Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA-GS039T
Specifications
Pricecompare
Average of 11 scores (from 23 reviews)
Reviews for the Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA-GS039T
Source: Gadgetguy Archive.org version
The Asus ZenBook 3 is a first class, super light weight, super slim notebook computer with strong performance. Don’t let my remarks on the keyboard put you off – I dwelt on it principally because I was bemused as to why Asus chose non-standard key widths – because it was actually a fine keyboard in use, and one soon gets used to the size and shape.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/15/2017
Rating: Total score: 82% price: 80% performance: 90% workmanship: 85%
Source: PC Authority Archive.org version
This Ultrabook might not be cheap, but it is arguably the sexiest on the market. The unbelievably low weight and ultra slick design helps it stand out from the pack, and is the best Zenbook Asus has ever made, which is saying something. Just be prepared to add the cost of a USB 3.0 Type-C into the buying equation.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/13/2017
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Gogi.in Archive.org version
This is a very good buy for those on the move, for those who love ( or are forced to ) work while traveling. The Asus ZenBook 3 is light weight, easy to carry and performs exceptionally well.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/17/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Techspot Archive.org version
That’s not to say the ZenBook 3 is a bad piece of hardware; in fact I quite like the amount of power that’s packed into this design. It’s simply not the standout laptop in the ever expanding ultrathin market.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/21/2016
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: PC World Archive.org version
If you don’t give two figs about Apple and just want a compact Windows machine that’s easy to carry around, well—the ZenBook 3 is really portable. I carried it to and from work on public transit without noticing it too much in my backpack. It performs well, too. So if you can live with just one USB port, there’s a lot to like. If you can’t—well, there are plenty of excellent ultrabook competitors to choose from. You’ll just have to pick a different feature that compromises on something you don’t care about.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/06/2016
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Unlocked Newegg Archive.org version
Overall, it’s easy to be impressed with the ZenBook 3. The inclusion of a 7th generation i7 CPU in addition to the solid storage specs and attractive design make this an easy recommendation for someone who wants a high performance laptop in a tiny case. We do think ASUS will eventually combine their ZenBook Flip with the ZenBook 3 and just make a tiny 2-in-1. Regardless, ASUS clearly has a winner on their hands and, if you’re skeptical about the blue/gold, don’t be. We loathe anything that screams old money. But the ASUS team won us over. Nicely done.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/05/2016
Source: Gear Open Archive.org version
The Asus ZenBook 3 sounds like a winner on paper. How can you go wrong with Intel Core I-series power in a two-pound laptop? I’m chiefly wary of battery life and how much Asus really managed to squeeze into such a thin design and it’s something I look forward to finding out in my full review.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/01/2016
Foreign Reviews
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/05/2017
Rating: Total score: 77% performance: 84% features: 52% display: 90% mobility: 100% ergonomy: 55%
Source: Com! - 7/2017
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 06/01/2017
Source: Golem DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/08/2016
Source: HardwareLuxx DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/28/2016
Source: Geeknetic ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Elegant design; good built quality. Negative: Short battery life.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/06/2016
Source: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; ultra thin and compact size; excellent display; backlit keyboard; flexible fingerprint sensor. Negative: Few connectors; overheats while using.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/11/2016
Source: Webnews.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/17/2017
Rating: Total score: 83%
Source: Ridble IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/09/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Elegant design; compact size; good ergonomy; decent hardware. Negative: Mediocre speakers; low performance.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/21/2017
Source: PC Lab.pl PL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Slim size and lightweight; high performance; comfortable keyboard; good speakers. Negative: High price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/13/2017
Source: Benchmark.pl PL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Metal case; slim size; excellent display; high autonomy. Negative: Mediocre speakers.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/28/2016
Source: Ru.PcMag.com RU→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/29/2016
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Prohardver.hu HU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Elegant design; slim size and lightweight; good touchpad.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/03/2016
Source: Notegear KO→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Very good workmanship; long battery life; good performance. Negative: Average cooling system.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/12/2016
Comment
Model: The Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA-GS039T is a ultra portable laptop ideal for personal or business usage on the go. It measures at 296 x 11.9 x 191.2 mm. A 11.9 mm laptop is considered really thin and it directly competes with the 12 inch Macbook. With a weight of 910 g, it is even lighter than a MacBook 2016, which weighs at 920 g. In order to keep the Zenbook lightweight, yet solid, it features an all-metal uni-body case moulded from a single sheet of aerospace grade aluminium. Asus also added a special design with 2-phase anodizing process to create golden highlights at the edge of the laptop. There are three colors of the laptop to select from, which are Rose Gold, Royal Blue, and Quartz Grey. However, the royal blue version may cost slightly more in some countries, since the color extends to the keyboard and the gold lining around it covers the keys as well. In some ways, the Zenbook looks prettier than the Macbook and Asus claims that it is also stronger than the Macbook.
For hardware specification, it is packed with an Intel Core i7 processor, 8 GB DDR3 RAM, an Intel HD Graphics 620 graphic card, and a 512 GB SSD. The processor can achieve a clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz with Turbo. This hardware specification can easily perform multiple tasks at the same time without lag, which is crucial for business laptops. The inclusion of an i7 processor is also something amazing considering its thickness. The Macbook only manages to squeeze in an Intel M processor, which isn't really built for serious usage, to keep its thin profile. As for the display, it comes with a 12.5-inch Full HD LED backlit display. The screen features a wide 72% NTSC color gamut and a TV-grade 1000:1 contrast ratio for ultra-realistic visuals. The screen is protected by edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass 4, in order to withstand minor scratch and damage. It has an integrated webcam with a resolution of 0.3 MP for video telephone, which is essential for a business laptop.
The Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA-GS039T features a Li-Polymer 40 Wh 6 cell battery capable of delivering up to 9 hours of battery life. The Windows 10 Macbook competitor is equipped with two integrated Harman Kardon Stereo speakers and another two 5-magnet speakers which make it an array of four separate high-quality speakers. It runs on Asus SonicMaster Technology to deliver cinematic surround sound. This really enhances the Zenbook 3's audio capabilities making it better than the Macbook's. The keyboard of the Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA-GS039T is a full-size gold backlit chiclet keyboard with a fingerprint sensor built in the touchpad. A key travel of 0.8 mm key makes the keyboard very effortless to use and allows fast typing. A fingerprint sensor makes for fast and easy authentication without typing password or PIN. However, both the keyboard and touchpad fall behind the Macbook in terms of usability. For connectivity, the laptop features a dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth v4.1. As for input/output ports, it includes a USB 3.1 Type C (10 GB/s) with DisplayPort support, audio-out, S/PDIF, and an SD card reader. The Zenbook 3 is definitely a better choice when compared to the Macbook. It offers greater specs but its keyboard and touchpad lacks the smoothness found in the Macbook.
Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam
Intel HD Graphics 620: Integrated GPU (GT2) found on some Kaby-Lake CPU models (15 W ULV series).
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
i7-7500U: Kaby-Lake based SoC with two CPU cores clocked at 2.7 to 3.5 GHz, HyperThreading and manufactured with an improved 14nm process.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
12.50":
This range of display format is largely the upper limit for tablets and the lower limit for subnotebooks.
The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small in size and therefore easily portable. The tiny display has the added advantage of requiring little power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is exhausting for the eyes. High resolutions, which one is used to from a standard laptop, are almost not usable.
The same applies to tablets in this size range.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Asus: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. is a major Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer based in Taipei, founded in 1989. Under the Asus brand name, the company manufactures a wide range of products, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, graphics cards, monitors, smartphones and networking equipment, complete systems and PC components for end users.
Under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand name, ASUS manufactures gaming laptops known by gamers for their powerful specifications, dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays and advanced cooling systems.
Beyond gaming, a wide range of notebooks are offered for different needs and budgets, from ultra-slim and lightweight ultrabooks to versatile 2-in-1 convertibles and budget-friendly options. In 2023, Asus had a 7% global market share of the PC market.
Customer satisfaction with ASUS notebooks concerns performance, the features, and the good price-performance ratio of ASUS notebooks. However, as with any brand, there are occasional reports of problems such as overheating, driver compatibility, or build quality issues.
84.09%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.