The ASUS ZenBook UX305 series is one of the company’s best selling ultraportable laptops. In the Philippines, it has over 39% of the market share of the ultraportable 13.3-inch notebook category, and bested the Apple Macbook last December 2015.
The ZenBook UX305CA is ASUS’ most affordable ZenBook. Priced at P39,995, the compelling model is powered by the latest Intel Core M3-6Y30 and comes with 4GB DDR3L RAM and 128GB of SSD storage.
ASUS sent us a unit for review. Before we proceed with the unboxing and our first impressions, let’s take a look at the UX305CA’s specs.
ASUS ZenBook UX305CA key specs:
- 13.3-inch Full HD IPS Matte Display (1920 x 1080)
- 64-Bit Intel Core M3 6Y30 CPU (up to 2.2 GHz)
- Intel HD Graphics 515 (300MHz – 1GHz)
- Windows 10 Home Edition 64-Bit Edition
- 4GB LPDDR3 RAM
- 128GB SATA 3 SSD Storage
- Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
- 802.11 ac/n/g
- Bluetooth v4.0
- 3x USB 3.0
- 1x Micro HDMI 1.4
- 1x SD Card Reader
- 1x Mic
- 1x Headphone Jack
- Dimensions: 32.4 x 22.6 x 1.23 cm
- Weight: 2.65 lbs. or 1.2 kg
- Colors: Aurora Metallic, Obsidian Stone, Ceramic Alloy White
Quick Unboxing Video
Here is a short video of the unboxing. Its a bit short, but you’ll also see how fast the UX305CA boots up.
First Impressions
The first thing I thought when I opened the box was “this is one pretty laptop.” The build and design looks great. The ultrabook’s fully anodised aluminium build and 12.3 mm profile (at its thinnest point) exudes a very premium look and feel. With it’s clean lines and minimalist approach to design, you can’t help but compare it with the MacBook Air.
Also Read: ASUS ZenBook UX305 is Best Slim Windows Notebook
As I lifted the UX305CA, I was surprised at how solid it felt. Weighing in at just 2.65 lbs. (1.2 kg), it is also very light and easy to carry. Build quality is excellent as well. Although I noticed that it flexed a bit when I carried the laptop with the lid open by holding the corner (near the keyboard), it isn’t bothersome enough to be much of a concern.
Looking around the ultrabook, you’ll find that the UX305CA offers a lot in terms of connectivity. ASUS managed to fit three USB 3.0 ports, a micro HDMI port, a card reader, a mic, and headphone jack. It’s also equipped with an 802.11 ac/n/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth v4.0. The speakers are located on the bottom plate, one on each side facing down.
As soon as I opened the lid, I quickly noticed the premium feel of the hinge mechanism. It felt smooth and offered minimal resistance without being too loose, allowing owners to lift the lid without holding down the laptop.
At the back, there are two nubs on the displays edge near the hinge mechanism. This props up the laptop when you lift the lid/display, allowing for some space between the table and the device.
The UX305CA also comes with a small power adapter (no more of that brick sized power adapters). A benefit, I guess, of having a power efficient processor and design. It is very portable, and easy to carry and store.
Booting up time of the UX305CA is fast (check out the video). The anti-glare / matte 13.3-inch display is bright and noticeably sharp. Its of the IPS variety with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and 300 nits of brightness.
Closing Remarks
That’s it for our first impressions of the ASUS ZenBook UX305CA ultrabook. So far, I like what I have seen. The anodised aluminum build feels great. The display hinge adds to its premium build, and the display is very impressive. We’ll post the full review soon.
If this article somehow convinced you that its a good buy, then you’d be happy to know that the laptop is currently out on the market right now, retailing for just P39,995. You can check out this link if you are interested in getting one: http://bit.ly/WTBZenBook.
The ASUS ZenBook UX305CA comes with a 2 Years Global Warranty, with 100% Parts and Service warranty worth PHP2,500, available in more than 55 countries worldwide with ASUS. Visit https://www.asus.com/support for complete details.
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4 Comments
To add: I actually got my unit for only PhP 36,000, paying cash and with a 1,000-off back-to-school Asus promo.
I bought this exact Zenbook model two months ago and I couldn’t be happier with it. I had reservations too with the memory and storage capacities, but it turns out they’re not as much of an issue. (Of course I had to buy an external HD for all my files, but with USB 3.0, file copies never take too long. The 4GB of RAM is also more than enough for my usage patterns.)
Only problem I’ve encountered so far is that tapping and the double-finger tap (to right-click) can be unreliable on the trackpad. But the trackpad is otherwise great: very precise; two-finger scrolling never fails; and it’s very smooth and roomy!
For this price, and with such a gorgeous build, long battery life, fanless/silent operation, and colorful screen—it’s really a steal.
Now, Technobaboy.com: where’s the full review? :P
I really want this laptop so bad! :( the prob it’s too expensive here for that specs. In US, they sell this for about $600-700 for much higher memory.
The ASUS ZenBook UX305CA retails for P39,995. While it is more expensive here compared to other countries, you do get peace of mind with its 2 years global warranty :-)