In the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance laptops, ASUS continues to push boundaries. The new Vivobook S16 (2024) represents the brand’s seamless blend of style, power, and innovation. Aimed at users who want a large display, powerful performance, and AI-powered features without compromising on portability, this 16-inch OLED marvel is one of the most exciting launches of the year.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Vivobook S16 a worthy contender in the premium ultrabook segment.
Premium Design Meets Portability
The first thing that grabs your attention is the sleek and slim design. Despite the 16-inch screen, the Vivobook S16 maintains a lightweight profile, weighing around 1.5 kg and just 1.39 cm thick. The all-metal chassis adds a touch of luxury while ensuring durability.
The laptop comes in Neutral Black and Cool Silver, both of which exude sophistication. ASUS has given attention to detail with CNC-engraved logos, sharp lines, and a minimalist finish that will appeal to professionals and students alike.
The 180° lay-flat hinge is an added bonus for sharing content or collaborating on a table, and the backlit keyboard with large keys and a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button adds to both usability and security.
Gorgeous 3.2K OLED Display
ASUS has equipped the Vivobook S16 with a 16-inch 3.2K OLED display (3200 x 2000) with a 120Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. The result? Vivid, sharp, and color-accurate visuals that are perfect for creative professionals, designers, and binge-watchers alike.
The OLED panel is Pantone Validated and TÜV Rheinland-certified for low blue light, making it comfortable on the eyes even after prolonged use.
Compared to conventional LCD panels, OLED brings:
- Richer blacks
- Better contrast ratios
- Smoother motion handling with 120Hz
- Greater energy efficiency
Whether you’re editing photos, watching 4K videos, or working on presentations, the display makes a huge difference in how content looks and feels.
Performance: Intel Core Ultra + AI Power
Under the hood, the Vivobook S16 is powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 and Ultra 7 processors, built on Intel’s new Meteor Lake architecture. These chips combine traditional performance and efficiency cores with a brand-new AI-centric NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
Key specs:
- Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
- Integrated Intel Arc Graphics
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM
- Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Thanks to the new NPU, this laptop is optimized for AI workloads, such as real-time noise cancellation, background blur in video calls, and on-device language translation. It’s also ideal for upcoming AI-powered creative tools like Adobe Firefly or Microsoft Copilot.
Whether you’re running Photoshop, compiling code, or multitasking across dozens of Chrome tabs, the Vivobook S16 handles it all effortlessly.
Thermals & Battery Life
ASUS employs its IceCool thermal technology with dual fans and heat pipes, ensuring that the laptop stays cool under load. Despite its thin profile, thermal performance is efficient, and fan noise remains minimal during day-to-day tasks.
The 75Wh battery provides enough juice for 9–10 hours of usage, depending on your workflow. Fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes) via the 90W USB-C adapter means you’re never out of action for too long.
Enhanced Connectivity
The Vivobook S16 doesn’t skimp on ports, offering a versatile range of connectivity options:
- 2 × Thunderbolt 4 USB-C
- 1 × USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
- 1 × HDMI 2.1
- 1 × 3.5mm combo audio jack
- 1 × microSD card reader
Thunderbolt 4 ensures blazing fast file transfers, external display support, and seamless docking experiences. You can easily connect dual 4K monitors or an external GPU if needed.
Audio, Webcam, and AI Features
Audio is handled by Harman Kardon-certified stereo speakers, and the sound quality is crisp and loud with support for Dolby Atmos. The speakers are tuned to deliver immersive audio, whether you’re watching Netflix or attending a virtual meeting.
The 1080p FHD webcam features AI-driven enhancements like auto-framing, lighting correction, and background blur. It’s paired with AI noise cancellation for the microphone array, making this laptop perfect for Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet calls.
Keyboard & Touchpad
The typing experience on the Vivobook S16 is excellent. The keys are well-spaced and offer 1.4mm travel. ASUS includes a large touchpad with gesture support, which is responsive and smooth to the touch. The keyboard also includes a dedicated number pad—handy for students, accountants, or anyone who frequently works with numbers.
Software & Extras
The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home and ASUS’s MyASUS app, which lets users:
- Customize performance modes
- Manage system diagnostics
- Optimize battery health
- Update drivers and software
ASUS also offers WiFi SmartConnect and AI Noise Cancellation directly from the MyASUS dashboard.
Additionally, with the rise of AI in productivity workflows, the Vivobook S16 is Copilot-ready—meaning it’s optimized for Microsoft’s new AI assistant features baked into Windows 11 and Microsoft 365.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Stunning 3.2K OLED 120Hz display
- Slim and lightweight build
- Intel Core Ultra with AI features
- Long battery life + fast charging
- Excellent I/O with Thunderbolt 4
❌ Cons:
- No discrete GPU (not ideal for gamers)
- Limited RAM upgradeability (soldered)
- Slightly expensive for casual users
Ideal For:
- Students & Professionals: Lightweight and powerful for work, research, or creative projects.
- Content Creators: OLED panel and Intel Arc graphics offer great visuals and basic editing capabilities.
- Remote Workers: AI-enhanced webcam and mic make video calls smooth and professional.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Looking for a premium future-ready laptop with AI built-in.
Final Verdict
The ASUS Vivobook S16 proves that laptops don’t have to sacrifice power for portability. With a striking OLED display, Intel Core Ultra chips, and a feature-packed chassis, this laptop is well-suited for users who want premium performance in a sleek, modern package.
While it might not be a gaming powerhouse, it is a near-perfect device for productivity, creative work, and everyday entertainment—especially for those embracing the AI revolution.
