ASUS is known for making their mark by leading with state-of-the-art innovation in everything they do, especially when it comes to laptops.

They consistently stand out in the crowd by rendering powerful performance and stunning visuals through their Zenbook series, and they definitely didn’t pull any punches with their best ultraportable yet –  the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UX325. 

Vivid visuals you’ve never experienced  

As someone who greatly relies on her laptop’s display for creative outputs, I was thrilled when I got my hands on the ZenBook 13 OLED since this has a 13.3-inch FHD OLED HDR NanoEdge Display with 400 nits of brightness. Its 88% screen-to-body ratio and thin bezel design makes work and play very immersive. 

These features are accompanied with a 100 percent cinema-grade DCI-P3 color gamut and Pantone validation, making it tick off all the boxes as to what I would prefer for my multimedia consumption. 

Since most of us are used to LCD displays on most of our laptops, visuals on this OLED display, however, felt more realistic. Clear and detailed even at low brightness. And its color accuracy made it easy for me to assess and review photos that I had to work on.

A quick research on OLED displays tells us that an OLED display doesn’t use backlight but instead, its millions of LEDs emit its own light. So if an image or a scene in a video to be produced is black, the pixels turn off, resulting in true and deep black and would then turn on  when it needs to produce colors. 

This feature really helps make you feel like you’re watching live scenes in movies and video projects you’re working on with its true black and extreme contrast ratio.

Also after a long and gruelling day at work, eye strain wouldn’t be a concern since the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UX325 is certified with TÜV Rheinland’s certification under low blue light reduction standard. This ensures that this display emits 70% less harmful blue light and protects you from visual discomfort and disrupted sleep quality. 

All these features rolled into this laptop’s OLED display definitely improves its image quality, viewing angles and eye comfort while consuming less battery power. 

Power that pushes through  

If you’re someone who usually multitasks or someone who wears multiple hats at work, you’ll definitely have the #PowerOfMore with the ZenBook 13 OLED. You can accomplish more tasks with this laptop as it is powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processor complemented with Iris Xe integrated graphics for superb all-around performance. 

Also under this laptop’s hood is 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD, more than enough for everyday activities like web browsing, video watching and getting some tasks done to work without a hitch. 

Work light, work smart 

I am a big fan of compact and portable laptops since I like working at different spots. While I can’t frequent my favorite coffee shops and open spaces these days, I’m still able to work in different rooms and areas at home due to the UX325’s ultraportability. 

Measuring only 13.9mm and weighs 1.14kg, it is just a tad bit bigger than your usual notebook. It doesn’t take up much space and is so light that you can just put it in your bag and carry it around when you have to. 

Though this laptop is light, thin and has narrow bezels, ASUS still managed to put an IR camera positioned at the top part of the screen.

This is very efficient because aside from using it for your day-to-day Zoom meeting or catch-ups, this IR camera also has the technology and large sensor which allows ultrafast face logins with the help of Windows Hello. I was even surprised when I tried to unlock the laptop with the lights turned off, the IR camera was still able to recognize my face in the dark.  

Versatile battery

I usually work long hours on a day-to-day basis and I have limited power outlets at home so I mostly rely on battery power. The ZenBook 13 OLED UX325 has been very convenient being powered by a big 67Wh lithium polymer battery. 

ASUS claims that this laptop can provide up to 15 hours of battery life but this was proven wrong in a good way. I was actually able to use it for 16 hours for my daily work, a side job and some Netflix series marathon until it reached power-saving mode. Then to fully charge it just takes less than 2 hours. Talk about extreme convenience. 

All set to connect  

In most ultrathin laptops, they usually sacrifice ports for portability. The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UX325 definitely redefines the possibilities without sacrificing connectivity. This is the world’s slimmest laptop with full I/O ports – you’ll find a full-sized HDMI, two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports with support for fast charging and up to 40Gbps data transfer speed, a USB Type-A port, and a microSD card reader on the sides of this laptop’s chassis. 

If you’re still using wired earphones, you don’t have to fret since ASUS provides a USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio jack adaptor in the package. They also provide a standard USB to LAN adaptor if you’d have to connect to a wired network.  

Also, still adding up to this laptop’s connectivity is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6. This new generation of Wi-Fi technology gives you access to more Wi-Fi frequency ranges which results in a more stable and faster connection.  

Lift to your liking 

Typing can be pretty wearisome especially if you’ve been working for quite a while. The ZenBook 13 OLED has a precision-engineered ErgoLift hinge which automatically lifts the rear of the laptop as it is opened, tilting the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience. 

This lift also optimizes ventilation at the bottom part of the laptop while adding resonance to the sound that’s coming from the Harman Kardon down-firing speakers. 

Designed for comfort and convenience  

Despite being compact, the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED is actually easy to type on. This is thanks to the stunning edge-to-edge ergonomic keyboard and its large chiclet keys with hefty key travel which provides us with that satisfying typing feedback and a more comfortable experience. 

Some people still prefer to have a dedicated number pad on their laptops. To solve the lack of a number pad caused by the small size of the ZenBook’s body, ASUS implemented the innovative NumberPad 2.0 on the UX325. This NumberPad 2.0 is a dual function touchpad with an integrated LED-illuminated numeric keypad. 

The NumberPad 2.0 can be accessed by pressing on the icon on the upper right side of the touchpad while its brightness can be adjusted through long presses on the icon found on its upper left. With the NumberPad 2.0 activated, the touchpad can still be used as cursor thanks to its integrated software. 

Built to last

Durability has always been a concern for many when deciding on which laptop to purchase. When it comes to this laptop’s toughness however, the ZenBook 13 OLED is tested with the Military Grade MIL-STD-810G U.S. Standard for reliability and durability. These tests consist of different levels of stress examinations to ensure survival in harsh environments.

This includes power-on drop tests and operation at extremes of altitude and temperature. Along with this, the UX325 also endured ASUS’s stress assessment which far exceeds the standards set by the industry. 

Is the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UX325 your GadgetMatch? 

It’s amazing how such a compact laptop could handle the demands of my tasks while offering more with its true-to-life colors on visuals, amazing battery life, fast charging, ultraportability and excellent performance. 

So if these features tickle your fancy in a laptop, then your search for Incredible is here with the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UX325. Safe to say, this amazing piece of machinery is definitely your Gadgetmatch. 

The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UX325 retails for PhP 59,995 and is available in Pine Grey and Lilac mist variants.

More details on The ASUS ZenBOok 13 OLED Ux325 here.

This feature is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and ASUS Philippines.

Samsung is known for a lot of things. And in the home theater department, the South Korean giant cemented itself as one of the leading brands.

There are a lot of reasons why. But for starters, the company creates sturdy yet well-designed TVs. It never shies from packing its devices with plenty of smart features. More importantly, there’s a range of lineups that suit your taste, preference, lifestyle, and of course, budget.

Of all its lineup, Samsung’s Crystal UHD TV series is the one that’s worth checking out, if you’re in the market for an affordable Smart TV. And the Crystal UHD TU8000 variant, in my opinion, is one of the best value Smart TV you can get right now. It’s a really sweet package, and here are 8 reasons why.

Easy setup via SmartThings app

Smart TVs are supposed to be smart, and shouldn’t be a gatekeeper between the tech-savvy and everyday consumer. Samsung kept this in mind, so they optimized the TV setup. You can quickly finish it on the TV itself, or you can connect it via SmartThings app, and do everything on your smartphone!

One of the best smart TV system

Samsung’s TV that has 4K HDR, like the Crystal UHD TV series, is powered by Tizen — an open-source operating system developed by Samsung which can be seen on smartwatches, smart TVs, and appliances.

With this system, you can have quick access to popular streaming services. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, and even Apple TV — without the need for a dedicated Apple TV box.

Operating systems are often overlooked, but it’s one part of what makes or breaks your watching experience. Samsung’s Tizen made navigation easy, smooth, and functional. It might be due for a look upgrade, but it still gets the job done. It’s perfect for nights when you don’t want to engage your brain and watch telly after a long day at work.

Detailed picture quality

Watching on any Samsung TV is a treat for your eyes, with its sharp and detailed picture quality. It uses an LCD UHD panel technology, so its strength isn’t blowing your mind (and eyes) with vivid colors and a vibrant palette.

Rather, it keeps the visuals interesting by leveling the natural colors. Moreover, you can adjust its picture modes to match your preferences and your room’s lighting condition.

4K and Upscaling

Even though we already have 8K technology, I still enjoyed the 4K HDR capabilities of Samsung’s Crystal UHD TU8000. It was cinematic, immersive, and visually astonishing.

After all, the TV automatically switches to HDR mode whenever you’re watching HDR content, and upscales non-4K videos decently. And if you’re worried about added noise after being upscaled, fret not. The upscaling technology keeps quite a good amount of detail.

Ambient Mode

The artistic Ambient Mode, which was only exclusive to the high-end QLED range, made its way to the Crystal UHD TV series — and I love it. You can choose what to do with the display when you’re not using your telly. Opt for nice scenery, place images directly from your Samsung phone’s gallery, make it look like a frame — the choice is yours.

Lastly, the TV operates on lower power mode when in Ambient mode. So it’s not just prettifying your display when not in use, it helps save energy, too.

Stylish, functional, and sturdy

The TU8000 is pretty sturdy despite using plastic on its back panel, bezels, and stand. Nonetheless, it looks stylish whether it’s mounted on a wall or on a TV stand. Its back is designed with cables in mind, allowing you to manage it in an orderly manner to keep your TV neat and clean.

While already looking stylish, the TV never forgot about functionality, too. It has three HDMI ports, two USB ports, an ethernet port, a common interface slot, and an input for composite video and radio-frequency antenna. It definitely suits whatever kind of user you are!

Remote Control

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the remote control. It’s lightweight, fits my hands with its slim and curvy figure, and easy to navigate with its buttons that are only necessary. It’s also a smart assistant and a voice remote in one, so you can use your voice to search in apps like YouTube and make it function like Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant.

Pricing

The Samsung Crystal UHD TU8000 sits well at an affordable price point. The 43-inch model retails for PhP 27,999 while the 50-inch model costs PhP 33,999. For those who want a larger unit, the 55-inch model retails for PhP 41,999.

Bonus: Soundbar

Frankly, the sound quality isn’t the best when it comes to Samsung’s Crystal UHD TV TU8000. It’s loud and decent, however, having an impressive picture quality should be matched with stellar audio quality.

This is why pairing it with Samsung’s TF-400 Soundbar made the audio-visual experience heavenly, especially the Surround Sound that the soundbar offers. It’s really a match made in heaven, so if you’re considering the Crystal UHD for its 4K HDR capabilities, make sure you pair it with the right soundbar.

Huawei has always been known to be that powerful force in innovation. The bezel-less display, Huawei Free Touch and the recessed camera are just some of the many instances when Huawei have revolutionized and leveled up the playing field for the PC industry.

I think it goes without saying that Huawei’s premium brand, the MateBook family, is one that has truly set a new standard for intelligence when it comes to laptops.

It has been five years since the inception of the MateBook and ‘till this day, the MateBook family pushes on to be the perfect tool for the challenges we are faced with. From enhanced connectivity for online classes, immersive audio for work-from-home conferences to engaging visuals for Netflix nights, the MateBook family has got you covered and that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about here as we move further.

As they celebrate their fifth year of the MateBook series, they introduce to us another line of technological advancement with the 2021’s MateBook series.

With this comes the revamp of the very popular MateBook D 15 with the HUAWEI MateBook D 15 2021 11th Gen along with the powerfully sharp MateBook 14 2021 11th Gen and the borderless MateBook X Pro 2021.

Talk of the town with its elegance

There’s no denying that the MatebBook D 15 2021 is a dazzling piece of machinery. And being one that has been used to plastic laptop bodies, the all aluminum alloy body of the D 15 had me drooling over it. A prominent indication of its quality also, was how this MateBook’s body had rounded edges and a very solid build which are admittedly satisfying to the touch.

Carrying the device, it’s impossible not to notice just how feather light this MateBook D 15 is. For 1.56kg and only 16.9mm thin, it’s amazing just how this laptop carries a ton of horsepower and 15.6-inches of screen real estate.

Feature packed FullView display

Relatively bezel-less at only 5.3mm of bezel width, the MateBook D 15 2021 sports the iconic FullView display of the MateBook family. At 87% screen to body ratio, this 15.6-inch FHD IPS display panel is a feast for your eyes.

Given that we mostly look at our computer screens most of the time, eye strain is often the setback. A noteworthy feature the D 15 has with its display is that it has been certified under TÜV Rheinland’s Low Blue Light emittance and Flicker Free qualifications which makes it perfect for binge watching K-dramas on Netflix. Top that with 100% sRGB rating, there’s no reason to doubt the color representation this display outputs when doing creative work.

Much to flex under the hood 

At the heart of this laptop is Intel’s 11th Gen Core i5 processor and the Intel Iris XE graphics that it comes with. While most of us are already familiar with the power of the Core i5 processor, this newest generation of Intel’s offering takes this up a notch. Running four cores and eight processing threads, Intel’s newest architecture delivers 31 percent faster multi-core performance from its predecessor.

I believe many would agree that a lot of us do try to get some form of gaming done on their school or work laptop. The Intel Iris XE graphics is perfect for sneaking in some play time with our favorite games as well as for running some multimedia tasks.

Swamped with work or just juggling multiple tabs on your web browser, expect the experience to be as smooth as it can be as there’s now 16GB of DDR4 RAM packed in this slim body.

Smart power button

I guess you won’t have time to make coffee while waiting for your laptop to start up as with the D 15’s smart fingerprint power button, keying in your log on password is now a thing of the past. The moment you press on the D 15’s fingerprint power button automatically authenticates your identity and jumps you directly to your home screen, saving you the hassle of typing in your password.

At only 2.5 seconds as recorded by Windows for its start up, this has been the fastest power on time I have yet encountered on a laptop. Seriously, a boot up time this fast would make you doubt if you’ve left the laptop on sleep mode or if it was from a coldboot.

Cool and quiet

Despite the size of the MateBook D 15, it did not become noticeably hot. In fact, the palm rest felt cool to rest your palms on.

You know what they say: work smart and not hard. Huawei definitely worked smart with the ingenious fan design of its Shark fin fan. Designed with higher density and thinner fan blades, the need for increasing fan speed to cool the whole laptop has been drastically minimized. This resulted in the device to use less power, run cooler and operate quieter as this Shark fin fan contributes to 24% better cooling performance from its last-gen counterpart.

Next Generation WI-FI 6

I couldn’t help but geek out on this feature as I’m sure many I.T. professionals would as well. This next generation Wi-Fi 6 is actually known to be the successor to the standard 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 5 that most of our devices use.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 on the D 15 means that this device is able to operate at more stable Wi-Fi frequency bands to eliminate interference and reach significantly faster speeds. This ensures that the MateBook D 15 is ready for crowded scenarios such as what you would experience in shopping malls, corporate offices or even populated areas.

Not your ordinary charger

I just can’t count how many people I know who’ve asked me where to buy a new charger for their laptop simply because its cable is broken. I’m happy to say that that problem is pretty much gone with this one as the D 15’s charger features a detachable USB-C cable.

Surprisingly, it took exactly 9 hours and 30 minutes for the D 15’s battery to shift to power saving mode and with Huawei’s Supercharge feature built-in, this 65w charger was able to fully charge the D 15 in just an hour. That’s insanely fast for such a long run time if you ask me.

But that’s not all. Weighing only 160g, this charger isn’t much bigger and heavier than a smartphone charger.

Speaking of smartphones, this charger can also charge your USB-C compatible smartphone. Talk about #PowerInLightness .

Hear and be heard with Dual Mic and Immersive sound

By this time, we’ve all probably been on an online meeting or conference of some kind. Personally, I’m one who could tolerate bad video signals but bad audio is really something that would really ruin the experience for me. Thankfully, the dual front facing microphones of the MateBook D 15 ensures our voice would be picked up clearly even at longer distances.

Guaranteed to give you an immersive experience, the 2W dual-speaker audio system can simulate both 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound performance.

Tap and share with HUAWEI Share 

If you’re fortunately among the proud owners of a Huawei smartphone then you’d be able to maximize this very handy feature of the 2021 MateBook D 15.

Huawei Share lets you cast your smartphone screen on your laptop, transfer files wirelessly and basically use almost all features and apps of your smartphone onto your laptop. With just a tap of your Huawei smartphone on the Huawei Share label on the D 15, the two devices are all set. It’s that easy.

I can’t emphasize how convenient this is for people like me who always transfer footage I took with my smartphone. No cables for data transfer and no switching from two devices to get things done, just tap and you’re wirelessly connected.

Fast is the word that I think best describes the 2021 HUAWEI MateBook D 15 11th Gen.

The fast new processor, large amount of RAM, next generation Wi-Fi 6, ultraportable charger with SuperCharge, thin and light size, Huawei Share and an ingenious smart fingerprint power button, every bit contributes to everything being faster and just getting things done faster.

With so many features loaded in one package, I understand why it’s hard not to talk about these new offerings of the MateBook family and why there’s no need to think twice on getting a hold of this awesome device.

The Huawei MateBook D 15 2021 retails for PhP 52,999. Interested buyers may purchase from any of the following: Huawei Store, Lazada, Shopee.

This feature is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and Huawei Philippines.