Finding a laptop that balances performance, portability, and battery life can be a challenge. The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023) aims to meet these needs with its 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor and sleek design.
This review delves into the features, performance, and user experiences of the ASUS Vivobook 15, highlighting its strengths and addressing any potential drawbacks.
Having used the ASUS Vivobook 15 for several weeks, I found its performance to be commendable for everyday tasks. The Intel Core i3-1315U processor, combined with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient operation.
One notable feature is the anti-glare FHD display, which makes working in various lighting conditions comfortable. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard was a minor drawback during late-night sessions.
Processor Performance
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023) is powered by the Intel Core i3-1315U 13th Gen processor, ensuring robust performance for everyday tasks. With a base speed of 1.2 GHz and the ability to turbo boost up to 4.5 GHz, this processor handles multitasking with ease. The inclusion of 6 cores and 8 threads further enhances its capability, making it suitable for light editing and office work. Additionally, the processor’s efficiency cores manage less demanding tasks efficiently, contributing to the laptop’s overall balanced performance.
Memory and Storage
Equipped with 8GB of DDR4 RAM running at 3200MHz, the ASUS Vivobook 15 offers smooth performance for most applications. This memory configuration is ideal for multitasking, allowing users to switch between multiple tabs and applications without noticeable lag. The 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD provides ample storage space and faster data access speeds, significantly reducing boot times and application load times. This combination of memory and storage ensures a responsive user experience, making it suitable for both work and play.
Display Quality
The 15.6-inch FHD display of the ASUS Vivobook 15 offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals. The anti-glare coating is a notable feature, reducing reflections and making it easier to use the laptop in brightly lit environments. However, the 45% NTSC color gamut may not be suitable for professional photo or video editing, but it is adequate for general use, streaming, and casual gaming. The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion, which is beneficial for video playback and basic gaming.
Battery Life
The ASUS Vivobook 15 comes with a 42WHrs battery, offering up to 6 hours of battery life depending on usage conditions. This makes it a reliable companion for work on the go, ensuring you can get through a significant portion of the day without needing to recharge. While the battery life is decent, it’s essential to manage power settings and workloads to maximize uptime. Users who require longer battery life might need to consider carrying the charger or looking for alternative power solutions.
Build and Design
Weighing just 1.7 kg and measuring 1.79 cm in thickness, the ASUS Vivobook 15 is designed to be ultra-portable. Its thin and light build makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re commuting or traveling. The Quiet Blue color adds a touch of elegance, and the overall build quality, although lightweight, is robust enough for everyday use. However, some users have noted that the laptop can feel a bit fragile, so it’s advisable to handle it with care to avoid damage.
Connectivity Options
The ASUS Vivobook 15 offers a variety of connectivity options, including 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, and 1x HDMI 1.4 port. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and external devices. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5 provides faster wireless connectivity and better range, making it easier to connect to networks and other devices. These connectivity options enhance the laptop’s versatility, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
Keyboard and Input
The ASUS Vivobook 15 features a chiclet keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience. While the keyboard is adequate for most tasks, the absence of backlighting can be a drawback, especially in low-light environments. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader enhances security, allowing for quick and secure login. The touchpad is responsive and supports multi-gesture inputs, making navigation smooth and efficient. Overall, the input options are designed to enhance productivity and user convenience.
Audio and Webcam
The laptop is equipped with SonicMaster technology, built-in speakers, and an array microphone that supports Cortana voice recognition. While the audio quality is decent for general use, it might not satisfy audiophiles looking for high-fidelity sound. The 720p HD camera comes with a privacy shutter, ensuring your privacy when the webcam is not in use. This feature is particularly useful for those concerned about security during video calls and online meetings.
Software and Security
The ASUS Vivobook 15 comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, providing a modern and user-friendly interface. Additionally, it includes Office Home and Student 2021, making it ready for productivity tasks right out of the box. The laptop also comes with a 1-year subscription to McAfee Anti-Virus, ensuring your device is protected from malware and other security threats. These software inclusions add significant value, reducing the need for additional purchases and installations.
User Reviews and Feedback
Users have generally given positive feedback about the ASUS Vivobook 15, with a product rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 58 reviews. Many users appreciate its performance, portability, and value for money. However, some have pointed out issues such as occasional lag, heating, and the absence of a backlit keyboard. Build quality has also been a concern for a few users, indicating the need for careful handling. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is that the ASUS Vivobook 15 offers a good balance of features and performance at its price point.
Pros:
- 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor offers efficient performance.
- Includes Windows 11 Home and Office 2021 pre-installed.
- Lightweight and portable design.
Cons:
- No backlit keyboard.
- Build quality is fragile and requires careful handling.
- Sound quality is below average.
Conclusion
Overall, the ASUS Vivobook 15 offers excellent value for its price, providing a solid mix of performance, portability, and essential features. Its lightweight design and robust battery life make it ideal for students and professionals alike.
While it has a few minor shortcomings, such as the absence of a backlit keyboard, the Vivobook 15 remains a strong contender in the market for budget-friendly, high-performance laptops.
Questions & Answers:
Question: What is the battery life of the ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023)?
Answer: The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023) has a battery life of up to 6 hours, depending on usage conditions.
Question: Does this laptop support gaming?
Answer: The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023) is suitable for basic gaming but may experience occasional lag with demanding games.
Question: Is the keyboard backlit?
Answer: No, the ASUS Vivobook 15 (2023) does not come with a backlit keyboard.
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