The ASUS has sandwiched the 13.3-inch IPS display, fast SSD, Intel Core M processor and other spec goodies into the new and sexy looking Zenbook UX305CA which is very thin, lightweight, portable and an impressive battery life that lasts for a day. Check out our review below:
So what's inside the box?
The contents of the package includes the following:
Build & Design
The ASUS Zenbook UX305CA is an attractive, very slim, midrange Ultrabook. It is dubbed by the company as "slim, featherweight powerhouse" as it only weights 1.2kg and 1.23cm thin -- which is super slim. The laptop's actual dimension is 0.5 x 12.8 x 8.9 inches. The color, which ASUS calls as Ceramic White is similar to the creamy white color.
The Zenbook UX305CA is smooth with a matte-like texture, it's good to touch. The metal body gives an impression that it is sturdy and will not easily bend especially on the screen as it is super thin. I think this is being competed with the Apple MacBook Air which is similar in the dimensions (0.68 x 12.8 x 8.9 inches), which is a bit thicker and heavier (1.34kg).
Display
The display is not that attractive to look at first, but after a while, you'll appreciate the detailed QHD screen with 276ppi which makes the images and text to be always sharp and very detailed. It also a great contrast, specially on black colors. It also covers a bigger Color Gamut range, in which is displays more colors in the screen than other laptops. You can see the image below for the Color Gamut range, viewing angles and color vividness:
OS, UI & Apps
The Zenbook UX305CA comes preinstalled with Windows 10 by default. As you can see below, it is the current version of Windows that's faster and sleeker than the previous ones. The Zenbook has only few pre-installed apps like ASUS App, Trip Advisor, Flipboard, Photoshop touch and some games but you can only use some of these when you sign-in your Microsoft account to access the Windows store, specially the Xbox Live games and some Windows Store exclusive apps. What I've like is there is not much bloatware or such which makes the PC feel fast.
There is a all view window mode which is a Mac style like animation availble in the installed Windows 10 which makes it easy to find the window you'd like to work on.
The most used settings are simplified in the lower left part of taskbar as you can see the Power Settings, WiFi, Windows Notification Center, Audio, etc.
The windows are also simplified now with the close and minimized buttons to make it not confusing as supposed to the former gestures implementation in Windows 8. And oh, there is a trial version of Office 365, but you might want to get the full offline Windows Office as an extra software to install here.
So far with Windows 10, everything is running smoothly with the specs of the Zenbook UX305CA, it's only minimal to experience lags.
Battery Life
As for the batter life, it gets a longer life which is up to 9 - 10 hours on moderate usage. Also, thanks to its processor and intelligent power management it can power up to the promised 10 hours usage, so no much need to worries when carrying this outside when full charged. So far for heavy usage like gaming, playing multimedia/movies with music, etc. it can last up to 6 - 7 hours.
Performance & Benchmark Results
We also performed some test to see if the specs really performs well on actual. But first, checked on the specs displayed in My Computer and dxdiag:
For simple to heavy usage like running multiple apps / software at once, the Zenbook US305CA performs well and do things as it is intended to be -- a ultraportable, powerful and mobile laptop that you can bring anywhere.
The Zenbook UX305CA is powered by an Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor, 4GB RAM and an Intel Graphics 515. The Intel Core M CPUs are more powerful than the Atom or Celeron chips that are found in other less expensive laptops. The Core M processor won't provide a top-end performance but it is well suited in being portable and mobile while making the experience smooth.
As for gaming, with the Intel HD graphics processor, it won't provide that much power to the current games today. You can still run older 3D games, some new games and other games like League of Legends, DOTA, Starcraft just by adjusting some graphics setting, they can run smoothly, but don't expect that much as this Ultrabook is not intended for gaming.
The score of 512 on the NovaBench means it's average versus other laptops which is reasonable, as processing & graphics power it will have a really low score. But again, this is not intended for heavy gaming or multimedia usage, it won't be a problem for day-to-day basis for office work and home. So far this is impressive enough for a very thin body and on-the-go laptop.
Zenbook UX305CA Specifications
Optional specs:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The ASUS Zenbook UX305CA is best for the value mid-range ultraportable Ultrabook / laptop. It is very sleek with its 13-inch size along with the stunning features such as the aluminum body, full HD screen and overall good performance. It's definitely a must buy for people who wants portability, long-lasting battery and powerful performance for an on-the-go Ultrabook. The Zenbook UX305CA's suggested retail price (SRP) is Php39,995 and you can get one in the list of stores here.
Editors' Rating: 8 out of 10
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- 1 x Zenbook UX305CA Ultrabook laptop
- 1 x Charger
- 1 x User Manual
Build & Design
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| The right hand side contains the LED indicator lights, 3.55mm audio jack port, micro HDMI port, USB 3.0 port and the charger port. |
The ASUS Zenbook UX305CA is an attractive, very slim, midrange Ultrabook. It is dubbed by the company as "slim, featherweight powerhouse" as it only weights 1.2kg and 1.23cm thin -- which is super slim. The laptop's actual dimension is 0.5 x 12.8 x 8.9 inches. The color, which ASUS calls as Ceramic White is similar to the creamy white color.
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| The left hand side contains the two USB 3.0 ports and the SDXC card reader. |
The Zenbook UX305CA is smooth with a matte-like texture, it's good to touch. The metal body gives an impression that it is sturdy and will not easily bend especially on the screen as it is super thin. I think this is being competed with the Apple MacBook Air which is similar in the dimensions (0.68 x 12.8 x 8.9 inches), which is a bit thicker and heavier (1.34kg).
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| The Zenbook UX305CA when closed |
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| The grill of the speakers is located at the bottom of the laptop |
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| The spacious touchpad and the ergonomic keyboard |
Display
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| The screen is really nice to look at in actual and will not hurt your eyes as its almost glare-free. |
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| Image Credit: asus.com |
OS, UI & Apps
The Zenbook UX305CA comes preinstalled with Windows 10 by default. As you can see below, it is the current version of Windows that's faster and sleeker than the previous ones. The Zenbook has only few pre-installed apps like ASUS App, Trip Advisor, Flipboard, Photoshop touch and some games but you can only use some of these when you sign-in your Microsoft account to access the Windows store, specially the Xbox Live games and some Windows Store exclusive apps. What I've like is there is not much bloatware or such which makes the PC feel fast.
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Battery Life
As for the batter life, it gets a longer life which is up to 9 - 10 hours on moderate usage. Also, thanks to its processor and intelligent power management it can power up to the promised 10 hours usage, so no much need to worries when carrying this outside when full charged. So far for heavy usage like gaming, playing multimedia/movies with music, etc. it can last up to 6 - 7 hours.
Performance & Benchmark Results
We also performed some test to see if the specs really performs well on actual. But first, checked on the specs displayed in My Computer and dxdiag:
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| You can check yours by right clicking from My Computer then Properties, this window will appear. |
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| Sadly this ultrabook only use an onboard Intel HD graphics processor, though, this is not intended for heavy gaming, casual & older 3D games would run here. |
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As for gaming, with the Intel HD graphics processor, it won't provide that much power to the current games today. You can still run older 3D games, some new games and other games like League of Legends, DOTA, Starcraft just by adjusting some graphics setting, they can run smoothly, but don't expect that much as this Ultrabook is not intended for gaming.
The score of 512 on the NovaBench means it's average versus other laptops which is reasonable, as processing & graphics power it will have a really low score. But again, this is not intended for heavy gaming or multimedia usage, it won't be a problem for day-to-day basis for office work and home. So far this is impressive enough for a very thin body and on-the-go laptop.
Zenbook UX305CA Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro
- Memory: DDR3L 1866* MHz SDRAM, 4 GB, /8 GB
- Display: 13.3" 16:9 QHD+( 3200 x 1800)/Full HD (1920x1080)
- Graphic: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 515
- Storage: SATA3*1
- - 128GB SSD (M.2 2280)
- - 256GB SSD (M.2 2280)
- - 512GB SSD (M.2 2280
- Card Reader: 2 -in-1 card reader ( SD/ SDXC)
- Camera: HD camera (Front), IR Camera*2
- WiFi: Dual-band 802.11 ac
- Interface: 1 x Microphone-in jack
- 1 x Headphone-out jack
- 3 x USB 3.0 port(s) *3
- 1 x micro HDMI
- 1 x micro SDXC card reader
- 1X AC adapter plug
- Audio: Bang & Olufsen ICEpower
- Battery: 45 Whrs Polymer Battery
- Power Adapter: Output : 19 V DC, A, 45 W
- Input : 100 -240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.9 x 0.5 inch (WxDxH)
- Weight: 2.65 lbs (with Polymer Battery)
- Security: USB Security Lock Cable Solution
- Certificates: UL, TUV, CE Marking Compliance, FCC Compliance, CCC, EU Flower, Energy star, WEEE, RoHS
Optional specs:
- M.2 SSD slot is SATA3 interface
- IR CAMERA is OPTIONAL
- (only on aurora metallic with IR camera sku)
- support WINDOWS HELLO
- With one USB Charge+
Pros
- Sleek & super lightweight, easy-to-carry
- Quality Aluminum body
- Solid performance on tests
- Glare free & high contrast screen
- It rarely heats up thanks to the 0.5mm diameter heatpipe to keep the processor cool
- Best value for the money laptop / Ultrabook
- Ergonomic keyboard design
Cons
- Non-removable battery
- No Ethernet port/s
- No keyboard back-lighting
- Intel Core M is not that powerful but understandable for its low power consumption & to produce less heat
Verdict
The ASUS Zenbook UX305CA is best for the value mid-range ultraportable Ultrabook / laptop. It is very sleek with its 13-inch size along with the stunning features such as the aluminum body, full HD screen and overall good performance. It's definitely a must buy for people who wants portability, long-lasting battery and powerful performance for an on-the-go Ultrabook. The Zenbook UX305CA's suggested retail price (SRP) is Php39,995 and you can get one in the list of stores here.
Editors' Rating: 8 out of 10
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