ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 review
The Asus ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 ranks as the #529 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #154-ranked connectivity among 97 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS Chromebook CM34 Flip or Asus ASUS ExpertBook B5 Flip, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 is an affordable Ultrabook that performs well for its price tag. While it may not be the most powerful laptop, it's suitable for everyday tasks and can handle occasional demanding loads. However, thermal limitations are a concern, particularly when running games. The laptop's basic thermal module and limited heat dissipation design result in decreased performance and higher temperatures. Despite this, the S433 is still worth considering, especially for its affordable price point. If you're looking for a budget-friendly Ultrabook that can handle light gaming, the S433 might be a good choice, but be aware of its thermal limitations.
Build
The VivoBook S14's build is sleek and compact, with a sturdy aluminum chassis that provides a solid foundation for the laptop. The lid is made of a durable metal alloy that resists flexing and scratches well. The keyboard deck features a smooth finish and comfortable typing experience. However, the palm rests could be more substantial in size. Overall, the build quality feels premium and suitable for daily use. It's also relatively lightweight at 3.1 pounds, making it easy to carry around. For a superior build, Asus ASUS Chromebook Flip C433 could be the right choice.
Display
The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433's display is a mixed bag. The 14-inch Full HD touchscreen boasts good color accuracy, but its brightness could be better. Indoor use won't be an issue, but it may struggle in very bright environments. Viewing angles are decent, but not exceptional. The screen's response time is average, which might cause some blurring in fast-paced content. Overall, the display gets the job done for casual use and office work, but it might not be suitable for graphic design or video editing professionals who require more vibrant colors and higher brightness levels. A better alternative might be Asus ASUS Chromebook Flip C434, featuring a next-level display.
Performance
The performance of the ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 is decent but limited by its thermal design. The i7 + MX 250 configuration performs well in synthetic benchmarks and daily tasks, but struggles with demanding loads and gaming. In sustained CPU loads, it runs at high temperatures, throttling performance. However, with vaulting enabled, CPU temps are reduced, and GPU frequencies increase. Despite this, the laptop's design makes it prone to overheating, especially when running games. A cooling pad is recommended for optimal performance. Overall, it's a mid-range Ultrabook that performs well for its price tag, but may not be ideal for demanding users. You may find Asus ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED a better fit, thanks to its superior performance.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 is decent, offering around 5-8 hours of real-life use on a single charge. The battery size is fair for a 13-inch notebook, making it suitable for everyday tasks. However, there's no USB-C charging, so you'll always need to carry the included charger. This might be a drawback for some users who prefer the convenience of fast charging via USB-C.
Connectivity
The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 boasts impressive connectivity options. Ports include USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, an SD card reader, and an audio jack. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 ensure seamless connections to peripherals and networks. The laptop also features a fingerprint sensor and webcam for added convenience. Asus ASUS VivoBook Pro 14 OLED might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded connectivity.
Features
The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 boasts a sleek design with aluminum lid and back panel. It features a 14-inch Full HD display with 100% sRGB color gamut, making it perfect for content creators and gamers. The laptop is powered by up to Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics card. It also comes with a range of ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. For an improved features, Asus ASUS ZenBook 14 UX435 is worth considering.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 offers decent support and maintenance features. It has a fairly sized battery that provides 5-8 hours of real-life use, which is average for its class. However, the lack of USB-C charging is a drawback. The laptop's basic thermal module can handle occasional demanding loads, but it may require additional cooling when running resource-intensive games. Overall, it gets the job done, but doesn't excel in this area.
Pros
1. The laptop's mid-range price tag is fair considering its performance.
2. It performs well for what it is, especially in terms of CPU performance.
3. The i7 + MX250 version of the higher-tier ASUS Zenbook 14 UX434 has been outperformed by this laptop in our tests.
4. The 100% sRGB screen is a nice touch and provides good color accuracy.
5. The backlit keyboard in the higher-tier S433FL versions is a welcome feature.
6. The MX250 graphic chip is more powerful than what you normally get on a 14-inch Ultrabook.
7. Despite thermal limitations, the laptop still performs well in games, especially with a cooling pad.
Cons
1. The thermal design of the laptop leaves much to be desired, and it can get hot during gaming sessions.
2. The GPU stabilizes at around 70-80% of its maximum capacity in demanding titles, leading to reduced performance over time.
3. The bottom aluminum panel heats up quickly, further impacting component temperatures and speed.
4. There is no USBC charging option, so you'll have to always bring along the included Barrow plug charger.
5. The CPU temperatures can reach 70-80 degrees Celsius during gaming sessions.
6. The GPU stabilizes at around 7-15% higher clocks with a cooling pad, but still not ideal.
7. If you're looking for better performance, AMD Ryzen 4000 notebooks might be a more competitive option.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features