ASUS Vivobook 15 Review: A Budget-Friendly Workhorse with Room for Improvement

The ASUS Vivobook 15 positions itself as a value-driven laptop that balances performance with affordability. While it excels in everyday computing tasks and offers practical features for students and casual users, certain limitations in display quality and gaming capabilities keep it from being a perfect all-rounder. The modern design and competitive pricing make it an attractive option in India’s budget laptop segment.

Design and Build Quality

The 1.8kg lightweight plastic chassis sports a modern aesthetic with a frameless NanoEdge display boasting an 88% screen-to-body ratio. The ErgoLift hinge enhances typing ergonomics, though the plastic surfaces tend to accumulate fingerprints and scratches with regular use.

Display

The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) anti-glare display delivers adequate clarity but falls short with brightness levels of 250-293 nits. Color accuracy is modest, and viewing angles show noticeable distortion at extreme positions, making it less suitable for content creation compared to competitors like the HP Pavilion x360.

Software

Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed with useful utilities like MyASUS for system optimization and Android device integration. While the latest update brings welcome improvements to the user interface, some pre-installed software feels unnecessary.

Performance

The Intel Core i5-1235U processor paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics delivers reliable performance for everyday computing. With configurations offering up to 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, multitasking remains smooth and responsive. Benchmark results show strong productivity performance, though gaming capabilities lag similarly priced competitors like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and HP Pavilion x360, which often feature dedicated GPUs. Light gaming is possible with reduced settings, but serious gamers should look elsewhere. Compared to its price-segment rivals, the Vivobook 15 holds its ground in general computing tasks but falls short in graphics-intensive applications. The SSD ensures quick boot times and fast file transfers, making it suitable for students and professionals focused on productivity tasks.

Battery Life

The 42Wh battery provides 6-7 hours of mixed use, requiring occasional charging during intensive use. A full charge takes about two hours, which is standard for this category.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The backlit chiclet keyboard features 1.4mm key travel and comfortable spacing. The responsive trackpad includes Windows Precision Drivers and a convenient fingerprint reader, though it lacks dedicated buttons.

Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity includes two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, HDMI output, and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 support is standard, though the absence of Thunderbolt might disappoint some users.

Audio and Webcam

Bottom-firing speakers provide adequate sound but lack bass depth. The webcam and microphone suffice for basic video calls but struggle in low-light conditions compared to higher-end models.

Thermal Performance

Single-fan cooling manages heat effectively during regular use but can run warm and noisy under heavy loads.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Portable, modern design
  • Comfortable backlit keyboard
  • Comprehensive port selection
  • Reliable everyday performance
  • Quick fingerprint authentication

Cons

  • Subpar display brightness
  • Limited gaming capabilities
  • Basic speaker quality
  • Poor low-light webcam performance
  • Noticeable heat under load

Market Buzz

User reviews on major e-commerce platforms highlight the laptop’s design and typing experience while noting concerns about display quality and battery performance during intensive use.

Pricing

  • Core i3 variant (8GB RAM + 512GB SSD): ₹41,490
  • Core i5 variant (8GB RAM + 512GB SSD): ₹54,990
  • Core i5 variant (16GB RAM + 512GB SSD): ₹59,990

Value for Money

For budget-conscious Indian consumers seeking a reliable computing device, the Vivobook 15 offers competitive features at reasonable price points.

Final Verdict

The ASUS Vivobook 15 serves as a capable daily driver for students and professionals prioritizing productivity over entertainment. While display and gaming limitations exist, its balanced feature set and competitive pricing make it a worthy consideration in India’s budget laptop segment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *