Review of Asus UX32LA-R3025H laptops

Asus Zenbook line is continually growing. In the meantime, the premium and at the same time mobile ultrabooks from Asus are available in the most different configurations. For example, with Intel's integrated HD graphics in the ASUS UX32LA-R3025H or with a dedicated Nvidia graphics chip from the latest generation, together with a Full HD screen in the UX32LN-R4053H for 200 Euros more that we recently tested. All Zenbook family members have the newest processor technology, a high-quality aluminum build, and slim dimensions for mobile use in common.

In addition to the economic Intel Core i5 4200U with an integrated Intel HD graphics and a 13.3-inch screen, Asus' Zenbook UX32LA-R3025H has even further tidbits. Besides a swift 128 GB SSD, the ultrabook can fall back on 8 GB of working memory, and a long-lasting 50 Wh battery with good runtimes.

Another advantage of this construction is found in the casing's stability and rigidity. It is not possible to dent or significantly warp the Zenbook's surface even with stronger pressure. This is also true for the display protected by an aluminum back.

 
 Just like the other members of the Zenbook family, the ASUS UX32LA laptop only provides an average interface diversity in all its configurations: three USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, and an audio jack. The Ethernet port is only included in the form of an adapter cable - likely because almost everyone uses Wi-FI at home or on the move nowadays. As to video-out, an HDMI port is combined with an adjacent mini-DisplayPort out. Consequently, the Zenbook can also deal with 4K material. An older VGA port is no longer installed, but an adapter cable is also included for this version.


 

Besides a slim, 65-watt power supply and the usual brochures, the UX32LA-R302H comes with both a VGA adapter for the mini-DisplayPort and and Ethernet adapter for a USB port. Asus also includes a small, yet high-quality sleeve. It not only looks good, it also protects the Zenbook from scratches and light shocks.

Asus installs a 13.3-inch screen with a native resolution of only 1366 x 768 pixels in this configuration of the Zenbook UX32LA. The resulting pixel density of not quite 118 ppi is of course higher than in 15-inch models, but considerably lower than in devices with a Full HD screen. The pixel density would be at least 165 ppi here, and would make a much sharper image possible. 1920 x 1080 pixels should be standard in 800 Euro ultrabooks, and also certainly offer the best value for money ratio. Other models also sport a 2K resolution, or even 3200 x 1800 pixels as in the case of Samsung's ATIV Book 9 Plus 940X3G. This is almost a bit exaggerated in a 13.3-inch device, especially since these pixel densities only lead to a marginally noticeable quality improvement, but a considerably higher price.