The ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED is a compelling laptop that blends aesthetic appeal, impressive performance, and portability for students and professionals, offering a satisfying user experience despite some minor drawbacks.

Design and Build Quality

The laptop features a sleek, minimalist design with an aluminum alloy lid and plastic base. Weighing 1.5kg and 17.9mm thick, it’s highly portable with an 80% screen-to-body ratio and thin bezels. The 180° hinge provides versatile usage, though the glossy finish attracts fingerprints. Compared to competitors like Dell XPS, its design emphasizes lightweight mobility.

Display

The 14.5-inch OLED display offers 2880 x 1800 pixels resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. PANTONE validated and covering 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, it delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. Brightness reaches 600 nits, suitable for various lighting conditions. However, the glossy surface can cause reflections, potentially distracting users compared to matte displays from HP Pavilion series.

Software

Running Windows 11 Home, the laptop includes MyASUS for system optimization and OLED Care utility to prevent screen burn-in. Latest updates enhance productivity features like Snap Layouts and security tools.

Performance

Powered by up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, the laptop offers configurations of 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. Benchmark performance in Geekbench and Cinebench is admirable, particularly for single-core tasks. While handling productivity software smoothly, gaming performance remains limited without a dedicated GPU. Compared to Dell XPS 13, it offers comparable processing capabilities but distinguishes itself through superior display quality. Multitasking remains fluid, with sufficient power for professional and academic applications. The integrated graphics handle light creative tasks effectively, though intensive graphic work might require external GPU support.

Battery Life

The 75Wh battery delivers 7-8 hours for light tasks, reducing to 4-5 hours during intensive activities. Fast charging enables approximately 50% battery replenishment in under an hour, providing convenient quick top-ups for busy professionals.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The ergonomic keyboard offers 1.4mm key travel with three backlighting levels. The large, responsive trackpad supports multi-touch gestures and includes an integrated fingerprint sensor, though some users report inconsistent performance.

Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity includes two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI port, and microSD card reader. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure fast internet and peripheral connections.

Audio and Webcam

Harman Kardon-tuned speakers provide decent sound with weak bass. The 720p webcam performs adequately for video calls but struggles in low-light conditions. A physical webcam shutter provides additional privacy.

Thermal Performance

Effective thermal management prevents significant throttling, with subdued fan noise during regular use and increased noise under heavy processing loads.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Stunning OLED display
• Lightweight design
• Strong performance
• Solid thermal management
• Comprehensive connectivity

Cons

• Weak audio quality
• Limited battery life
• Fingerprint-prone finish
• Subpar low-light webcam performance

Market Buzz

E-commerce reviews highlight exceptional display quality and lightweight design while noting disappointment in audio performance and battery limitations.

Pricing

• Intel Core i5 variant: ₹79,990
• Intel Core i7 variant: ₹89,990
• Intel Core i9 variant: ₹99,990

Value for Money

Compared to competitors like Dell XPS or HP Pavilion series in similar price ranges, the ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED offers good value. Despite compromises in audio quality and battery life, its superior display and performance justify the pricing for users seeking a balanced, versatile laptop.

Final Verdict

The ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED delivers impressive visual performance and portability, making it an attractive option for users prioritizing display quality and lightweight design despite minor audio and battery compromises.