INTRODUCTION:
When Microsoft launched Copilot+ PC which it branded as an "everyday AI companion," the tech scene knew that it's going to be the start of a shift. Just a few months after, the world got its first taste of AI-powered and Copilot-equipped laptops that promise not just productivity boost but a plethora of nice-to-haves. Included in this department is the ASUS Vivobook S 14. Here's a closer look.
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| ASUS Vivobook S 14 |
UNBOXING:
There's nothing much inside the Vivobook S 14's packaging – only the laptop itself, a USB-C charger, and the usual paperwork. It's worth noting, though, that the box is made with corrugated fiberboard. This means that it's more environmentally friendly than those of the other brands which are commonly the glossy type. ASUS even added a detachable part from the box which can be used as a laptop stand.
DESIGN and DISPLAY:
The Vivobook S 14 appeals to those who like their laptops slim and light. Its thin profile which weighs only 1.30 kilograms or 2.87 lbs makes it portable enough for on-the-go users.
It comes in an all-black chassis with a standout silver ASUS Vivobook branding at the back part of the screen. While we appreciate the minimalist take on the Vivobook S 14's design, it's a downer that its semi-matte finish makes it prone to fingerprints and smudges. Take note that this is not only for the back part of the laptop but even on the keyboard and the touchpad. If you're the kind of user who doesn't mind wiping impurities from time to time, then this wouldn't be an issue for you.
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| The back panel of the ASUS Vivobook S 14 has a matte finish. |
A highlight on the overall aesthetic of the Vivobook S 14 is its screen which can be laid flat at 180-degrees. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who are mainly utilizing their laptops for collaborative and creative work, as the screen can be adjusted to more versatile angles fitting for presentations, video editing, and other similar tasks.
ASUS claims that the colors on the Vivobook S 14 screen are industry-accurate and Pantone-validated, making the laptop a good choice for the creatives.
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| With a 180-degree hinge, the ASUS Vivobook S 14 can be laid flat on a surface. |
Upfront, the Vivobook S14 shines with its 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display. With this display caliber, every task done on the Vivobook S 14 is a delight, especially streaming high quality and visual-heavy content. Viewing angles are decent, too, as well as its screen visibility even when used in well-lit places.
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| The ASUS Vivobook S 14 has slim bezels, allowing a more maximized screen. |
This is supported by a Harman/Kardon sound system on the Vivobook S 14 which delivers impressive audio quality.
The surrounding bezels on the Vivobook S 14 are also slim enough to not become a nuisance, further accentuating the device's beautiful display. The bottom bezel is thicker than the other sides to accommodate the ASUS Vivobook S label. Meanwhile, the top bezel houses the laptop's web camera which has a built-in slider cover for security purposes.
Read Also: All The Features We Love On the ASUS Vivobook S 14
Despite its slim body, the Vivobook S 14 managed to house the necessary ports. There's a couple of USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports with a data speed of up to 5Gbps, two Thunderbolt 4 ports for display and power delivery with a data speed of up to 40Gbps, one HDMI port for screen expansion, one 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader.
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| These are the ports on the Vivobook S 14. |
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| These are the ports on the Vivobook S 14. |
Fancy an RGB keyboard? The Vivobook S 14 has that, too. It's even customizable at some levels as users can choose between different modes. In Solid Color mode and Breathing mode, users can pick from eight different colors in steady and blinking lighting, respectively. Meanwhile, the Rainbow mode flashes interchanging lights.
.webp "The Vivobook S 14 has an RGB keyboard.") |
| The Vivobook S 14 has an RGB keyboard. |
Some users might overlook how important it is to have a comfortable keyboard on laptops. With the Vivobook S 14, this area is well covered. The Vivobook S 14 specifically has a 1.7mm keyboard travel time, common on high-end and gaming laptops. It also gives a good feel with tactile feedback, thanks to its key-cap dish at 0.2mm.
The Vivobook S 14's keyboard is part of the ASUS ErgoSense feature, alongside the laptop's enlarged touchpad. ASUS improved the touchpad with a longer 0.23 mm click depth for a better feel with a silent dome-switch.
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| The enlarged touchpad on the ASUS Vivobook S 14. |
Unconventional function keys are also found on the Vivobook S14, including quick access to emojis via F8, microphone mute on F9, microphone unmute on F10, and the MyASUS app on F12.
PERFORMANCE:
Powering the ASUS Vivobook S14 is a chipset under the highly anticipated Intel Lunar Lake processor lineup – the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V. According to Intel, the Lunar Lake series is designed to provide energy-efficient performance even for ultra-thin devices with limited hardware space. The "Ultra Core" naming convention is in line with Intel's refreshed branding strategy as it incorporates more AI features.
An obvious AI feature on the Vivobook S 14 is the convenient integration of the Copilot AI assistant, easily accessible via a dedicated Copilot button instead of using the laptop's browser. When pressed, it will show the Copilot window, similar to ChatGPT's, where users can input prompts and get AI assistance on specific tasks.
.webp "The ASUS Vivobook S 14 has a dedicated Copilot button.") |
| The ASUS Vivobook S 14 has a dedicated Copilot button. |
Another highlight worth mentioning is the AI Noise Cancelation. When activated via the MyASUS app, this provides the same function as a pair of earphones with active noise canceling. With AI, the Vivobook S 14 can filter out noise and ensure that the person or the people talking are the only ones being spotlighted in the call.
The Eye Contact Correction feature is also an interesting one. Similarly powered by AI, this automatically detects the user's gaze and fixes it to make it appear like they're looking directly at the web camera.
See More: Meet the ASUS Vivobook S 14; A Game Changer in Ultraportable AI Laptops
Speaking of which, even the web camera on the Vivobook S 14 is impressive, as it registers clear visuals especially during virtual conference calls.
Even with multiple demanding apps running in the background simultaneously, you can count on the Vivobook S 14 to keep its cool. With a generous battery capacity, the Vivobook S 14 can keep up with a busy day. On a single full charge, we were able to use the laptop for three days with an average of 8 hours per day.
VERDICT:
A laptop priced at P82,995 is obviously a splurge, but with the Vivobook S 14, you'll get your money's worth. It's got a stunning screen, good audio quality, a powerful processor, long battery life, and a pleasing overall look without the bulk, not to mention the additional AI features.
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| ASUS Vivobook S 14 |
It's available at all authorized ASUS stores nationwide and online via the brand's official e-commerce channels with ASUS’ renowned service package, which includes the 2-year International Warranty. It is also a participating product at the ASUS Share 2024.
Related: Get a stylish pair of shoes with your new ASUS laptop thru the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale