The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED has long been a favorite among budget laptops, combining performance, battery efficiency, and screen quality in a 13-inch package under $1000
However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find, so you might have to look for a refurbished model.
For a newer version, consider the Asus Zenbook 13 S OLED, which starts at $1,199 on Amazon.
While it has a higher-resolution 2.8K OLED display and more ports, it doesn’t last as long on battery power as the model reviewed here.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Price and Configurations
You can buy the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED from select third-party retailers such as Amazon and Asus’ website, starting at $799.
This base model includes a 13.3-inch 1080p OLED screen, an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB or 512 GB SSD.
The Intel model comes with the smaller SSD due to CPU cost differences and supply challenges.
For a bit more, you can get upgraded components. The top-tier version, at $1,099, features an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Design
The Zenbook 13 OLED is slim and light, weighing 2.5 pounds and measuring 11.98 x 7.99 x 0.55 inches.
It features a grey matte finish, with the lid showcasing a fingerprint-attracting spun-metal finish and an offset Asus logo.
The AMD model is available in Pine Grey, while the Intel version comes in a purply-silver Lilac Mist.
The 1080p OLED display, surrounded by thin bezels, is a highlight. Despite the matte grey plastic bezels, the laptop feels solid and sturdy.
The ErgoLift hinge design slightly elevates the keyboard, enhancing typing comfort and cooling.
It looks stylish and feels comfortable to use, with no noticeable screen wobbling or chassis flex.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Display
The 13.3-inch 1080p OLED display offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, covering 132% of the sRGB color spectrum.
It’s great for watching videos and gaming but less ideal for accurate photo editing. The display achieves a peak brightness of 396 nits, better than competitors like the Dell XPS 13 OLED and Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360, though it remains reflective in bright light.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Ports
The Zenbook 13 OLED offers a decent array of ports: two USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models), an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a USB-A port.
However, it lacks a headphone jack, though a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter is included. This adapter can be cumbersome to carry, so it’s best to keep it attached to your headphones.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Performance
With an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, the Zenbook 13 OLED handles daily computing tasks effortlessly.
It scored 6,411 on the Geekbench 5.4 multi-core CPU benchmark, outperforming pricier competitors.
The 512 GB SSD offers fast transfer rates, and it excels in video editing tasks, completing a 4K-to-1080p transcode in just 8 minutes and 22 seconds.
It performs well with older, less demanding games, achieving an average framerate of 23.6 fps in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm benchmark.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Audio
The speakers provide loud, clear sound, but can become muffled on your lap. While the audio quality is serviceable, it lacks impactful bass and rich vocals.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard is comfortable, with well-spaced keys and 1.4 mm of travel.
The touchpad is responsive, but the built-in NumberPad can be frustrating to use due to inconsistent performance.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Webcam
The 720p webcam is adequate for video calls, though it struggles with indirect sunlight. The built-in IR sensor supports Windows Hello facial authentication.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Battery Life
The Zenbook 13 OLED boasts impressive battery life, lasting 15 hours in our tests, surpassing many competitors.
It charges quickly, reaching 67% in an hour and over 90% in 90 minutes.
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Review: Heat
The laptop remains cool during use, with the hottest point reaching just 92.8 degrees Fahrenheit during testing.
Is Asus Zenbook 13 OLED Worth It?
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED offers remarkable performance and battery life at an affordable price.
Its vibrant display, lightweight design, and robust performance make it a standout choice.
While the speakers and webcam are not top-tier, and the lack of a headphone jack is a drawback, these issues are minor compared to its overall value.
For an ultraportable with a great screen and all-day battery life, the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED is an excellent choice.
The Intel model offers additional features like Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6, but I can’t confirm its performance or battery life.
Specs Summary
- Display: 13.3-inch 1080p OLED
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
- GPU: Integrated Radeon graphics#
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Ports: (2) USB-C, (1) USB-A, HDMI 2.0, MicroSD card reader
- Size: 11.98 x 7.99 x 0.55 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros
- Stellar battery life
- Beautiful 1080p OLED display
- Great performance
Cons
- Middling sound quality
- Inconsistent webcam
- No headphone jack
Final Thoughts
So, what do you think of Asus Zenbook 13 OLED?
Is it worth it?
Lemme know in the comments.
Buy Asus Zenbook 13 OLED on Amazon.
