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Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T Subnotebook Review

Slim and classy. The Zenbook's special feature is its high-resolution QHD+ panel (3200x1800 pixels). It provides a razor-sharp image, but its contrast is weak. Everything is in line beyond that: Fast SSD, long battery life, decent keyboard. However, the buyer will have to accept occasional CPU whining.

For the original German review, see here.

We tested a Zenbook model furnished with a Core m3 processor from the Skylake generation only a few months ago. Now we face a sister model that sports a marginally stronger Core m7 processor. Our test report reveals whether the stronger CPU involves advantages. Laptops like Dell's XPS 13 or Apple's MacBook Air 13 are rivals of the Zenbook. However, tablets like Lenovo's IdeaPad Miix 700 and Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 can also be counted to them.

Since the Zenbook's build is identical with that of the Core m3 model we tested, we will not go in-depth about casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. Corresponding information can be found in the review of the Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1.

Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T (Zenbook UX305CA Series)
Processor
Intel Core m7-6Y75 2 x 1.2 - 3.1 GHz, Skylake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 515, Core: 1000 MHz, dual-channel, 20.19.15.4331
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR3-1600, dual-channel, no memory banks, soldered memory
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 3200 x 1800 pixel, Samsung 133YL04-P02, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Skylake-Y Premium PCH
Storage
Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2, 512 GB 
, 440 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC255 @ Intel Skylake PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: SD, Brightness Sensor, TPM 2.0
Networking
Intel Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 12.3 x 324 x 226 ( = 0.48 x 12.76 x 8.9 in)
Battery
45 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD webcam
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter, bag, Cyberlink PhotoDirector 5, Cyberlink PowerDirector 12, Dropbox 25 GB, McAfee LiveSafe Internet Security (trial), MS Office (trial), 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
1.2 kg ( = 42.33 oz / 2.65 pounds), Power Supply: 178 g ( = 6.28 oz / 0.39 pounds)
Price
1299 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Seen here: Zenbook UX305FA-FB003H. The interior design has not changed in our present review sample

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

Asus treats our review sample to a matte, 13.3-inch screen that has a native resolution of 3200x1800 pixels. The screen can boast with high brightness (352.1 cd/m²). Unfortunately, the contrast (565:1) is only middling. That is surprising for a laptop from this price range. The screen displays PWM flickering at brightness levels of 20% and lower. That should not affect sensitive users thanks to the high frequency of 1429 Hz.

334
cd/m²
355
cd/m²
355
cd/m²
319
cd/m²
390
cd/m²
364
cd/m²
315
cd/m²
362
cd/m²
375
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Samsung 133YL04-P02 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 390 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 352.1 cd/m² Minimum: 23 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 81 %
Center on Battery: 390 cd/m²
Contrast: 565:1 (Black: 0.69 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.04 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.88 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
85% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
55% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
85.5% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.43

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 1429 Hz ≤ 20 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 1429 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 1429 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Zenbook vs. sRGB
Zenbook vs. sRGB
Zenbook vs. AdobeRGB
Zenbook vs. AdobeRGB

The screen is delivered with a DeltaE 2000 shift of 3.04 - a good rate. Less than three would be desirable. The panel does not exhibit a bluish tint. The AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces cannot be reproduced. The coverage rates are 5% (AdobeRGB) and 85% (sRGB) here.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
27 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 13 ms rise
↘ 14 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. » 63 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
38 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 24 ms rise
↘ 14 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 49 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Asus furnishes the Zenbook with a viewing-angle stable IPS panel. Thus, the screen remains legible from every position. The laptop can be used outdoors, but direct sunlight should be avoided.

Viewing angles: Zenbook
Viewing angles: Zenbook
Zenbook outdoors (taken in overcast conditions)
Zenbook outdoors (taken in overcast conditions)
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
IPS, 3200x1800,
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
IPS, 1920x1080,
Asus ZenBook UX305FA-FB003H
IPS, 3200x1800,
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
IPS, 1920x1080,
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
IGZO , 3200x1800,
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
TN LED, 1440x900,
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
IPS, 2736x1824,
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
IPS, 2160x1440,
Display
7%
-2%
9%
8%
-31%
13%
15%
Display P3 Coverage
59.1
64.5
9%
58.2
-2%
65.1
10%
63.6
8%
40.1
-32%
67.5
14%
68.1
15%
sRGB Coverage
85.5
90.4
6%
83.3
-3%
92.8
9%
93.6
9%
59.8
-30%
96.6
13%
97.4
14%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
61
65.5
7%
60.1
-1%
66.3
9%
65.5
7%
41.51
-32%
69
13%
70.2
15%
Response Times
-26%
-22%
76%
-44%
-8%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
38 ?(24, 14, Spikes in between)
37.6 ?(17.2, 20.4)
1%
25 ?(15, 10)
34%
40 ?(10, 30, Schwankungen auf kleinstem Niveau (Akku/Netz ident))
-5%
46 ?(17.2, 28.8)
-21%
30 ?(11, 19)
21%
Response Time Black / White *
27 ?(13, 14, Spikes in between)
24.8 ?(6.8, 18)
8%
28 ?(8, 20)
-4%
30 ?(7, 23)
-11%
31 ?(6, 25.2)
-15%
16 ?(4.4, 11.6)
41%
PWM Frequency
1429 ?(20)
201.6 ?(25, 78)
-86%
50 ?(20)
-97%
4900 ?(100)
243%
50 ?(50)
-97%
200 ?(18)
-86%
Screen
-11%
-1%
-25%
10%
-6%
24%
-17%
Brightness middle
390
324.3
-17%
310
-21%
358
-8%
285
-27%
329
-16%
389.2
0%
341
-13%
Brightness
352
314
-11%
309
-12%
351
0%
281
-20%
310
-12%
392
11%
318
-10%
Brightness Distribution
81
93
15%
90
11%
86
6%
90
11%
82
1%
92
14%
87
7%
Black Level *
0.69
0.289
58%
0.75
-9%
0.4
42%
0.18
74%
0.405
41%
0.27
61%
0.36
48%
Contrast
565
1122
99%
413
-27%
895
58%
1583
180%
812
44%
1441
155%
947
68%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.04
6.03
-98%
2.49
18%
5.96
-96%
4.89
-61%
3.96
-30%
3.61
-19%
6
-97%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.01
10.99
-57%
7.51
-7%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.88
7.89
-174%
1.89
34%
8.93
-210%
5.16
-79%
3.51
-22%
3.8
-32%
8.12
-182%
Gamma
2.43 91%
2.08 106%
2.36 93%
2.28 96%
2.15 102%
3.83 57%
2.16 102%
2.23 99%
CCT
6848 95%
6490 100%
6573 99%
6548 99%
7106 91%
6711 97%
5969 109%
7011 93%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
55
65.46
19%
54
-2%
60
9%
59
7%
38.4
-30%
63
15%
63.4
15%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
85
90.36
6%
83.1
-2%
93
9%
93
9%
59.8
-30%
97
14%
97.4
15%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-10% / -11%
-2% / -1%
-13% / -18%
31% / 23%
-19% / -12%
-2% / 8%
-3% / -9%

* ... smaller is better

Performance

The Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T is a 13.3-inch subnotebook. It has enough computing power for common application scenarios. Our review sample costs approximately 1250 Euros (~$1394). Asus has a multitude of other configurations. Their prices start at approximately 800 Euros (~$892). Models based on stronger Core-i processors are also available. However, they do not enable noiseless operation.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
LatencyMon

Processor

The Zenbook is powered by a Core m7-6Y75 (Skylake) dual-core processor. It is a very frugal CPU with a TDP of 4.5 watts. Thus, the processor can be, and also is, cooled passively. The CPU clocks at a base speed of 1.2 GHz that can be boosted to 2.9 GHz (two cores) or 3.1 GHz (one core) via Turbo. The Turbo could not be fully utilized in our CPU tests. However, that is not surprising. The multithread test initially started at 2.6 to 2.8 GHz, but the speed dropped to 1.9 to 2 GHz after a short time. The CPU performed the single-thread tests at 2.4 to 2.6 GHz. These speeds were only reached in AC mode. The rates ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 GHz (single-thread) and 1.2 to 1.5 GHz (multithread) in battery mode.

The speeds we measured in AC mode were maintained in two runs. They then dropped slightly and so did the outcomes in the CPU tests. The scores ranged from 160 to 180 points from the third run in the multithread test of the Cinebench R15 benchmark. Short cool-down periods were enough to increase the results again.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
7096
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
7473
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4553
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
26.11 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.47 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.28 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
25.86 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
214 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
100 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
312 Points +46%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
303 Points +42%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
296 Points +38%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
291 Points +36%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
287 Points +34%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
276 Points +29%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
214 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
206 Points -4%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
200 Points -7%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
200 Points -7%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
150 Points -30%
CPU Single 64Bit
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
125 Points +25%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
123 Points +23%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
123 Points +23%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
112 Points +12%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
100 Points
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
99 Points -1%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
97 Points -3%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
88 Points -12%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
87 Points -13%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
81 Points -19%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
72 Points -28%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
3.53 Points +43%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
3.52 Points +43%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
3.23 Points +31%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
3.2 Points +30%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
3.14 Points +27%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
3.07 Points +24%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
2.47 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
2.27 Points -8%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
2.08 Points -16%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
1.79 Points -28%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
1.64 Points -34%
CPU Single 64Bit
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
1.47 Points +15%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
1.46 Points +14%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
1.45 Points +13%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
1.45 Points +13%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
1.43 Points +12%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
1.28 Points
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
1.13 Points -12%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
1.06 Points -17%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
0.98 Points -23%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
0.95 Points -26%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
0.81 Points -37%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
10973 Points +47%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
10008 Points +34%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
9942 Points +33%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
9681 Points +30%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
9543 Points +28%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
9348 Points +25%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
7473 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
6994 Points -6%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
6340 Points -15%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
5217 Points -30%
Rendering Single 32Bit
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
4980 Points +9%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
4920 Points +8%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
4881 Points +7%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
4838 Points +6%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
4695 Points +3%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
4553 Points
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
4397 Points -3%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
3690 Points -19%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
3286 Points -28%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
3105 Points -32%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
3133 Points +7%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
3053 Points +4%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
2931 Points
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
2747 Points -6%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
2588 Points -12%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
2038 Points -30%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
6655 Points +11%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
6406 Points +7%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
5971 Points
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
5769 Points -3%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
5189 Points -13%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
3713 Points -38%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
166.9 ms * -102%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
124.5 ms * -51%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
122.4 ms * -48%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
97.8 ms * -18%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
96.2 ms * -16%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
89 ms * -8%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
85 ms * -3%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
82.7 ms *
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
81.8 ms * +1%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
212.9 Points +7%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
198.2 Points
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
169.9 Points -14%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
116.6 Points -41%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
3310 ms * -185%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
2251 ms * -94%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
1556 ms * -34%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
1312 ms * -13%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
1251 ms * -8%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
1161 ms *
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
1149 ms * +1%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
1134 ms * +2%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
31796 Points +6%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
29889 Points
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
29724 Points -1%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
28525 Points -5%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
26885 Points -10%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
14491 Points -52%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
9408 Points -69%
Peacekeeper - ---
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
2962 Points +7%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
2771 Points
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
2714 Points -2%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
2295 Points -17%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
2216 Points -20%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
1842 Points -34%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system runs smoothly; we did not encounter problems. The PCMark benchmark scores are also good. However, that is not surprising in view of the laptop's hardware configuration. The Zenbook scores worse than its Core m3 sister model (1920x1080 pixels). That is due to the higher resolution of our present review sample (3200x1800 pixels). The Core m7 model achieves slightly better results than the Core m3 model when its resolution is decreased to Full HD. It is not possible to improve the Zenbook's system performance by upgrading the hardware. Asus has exhausted all possibilities here.

PCMark 7 Score
4480 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2614 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3298 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3472 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
3579 Points +37%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
3341 Points +28%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
3209 Points +23%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
2841 Points +9%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
2837 Points +9%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
2833 Points +8%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
2822 Points +8%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
2733 Points +5%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
2614 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
2426 Points -7%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
2319 Points -11%
PCMark 7 - Score
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
5478 Points +22%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
5389 Points +20%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
5205 Points +16%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
5197 Points +16%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
4977 Points +11%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
4635 Points +3%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
4518 Points +1%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
4480 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
4274 Points -5%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
3819 Points -15%

Storage Device & Memory-Card Reader

A solid state drive by Micron is inside the Zenbook. It is an M.2 model (2280) with a capacity of 512 GB. Asus divides the drive into an operating system partition (190 GB) and a data partition (286 GB). The SSD's transfer rates are good.

The memory-card reader achieves average speeds. It manages a maximum transfer rate of 38.3 MB/s when copying larger data blocks. Transferring 250 JPG image files (approx. 5 MB each) is performed at a speed of 31.4 MB/s. We always test the memory-card reader with our Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II reference card.

Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
Sequential Read: 475.2 MB/s
Sequential Write: 423.7 MB/s
512K Read: 404.8 MB/s
512K Write: 396.2 MB/s
4K Read: 28.57 MB/s
4K Write: 90.7 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 288.9 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 242.3 MB/s

Graphics Card

Intel's HD Graphics 515 GPU supports DirectX 12 and clocks at speeds of up to 1000 MHz. The 3DMark benchmark scores lag slightly behind the possibilities. That is seen in a comparison with the better rates of the Core m3 Surface Pro 4 model. Like the processor, the graphics core cannot clock consistently at a higher speed. We performed the 3DMark 2011 benchmark multiple times and ascertained a gradual decrease in the results. The scores stabilized at approximately 850 to 890 points after the fourth run finished. The Zenbook's working memory operates in dual-channel mode. That utilizes the graphics unit better and consequently it presents better scores than with a working memory that operates in single-channel.

The Skylake graphics unit has a decoder that unloads the processor when videos are rendered. That involves all standard video formats including the H.265 format (successor of H.264). The CPU capacity was clearly below 10% while rendering a test video (4k, 60 FPS H.265). We used Windows 10 Movie & TV app for playback because it supports hardware accelerated rendering of H.265 material.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
5860 points
3DMark 11 Performance
1188 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
35580 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
3434 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
464 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
1849 Points +56%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
1556 Points +31%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
1535 Points +29%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
1525 Points +28%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
1487 Points +25%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
1459 Points +23%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
1344 Points +13%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
1188 Points
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
1151 Points -3%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
1109 Points -7%
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
663 Points -44%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
56687 Points +59%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
56569 Points +59%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
56022 Points +57%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
52990 Points +49%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
45983 Points +29%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
44755 Points +26%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
42046 Points +18%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
38523 Points +8%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
37002 Points +4%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
35580 Points
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
30389 Points -15%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
6061 Points +76%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
5896 Points +72%
Acer Aspire V3-372-50LK
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
5833 Points +70%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
5778 Points +68%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
5734 Points +67%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
5333 Points +55%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
4604 Points +34%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
3936 Points +15%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
3778 Points +10%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
3434 Points
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
3018 Points -12%
1280x720 Sky Diver Score
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
4053 Points +127%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
3480 Points +95%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
2316 Points +30%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
1786 Points
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
1451 Points -19%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
1073 Points +131%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
903 Points +95%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
847 Points +83%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
826 Points +78%
Lenovo Yoga 900-13ISK 80MK
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN512HCJH
814 Points +75%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
740 Points +59%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
630 Points +36%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
596 Points +28%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
464 Points
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
390 Points -16%
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
9408 Points +61%
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
9199 Points +57%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
7733 Points +32%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
5860 Points
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
5842 Points 0%

Gaming Performance

The Zenbook is not a gamer's laptop. It can render a few games smoothly using a low resolution and low quality settings. That primarily applies to games which do not have excessively high hardware requirements. Like in the 3DMark benchmarks, the Zenbook cannot unfold its full performance. A comparison with the Surface Pro 4 makes this evident: The latter is furnished with a weaker Core m3 processor from the Skylake generation. However, the tablet achieves higher frame rates than the Zenbook in the game BioShock Infinite. Users looking for more graphics power in the 13.3-inch sector can take a model from the Zenbook UX303 lineup. Models with GeForce 940M graphics units are found within this series.

low med. high ultra
Anno 2070 (2011) 54.2 23.9 14.8
Tomb Raider (2013) 40.6 19.7 13.1
BioShock Infinite (2013) 39.7 20.1 15.1
Thief (2014) 16.4 10.1 7.5
Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) 13.5 9.3
Metal Gear Solid V (2015) 25.7 15.3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) 12.4 8.1
Rainbow Six Siege (2015) 25.7 15.2
Just Cause 3 (2015) 13.1 8.7
XCOM 2 (2016) 11.2 4.9
Far Cry Primal (2016) 11 5
Anno 2070 - 1024x768 Low Preset
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
54.2 fps
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
47.3 fps -13%
BioShock Infinite - 1280x720 Very Low Preset
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
52.4 fps +32%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
51.4 fps +29%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
46.8 fps +18%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
43.92 fps +11%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
39.7 fps
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
33.1 fps -17%
Tomb Raider - 1024x768 Low Preset
Lenovo U31-70 80M5003EGE
GeForce 920M, 5500U, Western Digital WD10S21X SSHD 1TB + 8GB SSD-Cache
83.6 fps +106%
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZ-VLV256D
71.8 fps +77%
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
HD Graphics 520, 6500U, SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND)
67.9 fps +67%
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
HD Graphics 6000, 5650U, Apple SSD SD0256F
64.7 fps +59%
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Samsung MZNLN128HCGR-000L2
45.3 fps +12%
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
HD Graphics 515, 6Y75, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
40.6 fps
Asus Zenbook UX305FA-FC004H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk SD7SN3Q128G1002
31.3 fps -23%

Emissions

System Noise

The Zenbook does not have a fan plus it is furnished with a solid state drive. Consequently, the laptop usually runs noiselessly. Unfortunately, occasional side noises in form of the well-known CPU whining are audible. That is particularly the case when large data volumes are moved to the SSD.

Temperature

The Zenbook in the stress test
The Zenbook in the stress test

The Zenbook mostly performed our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in the same manner in AC and battery modes. It should not be surprising that the passively cooled SoC quickly throttles during high load. The CPU (500 MHz) and GPU (300 MHz) were immediately clocked down to their minimum speeds in battery mode. That first happened after about 30 minutes in AC mode. The processor clocked at 700 to 800 MHz and the graphics unit at 400 to 500 MHz until then. The laptop did not get excessively warm. The temperatures remained below 40 °C on all measuring points during the stress test (AC mode).

Max. Load
 32.7 °C
91 F
39.1 °C
102 F
38.6 °C
101 F
 
 27.4 °C
81 F
33.8 °C
93 F
32.8 °C
91 F
 
 27.4 °C
81 F
27.6 °C
82 F
29.2 °C
85 F
 
Maximum: 39.1 °C = 102 F
Average: 32.1 °C = 90 F
36.6 °C
98 F
38.7 °C
102 F
32 °C
90 F
33.8 °C
93 F
33.8 °C
93 F
29.2 °C
85 F
30.5 °C
87 F
29.9 °C
86 F
28.2 °C
83 F
Maximum: 38.7 °C = 102 F
Average: 32.5 °C = 91 F
Power Supply (max.)  34.2 °C = 94 F | Room Temperature 22.1 °C = 72 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.1 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39.1 °C / 102 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 38.7 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.3 °C / 76 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 29.2 °C / 84.6 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 (-0.9 °C / -1.7 F).
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
6Y75, HD Graphics 515
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
6Y30, HD Graphics 515
Asus ZenBook UX305FA-FB003H
5Y10, HD Graphics 5300
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
6500U, HD Graphics 520
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
Heat
11%
-5%
2%
-39%
-11%
-14%
-25%
Maximum Upper Side *
39.1
34.6
12%
43.1
-10%
40.8
-4%
57
-46%
43.8
-12%
40.8
-4%
49.3
-26%
Maximum Bottom *
38.7
35.2
9%
41.2
-6%
37
4%
56
-45%
42.1
-9%
43.8
-13%
53.3
-38%
Idle Upper Side *
26
22.6
13%
26.3
-1%
25.2
3%
34.1
-31%
28.5
-10%
29.8
-15%
28.2
-8%
Idle Bottom *
25.7
23.4
9%
26.2
-2%
24.9
3%
34.3
-33%
28.9
-12%
31.5
-23%
32.6
-27%

* ... smaller is better

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the Zenbook seems relatively high over the entire load range at first. However, the high-resolution screen (3200x1800 pixels) should be kept in mind. It has a higher requirement than HD models. The power consumption climbed up to 22 watts during the stress test. Here, CPU and GPU throttling becomes evident. It has nothing to do with the power supply; it has a nominal output of 45 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.22 / 0.33 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.2 / 8.4 / 8.9 Watt
Load midlight 15.9 / 22.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
6Y75, HD Graphics 515
Asus ZenBook UX305FA-FB003H
5Y10, HD Graphics 5300
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
6500U, HD Graphics 520
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
-11%
-12%
-48%
-12%
-46%
-17%
Idle Minimum *
4.2
3.1
26%
3.2
24%
6.8
-62%
2.7
36%
3.9
7%
3.8
10%
Idle Average *
8.4
7.5
11%
6.5
23%
10
-19%
5.7
32%
6.8
19%
5.8
31%
Idle Maximum *
8.9
8.6
3%
6.7
25%
10.5
-18%
6
33%
7
21%
8.1
9%
Load Average *
15.9
25.2
-58%
30.6
-92%
30.2
-90%
32.1
-102%
40
-152%
30.2
-90%
Load Maximum *
22.5
30.6
-36%
31
-38%
33.6
-49%
36.2
-61%
51
-127%
32.4
-44%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The battery life is overall good. The Zenbook managed a runtime of 6:42 hours in our real-world Wi-Fi test. This test simulates the load needed for opening websites. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². Asus' laptop finished our video test after 6:58 hours. We test video playback time by looping the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels). The wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is again set to approximately 150 cd/m².

Compared with the Broadwell sister model of the Zenbook, the battery life has only increased marginally. An exception is the minimum runtime. The Skylake Zenbook gains roughly 4 hours here. Our review sample cannot compete with the Core i7 Zenbook models. That is firstly due to the high-resolution screen in our review sample, and secondly the higher battery capacities of the Core i7 models (45 Wh vs. 56 Wh).

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
16h 53min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 25.10586.0.0)
6h 42min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
6h 58min
Load (maximum brightness)
3h 02min
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T
45 Wh
Asus Zenbook UX305CA-EHM1
45 Wh
Asus ZenBook UX305FA-FB003H
45 Wh
Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T
56 Wh
Dell XPS 13 2016 i7 256GB QHD
56 Wh
Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03
54 Wh
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
38 Wh
Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700
41 Wh
Battery Runtime
6%
-8%
19%
-20%
21%
-8%
-3%
Reader / Idle
1013
1052
4%
781
-23%
1427
41%
784
-23%
1572
55%
791
-22%
861
-15%
H.264
418
396
-5%
545
30%
450
8%
WiFi v1.3
402
382
-5%
561
40%
432
7%
620
54%
488
21%
440
9%
Load
182
215
18%
189
4%
118
-35%
103
-43%
97
-47%
138
-24%
157
-14%
WiFi
408

Pros

+ matte screen
+ runs noiselessly
+ low temperature development
+ decent keyboard
+ good battery life
+ Fast SSD

Cons

- screen's middling contrast
- no keyboard backlight

Verdict

In review: Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T. Test model courtesy of Cyberport.de
In review: Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T. Test model courtesy of Cyberport.de

Asus' Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T is a lightweight and very slim 13.3-inch subnotebook. The installed Core m7 processor has enough computing power for routine application scenarios. Its low TDP allows passive cooling. Thus, the laptop usually runs noiselessly. Unfortunately, occasional side noises (CPU whining) are audible. Furthermore, the laptop barely heats up. A fast SSD ensures a quick-running system. Replacing the SSD is possible. The laptop's base tray can be removed without much effort. The decent input devices and good battery life should not be left unmentioned. The high-resolution QHD+ panel pleases with viewing-angle stability and high brightness. However, the contrast is only middling. That should not happen in this price range.

The Zenbook's computing performance increases with the Core m7 processor. That does not affect the battery life, though.

Nevertheless, potential buyers should ask themselves whether a cheaper Core m3 model would be sufficient. The Core m3 also has enough power for the intended application fields. The Core m7 processor cannot permanently unfold its performance plus.

Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T - 03/04/2016 v5(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
96 /  98 → 98%
Keyboard
89%
Pointing Device
93%
Connectivity
52 / 80 → 65%
Weight
73 / 35-78 → 88%
Battery
89%
Display
89%
Games Performance
53 / 68 → 78%
Application Performance
82 / 87 → 94%
Temperature
94 / 91 → 100%
Noise
100%
Audio
56 / 91 → 62%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
77%
89%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Asus Zenbook UX305CA-FB055T Subnotebook Review
Sascha Mölck, 2016-03-11 (Update: 2018-05-15)