The Asus Vivobook 16X is a laptop that, at first glance, promises much with its sleek design and a few enticing features. It comes with a decent display and reasonable battery life, which might catch the eye of those seeking a mid-range productivity machine. However, when you delve deeper into its specifications and performance, it quickly becomes apparent that this model struggles to keep up with the competition. With an outdated CPU and GPU combination, paired with slower RAM and storage options, this device feels like it belongs to a past generation. At a price point around $799 or £799, it faces stiff competition from newer laptops offering far better hardware for the same or even lower cost.
While the Asus Vivobook 16X does attempt to stand out with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a WUXGA 16:10 display, its hardware limitations hold it back from being a strong contender in its category. These drawbacks are especially evident when compared to alternatives with modern processors, faster storage, and better graphics capabilities. For anyone seeking a laptop that combines performance and value, this variant of the Vivobook 16X might not be the best choice.
Design
The Asus Vivobook 16X does make a solid first impression with its lightweight build and stylish design. At just 1.80 kg and 18mm thick, it is easy to carry around, making it ideal for professionals and students who are always on the move. Its metallic lid and silver plastic chassis give it a premium look that is comparable to more expensive ultrabooks. Despite not having a full aluminium body, it manages to exude a modern and polished aesthetic.
One of the highlights of the design is the “ErgoSense” keyboard, which Asus has crafted to provide a comfortable typing experience. The keyboard’s 19.05mm key travel closely mimics the feel of a desktop keyboard, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. While it may not match the performance of high-end gaming keyboards, it is undoubtedly one of the better keyboards in this price range.
Another noteworthy feature is the flexibility of the screen hinge, which allows the display to rotate a full 180 degrees to lay flat. This might not be a critical feature for most users, but it adds a touch of versatility. Additionally, the laptop includes thoughtful touches like a privacy filter for the webcam and AI-powered noise cancellation for video conferencing, making it a practical choice for remote work or online meetings. The range of connectivity options is also commendable, with ports for HDMI, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and an SD card reader, ensuring compatibility with a variety of peripherals.
Screen
The display of the Asus Vivobook 16X is one of its stronger features. With a WUXGA resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the screen provides a good amount of vertical space, which is especially useful for productivity tasks. The 120Hz refresh rate is another advantage, offering smooth visuals for everyday browsing and work-related activities. While it lacks advanced features like HDR support or OLED technology, the screen still manages to deliver a pleasant viewing experience.
The brightness, measured at 316 nits, is sufficient for both indoor and outdoor use, although it doesn’t reach the levels seen in more premium models. The LED-backlit panel offers decent color accuracy, with 89.9% sRGB coverage and good Adobe RGB and DCI P3 values. These figures make it suitable for general media consumption and light creative work, though professionals requiring top-tier color precision might need to look elsewhere.
Despite its limitations, the display performs well for its intended audience. Whether you’re streaming videos, working on documents, or attending virtual meetings, the screen provides clear and vibrant visuals. However, it is worth noting that Asus offers other models in the same lineup with OLED displays, which significantly enhance the viewing experience for a relatively small price increase.
Performance
Performance is where the Asus Vivobook 16X falls short. Powered by an Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 2050 GPU, the hardware feels outdated compared to current standards. While these components were once considered decent, they have since been surpassed by newer generations that deliver far better performance and efficiency. This makes the laptop struggle in demanding tasks, limiting its appeal for power users.
The laptop’s 8GB LPDDR4 RAM is another weak point. Not only is this capacity considered the bare minimum for modern devices, but the slower LPDDR4 standard further hampers multitasking capabilities. Many competitors at a similar price point now come equipped with faster LPDDR5 memory, which significantly improves overall system responsiveness.
Storage is similarly underwhelming, with a Gen 3.0 NVMe SSD offering mediocre read and write speeds. While it is faster than older SATA drives, it lags behind the Gen 4.0 and Gen 5.0 SSDs found in newer laptops. The 512GB capacity might be sufficient for casual users, but those handling larger files or applications may find it limiting. Overall, the performance of this variant of the Vivobook 16X feels outdated and underpowered, making it hard to recommend for anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life on the Asus Vivobook 16X is consistent with Asus’ claims, offering up to nine hours of use under ideal conditions. In real-world scenarios, you can expect around six hours of moderate usage, which includes web browsing, video playback, and light multitasking. This is decent for a mid-range laptop, though not exceptional compared to some newer models with more efficient hardware.
Charging is relatively quick, with the laptop reaching full capacity in about an hour. This makes it convenient for users who are often on the go and need a quick top-up during breaks. However, the battery performance might not be sufficient for heavy users who rely on their laptops for extended periods without access to a power outlet.
While the battery life is adequate for everyday use, it is not a standout feature of the Vivobook 16X. Competing laptops with more efficient processors and better-optimized software can offer longer runtimes, making them more suitable for users prioritizing mobility and endurance.
Final Thoughts
The Asus Vivobook 16X is a laptop that struggles to justify its price in today’s market. While it has a few redeeming qualities, such as its attractive design, comfortable keyboard, and decent display, its outdated hardware significantly limits its performance and value. The combination of an old CPU, GPU, and slower RAM makes it difficult to recommend, especially when there are numerous alternatives offering far better specifications at similar or even lower prices.
That said, newer versions of the Vivobook 16X with updated components like the RTX 4060 GPU and 13th Gen Intel processors might provide a more compelling option. If you’re considering this laptop, it’s worth exploring these improved variants to ensure you get the best possible performance for your money. For those seeking better overall value, options like the Apple MacBook Air M2 or other modern ultrabooks are worth considering.
In summary, while the Asus Vivobook 16X has some positive aspects, it is overshadowed by its outdated hardware and stiff competition. Unless you find it at a significantly discounted price, it might be wiser to invest in a more modern and capable laptop.
