ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED Review: A Powerful Companion for Everyday Tasks and Beyond

When you’re on the hunt for a laptop that perfectly balances power, portability, and eye-catching design, the ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED is definitely one to consider. After using this device extensively, I can confidently say that ASUS has created a laptop that not only meets but often surpasses the expectations of both casual users and professionals. The Vivobook S16 OLED shines in key areas, from its breathtaking display that makes every visual experience enjoyable to its strong performance that handles everything from daily tasks to more demanding applications with ease. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or someone who just wants a reliable laptop for everyday use, this machine is designed to fit seamlessly into your life and exceed your expectations.

Design and Display

The first thing that caught my eye when unboxing the ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED was its sleek design. Available in two color options—Mist Blue and Neutral Black—the laptop exudes a sophisticated vibe. I opted for the Mist Blue variant, and it did not disappoint. The color is subtle yet distinctive, giving the device a modern and professional look. The laptop’s build quality is also impressive. Weighing in at just 1.50 kg (3.31 lbs) and measuring a slim 1.39 to 1.59 cm in thickness, it’s incredibly portable, making it an ideal choice for those who are always on the go.

The laptop’s dimensions (35.36 x 24.69 cm) make it a perfect fit for most backpacks, and I found it easy to carry around during my daily commute. Despite its lightweight and slim profile, the Vivobook S16 doesn’t feel flimsy. The device is US MIL-STD 810H military-grade certified, which means it can withstand some rough handling, a reassuring feature for anyone who’s constantly on the move.

The highlight of the ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED is undoubtedly its display. The 16-inch 3.2K OLED panel with a resolution of 3200 x 2000 pixels is nothing short of stunning. The 16:10 aspect ratio offers more vertical space, which is particularly useful when working on documents or browsing the web. What truly sets this display apart is its 120Hz refresh rate, which makes every interaction buttery smooth, whether you’re scrolling through social media or gaming.

The display supports VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 600, with peak brightness reaching 600 nits. This means that colors pop with incredible vibrancy, and the deep blacks create a contrast that’s almost cinematic. Watching movies or editing photos on this screen is a delightful experience, and even working on spreadsheets feels less mundane. The screen-to-body ratio of 89% further enhances the immersive experience, making the bezels almost disappear from your view.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Under the hood, the Vivobook S16 OLED is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H. This 16-core, 22-thread CPU can clock up to 4.8 GHz, making it more than capable of handling demanding tasks. Whether I was multitasking between several apps or running resource-intensive software, the laptop never showed signs of slowing down. The inclusion of Intel AI Boost NPU adds another layer of performance, optimizing processes for efficiency and speed. This neural processor is particularly useful for AI-based tasks, making the laptop future-proof as more applications integrate AI functionalities.

The Intel Arc Graphics provides decent performance for a laptop in this category. While it’s not a gaming laptop per se, I was able to play some mid-range games at respectable settings without any noticeable lag. For creative professionals, this GPU will suffice for light to moderate graphic design and video editing tasks.

For creative professionals, the Vivobook S16 OLED offers decent performance in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro. The laptop’s GPU render time in Blender was quick, making it suitable for video editing tasks. Gaming on this laptop was also enjoyable, with Forza Horizon 5 running at around 36 FPS on high settings. While it’s not a gaming powerhouse, it handles indie games and less demanding titles very well.

Memory and Storage: Room to Breathe

The Vivobook S16 OLED comes equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is soldered onto the motherboard. While the non-upgradability might be a concern for some, I found the 16GB to be more than adequate for my needs. Whether it was running multiple browser tabs, streaming music, or editing photos, the laptop handled everything with ease.

Storage is another area where the Vivobook S16 excels. The 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD provides lightning-fast read and write speeds, ensuring that boot times are minimal and applications load almost instantly. The laptop also includes an additional M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 expansion slot, giving you the flexibility to upgrade your storage if needed. This combination of fast RAM and ample storage makes the Vivobook S16 a reliable companion for both work and play.

Connectivity and Ports: All the Essentials

In terms of connectivity, the Vivobook S16 OLED doesn’t disappoint. It features a wide array of ports that cater to all your peripheral needs. The laptop includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, which are perfect for connecting older devices. Additionally, there are two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports that support display and power delivery, making them incredibly versatile. I used these ports to connect to an external monitor and charge my laptop simultaneously, and it worked flawlessly.

The HDMI 2.1 port is another welcome addition, allowing you to connect to high-resolution displays without any hiccups. For audio, there’s a 3.5mm combo jack, and the inclusion of a Micro SD card reader is a thoughtful touch, especially for photographers and videographers who need to transfer files on the go.

Keyboard and Touchpad: Comfortable and Intuitive

The typing experience on the Vivobook S16 OLED is a delight, thanks to its backlit Chiclet keyboard. The keys offer 1.7mm of travel, which I found to be just the right amount for comfortable typing. The addition of a Num-key is particularly useful for those who work with numbers frequently. The keyboard is also RGB backlit, allowing for some customization, although the lighting is limited to a single zone.

The Precision touchpad is responsive and supports all the gestures you’d expect from a Windows laptop. One of the standout features is the inclusion of the Copilot key, which ties into the Copilot feature in Windows 11. Although this feature is still rolling out in select markets, it promises to be a game-changer for productivity, offering AI-powered assistance directly from the touchpad.

Audio and Webcam: A Mixed Bag

The audio on the Vivobook S16 OLED is delivered through two Harman Kardon speakers located on the underside of the laptop. When placed on a flat surface, the sound bounces off, creating a loud and immersive audio experience. The speakers are tuned for Dolby Atmos, and while the sound quality is generally good, I found the bass response to be a bit lacking. The speakers can get loud without distorting, but audiophiles might want to use external speakers or headphones for a richer sound experience.

The Full HD webcam with an IR sensor for Windows Hello is a welcome feature, especially for those who rely on video conferencing. The webcam offers good clarity and comes with a privacy shutter, allowing you to cover the camera when not in use. The Windows Studio features, including automatic framing and eye tracking, add a professional touch to your video calls, making it easier to stay centered on screen.

Battery Life: Enough to Get You Through the Day

Battery life is often a concern with high-performance laptops, but the Vivobook S16 OLED manages to strike a balance. The 75WHrs, 4-cell Li-ion battery provides enough juice to get through a full workday on a single charge. In my experience, the laptop comfortably lasted around 7-8 hours with mixed usage, including browsing, streaming, and light photo editing.

The included 90W AC Adapter charges the laptop fairly quickly, thanks to the Type-C power delivery. This means that even if you’re running low on battery, a quick 30-minute charge can give you enough power to finish your tasks.

Built-in Software and AI Features

The Vivobook S16 OLED comes with a host of pre-installed software, including MyASUS, which acts as a central hub for system diagnostics, fan control, and other utilities. One of the standout features is the integration of AI through the Intel NPU, which powers tasks like the Copilot feature. This AI assistant can help with various tasks, making your workflow more efficient.

I particularly enjoyed using the MyASUS app to link my Android phone to the laptop, allowing me to make calls, transfer files, and even use the phone’s camera as a secondary camera for video recording. The AI features add a layer of functionality that’s becoming increasingly important in modern laptops.

Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Performer

After thoroughly testing the ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED, I can confidently say that it’s an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a large-screen, thin, and light laptop. Its combination of a stunning OLED display, solid performance, and robust build quality makes it a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of tasks.

The laptop’s minor shortcomings, such as the small arrow keys and the slightly dim keyboard backlighting, are overshadowed by its many strengths. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual gamer, the Vivobook S16 OLED is a laptop that can cater to your needs without compromising on style or performance.

At a price of ₹1,16,990, it offers great value, especially for those who prioritize display quality and portability. If you’re in the market for a new laptop that combines power with elegance, the ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED should be at the top of your list.

FAQs about the ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED

Q: How portable is the ASUS Vivobook S16 OLED?

A: It’s incredibly portable, weighing just 1.50 kg (3.31 lbs) and measuring a slim 1.39 to 1.59 cm in thickness.

Q: Is the laptop durable?

A: Yes, it’s US MIL-STD 810H military-grade certified, meaning it can withstand some rough handling.

Q: What makes the display special?

A: It boasts a 16-inch 3.2K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 600, and a peak brightness of 600 nits, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals.

Q: Can it handle demanding tasks?

A: Yes, the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H and Intel Arc Graphics ensure smooth performance even with multitasking or resource-intensive software.

Q: Is it suitable for gaming?

A: While not a dedicated gaming laptop, it can handle mid-range games at respectable settings and excels at indie games and less demanding titles.

Q: How does it perform for creative professionals?

A: It offers decent performance for light to moderate graphic design and video editing tasks, with quick GPU render times in Blender.