Intel Arc A370M debut: Asus ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD 2-in-1 review

The latest Asus Zenbook Flip 15 Q539 succeeds the older Zenbook Flip 15 Q538 that shipped with 11th gen Intel Core U-series CPUs and the GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q GPU. The newer Zenbook model utilizes a very similar chassis with just minor external changes, but it’s the internal updates that have our attention. Asus has equipped the 2022 model with a 12th gen Core i7-12700H CPU and a discrete Intel Arc A370M GPU whereas most other convertible laptops only come with Core U-series CPUs and integrated graphics.

The performance boost should be extreme when compared to older generation models as a result at least in terms of processor performance. The Asus also happens to be one the first widely available models with an Intel Arc A370M. The 30 W GPU is meant to be an alternative to the GeForce MX series and a faster solution to the now popular integrated Iris Xe series.

Alternatives to the Zenbook Flip 15 Q539 include other 15. 6-inch or 16-inch convertibles like the HP Envy x360 15 , HP Spectre x360 15 , LG Gram 16 2-in-1 , Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 15 , or Lenovo Yoga C740-15 . Our test unit can be found online for a retail price of $1400 USD.

More Asus reviews: Asus utilizes very similar aluminum alloy chassis materials across most of its Zenbook models including the Zenbook Flip 15 Q539. Thus, the smooth matte blue exterior will look and feel instantly familiar if you’ve ever held a newer Zenbook Pro 14 or Zenbook Pro 15 . A unique superficial feature of the Zenbook Flip 15 Q539/538 is the chrome-cut edges and corners that aren’t present on other Zenbook models.

Chassis rigidity is excellent from top to bottom. The lid in particular is less prone to warping than on both the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 15 or LG Gram 16 2-in-1 for a rigidity level that’s similar to the XPS 15 or HP Spectre x360 series. Pushing down on the keyboard center still warps the surface slightly more than on the aforementioned Dell or HP system, but it’s nothing major.

In terms of size and weight, the ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD is nearly identical to the last generation ZenBook Flip 15 UX563FD despite all the external and internal differences. The newer model is able to offer significantly faster performance without needing to be larger or heavier than its predecessor. Users looking for something lighter and more travel-friendly can consider the LG Gram 16 2-in-1 or Galaxy Book Pro 360 15, but these alternatives come equipped with slower Core U-series CPUs and no dedicated graphics.

Port options have changed significantly from the older ZenBook Flip 15 UX563FD. The integrated HDMI port and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports in particular are great to see for connecting a host of accessories and external monitors. Port positioning is questionable, however, as the two Thunderbolt ports and 3.

5 audio jack are all packed very closely together along the right edge where an external mouse would usually be. The power button is also nearby and so it can be easy to accidentally put the laptop to sleep. Interestingly, there is a huge discrepancy between AS SSD and real-world results when testing our UHS-II MicroSD card.

While the benchmark claims a sequential read rate of over 253 MB/s, files would only transfer at 67 MB/s from our test card to desktop. Moving 1 GB of pictures from card to desktop would take just over 15 seconds compared to half that on the XPS 15. The older Zenbook Flip 15 Q538 series would integrate a full-size SD reader instead of a MicroSD one.

An Intel AX211 comes standard for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5. 2 connectivity. Though receives rates are excellent on our 6 GHz network, transmit rates aren’t as stable as we would like even after multiple retests.

The integrated webcam is only 720p whereas alternative models like the Razer Blade 15 are shipping with higher resolution 1080p webcams. Windows Hello is supported and the webcam can be disabled for privacy concerns with the F10 key. The bottom panel requires both a T5 Torx wrench and Philips screwdriver to remove.

Annoyingly, the model hides two screws underneath the rubber feet that must be removed as well. Owners are granted direct access to the single M. 2 2280 slot and internal battery while the WLAN and RAM modules are soldered.

There are no extras in the box other than the paperwork and AC adapter. A one-year limited warranty applies if purchased in the US. Key feedback hasn’t changed very much from the previous generation ZenBook 15 UX534FTC or Zenbook Flip 15 UX563FD.

The keys on the ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD feel firmer than the keys on a Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15 while being slightly softer than the keys on the HP Spectre x360 15, HP EliteBook, or LG Gram 16 2-in-1. The typing experience isn’t anything extraordinary if you’ve worked on a consumer laptop before. A three-level keyboard backlight comes standard.

Seven other colors are available other than white as shown below unlike on most other convertible laptops. We find the blue and teal colors to be easier on the eyes than pure white. The clickpad (13 x 7.

5 cm) is slightly smaller than the ones on the LG Gram 16 2-in-1 (13. 2 x 8. 3 cm) or HP Envy x360 15 (12.

5 x 8 cm). The wider length is nonetheless helpful considering the wide 16:9 aspect ratio. Gliding is smooth with only a little bit of sticking at slower speeds for more accurate clicks.

It’s ultra-responsive as well due to the fast 120 Hz refresh rate of the display. Feedback when pressing on clickpads is usually too spongy or light, but the feedback on this Zenbook is actually quite firm and satisfying. The drawback to the firmer click is louder-than-usual clatter when pressed.

Asus advertises a peak brightness of 550 nits, but we are only able to reach just 340 nits on our retail unit even with automatic brightness control disabled and HDR features toggled. There are no BIOS settings related to brightness control, either. We’ve reached out to Asus about the discrepancy and will update this page as necessary.

550 nits would be outstanding to see on this model as most other convertibles typically range between 300 and 350 nits in comparison. We can at least confirm the full DCI-P3 coverage and Pantone validated colors with our own independent measurements. A pulse-width modulation of 240 Hz is present on all brightness levels including the maximum setting.

We suspect that the PWM will disappear if we are able to reach the “true” maximum brightness of 550 nits. The MyAsus software includes features to reduce the intensity of PWM, but they involve dimming the panel even further. Display quality is excellent outside of the aforementioned brightness issues.

The 16:9 3K resolution (2880×1620) is more fitting for a 15. 6-inch form factor in terms of readability compared to 4K. The unique resolution and fast 120 Hz native refresh rate help separate this Zenbook from competing models.

Curiously, the ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD ships with the default refresh rate set to 60 Hz. Users will have to manually change the refresh rate to 120 Hz via Windows or MyAsus to experience the higher refresh rate of the panel. The display is well calibrated out of the box as advertised by the manufacturer.

Average grayscale and color deltaE values sit at 1. 8 and 2. 47, respectively, and so any additional calibration will have only minimal improvements at best.

Outdoor visibility is average at best when under shade as reflections from the glossy display is inevitable. Visibility could have been much better if it were possible to reach the advertised 550 nit brightness. Most 15.

5-inch consumer convertibles top out in the 300 to 350 nit range in comparison. We set our unit to Performance mode via both Windows and the MyAsus software prior to running any benchmarks below for the highest possible scores. It’s highly recommend that owners become familiar with MyAsus as important settings relating to screen refresh rate, fan profiles, display colors, and even OLED care are all toggled here.

CPU performance is one of the fastest of any convertible laptop as nearly all of them run on slower Core U-series processors. Users are essentially getting the raw processing horsepower of a gaming laptop in a convertible form factor. Upgrading from an older 10th gen Core i7-10510U or 11th gen Core i7-1165G7 convertible will entail a multi-thread performance boost of 3x to 4x with our 12th gen Core i7-12700H .

Running CineBench R15 xT in a loop shows good performance sustainability even if the processor in the Asus is slower than the average Core i7-12700H in our database by 5 to 10 percent. Convertible laptops generally have more limited Turbo Boost potential in comparison such as on the LG Gram 16 2-in-1 or older Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX563FD . PCMark results are some of the highest of any convertible especially in the Digital Content Creation subtest where GPU performance is weighted more heavily.

LatencyMon shows minor DPC issues when opening multiple browser tabs on our homepage. 4K video playback at 60 FPS is otherwise smooth with low CPU and GPU utilization and no dropped frames. Our test unit ships with a high-performance SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N PCIe3 M.

2 SSD for sequential read and write rates of over 3000 MB/s each. The drive exhibits no issues sustaining maximum transfer rates for long periods when running DiskSpd in a loop. However, it’s a little disappointing to not have any PCIe4 options since the Zenbook is supposed to be Asus’ premier prosumer series.

The competing LG Gram 16 2-in-1 offers two M. 2 2280 storage slots compared to only one on our Asus. According to 3DMark, the Arc A370M can run 70 to 100 percent faster than the GeForce MX450 or perform similarly to the mobile GTX 1060 in DX12 applications.

In actual games, however, the Intel GPU can sometimes be faster or slower than the GeForce MX450 depending on the title. In our tests, the Arc A370M readily outperforms the MX450 in Final Fantasy XV , Witcher 3 , and Cyberpunk 2077 while the opposite is true on GTA V , DOTA 2 Reborn , or X-Plane . 3DMark is therefore a poor indicator of gaming performance if used as a comparison tool between Arc and Nvidia or Arc and AMD.

Even so, performance is still faster than the integrated Iris Xe 96 EUs across the board. We recommend aiming for a steady 40 FPS in most games instead of 30 or 60 FPS with the Arc A370M as the native refresh rate of the display is 120 Hz. As the Arc 370M is still new and running on early drivers, we expect performance to improve over time as the hardware and drivers mature.

Additional games will be benchmarked and added to the list over time. Fan noise is dependent on the three fan profile modes via the MyAsus software: Performance, Standard, and Whisper. It’s recommended to avoid Performance mode if simply web browsing or video streaming or else fan noise will hover around 31 dB(A) against a silent background of 23 dB(A).

Both internal fans are much more lethargic if on Standard or Whisper mode. Running Witcher 3 on Standard mode would result in a fan noise between 35 and 40 dB(A). If on Performance mode, the fans would jump to 45 dB(A) instead which is much louder than on most other convertible models.

Surface temperatures are cooler on the keyboard when compared to the last generation ZenBook Flip 15 UX563FD even though our newer model utilizes a Core H-series CPU. When running Witcher 3 , for example, hot spots on the top and bottom can reach 33 C and 38 C, respectively, compared to 42 C to 46 C on the UX563FD. Our ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD is able to offer faster performance without necessarily feeling much warmer.

The palm rests and sides of the keyboard remain cooler than the keyboard center for comfortable palms. When running Prime95 to stress the CPU, clock rates would boost to 3. 5 GHz until core temperature reaches 92 C about 25 seconds later.

Thereafter, clock rates would fall to 2. 9 GHz and then finally to 2. 5 GHz in order to maintain a core temperature of 86 C.

CPU power draw can be as high as 80 W during the start of the test before stabilizing at 55 W. Convertibles with slower Core U-series CPUs, such as the LG Gram 16 2-in-1 , would stabilize at just 22 W in comparison. CPU and GPU temperatures would stabilize at 76 C and 72 C, respectively, when running Witcher 3 on Performance mode.

Interestingly, repeating this test on Balanced mode would result in higher core temperatures of 84 C and 81 C with no changes to gaming performance or the GPU board power draw of 31 W. Results are in line with what we observed above when running 3DMark on both Balanced and Performance power profiles. Performance mode is therefore most useful for reducing temperatures at the cost of higher fan noise and not for maximizing raw performance.

Running on battery power limits CPU performance while GPU performance remains the same. A Fire Strike test on batteries would return Physics and Graphics scores of 22206 and 8323 points, respectively, compared to 26723 and 8013 points when on mains. The ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD may be fast, but it comes at the cost of higher power consumption relative to other 15.

6-inch convertibles. Running 3DMark 06 to represent average loads would draw just over 100 W to be over 2x more demanding than the slower Galaxy Book Pro 360 15 , HP Envy x360 15, or last generation Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX563. Nonetheless, users are getting roughly 3x the multi-thread performance over 11th gen Tiger Lake-U and 1.

5x to 2x the performance of Iris Xe 96 EUs and so the uptick in power consumption may be worth it from a performance-per-watt perspective. We’re able to record a maximum consumption of 155 W from the small-medium (~13. 8 x 6.

8 x 2. 4 cm) 150 W AC adapter when both the CPU and GPU are at 100 percent utilization. Battery charge rate will slow when running such demanding loads.

Asus has equipped the model with a larger battery pack than most other convertibles at 96 Wh t o compensate for the demanding CPU and GPU. Owners can expect nearly 9. 5 hours of real-world browsing use to be comparable to the HP Envy x360 15 or older ZenBook Flip 15 UX563FD.

Models like the LG Gram 16 2-in-1 or Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1 can still last for several hours longer. Charging from empty to full capacity is very fast at just over 60 minutes as most laptops typically take around 1. 5 to 2 hours.

Charging via third-party USB-C adapters is supported. The ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD is for performance hunters who want more power than what a traditional 15. 6-inch convertible can offer.

The Core i7-12700H CPU here is quite literally a gaming-class processor stuffed into a 2-in-1 chassis. If your workloads can benefit from the high performance, then this Asus can be an attractive option. As usual, the higher performance comes at the cost of weight and power consumption.

If you have no need for a power-hungry Core H-series CPU, then the much lighter LG Gram 16 2-in-1 or Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 15 should be considered instead. The speedy 12th gen Core H CPU and beautiful 120 Hz 3K OLED touchscreen are more impressive than the new Arc A370M GPU. It’s a lot of performance for the size if you don’t mind the weight.

The touchscreen is another major selling point of the Q539ZD. More specifically, it’s one of the first 15. 6-inch 3K OLED panels in the market with a native 120 Hz refresh rate for both deep colors and an ultra-smooth UI.

The visual experience is currently unavailable on any other 15. 6-inch convertible at the moment. Hopefully, Asus will be able to return our calls about the brightness issues we encountered as the ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD is otherwise a highly recommendable machine.

Our final score will be withheld until we can confirm the brightness of the display. The ZenBook Flip 15 Q539ZD is not yet available on Amazon as of this writing. Best Buy has units in stock starting at $1400 USD as configured in our review.

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