ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 review
The Asus ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 ranks as the #569 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 69. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #17-ranked build among 66 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS ProArt PZ13 or Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 is a premium package that justifies its price tag. However, the question remains - do you really need it? For content creators and photographers, the OLED panel is a game-changer, offering excellent color accuracy and brightness. But for average users, an IPS LCD panel may suffice. The Intel variant with IPS LCD panel offers similar performance at a slightly lower price point. Despite this, the OLED panel's superior display and processors make it a worthwhile investment, especially considering its competitive price starting at ₹80,000.
Build
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 has a premium build that justifies its price tag. The laptop's exterior is well-designed, with a compact and lightweight design that makes it perfect for commuting. The magnesium alloy lid provides a solid feel, while the keyboard deck offers a comfortable typing experience. However, some may find the single heat sink and fan cooling mechanism to be underwhelming. Overall, the build quality is excellent, making the laptop feel like a high-end device despite its compact size. For a superior build, Asus ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325 could be the right choice.
Display
The display on the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 is a highlight of the laptop. The OLED panel offers excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. It's a great choice for content creators who need to edit photos or videos on the go. However, it may not be necessary for casual users who don't require such a high level of display quality. One drawback is that the laptop cuts corners elsewhere to justify its premium price tag. Nevertheless, the OLED panel makes the laptop feel more like a flagship device, and it's worth considering if you want a great viewing experience. A better alternative might be Asus ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED, featuring a next-level display.
Performance
The performance of the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 is satisfactory for general use but may not be enough for content creators or heavy users. The laptop's Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM provide decent performance for tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming. However, demanding tasks such as photo editing, video editing, or gaming may experience some lag. Battery life is around 4-5 hours with intense usage, but can reach up to 10-11 hours in dark mode. The laptop's temperature remained within a safe range even after prolonged use. Overall, the performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but not ideal for heavy users. You may find Asus ASUS ZenBook Flip S UX371 a better fit, thanks to its superior performance.
Battery and Charging
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 boasts an impressive battery life, averaging around 8 hours in my average use case. However, heavy users may experience a drop to 4-5 hours. On the other hand, medium users who employ dark mode can easily squeeze out 10-11 hours of battery life. The laptop also comes with USB PD and a 65W USB-C charger, making it easy to juice up other devices or charge on the go. Overall, the battery life is respectable, but may not be sufficient for heavy users.
Connectivity
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 features a single USB-A port, two USB-C ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, an HDMI output, and a headphone jack. It's equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable connectivity for seamless performance. Asus ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded connectivity.
Features
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 boasts an impressive OLED display, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The laptop features a sleek design with a premium feel, despite some cost-cutting measures. It's equipped with a 67Wh battery, providing around 8 hours of use on average, and comes with USB PD and a 65W USB-C charger. Storage is handled by a single SSD, while cooling is managed by a basic heat sink with a single fan. For an improved features, Asus ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 UX363 is worth considering.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 is a well-crafted laptop with an impressive OLED panel. However, the support and maintenance aspect of this product leaves much to be desired. * Asus has released a statement saying that all products sold in India will have a three-year warranty. * In terms of after-sales service, it seems like Asus needs to improve significantly. Many users are complaining about poor customer support, delayed responses, and inadequate repair services. * Furthermore, the company's website is not user-friendly, making it difficult for customers to locate relevant information about their products. Overall, while the ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 is a great product, its support and maintenance aspect needs significant improvement.
Pros
1. The laptop feels premium and justifies its price tag.
2. The overall package is still quite premium and lives up to the price tag.
3. The battery life is good, averaging around 8 hours in average use case.
4. Battery life can go up to 10-11 hours if used in dark mode.
5. The laptop comes with a 67 wattage battery and an OLED panel.
6. The temperatures never crossed the 88 degree Celsius mark.
7. USB PD and a 65W USB-C charger are included, allowing for easy charging of other devices.
Cons
1. The laptop cuts corners here and there to keep costs down.
2. You might not get the best use case out of the OLED panel unless you're a content creator who lives primarily into the photography world.
3. The Intel variant with an IPS LCD panel is also available, which might be enough for some users.
4. The price difference between the OLED and IPS panels is minimal (less than 5k).
5. Some users might find the battery life to be slightly better on the Intel variant.
6. The laptop's cooling mechanism is basic, with just a single heat sink and fan.
7. The internal storage might not need to be swapped out often, making it harder for some users to justify the cost.
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