Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Panel : Unleashing Affordable Excellence for Gaming, Editing, Streaming, and Creativity in 2023
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| Asus ZenBook 13 |
There's a new Asus Zenbook model on the market, boasting a vibrant OLED display and the latest Intel and AMD CPUs. What truly sets it apart is the astonishingly low starting price of just $800, making it one of the best gaming laptops under $2000 and an excellent choice for those seeking the best laptop for streaming. This laptop is not only budget-friendly but also one of the top 13-inch laptops for 2023 and a strong contender for the title of the best laptop in the world.
You might have concerns about sacrificing performance, battery life, or build quality at this price point, but after conducting an extensive review of an AMD-equipped Asus Zenbook 13 OLED (starting at $799, reviewed at $899), I'm thrilled to report that these concerns are unfounded. This laptop delivers exceptional performance, making it one of the best laptops for architecture, gaming, streaming, and creativity, all while staying within the best gaming laptop under $2000 category. It's also an ideal choice for cyber security students looking for the best laptops for engineering students and those involved in music production, graphic design, and photo editing.
While there may be a few minor drawbacks, this laptop shines as one of the best laptops for photo editing, video editing, and music production. Overall, it's an outstanding laptop that excels in both work and play, offering an enticing combination of affordability and performance.
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Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Specifications
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- Price: $799 to start, $899 as tested
- Display: 13.3-inch 1080p OLED
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
- GPU: Integrated Radeon graphics
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Ports: (2) USB-C, (1) USB-A, HDMI 2.0, MicroSD card reader
- Size: 11.98 x 7.99 x 0.55 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
Budget-Friendly Prices, Premium Configurations
- Affordable Pricing, Premium Performance
- Budget-Friendly Laptops with Top-Tier Specs
At the moment, you can find the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED through select third-party retailers and on Asus' official website, starting at a competitive price of $799. This base model includes a 13.3-inch 1080p OLED display, equipped with your choice of either an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a storage option of either 256 GB or 512 GB SSD.
It's worth noting that the Intel variant, as of the time of this publication, ships with the smaller SSD. I inquired about this with an Asus representative who explained that this decision was influenced by variations in CPU costs, supply challenges, and the distinctions in Intel vs. AMD motherboard requirements.
For those seeking a performance boost, there are higher-tier configurations available at a slightly higher price point. The most premium version, currently retailing at $1,099, offers an upgraded Zenbook 13 OLED with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a spacious 512 GB SSD.
The specific model we had the opportunity to review is priced at $899, and it comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a generous 512 GB SSD storage capacity.
Elegance in Design: The Aesthetic Charms of Asus Zenbook 13 OLED
- Sleek Design, Lightweight Brilliance: The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review
- Perfectly Portable with a Splash of Elegance: Exploring the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED
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The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED, which I had the opportunity to review, offers exceptional portability and aesthetics. Weighing a mere 2.5 pounds and boasting dimensions of just 11.98 x 7.99 x 0.55 inches, it effortlessly blends into any workspace. The laptop features an elegant grey matte finish, except for the lid, which showcases a captivating spun-metal design, albeit one that's prone to fingerprints. Adding a touch of sophistication is the offset Asus logo on the lid.
For those interested in the AMD model, it's currently exclusively available in the chic 'Pine Grey' color. Meanwhile, the Intel-equipped Zenbook 13 OLED offers a delightful 'Lilac Mist' shade.
Upon opening the laptop, you're greeted by a stunning 1080p OLED display framed by slim 4.4mm bezels on the sides. While the top and bottom bezels are slightly thicker (6.5mm and 12.9mm, respectively), they remain unobtrusive, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in on-screen content. These bezels, finished in matte grey plastic, serve as a reminder that despite the OLED display, this laptop remains budget-friendly.
Nevertheless, this Zenbook 13 offers a solid and robust user experience throughout my testing period. I didn't observe any noticeable screen wobbling or structural weaknesses in the chassis. Even when I applied pressure to the keyboard deck, I didn't detect significant flex, although there were some sounds of plastic adjusting.
Opening the laptop on a flat surface reveals a slight elevation of the keyboard, courtesy of the Zenbook's ErgoLift hinge. According to Asus, this design enhances ergonomics and promotes improved cooling and speaker performance by slightly tilting the rear of the laptop. While I personally didn't notice a significant difference compared to other laptops I've used, I did find typing on the Zenbook's elevated keyboard comfortable. Additionally, the laptop remained comfortably cool on my lap, and the speakers delivered impressive sound quality. Perhaps there's merit to this ErgoLift design, and it undeniably adds a touch of style when the laptop is open on a desk.
Visual Brilliance: The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED: Display
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED boasts a standout feature - its 13.3-inch 1080p OLED display, which is undoubtedly a major selling point. In person, the display impresses with its vibrant and appealing visuals. Owning an OLED screen in a laptop priced below $1,000 is a rarity, and this one doesn't disappoint. It excels in accentuating contrasts, delivering deep blacks, and presenting vivid, saturated colors.
In our rigorous testing, the Zenbook 13's OLED screen revealed its capability by covering 132% of the sRGB color spectrum, a feat that might make colors appear slightly over-saturated. While this isn't ideal for precise photo editing, it's a dream for those seeking immersive video playback and gaming experiences.
Asus asserts that the display reaches a peak brightness of 400 nits, and our tests confirm its brilliance, with several screen areas achieving an impressive 396 nits at maximum brightness. This outperforms competitors such as the Dell XPS 13's OLED display (361 nits) and the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360's AMOLED screen (264.4 nits).
However, it's worth noting that even with this brightness, the Asus Zenbook 13's OLED screen may still reflect your surroundings on a sunny day. I conducted my testing at maximum brightness near a window with indirect sunlight, and my reflection was visible in several photos. While this isn't a major drawback, it can be mildly distracting when enjoying content during daylight hours.
Connectivity Excellence: Ports and Adapters on the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED offers an impressive selection of ports, a notable feature for a 13-inch ultraportable laptop. However, there's one notable omission: the absence of a headphone jack. Nevertheless, Asus has thoughtfully included a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter in the laptop's package, allowing users to connect wired headphones, albeit at the expense of one USB-C port.
While the adapter serves its purpose, it's an additional item to carry and keep track of. To minimize the risk of misplacement, a practical suggestion is to leave it connected to your headphones when not in use.
The left side of the laptop features two USB-C ports, both of which also double as Thunderbolt 4 ports on the Intel-equipped models of the Zenbook 13. Additionally, you'll find an HDMI port, providing the option to connect an external display for expanded productivity.
On the right side of the laptop, you'll discover a microSD card reader, ideal for data transfer and storage expansion, along with a classic USB-A port. The inclusion of a USB-A port is beneficial for those who still rely on older USB-A accessories.
Performance Unleashed: The AMD Ryzen-Powered Zenbook 13 OLED
In addition to its remarkable power efficiency (which we'll delve into further in the battery life section), the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U CPU at the heart of our Zenbook 13 review unit effortlessly handles daily computing tasks without a hint of strain. I loaded it with over 20 Chrome tabs, around 15 Edge tabs, and streamed content from Twitch, YouTube, and Amazon Prime simultaneously, and not once did it falter or stutter.
Benchmarking the Zenbook 13 OLED with the Geekbench 5.4 multi-core CPU test revealed an impressive score of 6,411. This performance is remarkable for a laptop of its size and price range. To put it in perspective, the Dell XPS 13 OLED, equipped with an Intel Core i7-1185G7, achieved a score of 5,420 in the same test, while the 15-inch Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (featuring an Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU) scored 5,575.
Furthermore, when we tasked the Zenbook 13's 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD with copying 25 GB of multimedia files, it achieved an impressive transfer rate of 873 MBps. This speed outpaces both the Dell XPS 13 OLED (742 MBps) and the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (869 MBps).
In a transcoding test, where we converted a 4K video into 1080p using Handbrake, the Zenbook 13 accomplished the task in just 8 minutes and 22 seconds. This performance is more than twice as fast as the Dell XPS 13 OLED (18:12) and the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (16:24), both of which come at a significantly higher price point. In summary, the compact and OLED-equipped Zenbook delivers impressive computing power at an affordable price.
For gaming enthusiasts, the ZenBook 13 OLED provides an enjoyable experience for less demanding titles, such as Crusader Kings 3, Othercide, and the Banner Saga trilogy. These games not only look fantastic on the OLED display but also run smoothly without significant slowdowns.
In a graphical benchmark test using Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, the Zenbook achieved an average framerate of 23.6 frames per second. While this performance is slightly better than what the Dell XPS 13 OLED achieved at 1080p in the same test, it falls short of the 26.9 frames per second achieved by the Samsung Galaxy Book 360.
Audio Experience: The Sound Quality of the Zenbook 13's Speakers
The Zenbook 13 boasts a noteworthy speaker system that delivers surprisingly good sound quality from beneath the laptop. When I positioned it on a desk at maximum volume and walked away, I could distinctly pick out vocals and bass beats, even from several rooms away. Interestingly, I didn't observe a significant difference in sound quality when adjusting the ErgoLift hinge to different positions. However, it's worth noting that the Zenbook's audio can become somewhat muffled when used on your lap. While this isn't a major concern since your ears are still in close proximity, it may result in a less vibrant listening experience in that scenario.
In terms of audio performance, I didn't detect noticeable distortion or tinniness in the sound, even at maximum volume. On the flip side, it's important to mention that the speakers, while Harman Kardon-certified, do not deliver particularly impactful bass, sharp trebles, or warm, rich vocals. In summary, the speakers on the Zenbook 13 provide serviceable audio, but you may not find them particularly impressive when enjoying music and movies on this device.
Efficient Typing and Innovative Features: Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Keyboard and NumberPad
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED boasts a comfortable keyboard with well-spaced keys that offer 1.4 mm of travel. Typing on this keyboard is a pleasant experience, and with a bit of practice, I achieved a typing speed of over 100 words per minute during the 10fastfingers.com typing test. While the keyboard doesn't feature advanced tech like a fingerprint reader, it does include some surprisingly useful function keys along the top row. Notably, there's a dedicated key for accessing a screen capture tool, allowing you to take screenshots in various shapes effortlessly.
Beneath the keyboard, you'll find a wide and user-friendly touchpad that simplifies tapping, dragging, and using Windows Gestures for navigation. However, the touchpad also incorporates a unique feature called the Asus NumberPad, which serves as a virtual number pad. This concept is intriguing but, in practice, presents challenges. An icon in the top-right corner of the touchpad activates the NumberPad, displaying a layout of numbers and operators.
While it resembles a calculator's layout, I encountered difficulties in reliably using the NumberPad, even after extended use. It took me considerable time to pinpoint the precise pressure point for activating the NumberPad, and adjusting its brightness level proved equally problematic. Furthermore, I struggled to make most apps recognize number inputs from the NumberPad, except for the calculator. When attempting to input numbers into a text field, such as the Chrome search bar, the app frequently misinterpreted my taps on the NumberPad as touches on the touchpad, causing frustration.
In summary, while the Zenbook 13's keyboard is comfortable and functional, the implementation of the NumberPad may require patience and persistence to master.
Webcam Performance and Windows Hello: Asus Zenbook 13 OLED's Camera and IR Sensor
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED features a 720p webcam positioned at the upper edge of the display. While it won't make you look terrible in your video calls, it's not a standout performer either. Throughout my review, I consistently noticed muted colors and a slightly grainy image quality. However, for indoor calls in well-lit environments, it performs acceptably.
Nevertheless, I encountered some challenges when using the webcam near a window. The Zenbook 13's webcam struggled with indirect sunlight, often casting excessive light and making me appear overly bright, akin to a spotlighted character in a school nativity play. Although this issue didn't disrupt calls, it wasn't an ideal situation.
On a positive note, the webcam is equipped with an IR sensor positioned at the top of the display, enabling compatibility with Windows Hello facial authentication. This feature is advantageous for users who prefer the convenience of logging into their laptops using facial recognition.
Impressive Battery Life: Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Exceeds Expectations
Discovering a laptop that exceeds its advertised battery life is always a pleasant surprise. The Asus Zenbook 13 with an OLED display is precisely such a gem. While Asus claims it can last up to 13 hours on a single battery charge, our rigorous battery test, involving continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi with a brightness setting of 150 nits, revealed an impressive endurance of 15 hours.
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This remarkable battery life outperforms most laptops of similar size, including the Dell XPS 13 OLED (7 hours and 59 minutes) and the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (13 hours and 33 minutes). It even surpasses the enduring MacBook Air with M1 (14 hours and 41 minutes), though it falls slightly short of the MacBook Pro with M1 (16 hours and 25 minutes).
Notably, the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED also boasts rapid charging capabilities. When I plugged it in at a mere 3% battery, it reached 67% charge within just an hour. In another 30 minutes, it was already exceeding 90%, ensuring that you won't need to wait long to recharge before heading out. Cool and Comfortable: Asus Zenbook 13 OLED's Heat Management
Users can rest assured that the OLED-equipped Zenbook 13 won't cause discomfort due to excessive heat. During various activities such as gaming, movie-watching, or working on projects, I never experienced any noticeable warmth. In our testing, when we directed a heat gun at the laptop, the highest temperature recorded was 92.8 degrees Fahrenheit, located just behind the vent on the underside of the chassis.
Value and Versatility: AMD-Powered Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review
The AMD-powered Asus Zenbook 13 OLED stands out as an exceptional value proposition. It offers a captivating 1080p OLED display and remarkable battery life, all packaged within a slim and lightweight design, and it comes in at under a thousand dollars.
Certainly, there are some drawbacks, such as the average speakers, subpar webcam quality, and the absence of a headphone jack. However, these challenges are manageable. If you're in the market for a nimble ultraportable laptop with an impressive screen that can keep up with you all day, the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED, with its OLED display, is a top choice in its price range.
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Alternatively, for those who prefer Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6, the Intel-equipped model is an option to consider. However, the performance and battery life of those laptops may differ from this AMD model, and further evaluation is recommended.
