Today, we’re diving into two exciting laptops from the latest ASUS Vivobook S OLED lineup. We have the 14-inch version in Mist Blue and the 16-inch version in Neutral Black. These premium laptops pack a punch and come at a surprisingly affordable price.
Specs
Let’s kick things off with the specs. Both laptops are powered by the latest 14th Gen Intel chips, available in Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and Core Ultra 7 155H configurations, paired with the new Intel Arc integrated graphics. Each model starts with 16GB of RAM at 7467MT/s and includes a 512GB SSD.
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Graphics: Intel Arc integrated graphics
- RAM: 16GB, 7467MT/s
- Storage: 512GB SSD
These specs ensure solid performance, whether you’re gaming, creating content, or multitasking. For detailed gaming performance on the Core Ultra 7 155H, check out our earlier video here. They’re super powerful.
And the Intel Core Ultra series has a built-in NPU (neural processing unit) for better on-device AI processing. We have made a video explaining what the NPU means and how it differentiates itself from the GPU and CPU when doing AI-related tasks.
Screen
Both laptops feature stunning 16:10 OLED screens, certified by ASUS’s in-house Lumina OLED standard. They achieve 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts and a peak brightness of about 400 nits. The OLED screens are excellent for vibrant colors and deep contrasts, though the glossy finish does result in some reflections in bright conditions.
However, there is a big difference between these two laptop’s screens. The 14-inch has a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels at 60Hz, whereby the 16-inch version has a 3200×2000 pixels resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. No idea why there is such a difference, but I’m okay with this since a 14-inch screen at 1080p resolution is still plenty sharp. Plus, lowering the refresh rate to 60Hz can help save battery life.
Ports
Both laptops come equipped with a comprehensive set of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a mix of USB and HDMI ports.
Charging is done via a USB-C charger, with both models capable of drawing up to 90W. This power delivery supports the impressive performance capabilities of these laptops.
Design
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models share a sleek, metal design, maintaining a thin profile of 1.59cm. Despite the larger screen size, the 16-inch model is just as thin as its smaller counterpart, making it equally portable. They’re both made built with metal, but they’re not that heavy either. That’s amazing.
However, be prepared for some fan noise during intense tasks or gaming due to their high power consumption and compact design.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboards on these laptops are a joy to type on, offering good travel distance and a satisfying bounce. The 16-inch model includes a physical number pad, which some users might find useful. Both keyboards feature a single-zone RGB backlight—an unexpected but nice touch.
These laptops also feature a dedicated Copilot button, which brings up the Copilot AI chatbot in Windows. While it’s a novel feature, its practical use is somewhat limited due to its dependence on an internet connection and relatively slow response times.
The trackpads are large, smooth, and highly responsive, with excellent palm rejection.
Upgradability
Upgradability is somewhat limited. Both laptops allow for SSD upgrades, but the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, and even the WiFi card is not replaceable. The 16-inch model has an identical motherboard layout to the 14-inch, indicating some unused internal space.
Do be careful when opening this laptop as there are hidden screws behind the rubber feet. There is one on the S 14, and there are two on the S 16.
Battery Life
Both models come with a 75Wh battery. The 14-inch model delivers about 6-7 hours of usage with regular tasks, such as web browsing and streaming. The 16-inch model may have slightly reduced battery life due to its higher resolution and refresh rate screen.
Value
The standout feature of the Vivobook S series is its affordability. The 14-inch model starts at RM4,399, and the 16-inch at RM4,699. For the price, these laptops offer a premium design, robust specs, excellent displays, and solid battery life.
Do have a look at these laptops as I think they’re very affordable. I thought it would be RM5k at least – but somehow ASUS managed to make it lower in price with these specs in a premium metal body, great keyboard and trackpad alongside a fantastic battery life. Let’s not forget that laptops with OLED screens is still rather rare, and only ASUS offers it across their portfolio.
