I've spent some time with the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED, and it's hard not to be impressed by its vibrant 2.8K OLED display and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor handles multitasking effortlessly, and the lightweight design makes it a solid choice for on-the-go professionals. But while the performance and visuals shine, I can't ignore a few areas where it falls short. If you're considering this laptop, there's more to unpack—like whether its compromises outweigh its strengths. Let's break it down further.
Key Takeaways
- 15.6" 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, and VESA HDR True Black 600 for vibrant visuals.
- Powered by 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for high performance and multitasking.
- Lightweight at 1.7kg with a sleek design, but chassis flex and minor keyboard creaking affect build durability.
- Intel Evo-certified battery with fast charging, adjustable refresh rates (60Hz/120Hz), and power management via MyASUS app.
- Connectivity includes Thunderbolt 4, USB-A ports, and Wi-Fi 6E, though limited USB-C ports may require a hub.
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The ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED boasts a stunning 15.6" 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time, making it ideal for both productivity and media consumption. The display calibration is factory-tuned, guaranteeing accurate color reproduction and consistent brightness levels across the screen. With 100% DCI-P3 coverage and VESA HDR True Black 600 certification, it delivers vibrant visuals and deep blacks. Screen durability is reinforced with a scratch-resistant coating, though OLED panels are inherently more susceptible to burn-in over time. The 600nits peak brightness guarantees visibility in bright environments, while the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio enhances detail in darker scenes. This combination of display calibration and screen durability makes it a reliable choice for professionals and casual users alike. The Intel Core i9-13900H CPU ensures high processing power, making it suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and graphic design.
Features and Benefits
The ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED impresses with its stunning 2.8K OLED display, offering vibrant colors and sharp clarity. Its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor guarantees seamless multitasking, while Thunderbolt 4 and USB ports provide versatile connectivity. The Intel Evo Platform enhances battery optimization, balancing performance and efficiency for extended use. The upgradeable RAM allows users to enhance performance for demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design.
Stunning 2.8k OLED Display
Boasting a 15.6" 2.8K OLED display with a 2880 x 1800 resolution, the ASUS VivoBook S 15 delivers exceptional visual clarity and vibrant colors. The display calibration guarantees precise color accuracy, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it ideal for creative professionals. With a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 600, deep blacks and bright highlights are rendered with stunning detail. The 120Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time eliminate motion blur, enhancing both productivity and entertainment. At 600 nits peak brightness, the screen remains visible even in well-lit environments. The ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels maximize screen real estate, while reduced blue light emission minimizes eye strain during extended use. This display sets a high standard for visual performance in its class.
3th Gen Intel Core I9
Powering the ASUS VivoBook S 15 is the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor, a high-performance chip designed to handle demanding workloads with ease. With 14 cores, 20 threads, and a max turbo frequency of 5.4 GHz, its processor performance excels in multitasking, content creation, and gaming. The 24MB Intel Smart Cache guarantees rapid data access, while Intel's hybrid architecture balances efficiency and power. Thermal management is optimized through ASUS's cooling system, which maintains stable performance under heavy loads without excessive noise or overheating. The i9-13900H's integration with Intel Iris Xe graphics further enhances productivity and visual tasks. This combination of raw power and efficient thermal design makes the VivoBook S 15 a reliable choice for professionals and power users seeking top-tier performance in a sleek form factor.
Thunderbolt 4 and USB Ports
While the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED excels in many areas, its connectivity options, particularly Thunderbolt 4 and USB ports, offer a mix of high-end features and practical limitations. The Thunderbolt 4 port delivers impressive thunderbolt speed, supporting 40Gbps data transfer, 4K display output, and power delivery, making it ideal for high-performance peripherals. However, USB compatibility is limited, with only two USB-A ports—one USB 3.2 Gen 1 and one USB 2.0. This scarcity forces frequent unplugging of devices, which can be inconvenient for multitasking. While Thunderbolt 4's versatility is a standout, the lack of additional USB-C ports feels restrictive. For users relying on multiple peripherals, this setup may require a hub, slightly offsetting the laptop's otherwise premium connectivity experience.
Intel Evo Platform Battery Optimization
The Intel Evo Platform in the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED guarantees optimized battery performance, combining efficiency with fast charging capabilities. It secures battery longevity by intelligently managing power consumption, even during demanding tasks. The platform's power efficiency minimizes energy waste, allowing extended usage without frequent recharges. Fast charging is a standout feature, providing hours of use with just a short charge. However, I've noticed that connecting the charger triggers a refresh rate switch, causing screen flicker. This can be disabled in the MyASUS app, but it's a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Intel Evo Platform enhances the laptop's usability, balancing performance and battery life effectively. It's a reliable solution for users prioritizing mobility and productivity without compromising on power efficiency.
Product Quality
Although the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED boasts impressive hardware and a stunning display, its product quality reveals inconsistencies that may impact user satisfaction. The build quality feels premium at first glance, with a sleek, lightweight design, but closer inspection reveals compromises. The chassis, while visually appealing, lacks the material durability needed for long-term use, showing flex under pressure. The hinge mechanism, though smooth, doesn't inspire confidence for prolonged durability. Additionally, the keyboard deck exhibits minor creaking, which detracts from the overall solidity. These issues suggest cost-cutting measures in construction, which could affect the laptop's resilience over time. While the OLED panel and performance are standout features, the inconsistent build quality and material durability may leave some users questioning its longevity. The ergonomic keyboard design with 1.4mm key travel, while comfortable, doesn't fully compensate for the structural weaknesses in the build.
What It's Used For
The ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED excels in professional work tasks, offering seamless multitasking with its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB RAM. Its 2.8K OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut makes it ideal for creative content creation, ensuring accurate color reproduction and detail. For everyday use, the lightweight design and fast SSD performance handle multiple apps and tabs without lag. The dual-screen setup enhances productivity by providing more screen real estate, making it perfect for multitasking and workflow organization.
Professional Work Tasks
When handling demanding professional work tasks, the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED excels with its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, guaranteeing seamless multitasking across resource-intensive applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and data analysis. The 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD accelerates workflow efficiency, enabling rapid file access and task automation without bottlenecks. Its Thunderbolt 4 port supports high-speed data transfers and external displays, enhancing productivity in multi-monitor setups. The 2.8K OLED display's 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy and 120Hz refresh rate provide clarity for detailed work, while the lightweight design secures portability. Despite occasional connectivity limitations, the VivoBook S 15 delivers reliable performance for professionals seeking a balance of power and mobility in their daily tasks.
Creative Content Creation
For creative content creation, the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED stands out with its 2.8K OLED display, offering 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy and a 120Hz refresh rate, which guarantees vibrant visuals and smooth motion for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and photo retouching. The display's 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and VESA HDR True Black 600 certification secure precise color grading techniques, making it ideal for professionals who demand accuracy. The 0.2ms response time eliminates motion blur, essential for motion graphic design. Combined with the Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, it handles resource-intensive creative software effortlessly. Whether I'm fine-tuning color palettes or rendering complex animations, the VivoBook S 15 OLED delivers consistent performance and exceptional visual fidelity.
Everyday Multitasking Needs
With its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED handles everyday multitasking with ease, whether I'm juggling multiple browser tabs, streaming media, or running productivity apps simultaneously. The system's responsiveness guarantees efficient app switching, even when shifting between resource-heavy programs like video editors and spreadsheets. Task prioritization strategies are seamless, thanks to the processor's 14 cores and 20 threads, which dynamically allocate resources to demanding workloads. The 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD further enhances performance, minimizing load times and keeping workflows smooth. While the Intel Iris Xe graphics aren't designed for heavy gaming, they're more than capable for general multitasking. The laptop's lightweight design and vibrant OLED display make it a reliable companion for both work and leisure without compromising efficiency.
Product Specifications
The ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED boasts a 15.6" 2.8K OLED display with a 2880 x 1800 resolution, delivering a 16:9 aspect ratio and ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels. The display resolution guarantees sharp visuals, while the 120Hz refresh rate enhances smoothness for both work and entertainment. Below is a breakdown of key specifications:
| Feature | Specification | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 2880 x 1800 (2.8K) | Crisp, detailed visuals |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | Smooth motion and reduced lag |
| Brightness | 600nits (HDR True Black 600) | Vibrant colors in bright settings |
| Color Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 | Accurate color reproduction |
This combination of high display resolution and refresh rate makes it ideal for tasks requiring precision and fluidity. The OLED NanoEdge touchscreen ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Who Needs This
If you're a professional or creative who demands a high-quality display for color-accurate work, the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED is tailored for you. Its 2.8K OLED screen with 100% DCI-P3 coverage guarantees precise color reproduction, ideal for photo or video editing. Students will appreciate its lightweight design and performance for multitasking, boosting student productivity with its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB RAM. While not a dedicated gaming laptop, its 120Hz refresh rate and Intel Iris Xe graphics deliver decent gaming performance for casual gamers. However, hardcore gamers may find the GPU limiting. If you prioritize a vibrant display, portability, and solid performance for work or study, this laptop fits your needs. It's less suited for heavy gaming or users needing extensive connectivity. The AMD Ryzen 7 processor ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for demanding tasks.
Pros
Although the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED isn't perfect, its standout feature is unquestionably the 15.6" 2.8K OLED display, which delivers exceptional color accuracy, deep blacks, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Beyond the screen, this laptop excels in several areas:
- Lightweight design: At just 1.7kg, it's highly portable for a 15.6-inch laptop, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
- Fast performance: The 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM guarantee smooth multitasking and responsiveness.
- Vivid visuals: The OLED panel supports 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and VESA HDR True Black 600, perfect for creative work or media consumption.
- Quick connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt 4 provide fast data transfer and reliable wireless performance.
- Long battery life: Intel Evo certification ensures efficient power management for extended use.
- Enhanced graphics: The Intel Iris Xe Graphics deliver smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals, making it suitable for both entertainment and professional applications.
Cons
Despite its impressive strengths, the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED has notable drawbacks that can't be overlooked. Here are the key issues I encountered:
- Fingerprint inconsistency: The fingerprint sensor often fails to recognize inputs, requiring multiple attempts or a password login.
- Screen flickering: Occasional flickering occurs, especially during refresh rate shifts or when connecting the charger.
- Limited USB ports: With only two USB-A ports, I frequently had to unplug peripherals for file transfers.
- Charger-related display issues: Plugging in the charger sometimes causes a black screen or static, disrupting workflow.
- Battery life trade-offs: While the Intel Evo platform promises longevity, the OLED display and high performance drain the battery faster than expected.
- Weight concerns: At 3.1 pounds, the laptop's portability is compromised compared to lighter business laptops like the Dell Latitude 7490.
These flaws, though not deal-breakers, detract from an otherwise premium experience.
What Customers Are Saying
When diving into customer feedback for the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED, it's clear that the laptop's standout features—like its stunning OLED display and powerful performance—earn widespread praise. Many users highlight the vibrant colors and sharp resolution, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption. However, some report fingerprint issues, with the sensor occasionally failing to recognize inputs or requiring multiple attempts. Restart problems also surface, with instances of blue screens or delays during boot-up. While the 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB RAM deliver seamless multitasking, these technical hiccups can be frustrating. The Intel Celeron N4020 Processor in the ASUS Vivobook L210, on the other hand, is praised for its reliability and efficiency, offering a smoother experience for everyday tasks. Overall, the feedback reflects a balance between admiration for its premium features and concerns over reliability in certain areas.
Overall Value
The ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED delivers exceptional value for its price, combining cutting-edge display technology and robust performance in a sleek, lightweight design. A price comparison reveals it's competitively priced against similar OLED laptops, offering a 2.8K 120Hz OLED display and 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor. Performance analysis shows it handles multitasking and demanding applications effortlessly, thanks to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. While it lacks dedicated graphics, Intel Iris Xe suffices for everyday tasks and light creative work. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E further enhances its value. Despite minor quirks like limited USB ports, its blend of premium features and affordability makes it a standout choice for users seeking high-end performance without breaking the bank. The touchscreen functionality provides intuitive navigation and control, adding to its versatility for creative professionals.
Tips and Tricks For Best Results
To maximize the performance and longevity of the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED, I recommend adjusting the refresh rate settings in the MyASUS app to prevent screen flickering when charging. For display calibration, use the built-in color profiles or third-party tools to fine-tune brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, guaranteeing peak visual quality for creative work or media consumption. Enable power management features like battery health charging in the MyASUS app to extend battery lifespan. Lower the refresh rate to 60Hz when unplugged to conserve power, and switch back to 120Hz for smoother visuals when plugged in. Regularly update drivers and firmware to maintain system stability and performance. These adjustments secure a balanced experience between display quality and power efficiency.
Conclusion
After optimizing settings and addressing potential quirks, it's clear the ASUS VivoBook S 15 OLED delivers a compelling blend of performance and display quality. The 2.8K OLED screen with its 120Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut is a standout, while the 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor guarantees smooth multitasking. However, the limited USB ports and occasional software glitches, like the fingerprint reader inconsistency, may impact user satisfaction. Future upgrades could focus on refining these minor issues and expanding connectivity options. Despite these drawbacks, the laptop's lightweight design and Intel Evo-certified battery life make it a strong contender for productivity and multimedia tasks. For those prioritizing display quality and performance, the VivoBook S 15 OLED is a solid choice.
