A laptop is easily the second most-used device for everyone. From working professionals to students, these devices are at the centre of productivity. I have to admit that not a single day goes by without opening my laptop, of course, sometimes for reasons other than work. Even as I was mulling over investing in a new laptop, I got a call from Asus to review their 2024 Asus Vivobook 15 (X1504VAP).
The brand-new offering from Asus blends style, durability, and great performance, all into a single package. I spent a week with the new Vivobook 15, and here is a review where I break down the laptop’s features, good things, and maybe some not-so-great things.
Initial thoughts
Upon unboxing, I was up for a surprise. In its first look itself, the Asus Vivobook 15 made a strong statement, especially owing to its sleek and modern design. It didn’t feel boxy, yet the silver metal finish gave it the feel of a shiny object from the future. The laptop weighs 1.7kg and is merely 17.9mm in thickness. I heaved a sigh of relief that this device won’t be heavier during my commute. It is rugged too – the company claims that the laptop comes with MIL-STD 810H military-grade certification. I liked the minimalist design, especially the badge-style logo on the lid – to me, this added a touch of sophistication.
Laptops today serve more than one purpose. Clearly, work is not the only use case, casual streaming on the Internet, and thousands of videos, are indeed a staple on laptops. Most manufacturers understand this need among consumers and have been vying to offer some high-grade display technology. Asus is not far behind, the new Vivobook comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel that delivers crisp visuals with a 1920×1080 resolution. The display has an anti-glare finish and comes with 250 nits of brightness that allow for a comfortable viewing experience under all kinds of lighting. Another noteworthy feature is the 84 percent screen-to-body ratio which makes for an immersive experience – works well for both work and entertainment.
I liked the minimalist design, especially the badge-style logo on the lid – to me, this added a touch of sophistication. (Bijin Jose / Express photo)
Performance and efficiency
When it comes to under the hood, the Asus Vivobook 15 will not disappoint a user. It comes equipped with Intel Core U-series processors. It is available with up to 10 cores and 12 threads, quite a balancing act between performance and efficiency. With options for up to 24GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD, users can expect swift multitasking and speedy data transfers. Wi-Fi 6 E ensures a fast and stable internet connection, essential for today’s online-centric tasks.
I used the Vivobook 15 for some of my routine tasks that include writing on Google Docs, and accessing a gazillion tabs on internet browsers. Spending hours on the laptop, work glided on smoothly. Occasionally watching HDR 8K videos on YouTube was a delight for the eyes. Switching between multiple applications and tabs felt fluid, and not once did I notice any hiccups in performance. When it comes to battery life, the laptop did manage to last over six hours. Coupled with the decent 45W charging, this one can be a lifesaver for professionals.
Camera and Ergonomics
A vast majority of my work lately involves virtual interactions and most of these are supported by laptops. I am not a fan of video calls on smartphones. The Asus Vivobook 15 has a 720p HD webcam with 3D noise reduction. In my experience, I found it to be just okay. Although my video calls were clearer and presentable in all my virtual meetings, I feel there is room for improvement. The physical privacy shutter offered peace of mind, a small but crucial feature in today’s digital age where privacy concerns are paramount.
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The new Vivobook comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel that delivers crisp visuals with a 1920×1080 resolution. (Bijin Jose / Express photo)
The device comes with an ErgoSense keyboard. While the company claimed its slight indentation on the keys meant fingers glide effortlessly, I found them to be squashed making typing a bit difficult. This is strictly personal, as I am sure there would be users who may find this comfortable. Besides, the array of ports catered to all my peripherals, ensuring I was never left wanting for connectivity options.
Throughout the week, the ASUS Vivobook 15 proved to be a reliable companion. Its portability meant I could easily carry it to the office and other public spaces without feeling burdened. The performance was consistent, handling everything from light browsing to intensive tasks without breaking a sweat.
Verdict: A Well-rounded Companion
The 2024 ASUS Vivobook 15 (X1504VAP) blends aesthetics, robust performance, and thoughtful features. Priced at Rs 49,990, the laptop is good value for money in terms of its features and performance. Whether you are a professional juggling work and personal tasks, a student navigating through academic commitments, or just someone who appreciates a good entertainment experience, the Vivobook 15 meets the mark on all fronts.
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