ASUS continues to push the boundaries of laptop design with its latest Zenbook S 16, featuring a gorgeous OLED display and powered by AMD's new Ryzen AI processor. This premium ultrabook aims to deliver style and performance in an incredibly lightweight package.
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| ASUS Zenbook S 16 displaying a picturesque landscape, highlighting its stunning OLED screen and sleek design |
Sleek Design Meets Cutting-Edge Materials
The Zenbook S 16 immediately stands out with its use of ceraluminum, a composite material combining ceramic and aluminum typically found in aerospace applications. This allows for a remarkably sturdy yet lightweight chassis, with the laptop weighing just 1.5kg (3.3 pounds). The Scandinavian White finish gives it an ethereal, premium look.
Stunning Visuals on a 16-inch OLED Canvas
One of the Zenbook's biggest strengths is its 16-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and Pantone validation, it delivers vibrant colors and smooth motion. The anti-fingerprint coating keeps the touchscreen looking pristine.
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| Specifications of the ASUS Zenbook S 16 emphasizing its stunning 16-inch 3K OLED display |
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370: Power and Efficiency
At the heart of the Zenbook S 16 is AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, part of the new Zen 5 architecture. This chip impresses with its ability to deliver strong performance while maintaining excellent power efficiency:
- Default TDP of 17W, with a maximum of 28W in performance mode
- Integrated Radeon 890M graphics capable of running many games at 30+ FPS at 1080p
- Impressive battery life, with reports of up to 16 hours of real-world usage
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| Side-by-side comparison of lightweight laptops, showcasing modern designs powered by advanced processors |
Performance Breakdown
- Strong graphics performance: 24,327 on 3DMark Sky Diver
- Solid content creation capabilities: 8,723 on PCMark Digital Content Creation
- AI performance: Completed the UL Procyon Productivity test with a score of 2,967
While the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 may not match the raw performance of some competitors in all benchmarks, its efficiency allows for a thin and light design without major thermal concerns.
Additional Features
- Harman/Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos support
- Large, gesture-enabled trackpad
- Variety of ports including USB4, HDMI 2.1, and a full-size SD card reader
Room for Improvement
- Battery life, while good, doesn't quite match some competitors
- Keyboard feel described as mushy by some reviewers
- Limited real-world applications for AI features at present
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS Zenbook S 16 starts at $1,399 in the US, with specific configurations and pricing varying by region.
Verdict
The ASUS Zenbook S 16 is a compelling option for users seeking a premium, lightweight laptop with a stunning display. Its AMD Ryzen AI processor offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, making it particularly appealing for creative professionals and those who value portability. While it may not lead in every benchmark, the overall package – factoring in build quality, display, and battery life – makes it a strong contender in the high-end ultrabook market.