ASUS have finally updated their well received ZenBook UX 330 series ultrabook which launched half a year ago. This new model, called the ASUS ZenBook UX330UA-AH5Q is set to become another people’s favorite. Why? Because it’s built on the same platform, and has been slightly improved in key areas since previous generations.
Review
Design-wise, I still think ASUS ZenBook laptops are one of the best looking premium devices on the market. They have more presence and personality than other, more expensive models from competing brands.
The ASUS UX330UA-AH5Q has kept the same lines and curves as its predecessors and features the same unmistakeable circular brushed lid and all-aluminum chassis construction. So, not only is it sturdy, but it’s also lightweight as well.
Performance
As much as performance goes, the ASUS UX330UA-AH5Q is not unlike similar devices in this price range. The stylish ZenBook is powered by a 7th generation Intel Core i5-7200U processor. A rather standard hardware option for mid-range ultrabooks, regardless of manufacturer.
This new generation processor will be able to handle almost anything you can throw at it, with slight exceptions on the most demanding end of the spectrum. For both average and power users, the i5-7200U will prove to be reliable and useful for light or heavy workloads.
System memory is capped at 8 gigabytes of RAM. Considering the price of the Zenbook UX330UA-AH5Q, I believe it is an adequate amount, even if users won’t be able to further upgrade it after purchase. You only need about 4 gigs for most, if not all of your daily activities. So, 8 gigabytes will greatly help working professionals with their specific needs and allow everyday users to not feel like they would have wanted more system memory.
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Storage capacity is, again, standard for its price and performance bracket. The ASUS UX330UA-AH5Q comes with a 256-gigabyte Solid State Drive installed. This means that ASUS have sacrificed storage space with the benefit of having a much more modern storage medium. Which is faster, more reliable, silent and energy-efficient.
Graphics and display
The UX330UA-AH5Q doesn’t have a dedicated video card, and doesn’t need one. This isn’t an all-rounder, nor is it a gaming laptop, so adding such a video card would have compromised battery life, weight, thickness and heat management. As such, this ultraportable laptop has a Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated card. It will do its job just fine when you’re casually editing photos and videos, when streaming video content and while holding videoconferences.
Display quality is, however, impeccable. ASUS have equipped the 13.3 inch ZenBook UX330UA-AH5Q with a LED-Backlit QHD+ (3200 x 1800) IPS display. At 300 nit, you can see it’s quite bright, meaning you won’t lose your cursor when working in broad daylight. Also, large viewing angles of up to 170 degrees means that you’ll enjoy the same picture quality regardless of how much the screen is tilted.
Interface and connectivity options
ASUS haven’t fiddled with the way the ports are arranged or with how many of them there are since the last model. These are the available I/O options for the ASUS UX330UA-AH5Q:
- 1 x USB-C port
- 2 x USB3.0 ports
- 1 x HDMI-out
- 1 x COMBO audio jack
- 1 x Media card reader
Connecting to the Internet is possible through a 802.11ac wireless card, while your favorite devices can connect with the ASUS via built-in Bluetooth technology.
Portability and battery life
When it comes to portability, there are few notebooks which can truly rival what ASUS has achieved with the Zenbook. The UX330UA-AH5Q weighs only 2.6 pounds, which is supremely light for a 13 inch ultrabook that’s also quite affordable. Furthermore, it’s half an inch thick and 12.7 inches long, meaning it can easily fit inside any backpack or messenger bag.
Being lightweight and thin essentially makes this notebook be a traveler’s dream machine. However, since it costs around $800, I’d be wary of carrying it with me during my vacations. Rather, it’s a much more suited device for traveling professionals and businessmen.
Final words
It usually takes much for me to really appreciate a laptop. This ticks almost all the boxes. It’s expertly designed, features great hardware components, comes with an impressive display, is lightweight and goes for many hours on one charge, not to mention being rather affordable. As in ultra-thin MacBook rival affordable.
