- The Asus Zenbook S 16, priced at £1,399, features “ceraluminum,” combining ceramic and aluminium for a lightweight yet durable build.
- A 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen delivers vivid, Pantone-validated colours, enhancing the visual experience with anti-fingerprint coating and near-borderless bezels.
- Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and Radeon 880M GPU, with 24GB RAM, it’s tailored for graphics-heavy tasks, though raw computation could improve.
- Battery life stands at a respectable 10 hours, balancing high performance with moderate endurance.
- The laptop tends to warm up under heavy use, reflecting its intense processing capabilities.
- Typing experience is softer, with a responsive trackpad aiding in usability through smart gestures.
- Harman/Kardon speakers provide exceptional audio quality, enhancing multimedia experiences.
- Ideal for visual creators, the Zenbook S 16 excels in design and display, despite minor heat and battery concerns.
A cool breeze of innovation sweeps through the world of laptops as Asus presents its stunning new offering, the Zenbook S 16. This sleek machine, starting at £1,399, captivates attention with its groundbreaking use of “ceraluminum,” a blend of ceramic and aluminium. Lightweight yet robust, the laptop feels like a feather in the hand yet promises the strength of a fortress—qualities derived straight from aerospace technology.
Its first defining feature, the display, is a vivid splash of colour and clarity. The 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen doesn’t just showcase images; it crafts a masterpiece with over a billion colours that dance across the screen. Thanks to its anti-fingerprint coating and Pantone validation, every swipe and every shade look impeccably elegant. Imagine watching a movie with razor-thin bezels that almost disappear, enhancing the immersive experience.
Inside this tech marvel beats the heart of AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 processor. Paired with the Radeon 880M GPU and 24GB RAM, the Zenbook S 16 doesn’t just perform; it excels, especially in graphics. While AMD’s prowess shines in creative applications, it slightly lags behind competitors in raw computational tasks, hinting at an area ripe for future improvement.
Yet, perfection has its price. This machine, with its appetite for power-driven tasks, copes with a modest battery life of about 10 hours. Given the demands of its high-performing innards, that’s a commendable but not groundbreaking feat, leaving room for growth in energy efficiency.
Another quirk? The warmth it radiates under stress, a quiet reminder of the intense power within its frame. While the one-finger lid lift test confirms its build quality with unwavering sturdiness, prolonged use might warm your workspace more than anticipated.
Typing on the Zenbook S 16 may not elicit love at first stroke—the keys lend a softer touch than some might prefer. Yet, the expansive trackpad does its part, elegantly accommodating smart gestures that enhance usability.
Rounding out the experience, the Harman/Kardon speakers deliver not just sound but an audio spectacle. Whether it’s the crispness of dialogue or the depth of a symphony, the sound quality promises a little concert on your desk.
The Zenbook S 16 stakes its claim as a frontrunner for those prioritising design and display. Visual creators will find it a particularly alluring choice. Despite its few heat and battery concerns, the overall symphony of design and function makes it a compelling companion for the modern era.
Is the Asus Zenbook S 16 Worth the Investment? Uncover Its Hidden Features and Limitations
Overview of the Asus Zenbook S 16
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is making waves with its sleek design and cutting-edge features. Priced starting at £1,399, this laptop incorporates “ceraluminum,” a combination of ceramic and aluminium, providing a lightweight yet durable structure inspired by aerospace technology. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this machine stand out and areas where it falls short.
Noteworthy Features and Specs
1. Display Excellence: The Zenbook S 16 boasts a 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen with over a billion vivid colours. Its Pantone validation and anti-fingerprint coating elevate the visual experience, which is ideal for creative professionals who require accurate colour representation.
2. Processing Power: The inclusion of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor paired with the Radeon 880M GPU ensures robust graphics performance, especially for creative software. The substantial 24GB RAM supports multitasking and memory-heavy applications efficiently.
3. Design and Build: The laptop’s thin bezels and sleek design enhance its aesthetic appeal, while the Harman/Kardon speakers deliver exceptional audio quality, transforming the user experience into a mini home theatre.
4. Portability: With its lightweight build and durable materials, the Zenbook S 16 is excellent for professionals on the go, providing both sturdiness and ease of transport.
How-To: Optimise Battery Life
To make the most out of the Zenbook S 16’s battery life, try these strategies:
– Adjust Display Settings: Lower the screen brightness and turn on battery saver mode to extend usage time.
– Close Background Apps: Ensure that you close any unnecessary applications running in the background.
– Regular Updates: Keep your operating system and drivers updated for the best power efficiency.
Market Trend Insights
According to industry trends, there is a growing demand for portable devices with high-quality displays and powerful processing capabilities. The Zenbook S 16 fits well within this trend, yet faces competition from other brands like Dell XPS and Apple’s MacBook line, which occasionally outperform in computational tasks and battery longevity.
Pros and Cons Overview
Pros:
– Striking 3K OLED display with accurate colours
– Superior sound from Harman/Kardon speakers
– Stylish and robust design with “ceraluminum” material
Cons:
– Modest battery life compared to competitors
– Generates noticeable heat during intensive tasks
– Soft keyboard stroke that might not be to everyone’s taste
Security & Sustainability
Asus is committed to sustainability, with efforts to reduce their carbon footprint through the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient components. In terms of security, make sure to enable built-in features like fingerprint scanning for enhanced protection.
Recommendations and Quick Tips
– For Creatives: If your work involves colour-sensitive projects, the Zenbook S 16’s display is an undeniable asset.
– For Travellers: Consider carrying a portable charger given the device’s moderate battery life.
– For Heavy Users: Regular maintenance and clearing of dust from vents can help manage the heat issue, allowing better cooling.
Conclusion
The Asus Zenbook S 16 combines innovative design with powerful performance capabilities, catering to a wide audience from creatives to business professionals. While it has areas ripe for improvement, particularly in battery life and cooling, its stunning display and stylish aesthetics make it a compelling choice.
For more on laptops and consumer electronics, visit Asus.
