In-Depth Review: I Analyzed the Asus Vivobook Pro 16X.
Although bulky and expensive, it is an excellent choice if you are looking for a powerful portable device for gaming or creative tasks.
Asus has launched a remarkable model in its Vivobook series, known for offering budget-friendly laptop options. This new device, priced at £2,500, seems more in line with the capabilities of its ROG gaming laptops. However, its focus is directed towards content creators. Equipped with a powerful Core i9 processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics, this laptop features specifications that suggest high performance.
At its core, the Vivobook Pro 16X includes a Core i9-13980HX processor, which stands out with 24 cores, promising extremely agile performance. Thanks to its dual-fan cooling system and robust heat sinks, it maintains maximum speeds of 5.6GHz, resulting in impressive outcomes in performance benchmarks, such as remarkable scores in Geekbench and Cinebench.
Although the RTX 4070 is not Nvidia’s most powerful model, it remains an effective chip with 4,608 CUDA cores, enabling solid performance in professional applications. While more robust configurations like the RTX 4080 or 4090 can be opted for, the 4070 is distinguished by its energy efficiency, which is a factor to consider given its price.
In gaming performance tests, the Vivobook maintained good results, reaching 225fps in F1 2022 at 1080p and performing respectably at higher resolutions. However, lower results were observed in demanding titles such as Metro Exodus.
The device includes Nvidia drivers specifically designed for creators and offers a DialPad that provides contextual shortcuts for creative applications like Photoshop. However, its keyboard, although generously sized, may not appeal to those who prefer greater key travel.
With a sturdy design, this machine is not very portable, weighing over 2kg and having dimensions that make it impractical for longer commutes. Connectivity options are abundant, with enough ports for nearly any need.
Battery life is a weak point, as it lasts only about four hours with general use, which may be insufficient for a full day of work. However, fast charging via Thunderbolt ports is an advantage.
The Vivobook’s OLED panel provides an excellent visual experience, with high resolution that is favorable for enjoying movies and graphic content. Despite limitations in low-end sound reproduction, the volume and clarity are acceptable.
This model presents itself as a competitive option for those seeking power and quality in a laptop, especially compared to more expensive alternatives. Its choice depends on the user's needs, but undoubtedly, Asus has managed to optimize resources to deliver a product with notable performance.