16, still set to arrive, signals ASUS’ expansion into ARM-based computing with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip and an 80 TOPS NPU. The tech giant claims significantly faster AI processing and competitive performance gains over rivals.
Bottom line
With premium pricing, advanced AI hardware, and differentiated designs like dual screens, ASUS is positioning its Zenbook line as a frontrunner in the Philippines’ emerging AI PC segment. —Vanessa Hidalgo |Ed: Corrie S.. Narisma
