ASUS PH officially launches all-new ZenBook 13 (UX325) and 14 (UX425), priced

Discover the best version of yourself with the all-new ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX325) and 14 (UX425), the world’s thinnest 13-inch and 14-inch laptops with full I/O ports, perfect for anyone looking for their own premium and power-packed productivity laptop in this new normal.

Watch the unboxing here:

This latest addition to the ASUS ZenBook classic segment is designed especially for the new generation of power-users, called the optimized performers – those who work as effectively as possible and always try to improve things to make themselves even more efficient.

The ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX325) and ZenBook 14 (UX425) are even thinner and lighter than the previous generation. The ASUS ZenBook 13 even weighs just 1.07 kg, and both variants are a mere 13.9 mm ultra-thin, but even with such a design, they still offer comprehensive I/O capabilities, including full-size HDMI and USB Type-A ports, in addition to Thunderbolt 3 USB-C and a microSD card reader. They are the world’s thinnest 13-inch and 14-inch laptops to offer such comprehensive and versatile connectivity, perfectly fit for any work set-up or learning environment, making it even more practical now that a lot of us are working from home

Compact four-sided NanoEdge displays offer a up to 90% screen-to-body ratio for immersive visuals, ideal for users looking to multitask on two or more active windows onscreen, with the option of an ultra-low-power 1-watt display that maximizes battery life. The user experience is also fully updated, featuring ASUS NumberPad 2.0, up to 22 hours battery life, a new edge-to-edge keyboard design, ErgoLift hinge mechanisms, and IR cameras for fast face-recognition.

Powered by the latest 10th Generation Intel Core-i5 processor with 8GB RAM, the ASUS ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 make light work of multitasking, productivity, and entertainment. Up to 512GB PCIe 3.0 x2 SSDs and the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) round off the specification for superb all-round performance.

Timeless beauty, effortless portability

The latest ZenBook Classic series offers two screen sizes. For the ultimate wanderer at heart, there is the ultralight 1.07 kg ZenBook 13; and for those who prefer a larger screen, there is the sleek ZenBook 14. Both models are designed for effortless portability, with a compact and elegant all-metal chassis that’s a mere 13.9mm thin. ZenBook 13 and 14 are also incredibly power efficient, with up to an amazing 22 hours of battery life on a single charge, meaning that the charger can be left at home for many trips to minimize weight and bulk, or you don’t need to plug it all the time when you are working from home.

The stylish new design of the ASUS ZenBook 13 and 14 is enhanced by the timeless new Pine Grey color – a glossy shade that is calm, peaceful, and premium. It projects professional wisdom and features a special off-center version of the iconic ZenBook spun-metal finish.

Unrivaled I/O

The ASUS ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 redefine what is possible in an ultrathin laptop: they are the world’s thinnest laptops in their class to offer uncompromised I/O capabilities. Both laptops are just 13.9 mm thin, but unique for their size, still include full-size HDMI and USB Type-A ports, two high-speed Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, and a microSD card reader for easy mobile data transfer: No other current 13.3-inch or 14-inch laptop offers all these I/O ports in such a thin design.

The two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports — with their convenient any-way-up connectors — support fast charging, up to two 4K UHD external displays for an expanded visual workspace, and up to 40 Gbps data speeds for ultrafast file transfers.

ZenBook 13 and 14 also support the new ASUS USB-C Easy Charge feature, which allows them to be conveniently charged from a wide range of standard USB-C chargers. USB-C Easy Charge allows users to enjoy ultrafast charging with any USB-C Power Delivery-certified charger, such as the bundled 65-watt charger, or charge at slower rates when wall sockets are unavailable, using airline chargers, portable chargers or power banks. USB-C Easy Charge takes the frustration out of long journeys or travels in locations with limited power.

Ergonomic design

The ASUS ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 have bright and clear four-sided NanoEdge displays, with slim bezels that create an up to 90% screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience.

The new edge-to-edge ergonomic keyboard design increases the size of the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience. It also creates space for an extra set of useful function keys at the right-hand side of the keyboard. For maximum typing comfort, the precision-engineered ErgoLift hinge automatically tilts the keyboard to the optimum typing angle when the lid is opened. This action also creates space under the laptop for extra cooling airflow.

For easy data entry, there is the productivity-enhancing ASUS NumberPad 2.0. This is a dual-function touchpad with an integrated LED-illuminated full-size numeric keypad: simply tapping the icon on the touchpad turns NumberPad on and off.

An integrated infrared (IR) camera located on the top bezel makes password-free face login fast and easy with Windows Hello. It also works in dim lighting conditions, so accessing ZenBook 13 and 14 is easier and faster than ever in any environment.

Superb performance

The ASUS ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 harness the power of the latest 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor which delivers faster, smoother, and more responsive performance than the previous generation, and teamed up with 8GB of high-speed RAM to help users blitz through daily tasks.

The laptops also have some of the fastest solid-state storage available, with up to 512GB PCIe 3.0 x2 SSDs that ensure fast boot times and near-instant app loading. With the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) users can enjoy wireless speeds that are up to 3X faster than WiFi 5, with 4X more network capacity and up to 75% lower latency.

Whether working or learning from home, creating, or simply enjoying entertainment, the new ASUS ZenBook 13 and 14 make everything effortless.

Gear up for the new normal

The new ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX325) and ZenBook 14 (UX425) are also part of ASUS’s month-long Back-to-School promotion: “Gear Up for the New Normal”, in partnership with Globe at Home, that offers buyers of select ASUS laptops more comprehensive learning and teaching environment at home. Until August 31, 2020, every purchase of select ASUS laptops will come with a free and exclusive bundle of a Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi router, as well as a Lazada e-voucher of up to PhP 5,000 that can be used to purchase ASUS products in select official online stores in Lazada.

For more details on the campaign, please visit the official microsite which contains more information on the participating ASUS laptop models, and full store list.

Availability and pricing

The all-new ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX325) and ZenBook 14 (UX425) are both priced at PhP 54,995. The ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX325) is now available in ASUS Concept Stores and partner multi-brand stores, as well as the ASUS E-Store, Lazada, and Shopee, while the ASUS ZenBook 14 (UX425) will be available starting mid-August 2020.

For the complete product details about the new ASUS ZenBook 13 (UX325) and 14 (UX425), you may check out their product pages at the ASUS PH website.

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vivo Y73 review: A capable midrange contender!

04/03/2022

The long-awaited vivo Y73 has finally arrived in the Philippines after almost an entire year from its initial release date in India. Starting with a price of PhP 14,999, this mobile device is already off to a good start in the mid-range aspect in terms of affordability and hardware specifications.

Can it truly deliver a quality experience and compete with other mid-range phones? Let’s find out.

Design

Having two colorways at launch namely, Diamond Flare and Roman Black, the vivo Y73 has a set of unique patterns on the back panel. Combine that with its 7.38mm ultra-sleek exterior, this mobile device without a doubt sports a premium look.

The triple cameras at the rear are housed in a rectangular casing with a triangular lens layout. As for the side panels, the left area has the SIM card tray while the right has a volume rocker along with the power button.

Last but not the least, the bottom of the phone has a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C charging port, a microphone, and a speaker grille.

Altogether, the vivo Y73 has all the sleek design features a consumer can expect from today’s modern phones. Even while being classified only as a mid-range, this device is no exception from excellent quality builds that give a premium look. 

Display and Multimedia

Packed with a 6.44-inch AMOLED display that comes with a 2040×1080 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, the vivo Y73 can surely offer an enjoyable experience in your day-to-day tasks. Thanks to its vibrant colored screen and HDR 10 capabilities, watching movies or playing games is sure to be a treat to the eyes.

One of the useful features this phone has is its AG glass where you don’t have to worry about leaving excessive fingerprint marks on your screen as it keeps your display neat and tidy.

For sound quality, the vivo Y73 also offers a satisfactory experience even without using earphones as the audio stays clear even with maxed-out volume.

Camera

The vivo Y73 has an overall count of three lenses on its rear camera. This includes a 64-megapixel main (f/1.79), 2-megapixel bokeh (f/2.4), and a 2-megapixel macro (f/2.4) sensor while on the other hand, the front camera has a 16MP (f/2.0) lens.

Shot with vivo Y73

The front camera is pretty much plain in terms of pixel clarity in comparison to today’s phones but it’s still adequate regardless. Right off the bat, the image quality the rear camera can produce is impressive.

The details of the subject in a bright environment are visually remarkable even more with the 64-megapixel main camera feature. However, the limitations are starting to emerge once you zoom in as pixels tend to get a bit cloudy in slightly darker areas.

Next in line is the 2-megapixel bokeh lens that produced clean images. Small details in the photos are nicely captured and have a crisp look to them. One of the handy features using its bokeh lens is the adjustable aperture where you can simply change the depth behind the subject.

Usually, the macro feature in other mobile cameras is nothing but a gimmick due to the loss of visual clarity in trade for ultra zoomed-in shots but despite that, the vivo Y73 has a surprisingly decent macro lens where the details of the photo are somewhat well preserved.

Next up are the Y73’s video features. This phone has a variety of nice options when it comes to shooting videos as the rear camera allows you to choose between 4K resolution at 30fps and 1080 at 30fps or 60fps.

Motion stability is also taken to the next level as the videos you shoot using this phone are amazingly smooth due to the Ultra-Stable Video feature the vivo Y73 has.

Overall, the camera aspect of the vivo Y73 is quite superb. Even for a mid-range phone, this device offers quality features in terms of pixel resolution.

Although the rear camera has shown limitations when it comes to slightly darker areas, the vivo Y73 still remains a solid contender in the mid-range optics class.

Performance

The vivo Y73 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 processor that the company says offers a 46% boosted performance compared to its predecessor and a Mali-G76 MC4 as its GPU.

This mobile device also comes with an expandable 128GB ROM along with an 8GB RAM, allowing you to do your everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, checking social media, and watching videos without noticing some difficulties in the hardware.

Switching between apps is also not a problem as the large and expandable RAM enables you to multitask effortlessly.

Playing games is also nothing but a cakewalk for the vivo Y73 — titles like League of Legends: Wild Rift and Call of Duty: Mobile all ran incredibly smoothly at high frame rates even in high graphics settings.

Such performance is definitely a major win for mobile gamers out there as they get to enjoy their favorite games with eye-candy graphics.

Battery

Sporting a 4000mAh large battery with a 33W FlashCharge, the vivo Y73 can last for hours for your everyday activities. Pair that with its fast charging, and you can easily and immediately enjoy your mobile device again without being held back by short battery life.

vivo states that the battery refills up to 61% at 30 minutes flat, this is handy if you need a quick charge to right away resume your phone usage. Just be sure to use the specific charger that comes with the package or else the vivo’s FlashCharge won’t work.

Conclusion

All-in-all, the vivo Y73 has proven itself a reasonable contender in today’s mobile devices, especially with its price of PhP 14,999. Even for a mid-range class, this phone provides a variety of quality attributes in terms of hardware capabilities as well as impressive camera samples.

As I use this phone for my everyday tasks, I have come to the verdict that the vivo Y73 is indeed a solid and viable choice that consumers can easily rely on as their daily drivers. With the vivo Y73’s affordability and jam-packed features, it’s hard to find solid faults in this phone.

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