Asus ZenBook UX305, we've tested it

The Asus ZenBook UX305 is an ultrabook that includes the main features that we expect in one of these models: a thin and light design with just 1.2 kilos of weight , an SSD memory that multiplies the speed of loading the system or up to 10 hours of autonomy with each charge. And all this with a very competitive price of 800 euros, which makes it one of the most interesting proposals that you can find today for less than 1,000 euros. We have had the opportunity to have this team in our hands, we will tell you our impressions.

Full HD display and slim design

Undoubtedly, one of the great surprises that we get when testing this equipment comes when one looks at its price. And is that this configuration of the Asus ZenBook UX305 stays at 800 euros. For this price we get a good 13.3-inch IPS screen with a Full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. We liked the level of brightness that the panel reaches, which favors its use outdoors. Neither is the treatment of color left behind, although we have found that in some scenes a bit of color vividness is lacking. Surely this is a point that has been improved in the advanced configuration with a 3,200 x 1,800 pixel panel .

Another point that has been taken care of in this model is its design. The ZenBook UX305 reaches dimensions of 324 x 226 x 12.3 mm . This thickness of 1.2 centimeters is really competitive, almost at the same level as a smartphone. Its weight is placed at 1.2 kilos, a figure that will allow us to handle this ultrabook very easily and transport it in our backpack or purse. The color chosen for the laptop is dark gray, with a concentric pattern on the case that characterizes the ZenBook line . In general, this model gives off a premium feel that is very welcome in a model below 1,000 euros.The last of the details that we would like to highlight at this point is its keyboard, with the large and well separated keys. Getting used to them has been very easy and in a short time we were able to write at good speed and without getting confused. Of course, we miss the ability to illuminate the keys to facilitate their use in low light.

5th Gen Intel Core

The Asus ZenBook UX305's performance reaches a good level, thanks in large part to the use of a fifth-generation Intel Core processor . Specifically, the configuration we tested uses an 800 MHz dual-core Intel Core M-5Y10c chip . Thanks to Intel's built-in technologies, this speed can be brought up to 2 GHz in turbo mode. More than power, these Core M chips are designed to work with great energy efficiency. Be that as it may, in normal use with desktop applications and web browsing we have not noticed any limitations. Next to the chip an 8 GB RAM memory is used .

Another section that should be highlighted is that of internal storage. And it is that here could not miss an SSD- type memory card to accelerate the start of the system and disk access. The capacity of our model stands at 128 GB, although other more advanced ZenBook configurations can go up to 512 GB. You can also expand the available space through an external disk or by means of an SD memory card.

Nice set of connections

In the field of connections we find three USB 3.0 type ports. This protocol multiplies by ten the transfer rates of traditional USB. There are more and more devices (especially external hard drives) that use this technology. Along with these USB ports we also have a micro HDMI output to transmit the contents of the laptop directly to a television or monitor with this connection. In this case, it will be necessary to have a specific cable. When connecting to the network, you have to use the WiFi connection, since this model does not integrate an Ethernet port. This is an absence that is usually very common among ultrabooks to enjoy a cleaner design, although some functionality is also lost. Finally, the ZenBook integrates Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity to synchronize compatible devices such as wireless speakers or a mouse without cables.

Good media player?

The Asus ZenBook UX305 leaves us sensations found in the multimedia section. On the positive side, its IPS- type screen has a good Full HD resolution (if we don't go directly to the advanced model) that will allow us to enjoy movies and videos in high definition. But there are times when a little more contrast is missing. In addition, its Bang & Olufsen- powered speakers simply deliver , even for the audio quality typically expected from a laptop that isn't specifically geared toward movies and games. As for the computer graphics, the same integrated graphics of the chip are used, an Intel HD Graphics 5300. In principle, there will be no problems running simpler video and games, although there is no wonder.

Autonomy of up to 10 hours

The ZenBook UX305 promises a usage time of up to 10 hours . Of course, in conditions that are rarely met in regular use of the laptop. In our tests with the brightness near the maximum, the time has been around five hours . All in all, it is still a fairly competitive figure that makes it a good travel companion. Keep in mind that this autonomy will be lower in the high resolution panel of 3,200 x 1,800 pixels. According to official Asus figures , in this case the maximum use time is seven hours at 40% brightness.

Price and reviews

The price with which this ultrabook is available starts from 800 euros. A really tight amount after checking the capabilities of this model. A good overall performance, a really thin and thin design or a good Full HD screen are some of its attractions. In addition, thanks to sufficient autonomy we can take it without problems on trips and trips. It may not be the most powerful equipment that we can find among the ultrabooks of this type, but it is one of the best value for money.