Asus ZenBook 14 UX425JA vs Macbook

• 

  netjock on 04/09/2020 - 11:37

  Ryzen R5 4500 with 8GB RAM vs i7 10th gen 16GB

  Ryzen with 16GB is better than i7 (integrated graphics) with 16GB,

  • 

    alex-a on 04/09/2020 - 12:00

    I was reading that but it doesn't seem like the R5 variants come with more than 8gb for some reason.
    And as far as I can tell I think it's all soldered on so I don't think it's possible to upgrade it myself

• 

  Could Be Better on 04/09/2020 - 12:06

  +4

  Ryzen 5 4500U is a powerhouse CPU, the only 13 inch MacBook CPU that can match it is the i7-1068NG7 (better single core performance, although slightly worse multi-core performance). This is only found on the new 13 inch MacBook Pro models though, the CPUs on the new Air is considerably slower. Keep in mind that the price difference is significant, 4500U can be found for much less than in the top of the line 13 inch MacBook Pro. For graphics 4500U is slightly ahead of the i7-1068NG7, although both are really suited to less demanding games at 1080p/720p low settings 30fps at best. This is why for most people who want to game, having a PC at home for gaming and a decent mid range laptop for work on the go is the best option. However, if the games you were playing ran at around at least 15-20fps on your old Air, it should run at least 30-40fps on these new laptops on the same setting.

  Second advice, go with 16GB ram if you want to use your new laptop for more than just a couple of years. 16GB is becoming the new standard as OS and programs use up more ram and will definitely help with running multiple apps and windows.

  Battery will be similar on both or slightly better on the Zenbook, MacBooks generally have great battery life due to good OS/software optimisation but the Zenbook has a lower resolution and less brighter display with 67whr battery which is quite decent for a 14 inch laptop, so it won't be a slouch in battery life either.

  Other considerations, MacBook retina displays are one of the best displays you can get (slightly better than 1440p with very accurate colours and high ~500 nits brightness), however the Zenbook has a decent 1080p display with good colour reproduction and okay brightness (300 nits). MacBooks also have great speakers, which is a good to have but not exactly essential. The new keyboard on the MacBooks are so nice, but since you're coming from a scissor mechanism anyway you won't notice too much of a difference. I've tried the old Zenbook keyboard and although it isn't as nice as the new deep magic keyboard, it wasn't bad at all.

  So in essence the main consideration should be software (if the software you need for work will run on MacOS, Windows or both) and performance if it's needed for work (Zenbook has better CPU performance). For gaming I would recommend a laptop with a decent GPU, but most are found in larger (and more expensive) 15 inch or larger models. It also depends on the games you want to play.

  Hope this helps!

  • 

    alex-a on 04/09/2020 - 14:06

    +1

    Helps quite a lot! Thanks for all the detailed information. Really appreciate it
    Definitely leaning towards the Zenbook and seems the Ryzen is the way to go but I think they only build it with 8gb of ram. In that case I'll probably go the i7

    Also had no idea about the new 2020 versions coming out in November though. I might just wait as there's nothing really wrong with my Macbook Air. I'm just a bit bitter about getting a refund for the Matebook Pro X at 1800 lol. Now I've been in a notebook hunting kinda mood

    Thanks again!

• 

  DannyC on 04/09/2020 - 12:15

  +1

  Also, Ryzen R5 4500 with 8GB RAM vs i7 10th gen 16GB
  Will I see/notice a difference? Thanks all!

  Ryzen 4000 series performs better and is cheaper, it is a very good chip, if you can get it with 16gb your solid…. though i've mostly seen it with the 8GB Ram configuration with the Ryzen. I would invest more into more RAM as I believe it is soldered onto the mother board and would get that extra RAM for future proofing I guess.

  Futu have it with the Core i7 1065G7 16gb RAM with 21% ebay plus discount for $1669 UX425, ebay which I think seems rather reasonable.

  I believe Asus are going to be releasing their new Zenbook lines for 2020 in November… New Zenbooks for 2020 so that is something to really consider to see what offerings they are releasing.

  Anyone have any experience with the Zenbook series of notebooks?

  From my own experience with Asus I currently own a Zenbook UM433DA and love it, very portable and use it for work. For gaming I have my desktop rig.

  • 

    Travis J on 04/09/2020 - 12:25

    How's the screen? is it bright enough? I am in the market for an AMD laptop but it's difficult to find one with a decent screen.

    • 

      DannyC on 04/09/2020 - 12:33

      I like mine on my UM433DA, I would avoid the glossy displays. I really can't stand the glare of a glossy screen and prefer matte even though colours n such are nice on a gloss screen. Mine is rated to 300 nits 1080p with almost 100% sRGB color coverage, good contrast, and wide viewing angles. So I think it is fine for what I paid for it (under $1000). Though the Macbook screens are very nice and SUPER bright.

      In terms of the UX425 Asus offers two screen options for the ZenBook 14 UX425 series. Both are matte non-touch IPS panels with FHD resolution, but one is a standard option with 300-nits of max brightness, and the other is this newer generation and more efficient 1W panel with up to 400-nits of maximum brightness.

      Hope that helps!

      • 

        Travis J on 04/09/2020 - 12:40

        Thanks for the detail response. What's the model of the 400 nits?

        • 

          DannyC on 04/09/2020 - 12:52

          @Travis J: There's a few but I believe that most of the models of the UX425 (Intel) and UM425 (AMD) Zenbooks use the newer 1W 400 Nit screens

  • 

    alex-a on 04/09/2020 - 14:09

    That eBay listing was the one I was actually looking at getting (until you said the new 2020 Zenbooks are coming out soon).
    $300 savings isn't bad but at the same time if the new spec Zenbooks are still around similar price points I think I'd rather just wait for the new ones I guess and pay RRP. Thanks for letting me know

    • 

      DannyC on 04/09/2020 - 14:23

      If your not in a major rush to get a new Ultrabook then waiting till November is the way to go though the $300 saving on current models is tempting as well. And COVID is here to stay n not gonna go away anytime soon as well. LoL

      They got a number of announcements for new products in the next few months ahead like the Asus Zenbook UX393, 2020 which looks good but I reckon 3k or 4k resolution screens are a bit overkill for even 14" screens but that's just me as I would hook it up to a good quality monitor anyways.

      Happy hunting!

• 

  Bespoken on 04/09/2020 - 13:03

  +1

  I would seriously STAY AWAY from new APPLE ios products at the moment.

  Apple has begun forcing users to adopt its Two Factor Authentication process, which can be a real pain unless the device you are using has cellular.

  When you need to enter your Icloud password for anything, Two Factor Authentication often pops up blocking your action until it is authenticated on a secondary device. Consequently, you need to keep the secondary device about you just in case authentication is required.

  Apple Buyers Beware!!

  • 

    Could Be Better on 04/09/2020 - 13:06

    +2

    I think OP is talking about MacBooks, but if you find two factor annoying you can always turn it off in Apple ID > Security :)