ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (S5606M) Review – The new mainstream

ASUS offering a diverse range of laptops catering to various needs, has recently introduce a new model for the mainstream market, the new ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED. This sleek and stylish laptop boasts a starting price of just RM4,399 for an Intel Ultra 5 variant, making it an attractive option for everyday users.

Packed with features like a vibrant OLED display, promising performance capabilities, and a competitive price tag, the Vivobook S 16 OLED seems to offer a lot on paper. However, this review will delve deeper to uncover any potential drawbacks that might lurk beneath the surface of its enticing features, ultimately determining if it truly lives up to its mainstream appeal.

Is the performance good?

Our model of the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED boasts the latest Intel Meteor Lake processor, the Ultra 5 125H with NPU. This marks the first time we’ve encountered the Ai-focused processor in action.

Additionally, the laptop features the Intel Arc iGP, making it a valuable test subject for this emerging integrated graphics technology. Furthermore, ASUS has equipped the device with a generous 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM in dual-channel configuration, boasting a speedy 7467 MHz clock speed. This combination of cutting-edge components promises a powerful and potentially groundbreaking experience.

Based on our benchmark, the Intel Ultra 5 125H is a bit of a mix bag. While it does not have raw power even compare to old i5 model, its powerful iGP given it the edge to excel in graphic intensive task.

This is evident is the while it score the lowest on Cinebench R20, an CPU intensive benchmark, it raise onto the top in 3Dmark Time Spy, a GPU intensive benchmark, beating the powerful Ryzen 7 8840HS with a Radeon 780M iGP.

This given the Intel Ultra 5 125H great millage in handling multi media tasks in digital content creation, essentials tasks, and productivity task.

ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (S5606M) — What’s Good?

Display HDR 600 True Black display at this price point

The ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED boasts a truly exceptional display, especially considering its price point. It features a stunning 16-inch 16:10 3.2K OLED panel with HDR 600 True Black technology, delivering deep blacks and exceptional contrast.

With a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, the display offers smooth visuals and accurate color reproduction, making it ideal for content creators and casual gamers alike.

Furthermore, its impressive color accuracy with 100% sRGB, 96.3% Adobe RGB, and 97.7% DCI-P3 coverage. This ensures the display excels in various tasks, making it a well-rounded display solution. We see the Vivobook S 16 OLED’s display a great choice for productivity, content creation, and even some light gaming.

A 16 incher that doesn’t weight like one

Despite its impressive 16-inch size, the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED manages to be remarkably thin and light. Measuring a mere 1.39cm and weighing only 1.5kg, it feels incredibly portable and effortless to carry around.

This feat is achieved thanks to ASUS’s innovative hinge design, which is significantly smaller than those found in typical 16-inch laptops. This allows for a slimmer profile without compromising on cooling performance.

The weight optimization is truly impressive, making the Vivobook S 16 OLED feel more like a sleek ultrabook than a bulky 16-inch device.

I really like the Intel Arc iGP

While the Intel Arc iGP in the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED isn’t a powerhouse, it offers a significant improvement over previous Intel integrated graphics. Quick Sync technology aids in video editing, making the process smoother and more efficient.

While demanding games like Hell Diver 2 can only be played smoothly at lower settings in FHD, this is a significant leap compared to the capabilities of the last-gen Intel Xe iGP.

Additionally, the potential of XeSS technology, as indicated by benchmarks, suggests that the Arc iGP can deliver a substantial performance boost in compatible games, potentially doubling its original capabilities. This opens possibilities for enjoying some lighter games with improved performance.

Complete line up of IO ports

The ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED boasts a generous selection of ports, ensuring you’ll have no trouble connecting all your essential devices. It features two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports capable of high-speed data transfer, and even power delivery for charging the laptop or connected devices.

The HDMI 2.1 port allows for connecting to high-resolution displays, while a standard 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card reader provide additional convenience.

Notably, both Type-C ports can be used for charging, and the Thunderbolt 4 ports offer exceptional transfer speeds and the ability to expand your workstation with additional displays or devices.

ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (S5606M) — What’s Not?

The RGB keyboard is limited

While the keyboard itself delivers a satisfying typing experience with long key travel and excellent feedback, its RGB capabilities fall short of expectations.

Advertised as a full RGB keyboard, it unfortunately only offers single-zone backlighting, meaning it can only display one color at a time. This limitation, coupled with Windows Dynamic Lighting as the sole driver, restricts the light show to a mere six preset modes.

Consequently, regardless of the chosen mode, the single-zone nature makes the lighting effects appear uniform across the entire keyboard.

Who ordered a Copilot button?

The inclusion of a dedicated Copilot key on the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED raises an eyebrow. While Microsoft has cleverly placed Copilot access in the taskbar, readily accessible with a single click, the dedicated key on the laptop feels redundant.

This additional button adds unnecessary clutter to the keyboard layout and might confuse users accustomed to the standard taskbar location.

ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (S5606M) Specifications

ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (S5606M) — should you buy this?

In conclusion, the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED delivers a compelling package for mainstream users seeking a stylish and powerful laptop. Its stunning OLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks is a visual treat, while its thin and light design makes it incredibly portable. The ample port selection, including two versatile Thunderbolt 4 ports, ensures seamless connectivity for various peripherals and displays.

Performance-wise, the Intel Arc iGP offers a significant leap over previous generations, particularly evident in video editing tasks aided by Quick Sync technology. While not a gaming powerhouse, the potential for improved performance with XeSS technology opens doors for light gaming experiences.

However, the Vivobook S 16 OLED is not without its minor shortcomings. The limited single-zone RGB keyboard falls short of expectations for a full RGB offering, and the dedicated Copilot key feels redundant given its readily accessible taskbar location.

Overall, the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED strikes a strong balance between performance, portability, and design, especially considering its starting price of just RM4399, making it a true value-for-money all-rounder laptop. While a few minor drawbacks exist, this laptop emerges as a strong contender in the mainstream market, offering a well-rounded experience for productivity, content creation, and even some light gaming.

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