Asus Zenbook S 16, Worth to Buy?

A Closer Look at the Asus Zenbook S16

The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a significant addition to the Zenbook lineup, joining the existing Zenbook S 13 and the forthcoming Zenbook S 14, which will feature Intel's Lunar Lake CPUs. While I can't divulge details about the S 14 due to embargoes, I can share an in-depth preview of the S 16, a laptop that epitomizes portability, performance, and quality of life enhancements.

Portability Redefined

The Zenbook S 16 is impressively slim, measuring just 6 inches thick and weighing approximately 3.3 pounds. This lightweight design is achieved through a meticulously crafted unibody profile made from CNC-machined aluminum. The top layer of the laptop features Asus's innovative Ser Aluminum, a combination of ceramic and aluminum, designed to resist fingerprints and scratches. Available in dark gray and white, the Zenbook S16 also sports the iconic Zenbook monogram logo, adding a touch of elegance.

To accommodate the latest Ryzen Strix Point CPUs, Asus has developed an ultra-thin vapor chamber cooling system. This advanced cooling solution is complemented by a thin layer of graphene beneath the keyboard, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. Although we have yet to test its performance under sustained multi-core workloads, we anticipate sharing detailed performance metrics once we receive a retail unit.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

The Zenbook S 16 can push power levels up to 28 watts thanks to its innovative cooling system. This setup supports the new 12-core, 24-thread Ryzen CPUs, promising impressive performance. However, it's important to note that these CPUs do not support SODIMM slots, meaning RAM is onboard and not user-upgradable. While this is a downside, the SSD remains upgradable, offering some flexibility.

Inside, the Zenbook S 16 features a standard-sized, backlit keyboard with white LEDs, providing a comfortable typing experience. The key travel is similar to previous Zenbook models, offering good feedback. The integrated power button within the function row might take some getting used to, but the overall design is user-friendly. The large trackpad, made from precision glass, is smooth and responsive, with solid feedback from the integrated buttons. Asus has introduced smart gestures, allowing users to control volume, media playback, and brightness using the trackpad's edges.

Connectivity and Sound: Versatile and Immersive

Despite its thin profile, the Zenbook S 16 offers a generous array of ports. On the left side, you'll find an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB 4 ports (supporting up to 40 Gbps), one of which will be used by the USB-C power adapter, and an audio jack. The right side features a full-size USB 3.2 Gen 2 port and a UHS-II card reader, ideal for content creators and photographers. The laptop also houses six speakers, delivering a robust audio experience.

Battery life is another highlight, with a 78-watt-hour battery promising good longevity thanks to the power efficiency of the Ryzen Stck Point CPUs. We look forward to validating these claims in our full review.

Display: Vivid and Responsive

The Zenbook S 16 boasts a 16-inch 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and touch support, making it a versatile tool for both productivity and entertainment. The display is expected to achieve peak SDR brightness levels between 400 to 450 nits, typical for an OLED panel, providing vibrant visuals and smooth performance.

The Asus Zenbook S 16 is set to start at $1399.99, with higher configurations priced up to $1599.99. This pricing reflects its premium build, powerful internals, and thoughtful design features. As we await the full performance review, the Zenbook S16 already stands out as a compelling option in the thin and light laptop market, combining AMD's latest CPU advancements with Asus's innovative design.