Apple User Tries ASUS Vivobook S15 + Copilot 2024

Introduction

After spending many years exclusively using MacBooks, I decided it was time to try something else. Now, I've made attempts in the past (excluding the Microsoft Surface Pro, which I posted a video on last time), but to be honest, things have never been where I hoped they would be until now.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

This is the latest ASUS Vivobook S15 Plus Copilot, a decently priced 15.6-inch laptop that is finally a competitor to something like the 15-inch MacBook Air. Pricewise, it costs exactly as much as the baseline 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, offering similar performance yet arguably a much better package. For around $ 1,300, you get 16 GB of unified memory, which can be upgraded to 32 GB, and 1 TB of upgradeable NVMe storage that can be accessed fairly easily by removing the bottom casing. The easily accessible NVMe storage is a great feature, but it has one downside: it throttles down. Initially, the speeds are very fast, but they slow down significantly afterward. Compared to the maxed-out M3 MacBook Pro, which maintains double the speeds with almost no throttling, this is a notable disadvantage.

Build Quality and Design

Comparing it to the MacBook Air, you can't expect the same build quality. The ASUS Vivobook may not win any design awards, but in a pool of plastic Windows-based offerings, its full metal build remains purposeful and honest. It is very comfortable, super thin, and lightweight, making it easy to grab one-handed, much like the 13-inch MacBook. Despite being a 15.6-inch laptop, it feels effortless to carry, translating into the comfort of everyday use.

Unboxing Experience

The unboxing experience of the Vivobook was pleasant, featuring a suitcase-style box housing the laptop and a 90W USB-C charger. Additionally, a tote bag was included, offering a nice EDC item with compartments for the charger and other small items. This thoughtful extra enhances the portability experience.

Drawbacks

There are three main drawbacks to this laptop, none of which are deal-breakers but worth mentioning.

Keyboard Layout: The keyboard’s shift to the left to accommodate the numpad can be inconvenient for creative tasks, although it might benefit those handling documents and spreadsheets.
Key Backlighting: The backlight makes it difficult to read the keys due to the combination of silver coating and light emission.
Speaker System: The Harmon Kardon-branded speakers are disappointing, potentially misleading expectations.

Versatility and Ports

The Vivobook's thin build is complemented by a plethora of ports. On the right side, you'll find two USB-A ports, while the left side features two USB 4.0 ports, HDMI 2.1, a microSD slot, and a headphone jack. The microSD slot is useful for action cameras and drones, although a regular SD slot would have been preferable.

Screen and Display

The 15.6-inch 120Hz OLED display offers a 2880 by 1620 resolution, nearly 3K. It boasts an 89% screen-to-body ratio with thin bezels, and the vibrant colors enhance the viewing experience. The laptop’s 16x9 aspect ratio provides more horizontal real estate, ideal for side-by-side work and eliminating black borders for native 16x9 content.

Hinge and Camera

The sturdy hinge allows for one-handed opening and the ability to lie completely flat. This can be useful for positioning the laptop on a stand with an external keyboard and mouse. The front-facing camera is 1080p, adequate for meetings, complemented by a physical privacy shutter and an IR camera for Windows Hello, which provides instant access.

Internal Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, the Vivobook provides excellent performance with tremendous battery stamina. Although its fans kick in more often than necessary, the sound remains unobtrusive. The larger 70Wh battery, compared to the Surface Pro 11, ensures longevity, achieving up to 15 hours on a single charge.

Gaming Performance

The Vivobook is capable of handling casual gaming. For instance, GTA 5 runs at full 3K resolution with 40 to 60 frames per second, and Overwatch performs above 70 FPS on medium settings. Age of Empires at Ultra settings runs at around 50 to 60 FPS, making this a versatile machine for both productivity and casual gaming.

Copilot Plus and MyASUS App

Although some AI features of the Copilot Plus are yet to be unpacked, the ASUS pre-installed app offers additional handy tools. These include keyboard backlight customization, display settings, audio presets, battery optimizations, and system diagnosis tools. The latter can even blow dust out of the fans, contributing to maintenance.

Compatibility and Issues

Using the Vivobook for two weeks, issues were minimal. Some games indicated missing dedicated memory, but this is normal for a device sharing RAM with the CPU. The iCloud Drive caused consistent Windows malware warnings, forcing uninstallation.

Conclusion

To conclude, where does the ASUS Vivobook S15 Plus Copilot stack up? While it performs close to a MacBook Pro in benchmarks, its real-world functionality aligns somewhere between the MacBook Air and Pro. Offering a fantastic balance of performance, portability, and reliability, it is a commendable option for those seeking a Windows alternative to MacBooks.

Keywords

ASUS Vivobook S15 Plus Copilot
MacBook Air competitor
15.6-inch laptop
OLED display
Snapdragon X Elite processor
Windows Hello
Gaming performance
MyASUS app
Ports and connectivity
Battery life

FAQ

What are the main drawbacks of the ASUS Vivobook S15 Plus Copilot?

The main drawbacks include the keyboard layout, difficult-to-read key backlighting, and disappointing speakers despite the Harmon Kardon branding.

How does the build quality of the Vivobook compare to the MacBook Air?

While the Vivobook doesn't match the high-quality design of the MacBook Air, it features a full metal build, making it one of the more sturdy and honest designs among Windows laptops in its price range.

What is the performance of the Vivobook like for gaming?

The Vivobook handles casual gaming well. GTA 5 runs at full 3K resolution with 40 to 60 FPS, Overwatch achieves above 70 FPS on medium settings, and Age of Empires at Ultra settings operates around 50 to 60 FPS.

How long does the battery last on the ASUS Vivobook S15 Plus Copilot?

The battery can last up to 15 hours on a single charge with mixed work usage, thanks to its large 70Wh battery and efficient Snapdragon X Elite processor.

Can the storage and memory be upgraded?

Yes, the Vivobook offers upgradable NVMe storage and memory, accessible by removing the bottom casing, allowing the storage to max out at 1 TB and the memory at 32 GB.

Does the Vivobook support instant access features?

Yes, the Vivobook features a 1080p camera with a physical privacy shutter and an IR camera for Windows Hello, which provides nearly instantaneous access.

Are there any compatibility issues reported with the Vivobook?

Some games may display warnings for missing dedicated memory, and iCloud Drive triggered malware warnings, leading to its uninstallation. However, these are relatively minor and specific issues.