The ASUS product range in the laptop realm is not only complete, but also always offers unique breakthroughs that are rarely found in the market. You certainly still remember when ASUS first introduced the ScreenPad aka touchpad which can function as a second screen.
Through its latest device, ZenBook 14 (UX435EG), ASUS has launched a laptop with similar features but with updated technology, namely ScreenPad with ScreenXpert 2.0. What is the sophistication like? Come on , see the reviews!
Slim, light and tough design
The ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is a slim laptop. The thickness is only about 17.9mm with the lowest weight of only 1.19 kilograms (depending on the model). This combination makes it ideal for traveling, especially for those of you whose activities are always mobile.
The design of the ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is also quite elegant. ASUS uses a diamond-cut aluminum alloy with an asymmetric-circle finish that looks modern and looks quite luxurious, not at all cheap. There are two color choices, namely a calm Pine Gray and a brighter Lilac Mist.
No less important, ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) already has a military standard MIL-STD 810H certification, which means it has been proven to have high durability. The use of aluminum alloy material is believed to be the key to providing a light but tough weight.
Available ports include two Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.0. USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 3.5mm audio jack, and a card reader for microSD. For your information, the Thunderbolt port with up to 40 Gbps bandwidth also allows you to attach displays up to 8K resolution.
When opened, you’ll find a full-size keyboard with 1.4mm key travel which as far as my testing feels is pretty standard but still accurate for high-speed typing. Fortunately, there is an ErgoLift hinge that will lift the position of the keyboard when the laptop is opened so that it gives an extra sense of comfort. This hinge also at the same time allows more space for ventilation.
It’s still a matter of the keyboard, ASUS adds backlit to make it easier for you to type in the dark. What’s more interesting, specifically for the Lilac Mist variant, the keyboard is coated with ASUS BacGuard antibacterial.
Home screen + ScreenPad
ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) features a 14-inch (16:9) IPS-level touchscreen with Full HD 60Hz resolution, 100 percent sRGB. The viewing angle is quite wide, 178 degrees. A combination that in my opinion is able to provide excellent visual quality.
What I like the most, the screen on the ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) has a very thin bezel, which is 2.6mm. This allows ASUS to make the screen-to-body ratio reach 92 percent. This thin bezel, of course, also creates a slimmer overall laptop body.
Then, what about the ScreenPad? Just for information for those of you who may not know, ScreenPad is a touchpad that is capable of displaying various content and shortcuts and functions like a mini-sized second.
You can also open and use some applications directly from the ScreenPad. For example a calculator, input for handwriting, and much more. In fact, the brightness level of the ScreenPad can be adjusted as needed.
You can quickly select Touchpad and ScreenPad modes in just one click. My suggestion, ScreenPad mode is more ideal when you operate ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) together with mouse. If you don’t use a mouse, I think it’s more convenient to change the ScrenPad function to just a standard touchpad.
Applications that you previously opened on the main screen can be moved to the ScreenPad easily. Just press and hold on the application window, a downward arrow will appear. What I like most, when the application is displayed on the ScreenPad, all of its functions can still be fully used like accessing via the main screen.
Good performance for light gaming and video editing
ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is equipped with the latest 11th generation Intel Core processor. The version we reviewed uses an Intel Core i7-1165G7 accompanied by an Nvidia GeForce MX450 graphics card. A very tempting combination for the size of a laptop from the ZenBook series.
Unmitigated, ASUS has also embedded 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM (cannot upgrade) and 1 TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD storage which is not only large, but also high-speed. A little about wireless connectivity, ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is supported by WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
So, what’s the performance like? Definitely fast and agile. To support daily work such as Office and the internet is clearly sufficient. Opening multiple tabs at once is not a problem.
To run applications that require higher computing capabilities such as photo and video editing is still adequate. For those who use Adobe Photoshop, ScreenPad can be used as an extra screen. This means that this laptop is also suitable for content creators who may not be comfortable if they have to work mobile while carrying a heavy gaming laptop.
When it comes to entertainment, ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is quite comfortable for watching high-resolution movies. Apart from being visually good, the audio quality is also commendable thanks to the dual-speaker with Harman-Kardon certification.
Because it is equipped with an MX450 GPU, I am also interested in trying light gaming. DOTA 2 for example. At High graphics settings with 1080p resolution, the average frame rate obtained is in the range of 60 to 80 fps. While GTA V in 1080p resolution with medium graphics can touch 40 to 50 fps. Slightly newer AAA games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider can still be played smoothly, with a note that the resolution is lowered to 720p and using low settings.
While using the ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG), I feel that this laptop has good temperature management. No excessive heat and minimal throttling. It’s quite fun when you have a stylish and lightweight laptop that you can work with on a mobile basis, as well as a device to enjoy entertainment such as playing games when you’re bored.
The battery is also quite durable. With normal usage style to support my work which is more focused on Office, internet, and a little photo editing, the battery life can reach 7-8 hours!
Conclusion
ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is the ideal laptop for a wide range of people. The combination of a slim and light design, powerful performance, long battery life, Thunderbolt 4 port, and the presence of a multifunctional ScreenPad make ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) a device that is versatile enough to support the many needs of workers who are always on the move.
For those who are interested, the ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) with Intel Core i7 gen-11 is sold at prices starting from 20 million rupiah, complete with the Windows 10 Home operating system and pre-installed Office.
ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is suitable for:
- Businessmen and Professionals: You are workers who are always mobile and need a laptop that is lightweight and has agile performance, it is very suitable to choose ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG). This device is also equipped with a webcam and AI noise-cancelling audio to make it more comfortable to communicate during virtual meetings.
- Content creator: For photo and video editing needs, the ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) can still be relied on. The plus, of course, comes from its compact design, making it easy to work anytime and anywhere.
- Students: While a bit too fancy to simply support needs like online learning, the hardware embedded in ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) allows it to be a device for long-term use. The presence of the MX450 GPU can be a solution for playing games with friends.
ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) Pros:
- Slim and lightweight design
- Tough body by military standards
- The main screen is quite okay
- Multifunctional ScreenPad 2.0
- Agile performance, can be used for photo and video editing
- Still adequate for light gaming
- Fast storage
- Long battery life
- Two 4 . Thunderbolt ports
- The temperature is well maintained
Cons of ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX435EG):
- Dirty prone body
- No option to upgrade RAM
- It would be more interesting if it was equipped with an SD card reader, not a microSD
