Asus ZenBook UX305CA Review: Thin And Light, Great Battery Life
Introducing the Asus ZenBook UX305CA
The Zenbook UX305CA we will be showing you here has Windows 10 and an updated Core M processor, along with improved graphics, but many things haven’t changed: it’s still tiny, it has the same wedge design and the lid still props the keyboard up at angle when opened. If you liked the UX305, you’ll be happy to know that many of its best features stayed on in the UX305CA.
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Processor: | Core m3-6Y30 0.90GHz (Turbo 2.2GHz) |
Operating System: | Windows 10 |
Display: | 13.3-inch FHD 1920x1080 |
Video Graphics: | Intel HD Graphics 515 |
Storage: | 256GB SSD M.2 2280 |
Memory: | 8GB DDR3L 1866MHz |
Audio Support: | Bang & Olufsen ICEpower |
Camera: | Webcam |
Networking: | 802.11ac |
Ports: | 3x USB 3.0 ports (1 with Charger+), 1x micro HDMI, 1x SDXC Card Reader, 1x Mic/Headphone |
Battery: | 45Whr Polymer Battery |
Weight: | 2.65 pounds |
Dimensions: | 12.8 x 8.9 x 0.5 (WxDxH) |
Price: | $699 - Find It At Amazon |
The new ZenBook UX305CA runs Windows 10 (Home or Pro, depending on the model) on an Intel Core m3-6Y30 that can turbo up to 2.2GHz. That’s an upgrade from last year’s ZenBook, which featured an Intel Core M 5Y10. The newer processors also features updated Intel HD Graphics 515. And there's 8GB of DDR3L 1866MHz memory in the system too.
Asus came through with 256GB of storage via an M.2 2280 SSD. The capacious SSD is bound to be a deciding factor for more than a few ultrabook shoppers. Some ultrabooks are starting with 128GB SSDs, which just isn’t going to be enough onboard storage for many users. Starting at 256GB, even with its entry-level models, is a nice touch on Asus’ part. And the fact that it's a fast M.2 SSD helps as well.
The ZenBook has all of the ports you’d expect, including three USB 3.0 ports, one of which is capable of charging your phone while the ultrabook is in sleep mode. An SDXC card reader and a micro HDMI port are also onboard, as is a headphone/mic jack. The laptop also has speakers and the Bang & Olufsen ICEpower audio package.
One of the more notable feature updates (for anyone with a modern router at home) is going to be the 802.11ac connectivity offered in the machine. The newer Wi-Fi spec is superior to 802.11n, which appeared in last year’s model, in a number of ways that can help range and performance.
So, the Asus ZenBook UX305CA has modest, but worthwhile, updates. The next question is: Does the new model still provide solid performance and a good user experience? Let's find out...