The new ASUS VivoBook S 15 aims to bring cutting-edge AI capabilities to a sleek laptop package. With its Snapdragon X Elite processor and dedicated AI chip, this device is ready to tackle the demands of modern computing.
Display and Design
The VivoBook S 15 features a 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This screen promises vivid colors and smooth motion, ideal for both work and entertainment.
The 16:9 aspect ratio might feel a bit dated compared to taller 16:10 screens, but it’s still a solid choice for most users.
At 1.42 kg and 14.7mm thick, this laptop strikes a good balance between portability and screen size. The all-metal design with MIL-STD 810H certification suggests durability, though color options are limited to Cool Silver.
The ErgoSense Keyboard features single zone RGB backlighting that can be customized. I would’ve actually preferred black keycaps for a good contrast, but the typing experience is decent. I noticed that it requires a bit more force to type on, as compared to say my Zenbook 14 OLED.
The vents are located at the back, preventing hot air from reaching your hand on the side when using the device.
Performance
While we couldn’t run benchmarks, the Snapdragon X Elite X1E78100 processor along with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM should deliver strong performance for most tasks. It also packs a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, with the option to upgrade, should you need more.
The integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU seems to be very capable as well. We saw Genshin Impact at low settings running pretty smoothly, though we still have to see actual metrics to give a verdict. The Hexagon NPU offering 45 TOPS of AI processing power, slightly above Microsoft’s requirements of 40 TOPS.
All throughout the demos and the time we were able to try it out, the Vivobook S 15 performed very well. Navigating menus were snappy, apps opened fast, and during the demo of its Copilot+ features, it was also able to output results quickly even when using slightly complex prompts.
AI Features
During the briefing, we were able to try out some of the Copilot+ features of the Vivobook S 15.
Of course, one of which was using the Copilot app, which, in the unit we used, was luckily subscribe to the Pro version. ASUS demonstrated a bunch of scenarios, such as asking for a recipe, and we were also able to try generating an image and a travel itinerary with slightly complex prompts.
ASUS also showed a PowerPoint presentation that was generated from text prompts. We wanted to try it out, but the poor internet connection didn’t allow us to. But imagine, being able to generate a presentation for a quick meeting in such a short amount of time.
Live captions also allow for translating audio from videos. And while the timing is on point, the accuracy of the translation could use some work. You can also do subtitles for yourself, as you speak, if you want to. We tried it on Spotify, and it didn’t work, although ASUS says that it does work for some songs.
The Cocreator app lets you transform your simple sketches into polished images, with the help of text prompts and specific drawing styles that you can choose from. You can even adjust the creativity level to get varying results.
Through all of this, I’d say the device did very well, responding with good accuracy for most of the time.
While these features sound promising, their real-world usefulness remains to be seen. The on-device processing should help with privacy concerns, but some functions still require internet access.
Battery and Connectivity
The 70Wh battery claims up to 18 hours of use, which is impressive if accurate. Fast charging support is a welcome addition, and WiFi 7 ensures you’re ready for the next generation of wireless networking.
The port selection is generous, with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility and HDMI 2.1. I would have preferred a full-size SD card slot, but there are ways around that, so, all good.
Audio and Privacy
The speakers are definitely a step above my old Zenbook 14 OLED – offering loud, clear sound with good bass – a pleasant surprise for a thin laptop. Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the physical webcam shield and Windows Hello IR camera.
Software and Extras
The VivoBook S 15 comes with Windows 11 Home and includes Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021, as well as a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic.
There’s also StoryCube for organizing media, which can prove useful if you’re dealing with tons of photos or videos from multiple devices and from the cloud.
Price and Value
At PHP 84,995, the VivoBook S 15 sits in the premium laptop category. The pre-order bonuses, including a Delsey luggage and “Cool for School” bundle, add significant value for early adopters.
ASUS Vivobook S 15 – Initial Thoughts
The ASUS VivoBook S 15 presents an intriguing package for those interested in AI-enhanced computing. Its premium build quality, seemingly capable processor, dedicated NPU, vibrant display, and if accurate, great battery life, make it a capable all-rounder.
While the price is high, the included software and pre-order bonuses help justify the cost. The laptop’s thin design and capable hardware should appeal to students and young professionals looking for a premium device that can handle both work and entertainment.
Some potential drawbacks include the lack of an SD card reader, and the 16:9 aspect ratio, which may feel less modern compared to taller screens. Additionally, the effectiveness and user-friendliness of the AI features will need thorough testing. All of which will be included in our full review.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
