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| The Asus Vivobook 16 comes in quite blue and cool silver colorways |
LAS VEGAS — CES is where the future of personal computing takes shape, and this year, Asus is making a compelling case for the modern, versatile laptop. The company has lifted the curtain on the new Asus Vivobook 16, a sleek machine offering a tantalizing choice at its core: next-generation processing power from either AMD Ryzen AI or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series.
This strategic move positions the Vivobook 16 as a fascinating contender in the growing "AI PC" arena, catering to users who prioritize either raw performance or groundbreaking efficiency and connectivity.
The Heart of the Matter: Your Processor, Your Choice
The headline feature is undeniably the dual-platform strategy. Shoppers will be able to configure their Vivobook 16 with:
- An AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 processor, part of AMD's new AI-focused lineup.
- A Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series chip (with the exact model name still under wraps), built on the much-anticipated Arm-based architecture promising revolutionary battery life and integrated 5G-ready connectivity.
This isn't just about different silicon; it's about choosing your laptop's personality. The AMD variant is poised for those who trust in proven x86 performance and compatibility, while the Qualcomm option is a gateway to the always-connected, ultra-efficient future championed by Windows on Snapdragon.
Shared Excellence in Design and Core Specs
Regardless of the brain you choose, the Vivobook 16 sports a consistently portable and durable design. It's impressively slim at just 1.79 cm (0.70 inches) thick and weighs a manageable 1.88 kg (4.14 lbs), making it a true 16-inch companion. Asus backs its build with military-grade durability certification (MIL-STD-810H), ensuring it can handle the bumps of daily life.
Users get up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of fast PCIe SSD storage. The typing experience is handled by Asus's Ergosense keyboard, known for its comfort, and a large, precision touchpad.
Where the Paths Diverge: Ports, Display, and AI Capabilities
This is where your choice becomes more tangible. The two models cater to slightly different needs:
- Connectivity: The AMD model features modern USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 1 and Type-A ports. The Qualcomm variant steps into the next generation with two USB 4 ports and an HDMI 2.1 output, promising faster data transfers and superior external display support.
- Display: Both share a 16-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio screen with an 89% screen-to-body ratio, but the resolution differs. The AMD model gets a sharper WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS panel, while the Qualcomm variant has a standard FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display. Both refresh at 60Hz.
- AI Performance: Asus is touting serious AI chops, with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of up to 50 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second). This should enable smooth performance for local AI tasks like background blur, noise cancellation, and creative applications without taxing the main CPU.
Marathon Battery Life and Smart Features
Asus is making bold claims about endurance, stating the Vivobook 16 can last up to 17 hours on a charge. While battery capacity isn't specified, the laptop supports rapid charging—hitting 60% in just 49 minutes—a lifesaver for students and professionals on the go.
Rounding out the package are a Full HD IR webcam for secure Windows Hello logins, Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers for immersive audio, and a suite of AI-enhanced software features for camera and audio enhancement.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The Asus Vivobook 16 will be available in two sophisticated colorways: Cool Silver and Quiet Blue. Asus has not yet announced pricing or specific availability dates, but its CES debut means we can expect to see it on shelves in the coming months.
For consumers, the Vivobook 16 presents a genuinely interesting dilemma. Do you go with the versatile power of AMD Ryzen AI, or embrace the connectivity and efficiency revolution of Snapdragon X? Either way, Asus has crafted a compelling, future-ready laptop that proves the humble Vivobook line is more innovative than ever.
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| The Asus Vivobook 16 AMD specs |
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| The Asus Vivobook 16 Qualcomm specs |