Asus Zenbook S 16 Review: Ultra-Thin, Powerful, and Environmentally Friendly

Introduction

The Asus Zenbook S 16 (UX5604), introduced in early 2024, continues Asus's tradition of combining sleek design, high performance, and innovative technology. This ultrabook, known for its portability and premium build quality, is a strong contender in the premium laptop market, making it suitable for users who prioritize mobility and power.

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Design and Build Quality

Weighing just 1.35 kg and measuring 1.39 cm in thickness, the Zenbook S 16 is one of the slimmest 16-inch laptops available. Its ultra-thin profile does not compromise on durability, with the laptop built from recycled magnesium-aluminum alloy, reinforcing its lightweight design while being environmentally conscious.

The chassis boasts a minimalist yet stylish aesthetic, finished in a Ponder Blue color with subtle branding. The hinge mechanism offers smooth motion and a slightly raised base when the laptop is open, improving airflow and enhancing typing ergonomics. Asus has also focused on sustainability, with the Zenbook S 16’s materials being sourced with environmental responsibility in mind, earning it EPEAT® Gold certification.

Display

The 16-inch OLED display is one of the standout features of the Zenbook S 16. With a 3.2K (3200 x 2000) resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the screen is perfect for productivity and creative work. The OLED technology provides rich, vibrant colors and deep blacks, supporting 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, making it ideal for photo and video editing.

Additionally, the display supports 500 nits of peak brightness and features Pantone validation for color accuracy, alongside TÜV Rheinland certification for low blue light emissions, ensuring long-term comfort for users during extended screen time.

Performance

Under the hood, the Zenbook S 16 is powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor, providing excellent multi-core performance for handling demanding tasks such as video editing, coding, and multitasking. It is paired with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, offering enough graphical power for light gaming and media consumption, though it’s not aimed at high-end gaming enthusiasts.

For storage, the laptop includes a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, ensuring lightning-fast boot times and application loading. With 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, users can smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously, further enhancing productivity.

Battery Life

The Zenbook S 16 packs a 75Wh battery, offering up to 10 hours of battery life under typical use conditions. Given its lightweight nature and power-efficient components, this laptop can comfortably handle a full day of work or entertainment without needing to recharge, though intensive tasks like video editing or gaming can drain the battery faster.

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Ports and Connectivity

Despite its slim design, Asus has managed to equip the Zenbook S 16 with a solid selection of ports. It includes:

• 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports
• 1 USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port
• HDMI 2.1
• 3.5mm audio jack

The Thunderbolt 4 ports support fast data transfer, display output, and charging, allowing for versatile connectivity in a work environment.

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable connections for online work and peripheral accessories.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Asus has focused on enhancing the typing experience with a comfortable backlit keyboard that offers decent key travel, despite the laptop's thin profile. The Precision touchpad is large, responsive, and supports multi-touch gestures, providing a smooth navigation experience.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenbook S 16 (UX5604) is a solid choice for users who need a premium, ultra-portable laptop with excellent display quality and strong performance. Its combination of a stunning OLED screen, powerful Intel processor, and lightweight design make it ideal for creative professionals, students, or anyone who prioritizes mobility without compromising on features. Furthermore, its eco-friendly construction appeals to those looking for a more sustainable laptop option.

While the Zenbook S 16 is not intended for heavy gaming or intensive 3D rendering tasks, it excels in productivity, media consumption, and light creative work, making it one of the best options in its category.