ASUS’s ZenBook series of professional business notebooks are some of the best machines you can get if you’re somebody who’s constantly on the move for work. The ASUS ZenBook 14 UM433DA was certainly one of the best in the line…and now we already have another in the form of the ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425.

Apart from the naming, one might wonder if there’s a difference in the machines themselves?

The answer? Yes and no.

That’s a bit confusing, yeah?

Don’t worry, keep on reading and all will be clear!

What is the ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425?

The ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425 is the company’s latest entry in the ZenBook line. It’s a 14-inch machine, with an Intel Core i7-1035G1, integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics, 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD.

ASUS’s new notebook comes with a host of ports, all of them listed below.

Connectivity options include Intel WiFi 6 with Gig+ performance (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0. It also contains a 67Wh battery that can last up to 22hours with regular usage. The notebook also has a fast charge capability that allows it to get up to 60% charge in just 49 mins (though the laptop has to be off).

The machine has a dimension of 31.9 x 20.8 x 1.39 cm, with a weight of just 1.17KG. In Singapore, the notebook will run you SG$1,398.

It’s also pretty impressive that the notebook passed the MIL-STD-810G U.S. military standard for reliability and durability. For something so fragile looking, it’s much, much tougher than it looks.

To say that the new ZenBook 14 looks familiar is an understatement. At first glance, the new model looks remarkably like the ASUS ZenBook 14 UM433DA I reviewed just a few months back.

The size is similar, the weight nearly identical and the features are all alike. However, what sets the new ZenBook apart from the others is its price. At just under $1,500, the notebook delivers workhorse performance on a machine that’s incredibly sleek and petite.

I particularly like the display too, with its thin bezels at the sides.

That doesn’t shake the fact that the new ZenBook looks (and feels) really familiar. In fact, pretty much every single thing I mentioned about the chassis applies to this one too.

The notebook still uses the ASUS’s awesome ErgoLift hinge system that raises the back of the notebook, making it easier to type.

The keyboard’s still decent enough, though it certainly wouldn’t hurt if the keys had more travel. They’re still not as tactile as I’d prefer.

I also don’t really like how the Power button is placed so close to the DEL and Backspace button. It’s a recipe asking for disaster. One misplaced press and you’re turning off your notebook.

Of course, the trackpad is also one of the NumberPad 2.0 models, which means it has dual duties.

One function is as a regular trackpad. With a tap though, you can turn on the virual NumPad, allowing you to have a NumPad (handy if you’re working with figures) which also functions as a trackpad.

There’s a distinct lack of USB Type-A ports, which is still a major issue that will put off a lot of people, especially if you’re using a mouse for the device. I do love that there’s a card reader, which is great if you’re opting to avoid plugging and unplugging into the lone USB port.

The Thunderbolt 3 ports are also pretty useful, though not many devices can optimally make use of their fast speeds.

The Hardware.

If there’s a weakness to the ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425, it’s that it doesn’t have a discrete GPU to help out with the multimedia lifting. It comes with an Intel Iris Plus integrated chip, which isn’t exactly idea if you’re thinking of consuming multimedia on the machine.

Here’s a look at PCmark 10 to prove it.

While the Essentials and Productivity tests produce great scores, Digital Content Creation has the machine limping along with barely passable scores.

It’s not exactly a surprise considering its hardware. Besides, chances are if you’re interested in the ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425 it isn’t for its content creation capabilities.

Of course, it’s no surprise then that the machine’s 3Dmark scores aren’t that good either.

Modern games is not a good fit for the machine. However, if you’re playing some older titles (perhaps something from 2010 or so), you’ll have a decent time.

Due to the scores and the lack of a discrete GPU, I didn’t do our usual gaming tests. What’s the point right? The ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425 isn’t a gaming machine.

With the ZenBook 14, the battery life was pretty decent. Using the usual Youtube test (50% sound and brightness, Youtube video on loop), I clocked the notebook at just under 15 hours. That’s great news for those who want to use it on the go for the whole day, as it basically guarantees the machine will last the work day.

The Bottom Line.

While it might not have the oomph to handle heavy multimedia duties, the ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425 is more than capable for normal work related tasks. Its lightweight nature, sleek looks and long lasting battery makes it the perfect companion for those always on the go (and who want to look good).

On top of that, it’s SG$1,398 asking price is pretty good value for what you’re getting. Yes, there are some issues (the keyboard, the Power button placement, the lack of USB Type-A ports) but none of them are deal breakers. With preparation and familiarity, you’ll be able to easily sidestep them altogether.

At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a decent work machine that won’t break the bank, definitely consider the ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425.

TLDR:

Great price, decent hardware but with a few technical issues.

The Good.

  • Great price point.
  • Long lasting battery.
  • Decent performance for business tasks.

The Bad.

  • Questionable Power button placement.
  • Could use more ports.

Sal's been in the industry since the early 2000s. He's written for a ton of gaming and tech publications including Playworks, Hardwarezone, HWM and GameAxis. Recently, Sal served as a juror for the Indie Game Awards at Taipei Game Show 2020. A geek and hardcore gamer, Sal will play everything, on any platform.