Editor 
In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, the Asus Zenbook S 16 (2024) emerges not just as a new entrant, but as a testament to balancing cutting-edge innovation with everyday usability. Released in 2024, the Zenbook S 16 promises to revolutionize the laptop industry with its sleek design, powerful AI capabilities, and impressive battery life. But how does it fare in the real world? Let’s dive deeper to discover what makes this 16-inch laptop a game-changer.
Design and Build
The Zenbook S 16 strikes an impressive figure from the moment you lay eyes on it. With dimensions of just 13.9 x 9.6 x 0.47 inches and weighing a mere 3.3 pounds, it’s incredibly portable — challenging the long-held dominance of Apple’s MacBook Pro 16. The lid of the laptop features a unique material known as “ceraluminium,” a blend of ceramic and aluminum, offering both a premium feel and resistance to unsightly fingerprints. This material adds an extra touch of sophistication and durability. The laptop is available in two elegant color options: Zumaia Grey and Scandinavian White, each catering to different aesthetic preferences.
Display and Performance
The Zenbook S 16 is equipped with a stunning 16-inch OLED touch display, boasting a native resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This combination makes for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations—perfect for creative professionals and multimedia enthusiasts alike.
Under the hood, the laptop is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. This processor is not only a powerhouse in terms of raw performance but also excels in integrated graphics capabilities. Whether you are gaming, editing videos, or running intensive applications, the Zenbook S 16 delivers reliably smooth performance. The integration of AI capabilities via the AMD XDNA 2 NPU, capable of up to 50 TOPS of AI performance, introduces a new dimension of functionality, making light work of tasks that benefit from machine learning algorithms.
Battery Life and Ports
Battery life is often the Achilles’ heel of powerful laptops, but the Zenbook S 16 defies this trend with its 78Wh battery, which offers remarkably long usage times for a Windows laptop in its category. This ensures you can work, create, and consume content without being tethered to a power outlet all day.
Connectivity-wise, the Zenbook S 16 is well-equipped. It includes two USB 4 Gen 3 Type-C ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an SD 4.0 card reader. This selection ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripheral devices, enhancing your productivity and flexibility.
Keyboard and Audio
The keyboard deserves special mention for its comfortable key travel and satisfying typing experience. For someone who types a lot, whether for work or leisure, this keyboard can significantly enhance productivity. The generously sized touchpad is equally impressive, offering precise control and a smooth glide.
Audio performance, while not groundbreaking, is quite solid with speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. It’s more than adequate for video calls, streaming, and casual listening, contributing to a well-rounded user experience.
AI Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Zenbook S 16 is its AI capabilities, enabled by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor’s NPU. This processor enables a slew of AI-powered features directly on the device, enhancing tasks ranging from voice recognition to real-time photo enhancements. It’s a glimpse into the future where AI integration at the hardware level becomes the norm.
Conclusion
The Asus Zenbook S 16 (2024) impresses across the board, striking a fine balance between design aesthetics, powerful performance, and smart AI capabilities. It is not without its minor flaws, but the overall package is compelling enough to make it a serious contender in the premium laptop market. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a creative, the Zenbook S 16 has something to offer, seamlessly blending everyday functionality with advanced features.
FAQ
Q: What makes the “ceraluminium” material unique?
A: Ceraluminium is a blend of ceramic and aluminum, combining the lightweight and durable properties of aluminum with the premium feel and fingerprint resistance of ceramic.
Q: How does the Zenbook S 16 perform in terms of battery life?
A: The Zenbook S 16 features a 78Wh battery, providing excellent battery life that ensures long stretches of productivity away from power sources.
Q: What are the AI capabilities of the Zenbook S 16?
A: The Zenbook S 16 is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which includes an NPU capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS of AI performance. This enables advanced AI-powered features directly on the device.
Q: Is the audio system good enough for professional use?
A: While the audio system delivers clear and balanced sound typical for general use such as streaming and video calls, professionals might prefer external speakers or headphones for critical audio work.
Q: How does the Zenbook S 16 compare to the MacBook Pro 16?
A: The Zenbook S 16 is a direct competitor to the MacBook Pro 16 in terms of design and portability, offering a similar premium feel with additional AI capabilities.
The Asus Zenbook S 16 (2024) offers a harmonious blend of style, performance, and intelligent features, making it a worthy choice in today’s competitive laptop market.
