We recently got to try out the ASUS ZenBook 14 UM425, one of the newer models from the ZenBook series.
The ASUS ZenBook 14 UM425 is a 14-inch laptop that’s really meant for work rather than gaming. One of the first things you realize when you take it out of the box is how extremely light it is – weighing slightly above one kilogram.
It’s brushed metal aluminum finish looks very sophisticated and classy. It goes all the way from across the keyboard to the frame.
The ASUS ZenBook 14 is designed to be an extremely compact laptop with a couple of features doubling up to save space. The number pad is integrated into the mouse touchpad, and along the sides, you’ll find that you have one USB 3.2 Type A, as well as two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports capable of hitting speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s and double up as a charging/power port as well.
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Inside, you have one of the newer AMD processors, the 4,000 series Ryzen 7, as well as an AMD Radeon integrated graphics card. The Full HD screen works very well with movies and has a very nice contrast ratio. We really enjoyed watching movies and you’ll have no complaints streaming content off YouTube.
On the PCMark 10 benchmark test, it achieved a score of 4,788 – very decent for a laptop that is used in a modern office environment. The ASUS ZenBook 14 is a very good laptop that’ll perform really well if you’re working from home and Zoom meetings have become the norm.
However, when we rand it on the more intensive 3D Mark tests for gaming, it did not perform as well – which is expected with it’s integrated graphics card. If you’re playing games like Apex Legends, GTA V or Fortnite, you can expect to get less than 30 fps on 1080p Ultra settings.
When it comes to battery life, you can get close to 10 hours on basic applications for office-related work, but only about two hours in a gaming setting.
Another drawback is the fact that it does not have a headphone jack. That means you will need a Bluetooth, or a USB headset, and won’t be able to use anything that can only be connected using the standard 3.5mm jack. However, priced at around SGD 1,600, it’s actually quite competitive and does make a good case for itself.
If you are looking for a good office laptop that is extremely portable, very easy to carry around, and won’t die on you, The ASUS ZenBook 14 is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for one for intensive gaming, this is not for you.