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| Asus Googlebook 14 |
New reviews of the Asus Googlebook 14 and HP Googlebook 14c expose significant image quality issues that undermine their premium OLED displays
The first wave of Googlebooks has arrived, promising premium hardware paired with Google's new operating system. But according to recent testing, these devices are falling short of expectations—particularly when it comes to their highly-touted OLED displays.
A new report from Notebookcheck reveals that despite featuring high-resolution OLED panels with impressive specifications, both the Asus Googlebook 14 and HP Googlebook 14c suffer from significant image quality problems that make them unsuitable for color-critical work.
The sRGB Limitation Problem
Both review units—the HP model with a Snapdragon processor and the Asus model with an Intel chip—are restricted to sRGB color space operation. Even more frustrating, there's no option in the settings to change this, despite the panels' theoretical ability to cover the full P3 color space.
Windows laptops with OLED panels typically offer multiple color profiles for sRGB and P3 out of the box, ensuring accurate color reproduction and allowing users to edit images professionally. This functionality is entirely absent on both Googlebook models, even though capable applications like Adobe Photoshop are available on the platform.
The numbers paint a concerning picture. According to detailed testing, the Asus Googlebook 14 achieved only 71.1% sRGB coverage—a disappointing result for an OLED panel. Color accuracy is also off out of the box, making both machines unsuitable for photo or video editing work.
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| HP Googlebook 14c with a glossy OLED panel |
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| Asus Googlebook 14 with a matte OLED panel |
Asus Googlebook 14: Elevated Black Levels
The Asus Googlebook 14 has an additional problem: a significantly elevated black level that undermines the fundamental advantage of OLED technology. At 0.42 cd/m², the black level is closer to what you'd expect from an IPS panel than an OLED display.
The result is a contrast ratio of just 1,250:1—a figure that Notebookcheck describes as unprecedented for OLED technology. For context, OLED panels typically achieve contrast ratios of infinity:1 thanks to their ability to produce perfect black levels. The elevated black level effectively negates the deep blacks that make OLED displays so desirable.
HP Googlebook 14c: No HDR Support
Meanwhile, the HP Googlebook 14c has a different issue: it currently doesn't support HDR playback at all. This means users can't take advantage of the OLED panel's substantially higher peak brightness. HDR playback does work on the Asus model, but as noted, that device has its own black level problems.
The lack of HDR support on the HP model is particularly frustrating given its 2.8K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The hardware is clearly capable, but software limitations prevent users from accessing the full potential of their display.
Premium Prices, Compromised Performance
Both Googlebooks cost $1,299—a premium price point that demands premium performance. The Asus model earns praise for its sub-1kg build quality, matte OLED coating, and excellent six-speaker audio system. The HP model impresses with its premium metal chassis and Snapdragon X Elite performance. But these hardware achievements are significantly undermined by the display software limitations.
For photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs accurate color reproduction, these devices simply don't deliver. The manufacturers, and Google in particular, need to address these issues urgently. Googlebooks aren't cheap, and at their current price point, they fail to provide the image quality users expect from high-quality OLED screens.
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| Googlebook OS only runs in sRGB mode |
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| Incomplete P3 coverage |
The Bigger Picture
These display problems are part of a broader pattern of software limitations affecting the Googlebook platform. Both reviews note that the devices are restricted to Android apps, with many popular titles unavailable. The operating system, while functional, feels like it's still maturing.
For now, potential buyers should carefully consider whether the beautiful hardware is worth the software compromises. Until Google addresses these display issues, the Googlebook's stunning OLED screens remain more promise than reality.
- Asus Googlebook 14 review (Intel Core Ultra 7 355, OLED)
- HP Googlebook 14c review (Snapdragon X1 Elite, OLED)
