ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (2024) Review: A Screen to Swoon Over, Performance to Please

Tech Specs

• Model: S5606MA

• Colors: Mist Blue, Neutral Black

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

• Processor Options:

1. Intel Core Ultra 5 (125H, up to 4.5 GHz, 14 cores)
2. Intel Core Ultra 7 (155H, up to 4.8 GHz, 16 cores)
3. Intel Core Ultra 9 (185H, up to 5.1 GHz, 16 cores)

• Graphics: Intel Arc

• Display: 16" OLED, 3.2K (3200 x 2000), 120Hz, 16:10 ratio

• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X

• Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

• I/O Ports:

1. 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
2. 2x Thunderbolt 4 (display/power delivery)
3. 1x HDMI 2.1
4. 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack
5. 1x MicroSD Card Reader

• Keyboard: Backlit Chiclet, 1-Zone RGB, Num-key

• Touchpad: Precision Touchpad

• Camera: FHD with IR for Windows Hello, Privacy Shutter

• Audio:

1. Smart Amp Technology
2. Built-in Speakers
3. Built-in Microphones
4. harman/kardon

• Network & Communication: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Battery: 75Wh, 4-cell Li-ion
• Power Supply: 90W USB-C Adapter
• Weight: 1.50 kg
• Dimensions: 35.36 x 24.69 x 1.39 ~ 1.59 cm
• Built-in Apps: MyASUS, ScreenXpert, GlideX
• Security: TPM, IR Webcam with Windows Hello
• Military Grade: US MIL-STD 810H

The ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (2024) has been my daily driver for some time now, and I must say, it's making a solid impression. As someone who values a combination of portability, performance, and visual excellence, this laptop has hit most of the right notes. Let's dive into my personal experience with this machine.

Design - Light as a Feather, Solid as a Rock

Despite its generous 16-inch display, the Vivobook S 16 OLED is surprisingly lightweight at 1.5kg, and it's sleek enough at 13.9mm to slide effortlessly into my everyday carry. This makes it a fantastic companion whether I'm commuting or setting up shop at a local café.

PROS

• Stunning 16-inch OLED display with 3.2K resolution
• Lightweight and sleek design with military-grade durability
• Comfortable RGB-backlit keyboard for enjoyable typing
• Harman Kardon-tuned speakers with clear and rich sound
• Long battery life with fast charging capabilities
• Flexible 180-degree hinge for versatile use

CONS

• No dedicated fingerprint sensor for quick login
• RGB keyboard lighting could be brighter in low light

The aluminum unibody construction adds a reassuringly solid feel, which has been put to the test with my clumsy handling - and it passed with flying colors. It also meets military-grade MIL-STD 810H standards, adding peace of mind when it comes to durability.

Connectivity - The Vivobook S 16 OLED shines with two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, two USB 3.2 ports, an HDMI output, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. The Thunderbolt 4 ports facilitate seamless connections to high-resolution external monitors and offer ultra-fast data transfer speeds.

Webcam - The laptop boasts a 1080p webcam, providing crisp and clear visuals that enhance the quality of video calls and online meetings.

Display: A Visual Delight

The display on this laptop is where it truly shines. The 16-inch OLED screen offers a 3.2K resolution (3200x2000), and it's nothing short of spectacular. Watching content like "Kaiju No 8" on this machine was a treat, with deep blacks and vibrant colors that made every scene pop.

The 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 600 True Black certification ensure that everything from movies to spreadsheets looks crisp and lifelike. If you're into binge-watching Netflix or need a display that does justice to your content, this screen delivers in spades.

The display's peak brightness of 600 nits means I can use it comfortably in various lighting conditions, even in direct sunlight. The screen also features a 180-degree hinge, which I've found handy for collaborative work or when I just want to adjust the viewing angle for comfort. I appreciate the attention to detail in ASUS's MyASUS app, where I can tweak the color settings to my liking.

Performance: Handling Tasks with Ease

Under the hood, the Vivobook S 16 OLED packs a punch with Intel's Core Ultra processors. My unit, featuring the Core Ultra 7 155H, is paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD. This setup handles my daily workload with ease.

My routine typically involves writing and editing, running Slack, juggling between numerous Chrome tabs, and running occasional benchmarks. The laptop's performance remains snappy and reliable throughout, with no noticeable lag or slowdown, even when multitasking.

The Intel Arc A770M GPU adds to its capabilities, allowing for decent gaming performance at 1080p. While it's not a gaming beast, it handles casual gaming quite well, making it a versatile machine for work and play.

I've also been impressed with the laptop's thermal management. The advanced IceCool cooling system, which includes dual heat pipes and liquid-crystal polymer fans, effectively manages heat dissipation, keeping the laptop cool under pressure. Even during intensive tasks or prolonged use, the laptop never gets uncomfortably warm, allowing me to work without distraction.

Keyboard: Work by Day, Rave by Night

The keyboard on the Vivobook S 16 OLED is another feature I've grown to appreciate. The inclusion of RGB lighting feels like a nod to gamers, but it's a welcome addition for someone like me who enjoys a bit of flair in their tech. The single-zone RGB backlighting is customizable, though I found the brightness could be a bit higher, especially in low-light environments.

The keyboard itself is spacious and comfortable to type on, thanks to the larger 16-inch chassis. As someone who spends a lot of time typing, the 1.7mm key travel and ergonomic design make for a pleasant typing experience. It's familiar territory for me, given my positive experiences with ASUS's Zenbook and ROG lineups.

The large trackpad is another win. Measuring 150x99mm, it's not only roomy but also precise. I initially worried about ghost touches or accidental input, but those concerns quickly vanished. The trackpad's silky glass texture provides a premium feel and it handles Windows gestures flawlessly, enhancing the overall user experience.

Audio: Loud and Clear

The audio experience on the Vivobook S 16 OLED also exceeded my expectations. The stereo speakers, tuned by Harman Kardon, deliver sound that's not just loud but also clear and rich.

While they might not dethrone MacBook speakers, they're certainly a significant improvement over typical Windows laptop offerings. I found myself not reaching for my headphones as often, even in moderately noisy environments.

Battery - Gets You Through the Day

Battery life is often a concern with larger laptops, but the Vivobook S 16 OLED impresses here as well. The 75Wh battery provides a solid 8-9 hours of use on a single charge for typical productivity tasks. During my workday, which involves writing and editing, messaging on Slack, and heavy web browsing, I never had to worry about running out of juice. Even under heavier loads, it comfortably lasts for 5-6 hours. Fast charging is a bonus, quickly bringing the battery up to 60% in under an hour, ensuring I'm not tethered to a power outlet for long.

Price

The ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (2024) comes in three variants to suit different needs and budgets:

• The Intel Core Ultra 5 variant is priced at ₹102,990.
• The Intel Core Ultra 7 variant, which I tested, is priced at ₹116,990.
• The top-end variant with the Intel Core Ultra 9 chipset is available for ₹129,990.

Verdict: Should You Buy the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED?

The ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED has proven to be a reliable companion in my daily grind. Its stunning OLED display, lightweight and durable build, and robust performance make it a versatile choice for both work and entertainment. The comfortable keyboard, responsive trackpad, and impressive battery life enhance its overall appeal, making it a strong contender in the 16-inch laptop market.

While it misses a dedicated fingerprint sensor, the comprehensive feature set and overall user experience more than compensate for this minor shortcoming. If you're in the market for a laptop that blends performance, portability, and visual excellence, the Vivobook S 16 OLED is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice for professionals, students, and anyone looking for a capable all-around laptop that doesn't compromise on quality.