In the line of ASUS Ultrabook Replenishment. The updated ZenBook 13 sports a compact metal chassis, OLED display, and the latest AMD Ryzen processor. So today, we will know about this ASUS ZenBook 13 UM325 review that how powerful it is.
Excellent OLED panel
The display is the main element of interaction with a laptop, so its quality should be at a high level. The ZenBook 13 UM325 sports a 13.3-inch OLED panel with Full HD resolution. This solution is rare for laptops. Despite the glossy finish of the screen, it hardly collects glare. The stock of brightness is enough to use the gadget outside in sunny weather.
It was not possible to measure the level of flicker, however, with prolonged use of the device, the eyes did not get tired. Obviously, the PWM value does not exceed the norm. The acidic color rendering inherent in OLED can be easily dimmed in a proprietary utility. The display also has excellent viewing angles and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. It is very comfortable to work on such a screen, watch movies or see vacation photos.
Advanced processor and fast SSD
Our Asus ZenBook 13 UM325 review model received a 7-nanometer eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor with integrated AMD Radeon graphics. It has 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of permanent memory. The SK Hynix NVMe SSD works in PCIe 3.0 x2 mode. Storage can be easily expanded by unscrewing the 7 screws and removing the metal cover from the bottom of the ultrabook. But the RAM cannot be upgraded: it is soldered on the board. The Intel AX200 adapter that supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard is responsible for the wireless connection.
ZenBook 13 works under Windows 10 Home operating system. Among the pre-installed software is the MyASUS utility, where you can configure charging mode, fan speed, display color, and even noise-canceling options while talking via the built-in microphone. During web surfing, document editing, and similar scenarios, the cooling system is practically inaudible, keeping the device’s body cool.
Although there is no discrete card, however, the laptop handles popular games well. During Asus ZenBook 13 UM325 review, the games were launched in maximum performance mode, and the laptop was connected to the network. In “Genshin Impact” with high graphics settings, the average frame rate in FHD is 27 fps. In the “CS: GO” shooter with minimal presets, we get stable 120 frames per second. However, in this operating mode, the only fan starts to make a decent noise, the case temperature reaches 47 degrees. The main heating is felt in the hinge area.
Test Results
- GEEKBENCH 4: Single-core – 6024 / Multi-core – 28 380
- GEEKBENCH 5: Single-core – 1457 / Multi-core – 6978
- CRYSTALDISKMARK 8.0.1: Read – 3592.4 MB/s / Write – 2913.7 MB/s
- PCMARK 10: 5813
- CINEBENCH R23: Single-core – 1431 / Multi-core – 8331
- 3DMARK: Time Spy – 1337 / Fire Strike – 3390 / Night Raid – 14,049
- Battery life: up to 8 hours in mixed mode / up to 13.5 hours watching videos at medium brightness / up to 9 hours watching YouTube at medium brightness / up to 2.5 hours playing “Genshin Impact” at maximum performance mode
Aluminum warrior
The case of the ZenBook 13 OLED is made entirely of aluminum, but the laptop doesn’t pass text when folded: many parts shrivel openly. The device is 13.9 mm thick and weighs 1.14 kg. For an ultrabook, these are the reference dimensions. The lid is lifted with one hand, and it doesn’t wobble with the slightest movement. The laptop uses the exclusive ErgoLift screen hinge, which automatically lifts the back of the case while tilting the keyboard slightly. This design improves working comfort. It also improves the cooling and sound of the device, as the air intake and stereo speakers are located at the bottom. The speakers are certified by Harman Kardon, so the laptop runs decently for its size. The output sound is loud and dense.
An HD webcam and the necessary sensors for Windows Hello to work were mounted on top of the display. Unfortunately, there is no fingerprint scanner. The buttons on the keyboard are tiny, and the backlight is three-tiered. Due to the four page navigation keys, the entire block was shifted to the left. If you’re a master of the touch typing method, you’ll have to get used to these nuances. In addition, the Power and Delete buttons are too close to each other, so occasionally accidental presses occur. But there are no questions about the touchpad. It is detailed and immediately responsive to gestures. In addition, the touchpad serves as a full-size numeric keypad.
The ZenBook 13 OLED is equipped with two USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2 ports, a standard USB, HDMI for connecting external monitors, and a microSD card reader. The set includes adapters for a minijack and an RJ45 connector. As well as a soft cloth-covered envelope for safe transportation of the device.
Commendable battery
The Asus ZenBook 13 OLED has a 67 Wh battery – an impressive capacity. In power-saving mode, the laptop will last up to 8 hours in office scenario (working in Google Docs, surfing the Internet, correspondence via Microsoft Outlook). A movie looped in Full HD at medium brightness lasts for 13 and a half hours, and while watching content on YouTube, the device can withstand 9 hours of battery life. With maximum performance presets, the “Genshine Impact” discharges the device in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Replenishes the laptop’s energy through the USB Type-C port. With the included 65-watt power supply, the battery charges up to 50% in 43 minutes. A complete makeup takes 2 hours 20 minutes.
Asus ZenBook 13 UM325 Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 8 cores, 16 threads, 1.9 – 4.4 GHz
- GPU: integrated, AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4, 3200 MHz
- Storage: 1 TB NVMe M.2 SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N
- Display: 13.3-inch, Full HD, OLED, 60 Hz, glossy
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C DisplayPort 1.4 Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.0b, 1 x microSD card reader
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi Intel 802.11ax (2×2) 160 MHz, Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery: 67Wh 65W
- Dimensions: 30.4 x 20.3 x 1.4 cm
- Weight: 1.14 kg
Final line
The Asus ZenBook 13 OLED is a truly versatile and standalone device. The laptop is suitable for both work and play. You can only find fault in two aspects: the lack of a fingerprint scanner and the controversial location of the keyboard unit. On the other hand, it’s amazing how the manufacturer can fit advanced hardware, a high-quality screen, and a decent set of ports into such a compact and lightweight case.
Priced starting at $799.99 on Amazon.com and Bhphotovideo.com or £749.99 on Amazon.co.uk, the Asus ZenBook 13 UM325 is an ultraportable that’s well worth considering and is an interesting showcase of AMD’s vision for the Ryzen platform. We’ll no doubt see more competitors in this space, such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (REVIEW) is also around the same price, powered by AMD Ryzen 5 series processors. If you’re looking to buy a new thin-and-light laptop this year, things just got a lot more interesting.