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Notebook Review

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401IH Review: Compact Gaming with Practical Balance

September 08, 2020 By Notebook Center Editorial Team ASUS
Summary: A 14-inch gaming laptop with Ryzen 5 4600HS, GeForce GTX 1650, and a 120 Hz Full HD display in a 1.6 kg chassis.

Editor note: This review is an original English adaptation prepared by Notebook Center from the source material published on Notebook-Center.ru.

Overview

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401IH is a compact 14-inch gaming laptop focused on users who want portability without giving up practical gaming speed. In the source configuration, it combines an AMD Ryzen 5 4600HS processor with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, a 120 Hz Full HD panel, and a relatively light 1.6 kg chassis.

Technical Specifications

ComponentDetails
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 5 4600HS, 3000 MHz
Memory8 GB DDR4, 4266 MHz
Storage512 GB SSD
Display14-inch, 1920x1080 Full HD, IPS, matte
GraphicsAMD Radeon RX Vega 6 + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB GDDR6
WirelessWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.0
AudioSmart AMP, 4 speakers
Ports2x USB 3.2, 2x USB Type-C/DisplayPort, HDMI, combo audio jack
WebcamNot available
Battery4-cell Li-Ion, 4800 mAh
Size and weight324x222x18 mm, 1.6 kg
Operating systemDOS

Design and Build

The laptop uses a compact body with a clean gamer style and thin display bezels. The measured footprint and 18 mm profile make it easier to carry than many larger gaming models, so it can fit both desk and travel use.

Display and Audio

The 14-inch IPS display runs at 1920x1080 with a 120 Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync support in the source review, helping motion look smoother in games. The panel is also described with close to full sRGB coverage and Pantone certification. Audio is handled by a four-speaker Smart AMP setup, which is a notable strength for this class. A key compromise is that this configuration has no webcam.

Keyboard and Input

Even with the 14-inch format, the keyboard is described as comfortable for regular typing and gaming sessions. The layout includes quick-access hotkeys for key system controls and ASUS gaming utilities.

Performance and Gaming

With Ryzen 5 4600HS and GeForce GTX 1650, the notebook is positioned for mainstream gaming rather than maximum graphics presets in every title. The source test notes playable frame rates in modern games, including around 42-46 fps in Horizon Zero Dawn and Hunt Showdown on high settings, and around 45-55 fps in Gears Tactics and Death Stranding at native resolution.

Ports and Battery

Connectivity includes HDMI, two USB 3.2 ports, two USB Type-C ports, and a combo audio jack, plus modern Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless support. There is no LAN port and no card reader. Battery life in the source test is about 1.5 hours under heavy gaming load and around 4-5 hours in balanced everyday use.

Verdict

The Zephyrus G14 GA401IH is a practical pick for users who want a lighter gaming notebook with a fast 120 Hz display and solid mid-range performance. Its main strengths are mobility, screen smoothness, and balanced hardware; the main compromises are the missing webcam, missing card reader, and limited battery endurance in demanding gaming workloads.