Although the Asus Zenbook 13 may be a 13 inch laptop, it features more performance and specs than many bigger laptops. Having an excellent battery life, keyboard, and excelling in both work and play, the Asus Zenbook 13 makes it in our lists for Best Ubuntu Laptop, the best laptop, and Best SSD Laptop, even with issues with audio and speakers.
Why We Like It – Asus Zenbook 13
The Asus Zenbook 13 combines both work and play into one reliable laptop. With a quad core processor and integrated graphics, there’s little the Zenbook can’t do.
- Excellent battery life
- Great in both work and play
- Fantastic keyboard
- No headphone jack paired with weak speakers
- Display isn’t bright enough
Power/Performance
Powered by an Intel core i5 processor, while not as powerful as the Intel core i7, still has enough power to manage even the toughest of programs. Equipped with Intel Iris graphics as well, the Asus Zenbook 13 can handle games just as well as a presentation. The only issue is the screen: dimmer than many would like, it’s disappointing that a well performing monitor can’t display properly. Those looking for a brighter alternative can find it in the Lenovo Thinkpad T580.
Related: Read our ASUS X540LA review if you’re looking for a laptop for your child
Battery
One of the best features of the Asus Zenbook 13, its battery can last for pretty much the whole day. Asus says that the Zenbook features a 15 hour battery, and as long as you’re not doing strenuous tasks such as gaming for a long time, Asus’ claims should hold true.
Ports/Expandability
The Asus Zenbook 13 comes equipped with USB ports, a Microsd reader to read any Microsd card, HDMI and two thunderbolt ports. A notable feature missing is the lack of a headphone jack. A standard for many in the market, it’s a bit confusing why Asus would skimp on a feature that is make or break for many. For those dissuaded by the Zenbook’s lack of a headphone jack, the Dell XPS 13 9370 delivers superior sound with and without a headphone jack.
Related: Check out our ASUS Zenbook 15 review
Build Quality
The build quality of the Asus Zenbook 13 is satisfactory. Well within the quality for a laptop this price, you’ll never have to worry about compromising the structure of this laptop with it’s sturdy construction and durability.
Value
An issue that keeps the Asus Zenbook 13 from being perfect is issues when it comes to audio, While the Zenbook 13 comes with speakers, they’re not of the best quality, easily outclassed by other laptops such as the Acer Aspire E 15. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem: most people prefer using the headphone jack anyways. Unfortunately, the Asus Zenbook 13 doesn’t come with a headphone jack. Unless you have Bluetooth compatible devices, you’re pretty much out of luck when it comes to audio.
Asus Zenbook 13 Wrap Up
A full size laptop with a full HD picture, the Asus Zenbook 13 is powered by a current gen intel processor and is ready for a long day of either work or play’. Even with issues regarding audio and the screen, the Asus Zenbook 13 excels at having a comfortable keyboard, battery life, and balancing both work and play. Should you be in the market for a laptop that can be a worthy replacement for the Macbook air, the Zenbook 13 is a strong contender.
