Asus Zenbook Flip 13 tested: Flip & Touch
Small, flexible and powerful are features that you want from your notebook. I tested whether the Zenbook 13 Flip UX362FA from Asus can boast these qualities.
The convertible allows you to fold the screen back 360 degrees. This means the Zenbook Flip can be used as more than just a classic notebook. You can even set it up on narrow surfaces and watch films, for example, or use it as a tablet when completely folded down. This gives it a plus point for flexibility.
Shiny fingerprint magnet
When travelling with the Zenbook Flip 13, you should always have a screen cleaning cloth with you. The 13.3-inch display with LED backlighting is very glossy. This makes for vibrant colours, but also for a lot of reflections, which annoy me when I'm working with a laptop on the go. In addition, fingerprints remain clearly visible on the touchscreen when you touch it or hold the display to flip it over.
Even the stepless hinge, which is otherwise very practical, doesn't protect against these touches: it allows you to move the touchscreen easily and also provides enough stability to hold the selected position securely.
The resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels ensures a detailed image on the screen. The viewing angle stability is very good. This is practical if you are looking at the display with friends or colleagues, but not ideal on the train with an unfamiliar seat neighbour. As the Zenbook Flip 13 is not intended for gaming, the refresh rate of 60 Hertz is completely sufficient for my eyes.
The Asus Zenbook has a very compact shape thanks to the narrow edge around the display. Small disadvantage: The display looks smaller than it is. In addition, when you hold an object in your hand, you compare its weight to its size. And with a surface area of 30.5 x 197.1 centimetres and a height of 16.9 millimetres, the Flip 13 feels heavy at 1.3 kilograms.
Touchscreen, keyboard and touchpad
The Zenbook Flip 13 is quite compact, but the keyboard is still pleasantly large. I find it comfortable to type on. The stroke has just the right depth and resistance. The palm rests are large enough. The touchpad responds precisely to touch.
With the current Asus notebooks, I like the fact that the keyboard tilts slightly upwards when the screen is opened. However, for my taste, the tilt should start earlier on the Zenbook Flip 13.
I'm one of those people who use the number pad on the keyboard extensively and I'm always unhappy when I have to type the numbers above the letters on a notebook. So of course I'm pleased that I can display a numeric keypad on the Zenbook's touchpad. This makes it easy to enter columns of numbers. However, activating the numeric keypad in the top right-hand corner of the touchpad proves to be cumbersome. I often have to place my finger on it several times for it to be recognised. Fortunately, I can still move the mouse pointer with my fingers when the numeric keypad is switched on. I only have to press properly to click; tapping is recognised as entering a number.
If you turn the screen around, Windows 10 automatically switches to tablet mode at around 180 degrees. This deactivates the keyboard so that you don't accidentally press a key while holding it and changes the appearance of Windows. The operating system is now designed to be operated via the touchscreen.
Hardware: Can it be a little more?
With the Asus Zenbook Flip 13, you have several hardware options to choose from:
- Intel Core i5 8265U or Core i7 8565U
- 256 or 512 gigabyte SSD, either as PCIe Gen3 or SATA 3.0
- 8 or 16 gigabytes of RAM
Prices range from just under 1000 euros to around 1200 euros.
My test device has the best equipment, i.e. a Core i7, 16 gigabytes of RAM and an SSD with 512 gigabytes. The integrated UHD Graphis 620 graphics chip from Intel is responsible for the graphics. This means that you cannot play any games that require a proper graphics card on the notebook. You should also avoid handling large amounts of data when editing videos and photos.
The test device is well equipped for everyday tasks such as Office programmes, video chats, the browser and live streams. But even with the Core i5 and less RAM, these shouldn't be a problem. One positive thing I noticed was how quickly Windows 10 Home starts up on the Zenbook Flip and is ready for login.
Windows offers you various options for logging in. This includes facial recognition, which unlocks the Zenbook very quickly and reliably thanks to the infrared camera next to the webcam.
The sound from inside the notebook
The Zenbook Flip 13 offers you a good basis when it comes to connections. Two USB 3.1 Type-C ports and one USB 2.0 port are available. There is also a headphone and power connection for the mains adapter. Basically ok, but USB-C should slowly become the charging standard - especially in this price range. Bluetooth 5.0 stands out positively as the standard for wireless connections. The latest version is not only faster than its predecessors, but also has a greater range - in case you need to take a few more steps away from the notebook with headphones on.
The sound of the Zenbook Flip 13 is clear and pleasant. Although the bass is not particularly pronounced - which would be a big surprise given the slim chassis - the mids and highs are well balanced. However, the stereo speakers are quiet. I had to turn the volume up significantly higher than I do on other laptops.
At first, I was confused by where the sound was coming from. The sound does not come from visible speakers, but from the inside of the Zenbook Flip 13 and radiates from there in all directions. And that makes sense, because if you fold down the display and stand it upright for a series, the sound doesn't get any worse.
Conclusion: Good convertible that isn't completely convincing
The Asus Zenbook Flip 13 is compact, flexible and has enough power, but doesn't completely convince me. The rather high price is only worth it if you don't just use the Zenbook as a laptop, but also fold the display down regularly - whether as a stand or as a tablet.
The compact dimensions as well as the keyboard and touchpad are positive things I remember. The workmanship is good. The hardware and connections cover most needs. I am less satisfied with the display, but reflections and fingerprints are not an exclusive problem of the Zenbook Flip.
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When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
