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MagyarAsus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T Subnotebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
The slim 13.3-inchers of the Zenbook series from Asus are very popular. Therefore, we have already reviewed many models. Here, we cover a representative of the Zenbook UX305 series. Initially, Asus equipped this series with Core M processors. In the meanwhile, Asus also offers Core i models including our test model. Our review will reveal which advantages and disadvantages the new Skylake processor brings. The competitors of the Zenbook include computers like the Apple MacBook Air 13, the Dell XPS 13, and the Lenovo U31-70. Certainly, the Zenbook UX303 series also belongs to the competitors.
Since the Zenbook uses the same design as its siblings, we will not cover case, connectivity, input devices, and speakers in detail here. Information about these is available in our Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H and Zenbook UX305FA-FB003H reviews.
Display
Asus has equipped the Zenbook with a matte 13.3-inch display with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Brightness (351.2 cd/m²) and contrast (895:1) are convincing. Unfortunately, the display shows PWM flickering at 50 Hz at brightness levels of 20 percent and below. This can cause eye problems and headache in many persons.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 86 %
Center on Battery: 358 cd/m²
Contrast: 895:1 (Black: 0.4 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.96 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 8.93 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
93% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
60% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
66.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
92.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.28
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 50 Hz | ≤ 20 % brightness setting |  |
The display backlight flickers at 50 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 20 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 50 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17900 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
The DeltaE-2000 shift is just under 6 out-of-the-box. A value smaller than 3 would be desirable. The display is not bluish. It cannot cover the AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces. The coverage is 60 percent (AdobeRGB) and 93 percent (sRGB), respectively.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 8 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 20 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 67 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.5 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 25 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 15 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 10 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 30 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.7 ms). | ||
The Zenbook comes with a viewing-angle-stable IPS panel. Thus, you can read from the screen from every position. The Zenbook can be used outdoors, but you should avoid direct sunlight.
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T IPS, 1920x1080 | Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H IPS, 1920x1080 | Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1 IPS, 1920x1080 | Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD IGZO , 3200x1800 | Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK IPS, 3200x1800 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 TN LED, 1440x900 | Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE IPS, 1920x1080 | Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK IPS, 1920x1080 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -2% | -2% | -1% | -3% | -37% | -39% | -39% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 65.1 | 63.9 -2% | 64.5 -1% | 63.6 -2% | 63.2 -3% | 40.1 -38% | 38.85 -40% | 39.05 -40% |
| sRGB Coverage | 92.8 | 91.6 -1% | 90.4 -3% | 93.6 1% | 88.7 -4% | 59.8 -36% | 58.3 -37% | 58.7 -37% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 66.3 | 65 -2% | 65.5 -1% | 65.5 -1% | 64.9 -2% | 41.51 -37% | 40.17 -39% | 40.35 -39% |
| Response Times | 88% | 3211% | 832% | -62% | -35% | |||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 25 ? | 37.6 ? -50% | 40 ? -60% | 38.8 ? -55% | 54 ? -116% | 46 ? -84% | ||
| Response Time Black / White * | 28 ? | 24.8 ? 11% | 30 ? -7% | 22.4 ? 20% | 30 ? -7% | 24 ? 14% | ||
| PWM Frequency | 50 ? | 201.6 ? 303% | 4900 ? 9700% | 1316 2532% | ||||
| Screen | 15% | 6% | 17% | -8% | 2% | -2% | -10% | |
| Brightness middle | 358 | 349 -3% | 324.3 -9% | 285 -20% | 319.8 -11% | 329 -8% | 293 -18% | 250 -30% |
| Brightness | 351 | 338 -4% | 314 -11% | 281 -20% | 302 -14% | 310 -12% | 289 -18% | 247 -30% |
| Brightness Distribution | 86 | 87 1% | 93 8% | 90 5% | 88 2% | 82 -5% | 93 8% | 87 1% |
| Black Level * | 0.4 | 0.25 37% | 0.289 28% | 0.18 55% | 0.835 -109% | 0.405 -1% | 0.36 10% | 0.43 -8% |
| Contrast | 895 | 1396 56% | 1122 25% | 1583 77% | 383 -57% | 812 -9% | 814 -9% | 581 -35% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 5.96 | 5.49 8% | 6.03 -1% | 4.89 18% | 2.68 55% | 3.96 34% | 4.94 17% | 4.51 24% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 10.99 | 7.51 32% | 9.98 9% | |||||
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 8.93 | 5.43 39% | 7.89 12% | 5.16 42% | 2.35 74% | 3.51 61% | 4.11 54% | 3.18 64% |
| Gamma | 2.28 96% | 2.17 101% | 2.08 106% | 2.15 102% | 2.09 105% | 3.83 57% | 2.48 89% | 2.43 91% |
| CCT | 6548 99% | 7055 92% | 6490 100% | 7106 91% | 6975 93% | 6711 97% | 7508 87% | 6743 96% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 60 | 60 0% | 65.46 9% | 59 -2% | 57 -5% | 38.4 -36% | 37 -38% | 37 -38% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 93 | 92 -1% | 90.36 -3% | 93 0% | 88 -5% | 59.8 -36% | 58 -38% | 58 -38% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 7% /
11% | 31% /
21% | 1076% /
652% | 274% /
161% | -18% /
-7% | -34% /
-17% | -28% /
-20% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
The Asus Zenbook UX305UA is a subnotebook in 13.3-inch format. The built-in processor delivers sufficient performance for all usual application scenarios. Our test model is available from about 1250 Euros (~$1363). Other configurations are available. The prices start from 800 Euros (~$872).
Processor
The Zenbook houses an Intel Core i7-6500U (Skylake) dual-core processor. It is an upper mid-range CPU, which should be sufficient for the requirements of most users. Its TDP is 15 watts. The CPU works at a base clock of 2.5 GHz. Thanks to Turbo, the clock rate can increase to 3 GHz (two cores) and 3.1 GHz (one core). The Turbo is used in mains operation and on battery.
A few months ago, we reviewed the Broadwell sibling of the Zenbook, which came with the direct predecessor of the CPU used here - the Core i7-5500U. The results in our CPU tests are quite close. The Skylake processor only brings slightly higher performance. The performance gain is bigger in multithread applications than in single thread applications.
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 32 Bit Single-Core Score | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| 32 Bit Multi-Core Score | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1 | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
| Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK | |
| Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK | |
| Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD | |
| Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Peacekeeper - --- | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
It should not surprise that the Zenbook runs smoothly and fast in view of its specs: faster processor, SSD, dual-channel RAM. Accordingly, the results of the PC Mark benchmarks are very good. It is not possible to increase the system performance of the Zenbook. Asus already gets the maximum out of the system.
| PCMark 7 Score | 5389 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3341 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 3937 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4225 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device & Card Rader
A Solid State Disk form Hynix is used as the system drive. It is an M.2 model with a capacity of 512 GB. As usual for Asus notebooks, the drive is partitioned in an OS partition (190 GB) and a data partition (286 GB). The transfer rates of the SSD are very good.
The built-in card reader is not one of the fastest models. When copying big data blocks, it achieves a maximum transfer rate of 37.4 MB/s. Moving 250 jpg files (5 MB each) is done at 29 MB/s. We always test card readers with our reference card (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II).
Graphics Card
Graphics is done by Intel's HD Graphics 520. It supports DirectX 12 and works at up to 950 MHz. Thanks to dual-channel RAM, the GPU is more efficiently used and delivers higher performance. Thus, the Zenbook performs better in the 3D Mark benchmarks than comparable computers with single-channel RAM. The Skylake GPU performs significantly better than its direct Broadwell predecessor - the HD Graphics 5500.
A decoder integrated in the GPU, reduces the load of the CPU when playing usual video formats including the H.265 format (successor of the H.264). The CPU load is below 10 percent while playing our test video (4k, 60 fps, H.265).
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1525 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 56569 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5734 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 826 points | |
Help | ||
| 3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
Gaming Performance
Overall, the performance of the Skylake GPUs is significantly higher than their predecessors'. Together with dual-channel RAM, the performance reaches the level of dedicated lower mid-range graphics cards. Thus, the Zenbook delivers limited gaming capabilities. It can smoothly run many games at low resolution and low to medium quality settings. Primarily, this is true for games with not too high hardware requirements. Performance-hungry titles like The Witcher 3 never achieve playable frame rates. Notebooks of the Zenbook UX303 series are recommendable for higher gaming performance. This series includes models with GeForce 940M.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 67.9 | 33.3 | 21.7 | 10.1 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 46.8 | 25.7 | 21.5 | 6.4 |
| Dirt Rally (2015) | 116.6 | 26.6 | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| XCOM 2 (2016) | 16.3 | 5.2 | 2.9 |
| Tomb Raider - 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x | |
| Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE | |
| Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H | |
Emissions
System Noise
When idle, the fan of the Zenbook is usually at rest and the device works silently. Under load, the fan accelerates. During the stress test, we measured a system noise of 38 dB(A). This value is all right.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 31.3 / 31.3 / 32.2 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 37.6 / 38 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1 Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 31.3 dB(A) | ||
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H 5500U, HD Graphics 5500 | Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 5650U, HD Graphics 6000 | Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE 5500U, GeForce 920M | Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 4% | 1% | 6% | -1% | -7% | 6% | |
| off / environment * | 31.3 | ||||||
| Idle Minimum * | 31.3 | 29.6 5% | 31.8 -2% | 29.7 5% | 29.2 7% | 31.9 -2% | 31.5 -1% |
| Idle Average * | 31.3 | 29.6 5% | 31.8 -2% | 29.8 5% | 29.2 7% | 32.3 -3% | 31.5 -1% |
| Idle Maximum * | 32.2 | 29.6 8% | 34.8 -8% | 30 7% | 29.2 9% | 32.3 -0% | 31.5 2% |
| Load Average * | 37.6 | 39.3 -5% | 34.8 7% | 32 15% | 40.2 -7% | 40.8 -9% | 32.4 14% |
| Load Maximum * | 38 | 36 5% | 34.8 8% | 38.5 -1% | 46.3 -22% | 46.6 -23% | 32.3 15% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The Zenbook behaves the same way in the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) whether in mains operation or on battery. The processor clocks at 1.4 GHz, while the graphics core works at 900 MHz. Thereby, the computer barely gets warmer. During the stress test, we recorded a temperature above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in a single measurement segment.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.8 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.1 °C / 75 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.6 °C / 81.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (+0.7 °C / 1.2 F).
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H 5500U, HD Graphics 5500 | Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1 6Y30, HD Graphics 515 | Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 5650U, HD Graphics 6000 | Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE 5500U, GeForce 920M | Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -9% | 9% | -41% | 0% | -13% | -16% | -27% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 40.8 | 45.9 -13% | 34.6 15% | 57 -40% | 37.4 8% | 43.8 -7% | 40.8 -0% | 49.3 -21% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 37 | 45 -22% | 35.2 5% | 56 -51% | 36.4 2% | 42.1 -14% | 43.8 -18% | 53.3 -44% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 25.2 | 25.6 -2% | 22.6 10% | 34.1 -35% | 26.6 -6% | 28.5 -13% | 29.8 -18% | 28.2 -12% |
| Idle Bottom * | 24.9 | 25 -0% | 23.4 6% | 34.3 -38% | 25.6 -3% | 28.9 -16% | 31.5 -27% | 32.6 -31% |
* ... smaller is better
Energy Management
Power Consumption
When idle, we measured a maximum energy demand of 6.7 watts - a good value. The power consumption does not get unexpectedly high during load. During the stress test, it is 31 watts. We measured virtually the same value at medium load. Here, it is noticeable that the CPU throttles during the stress test. The power adapter is rated at 45 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0.32 / 0.38 Watt |
| Idle | 3.2 / 6.5 / 6.7 Watt |
| Load |
30.6 / 31 Watt |
   
| |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H 5500U, HD Graphics 5500 | Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 5650U, HD Graphics 6000 | Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE 5500U, GeForce 920M | Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 8% | -46% | 3% | -25% | -7% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 3.2 | 2.6 19% | 6.8 -113% | 2.7 16% | 3.9 -22% | 3.8 -19% |
| Idle Average * | 6.5 | 6.2 5% | 10 -54% | 5.7 12% | 6.8 -5% | 5.8 11% |
| Idle Maximum * | 6.7 | 6.5 3% | 10.5 -57% | 6 10% | 7 -4% | 8.1 -21% |
| Load Average * | 30.6 | 30.8 -1% | 30.2 1% | 32.1 -5% | 40 -31% | 30.2 1% |
| Load Maximum * | 31 | 27 13% | 33.6 -8% | 36.2 -17% | 51 -65% | 32.4 -5% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Life
Accordingly, the battery life is good. The Skylake Zenbook can keep the values of its Broadwell sibling. We recorded a maximum battery life of just less than 24 hours. In our realistic WLAN test, the Zenbook achieves 9:21 h. This test simulates web surfing. The profile "balanced" is active and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The Asus computer finishes the video test in 9:05 h. Here, we play the short film Big Buck Bunny (H.264 coding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The Wi-Fi models are disabled and the display brightness is reduced to 150 cd/m².
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 56 Wh | Asus Zenbook UX305LA-FC012H 56 Wh | Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1 45 Wh | Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD 56 Wh | Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK 66 Wh | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 54 Wh | Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE 35 Wh | Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK 51 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 1% | 8% | -27% | -20% | 1% | -52% | -20% | |
| Reader / Idle | 1427 | 1469 3% | 1052 -26% | 784 -45% | 844 -41% | 1572 10% | 525 -63% | 906 -37% |
| H.264 | 545 | 582 7% | 273 -50% | |||||
| WiFi v1.3 | 561 | 569 1% | 382 -32% | 432 -23% | 403 -28% | 620 11% | 253 -55% | 349 -38% |
| Load | 118 | 108 -8% | 215 82% | 103 -13% | 128 8% | 97 -18% | 70 -41% | 135 14% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Asus Zenbook UX305UA delivers high CPU performance and at least limited gaming capabilities. Nevertheless, the computer usually works quietly and hardly gets warm. A fast SSD makes for a responsive system. The computer does not lack storage space. The SSD has a capacity of 512 GB. If needed, the SSD could be replaced. While the Zenbook does not feature a maintenance hatch, the underside can be removed. In addition, we liked the viewing-angle-stable IPS display. It delivers high brightness and good contrast. The built-in keyboard remained as good as previously. It is apt for prolific writers. However, we do not quite understand why Asus did not equip it with a backlight this time. This would make the bundle more balanced.
In brief: The Skylake Zenbook delivers higher performance without negative impact on the battery runtimes.
Asus adopts two approaches in its Zenbook UX305 series. The Core i models provide higher CPU performance and long battery runtimes. The Core M models cannot keep up in these aspects. In return, they work silently and are cheaper. It is up to the user, which properties are more important. In the coming days, Notebookcheck.com will publish a review of the new Zenbook UX305 model with Skylake Core M7 processor.
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
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02/26/2016 v5(old)
Sascha Mölck
Pricecompare
