ASUS VivoBook 15 review
The Asus ASUS VivoBook 15 ranks as the #757 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 63. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #262-ranked features among 125 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip or Alienware m17 R3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a decent laptop, but it falls short in several areas. The P series I5 chip and 16GB RAM provide good performance for everyday tasks, making it a great value proposition. However, the outdated port standards, questionable keyboard quality, subpar webcam, and underwhelming speakers detract from its overall engineering. Despite these flaws, it's still a viable option for those with performance-oriented use cases. If you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle general productivity tasks, this might be worth considering. But if you prioritize build quality and premium features, there are better options available.
Build
The ASUS VivoBook 15's build quality is mediocre, with outdated port standards being a notable drawback. The keyboard and webcam are subpar, with poor key travel and a low-quality camera that struggles to capture clear images. The speakers are also underwhelming, lacking bass and clarity. Despite this, the laptop's performance is respectable, thanks to its P series I5 chip and 16GB of RAM. However, these issues detract from the overall experience, making it difficult for users to overlook. For those prioritizing performance, the VivoBook 15 may be a viable option, but others may want to consider alternatives with better build quality. Get your hands on Asus ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 OLED if you're looking for better build.
Display
The ASUS VivoBook 15's display is average at best. The full HD (1920 x 1080p) resolution screen has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and no PWM flickering, but its peak brightness of 250 nits means it struggles in bright environments. Color accuracy is also subpar, with a measly 45% NTSC or 56% sRGB color gamut. While it's sufficient for general use like browsing or watching videos, it's not ideal for color-sensitive activities like photo editing or color correction. The display's limited brightness and mediocre color quality make it hard to recommend for anything more than basic tasks. Consider discovering the power of Asus ASUS Chromebook CX15, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The ASUS VivoBook 15's performance was a pleasant surprise. The P-series I5 chip paired with 16GB of RAM made general productivity tasks effortless. Everyday activities like web browsing and watching HD content were smooth, while more demanding tasks like coding or 3D modeling were also manageable. However, intensive activities like 4K video editing resulted in frame drops on the timeline, making it less ideal for creative workloads. Despite this, gaming was still possible at casual levels with the integrated Iris Xe Graphics. Overall, the laptop's performance was a highlight of its feature set. You might prefer Asus ASUS Zenbook Flip 15, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the ASUS VivoBook 15 is average, offering up to 8 hours of use depending on activity. Charging time is not specified, but it's likely around 2-3 hours for a full charge. While not exceptional, the battery performance is still decent for general productivity tasks and casual usage.
Connectivity
The ASUS VivoBook 15's connectivity options are somewhat disappointing, with outdated port standards including USB-A, HDMI, and an Ethernet jack, but no USB-C or Thunderbolt 3. This might be a drawback for users who rely on newer technologies. A better alternative might be Asus ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 OLED, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The ASUS VivoBook 15 boasts an impressive feature set. It comes with a P-series I5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a high-quality IPS panel with no PWM flickering. The display has good viewing angles and a peak brightness of 250 nits. Additionally, it features a built-in privacy shutter on the subpar 720p webcam. The laptop's performance is great for general productivity tasks, but may struggle with more demanding activities like 4K video editing. You may find Asus ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 OLED a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS VivoBook 15's support and maintenance aspects are worth considering. The laptop's build quality is fine, but the manufacturer cuts corners with outdated port standards and questionable keyword and webcam quality. Additionally, the speakers seem like an afterthought. Overall, while it may be a good value for performance-oriented users, other features fall short.
Pros
1. P series I5 chip combined with 16 gigabytes of RAM makes this a good value
2. Day-to-day activities like web browsing or watching HD content work great
3. Intensive activities like coding or 3D modeling are totally doable thanks to that healthy 16 gigabytes of RAM
4. Gaming is also very much possible in a casual capacity, for example Fortnite can run at a healthy sustain 30 frames per second with that integrated Iris XD Graphics at lower medium settings
5. Thermals on this machine were also pleasantly surprising, under unrealistic Peak loads we only hit a maximum surface temperature of about 44 degrees Celsius
6. Battery life is right there in the middle, So based on our test depending on the kind of activities you're doing you can get up to eight hours on a single charge
Cons
1. Port standards are pretty outdated
2. The keyboard and webcam quality is Highly Questionable
3. Speakers seem like an afterthought, with no base, very limited Clarity and a ton of distortion under higher volume levels
4. Display's color quality is approximately 45 ntsc or 56 srgb, which means it might not be suitable for color sensitive activities
5. Hinge quality is below average, there's a fair bit of wobble dated at single hinge mechanism
6. Subpar 720p webcam, I am 99 sure this is the camera they use to capture those Shady UFO sightings which look pixelated as heck
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