Asus ZenBook S16 review: Lightweight & Powerful Laptop
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Pros
- Stunning Design
- Powerful Performance
- Gorgeous Display
- Long Battery Life
- Excellent Connectivity
- AI-Powered Features
Cons
- High Price
- Mediocre Keyboard and Trackpad
- No Ethernet Port
- Display Brightness Could Be Better
Introduction: Asus ZenBook S16
In a world where laptops are essential companions, finding the perfect blend of style, performance, and innovation can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack.
Imagine a device that doesn’t just meet your expectations but redefines them. The Asus ZenBook S16 is here to challenge the norms with its ultra-sleek design, vibrant display, and powerful performance—crafted for professionals, creators, and multitaskers alike. Whether you’re diving into complex projects, streaming 4K content, or simply browsing the web, this laptop promises to elevate every moment.
In this comprehensive Asus ZenBook S16 review, we’ll dissect every facet of this laptop to see if it truly lives up to the hype. Let’s explore its design, display, performance, battery life, and how it fares against competitors like the Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Pro 16.
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Design and Build Quality
Appearance and Feel
The ZenBook S16 boasts a sleek, lightweight design crafted from Ceraluminum, a material that combines strength and elegance. Key features include:
Portability: Weighing under 1.5 kg, this laptop is easy to carry and fits seamlessly into any bag.
Strong Hinges: The smooth hinges provide a slight keyboard tilt for comfortable typing.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Typing feels natural with well-spaced keys, and the responsive touchpad ensures smooth navigation.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to the Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Pro 16, the ZenBook S16 stands out for its lightweight build and premium design. However, its glossy finish may attract fingerprints and glare, which could be a concern for some users.
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Display
Exceptional Screen Quality
The 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen is one of the standout features of the ZenBook S16. Key highlights include:
Vibrant Colours: The OLED panel delivers rich, true-to-life colours.
High Refresh Rate: A 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, ideal for gaming and videos.
Touchscreen Capability: The touch functionality adds an interactive element, enhancing user experience.
Comparison to Competitors
MacBook Pro 16: While Apple’s screen is bright, the ZenBook’s OLED display offers better contrast and smoother performance for multimedia tasks.
Dell XPS 15: The XPS display is comparable but lacks the ZenBook’s high refresh rate.
Downside: The glossy screen can cause reflections, especially in bright environments, and it is prone to fingerprints.
Performance
Power and Efficiency
Equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, the ZenBook S16 handles demanding tasks effortlessly. Performance highlights include:
Everyday Tasks: Handles multitasking and everyday applications without lag.
Speed Tests: Achieves impressive benchmark scores, placing it among the fastest laptops in its class.
Cooling System
Even during resource-intensive tasks like video editing, the ZenBook S16 stays cool thanks to its efficient cooling system.
Comparison to Competitors
MacBook Pro 16: Apple’s M3 chip offers slightly better energy efficiency, but the ZenBook S16 outshines it in gaming and creative workloads.
HP Spectre x360: While the Spectre performs well for light tasks, the ZenBook S16 excels in handling heavy workloads and multitasking.
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Battery Life
Durability and Quick Charging
The ZenBook S16 features a robust 78Wh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance:
Daily Use: Provides up to 8 hours of battery life, sufficient for a full day’s work or study.
Fast Charging: Charges quickly, though the screen may briefly black out when the charger is connected, which can be slightly inconvenient.
Comparison to Competitors
MacBook Pro 16: Offers slightly longer battery life, but the ZenBook S16 holds its own.
Dell XPS 15: The ZenBook’s battery life outlasts the XPS, especially during intensive use.
Audio and Webcam
High-Quality Sound
The ZenBook S16 is equipped with six speakers that deliver rich, immersive audio. Whether watching a movie or listening to music, the sound quality is impressive.
Webcam and Face Unlock
The built-in webcam is sufficient for video calls, but the face unlock feature can be inconsistent, often requiring manual password entry. Competitors like the Surface Laptop Studio offer more reliable facial recognition.
To read about the Rog Strix upcoming laptop next year, click here.
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Conclusion
The Asus ZenBook S16 is an excellent choice for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a blend of performance and portability. Its stunning OLED display, strong processor, and lightweight design make it a standout option. While issues like the glossy screen and unreliable face unlock exist, they are minor compared to the overall quality of the laptop.
