Asus Vivobook S16 OLED (2024) Review: A Premium 16-inch Laptop with Power and Style

Asus Vivobook S16 OLED (2024) Review

The Asus Vivobook S16 OLED (2024) makes a strong case for itself as a premium, portable laptop with a large, vivid screen and solid performance under the hood. Designed for users who need a lightweight yet capable machine for work, entertainment, and light creative tasks, it balances style and power, though some compromises remain.

Design and Portability

Measuring 13.92 x 9.72 x 0.55 inches and weighing just 1.51 kg, the Vivobook S16 is remarkably portable for a 16-inch laptop. Its all-metal chassis feels premium, and the slim profile, combined with a subtle logo and RGB-backlit keyboard, gives it a modern, sophisticated look. It’s comparable in size to a MacBook Pro 16 but significantly lighter than most competitors, making it ideal for daily commuting, college, or travel.

Display

The 16-inch OLED panel is a standout feature, offering a sharp 3.2K resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and vibrant 100% DCI-P3 colors. With a brightness of around 400 nits and HDR support (True Black 600), it delivers deep blacks and rich contrast, making media consumption and productivity tasks a pleasure. Whether you’re reading, editing spreadsheets, or watching movies, the display’s clarity and fluidity enhance the overall experience.

Performance

Powered by Intel’s Meteor Lake Core Ultra 9 185H processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, the Vivobook S16 handles everyday tasks effortlessly. Applications launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even light photo editing or video work runs without major hiccups. While it lacks a dedicated GPU, the integrated Intel Arc graphics allow for casual gaming—Forza Horizon 5 runs at around 40-45 fps on High settings, and titles like Valorant perform well. Under heavy load, the laptop stays relatively quiet, though fans can spin up during intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Asus claims up to 16 hours of playback, but real-world use tells a different story. With typical workloads—multiple Edge tabs, Spotify, and occasional Photoshop use—I averaged only 5.5 to 6 hours of screen time on a single charge. While this is decent for a lightweight ultrabook, it falls short compared to other Meteor Lake laptops with larger batteries. Removing heavy apps or lowering the display refresh rate can help extend runtime.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The full-size chiclet keyboard offers pleasant key travel (1.5mm) and good spacing, with RGB backlighting adding a touch of personality. The large trackpad, comparable in size to a MacBook’s, glides smoothly and supports multi-touch gestures. However, the button mechanism feels cheap, with a dived “board” design that makes the click response inconsistent and less satisfying.

Webcam and Audio

The 1080p webcam is a noticeable upgrade over standard laptop webcams, providing clearer video with less noise. However, it still doesn’t match the quality seen on higher-end Macs. The down-firing stereo speakers deliver loud, clear highs and mid-range tones, making them suitable for media playback. However, bass frequencies are lacking, and optimal sound requires placing the laptop on a flat surface.

Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity is generally strong, with two Thunderbolt 4 ports (supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a micro SD reader. While the port selection is versatile, the absence of a full-sized card reader is a minor drawback for users who frequently transfer data from larger cards.

Verdict

The Asus Vivobook S16 OLED (2024) is a compelling option for those seeking a lightweight, stylish 16-inch laptop with a gorgeous OLED display and strong performance. It’s well-suited for professionals, students, and media consumers who value portability and visual quality. However, if long battery life or a more refined trackpad is a priority, you may want to consider alternatives. At NPR 198,990, it offers excellent value for its class and could serve as a solid alternative to the MacBook Air 15 for users preferring Windows or a more affordable option.