Intel brought the 11th generation of processors relatively quickly, which naturally means that most laptop manufacturers have updated their models. These include Asus, which in addition to the new Flip S also introduced a revamped ZenBook 13 and 14. We reviewed the last generation’s 14, now we will test the smaller 13-inch model. Expectations are high, as I considered the ZenBook 14 to be one of the best ultrabooks of the year.
Rating
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325E is an updated version of last year’s models with the 10th generation Intel. From the previous model series, we tested the ZenBook 14 UX425, which I liked and named as one of the best ultrabooks on the market. Clearly, the updated version with new processors can not be any worse, and everything I praised on the ZenBook 14 also applies to the new 13. In addition, we have significantly more powerful integrated graphics, thanks to which you can play relatively demanding 3D games, which was just until recently unthinkable on ultrabooks.
I praise the great battery life, good port selection, biometric security with a 3D camera, a pleasant keyboard with a large touchpad and a high build quality, which is already standard with ZenBooks. Negatives are hard to find, especially since the novelty achieves better test results than the more expensive Flip S, although they use the same processor and the ZenBook has a lower price tag. The only thing I consider a step back compared to the previous generation is the absence of AMD Ryzen versions. Therefore, I secretly hope that this year we will also see a model with Ryzen 5000 processors.
Perhaps the only question I can’t answer is whether the ZenBook 13 has a reason to exist at all, as the 14-inch version has very similar dimensions and weight, and I see no reason to reach for a smaller model when you can have a larger screen without significant compromises.
Due to the great results across the tests, absent negatives and the reasonably set price, I give the ZenBook 13 the Smart Buy! award.
You can buy this notebook at our partner’s website at czc.cz for CZK 34,999/EUR 1,340
| Asus ZenBook 13 UX325E |
| + higher performance than the pricier Flip S with the same processor |
| + high build quality |
| + WiFi 6 and Thunderbolt 4 USB-C with charging and DisplayPort |
| + excellent battery life |
| + HDMI 2.0 – 4K 60 Hz, USB and a microSD card reader |
| + display with thin frames and very good color accuracy |
| + high-quality touchpad with backlit numeric part |
| + IR camera for Windows Hello |
| + low weight |
| - unable to pick a model with AMD Ryzen processor this generation |
| - similar dimensions and weight to the 14-inch version |
Thank you to Spacebar for providing us with games for our tests.
