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amazon ASUS ZENBOOK 13 reviews
ASUS Zenbook 13 UX331 (full name: Zenbook 13 UX331UAL) that we are today is not only a product for dynamic girlfriends with feminine pink but it also converges all of a powerful laptop in a slim, lightweight metal body that is also highly durable when it comes to the MIL-STD 810G military strength.
The Zenbook 13 UX331UAL is available in two versions for users to choose from, as well as the cost of the product. Both versions use Intel’s latest 8-inch Core Coffee Lake processor, with a Core i7-8550U processor and the other with the Core i5-8250U. The rest of the components are similar to 8GB LDDR3 DRAM. Although the system memory only uses DDR3 memory, it compensates for the maximum bandwidth of 2133MHz, but it will be more attractive if ASUS is equipped with DDR4 memory.
The Zenbook 13 UX331UAL has a simple image design with only the image of the same product within the same brand name as ASUS and the Zenbook.
Display
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display. The display uses an IPS panel, which ensures wide viewing angles and good color accuracy. The screen has a matte finish, which helps in reducing glare and reflections, making it suitable for use in various lighting conditions, including bright outdoor environments.
The brightness levels are adequate, with the display reaching around 300 nits. While this is not the brightest display in the market, it is sufficient for most indoor and outdoor scenarios. The color reproduction is vibrant, with good contrast levels that make media consumption a pleasant experience. However, for professional photographers and designers who require absolute color accuracy, an external monitor with better color calibration might be necessary.
Performance
Under the hood, the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL is powered by an 8th generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor. This quad-core processor, with a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.4 GHz, provides ample performance for everyday tasks. Paired with 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, the laptop handles multitasking with ease, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without any noticeable lag.
For storage, the laptop comes with a 256GB SATA SSD. While this is not the fastest storage solution available, it offers decent read and write speeds that contribute to quick boot times and snappy application launches. Users who require more storage space might need to consider external storage options or cloud storage solutions.
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 is sufficient for casual gaming and media consumption. However, it is not designed for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering. For users who require better graphical performance, a laptop with a dedicated GPU would be a better choice.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops, and the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL excels in this area. The laptop is equipped with a 50Wh lithium-polymer battery that provides impressive battery life. Under typical usage, which includes web browsing, document editing, and media playback, the laptop can easily last up to 10-12 hours on a single charge. This makes it an excellent companion for long flights, road trips, or a full day of work without needing to worry about finding a power outlet.
The laptop also supports fast charging, allowing users to charge the battery up to 60% in just under 50 minutes. This feature is particularly useful for those who are always on the go and need to quickly top up their battery during short breaks.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard on the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL is well-designed, offering a comfortable typing experience. The keys have a good amount of travel and feedback, which makes typing for extended periods less fatiguing. The keyboard is also backlit, with three levels of brightness adjustment, allowing for comfortable typing in low-light conditions. The layout is standard, with well-spaced keys that minimize typing errors.
The touchpad is large and responsive, with support for Windows Precision drivers. This ensures smooth and accurate tracking, as well as support for multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swipes. The touchpad also integrates a fingerprint reader in the top-right corner, which provides an additional layer of security and allows for quick and secure login using Windows Hello.
Connectivity
Despite its slim profile, the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL offers a decent selection of ports. On the left side, there is a USB 3.1 Type-A port, a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port, an HDMI port, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. On the right side, there is another USB 3.1 Type-A port, a microSD card reader, and a power button.
While the inclusion of USB-C is a welcome addition, it is worth noting that the port does not support Thunderbolt 3. This limits the potential for high-speed data transfer and connecting to external GPUs. However, for most users, the available ports should be sufficient for connecting peripherals and external displays.
The laptop also features dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity. While Wi-Fi 5 provides reliable and fast wireless internet access, users looking for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard will need to consider other options.
Audio
The audio performance of the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL is commendable for a laptop of its size. The laptop features Harman Kardon-certified stereo speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. The speakers are located on the underside of the laptop, which can sometimes result in muffled sound when the laptop is placed on a soft surface. However, when used on a hard surface, the audio quality is quite good, with decent bass and clear mids and highs.
For a more immersive audio experience, users can connect external speakers or headphones via the 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth.
Software
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, along with some ASUS-branded software. The most notable of these is the ASUS Splendid Technology, which allows users to adjust the display settings to their preference. There is also the ASUS Battery Health Charging software, which helps to prolong the battery lifespan by offering different charging modes.
While the pre-installed software can be useful, some users might find it to be bloatware. Fortunately, most of the pre-installed applications can be easily uninstalled if not needed.
Durability and Reliability
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL has been designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis not only provides a premium look but also adds to the durability of the laptop. The laptop has undergone MIL-STD-810G military standard testing, which includes tests for extreme temperatures, humidity, and shock. This ensures that the laptop can handle various environmental conditions and minor accidents.
The reliability of the laptop is further enhanced by ASUS’s reputation for quality and customer support. ASUS offers a standard one-year warranty for the ZenBook 13 UX331UAL, with options to extend the warranty for additional peace of mind.
Zenbook 13 UX331UAL pink version has a design that fits. In order to achieve the MIL-STD 810G standard, ASUS is equipped with a chassis made of magnesium alloy aluminum. It also makes it lighter when it weighs less than 1kg (not including charger adapter and accessories). In addition to light weight, the aluminum alloy frame also offers better heat dissipation.
In terms of connectivity, ASUS offers enough ports for everyday tasks such as a USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, and a HDMI-out port.
At this point, the overall thickness of Zenbook 13 UX331UAL can be clearly seen. Despite its slim thickness, it’s not as thin as the Ultrabook, but thanks to its light weight, the Zenbook 13 UX331UAL is comfortable to carry around, no problem.
The rest of us have a MicroSD card reader, 3.5mm jack for mic and 2 channel audio output, and finally a USB Type 3.1 A-type.
Monitor coupling and body design is similar to most of the current Zenbook line of ASUS.
Inside, the display of the 13 UX331UAL Zenbook 13.3 “Full HD resolution, thin bezel screen is an indispensable trend of modern laptops. According to ASUS, the screen is coated with anti-glare, color details are 72% NTSC. Unfortunately, we were unable to provide accurate judgments about the machine’s visibility.
It also has a built-in VGA resolution webcam
The keyboard of the machine is still used chicklet type with reasonable distance between keys, typing is quite comfortable. Mouse wheel is relatively large area but still enough space for users to put their hands on both sides.
Support for security is a one touch fingerprint sensor
Conclusion
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL is an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability, performance, and durability in an ultraportable laptop. Its lightweight design, robust build quality, and impressive battery life make it a perfect companion for those who are always on the move. While it may not be the best option for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks, it excels in everyday computing tasks and offers a comfortable typing and viewing experience.
Pros:
- Sleek and Lightweight Design: The magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis provides a premium feel and makes the laptop highly portable.
- Impressive Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of battery life ensures that the laptop can last through a full day of work or travel.
- Comfortable Keyboard and Touchpad: The backlit keyboard and responsive touchpad offer a comfortable and efficient user experience.
- Decent Performance: The 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM handle everyday tasks with ease.
- Durable Build: The laptop meets MIL-STD-810G military standards for durability and reliability.
Cons:
- Limited Ports: The lack of Thunderbolt 3 support and reliance on USB-C might require users to invest in adapters.
- Moderate Display Brightness: While adequate for most situations, the display brightness could be higher for better outdoor visibility.
- Integrated Graphics: The Intel UHD Graphics 620 is sufficient for casual use but not suitable for demanding gaming or graphics-intensive applications.
Final Verdict
Overall, the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UAL is a well-rounded ultraportable laptop that offers a great balance of design, performance, and battery life. It is particularly well-suited for students, professionals, and travelers who need a reliable and lightweight laptop for everyday tasks. With its premium build quality, comfortable user experience, and impressive portability, the ZenBook 13 UX331UAL is a worthy contender in the ultraportable laptop market.
where can you get a ASUS ZENBOOK 13 online
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX331UA Ultra-Slim Laptop 13.3” Full HD WideView Display, 8th gen Intel Core i7-8550U Processor, 8GB LPDDR3, 256GB SSD, Windows 10, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint, Icicle Gold: Buy it now
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop, 13.3” Full HD, 8th gen Intel i5-8250U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB M.2 SSD, Backlit kbd, Fingerprint Reader, Windows 10, Grey, UX330UA-AH55: Buy it now
