Asus Zenbook S16 Review: An Ultra-Thin Laptop That Delivers Incredible Power

The Asus Zenbook S16 enters an ultrabook market that is fiercely competitive. Every year, manufacturers push the boundaries of thinness, lightness, and performance, often resulting in compromises.

But every so often, a device arrives that seems to defy expectations, blending seemingly contradictory traits into a compelling package. The Asus Zenbook S16, a laptop generating significant buzz, particularly for packing AMD’s latest powerhouse Ryzen AI 300 series processor into an astonishingly slim chassis, is that device.

We’ve seen the headlines, watched the early reviews, but some machines demand a closer look. The Asus Zenbook S16, with its unique design choices and cutting-edge internals, is one such device.

It promises premium aesthetics, a breathtaking display, next-generation AI capabilities, and performance that challenges even thicker, more traditionally “pro” laptops. But does the Asus Zenbook S16 deliver?

Is this the ultimate thin-and-light machine for creators, professionals, and media enthusiasts? Let’s dive deep into what makes this specific laptop tick, exploring its triumphs and its potential trade-offs.

Key Specifications

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (Zen 5 architecture, up to 54W TDP capable, run at 28W default in this chassis)
• Neural Processing Unit (NPU): 50 TOPS
• Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon 890M
• RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X (Soldered) – 16GB option also available
• Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD (User Upgradeable)
• Display: 16-inch ASUS Lumina OLED, 3K (2880 x 1800) resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, Touchscreen
• Ports: 2 x USB4 (Type-C, Thunderbolt compatible), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1 (Full Size), 1 x UHS-II SD Card Reader (Full Size), 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• Thickness: Approx. 1.1 cm (11mm – 12.9mm)
• Special Features: Ceraluminum Lid Finish, Included Asus Pen 2.0 Stylus, Large Glass Trackpad with NumberPad 2.0 & Virtual Dials, Copilot+ PC certified, Adaptive Keyboard Backlight
• Operating System: Windows (implied)

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First Impressions: A Touch of Ceramic Class (and Caution) for the Asus Zenbook S16

Right out of the box, the Asus Zenbook S16 makes a statement. Asus has opted for a unique “Ceraluminum” lid – a ceramic-polymer finish bonded to the aluminum chassis.

The result is a material that feels distinctively premium, almost stone-like, cool to the touch, and visually striking. It moves away from the standard brushed metal or matte plastic finishes, giving the Asus Zenbook S16 a real personality and a sophisticated air. The minimalist Asus branding complements this aesthetic perfectly.

However, uniqueness sometimes comes with caveats. While the ceramic finish looks fantastic initially, its long-term durability regarding stains is questionable for the Asus Zenbook S16.

The review unit quickly picked up an ink stain that proved resistant even to alcohol cleaning. This suggests that while perhaps robust against scratches, users might need to be extra cautious about spills or marks on this surface. It’s a trade-off for that unique look and feel – something potential buyers should be aware of.

Beyond the lid material, the most striking physical characteristic of the Asus Zenbook S16 is its thinness. Measuring a mere 1.1 cm (around 11-12.9mm depending on measurement points, but consistently thin), it significantly undercuts many competitors, including the MacBook Air and Pro lines.

This svelte profile makes the Asus Zenbook S16 incredibly portable and frankly, just satisfying to hold and carry.

Despite this aggressive thinness, Asus hasn’t skimped dramatically on connectivity for the Asus Zenbook S16. You get two versatile USB4 ports (Thunderbolt compatible), a full-sized HDMI 2.1 port (a rarity in ultra-thins!), a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and crucially for creators, a full-sized, high-speed SD card reader (UHS-II).

Even the 3.5mm audio jack finds its place, though it looks almost squeezed in. This is an impressive array for such a slim device, offering flexibility that often requires dongles on competing machines.

The Visual Centerpiece: A Glorious 16-Inch OLED Canvas on the Asus Zenbook S16

Open the lid of the Asus Zenbook S16, and you’re greeted by arguably one of its biggest selling points: a stunning 16-inch, 3K (2880 x 1800) resolution OLED display.

If you’ve never experienced a high-quality OLED panel on a laptop, prepare to be impressed by the Asus Zenbook S16 screen. The technology offers pixel-perfect contrast with true, deep blacks, incredibly vibrant colours (covering 100% DCI-P3), and instantaneous pixel response times.

This panel runs at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from scrolling web pages to fast-paced gaming feel fluid and responsive on the Asus Zenbook S16.

Whether you’re editing photos where colour accuracy is paramount, watching HDR movies that pop with dynamic range, or simply browsing the web, this display is an absolute joy. The large 16-inch size provides ample screen real estate for productivity tasks, allowing for comfortable side-by-side window arrangements.

Adding to its versatility, the display of the Asus Zenbook S16 is also a touchscreen. This is becoming increasingly standard, but it’s always welcome for intuitive navigation and interaction.

Asus bundles a pressure-sensitive stylus (the Asus Pen 2.0) with the laptop, featuring changeable tips. This opens up possibilities for digital artists, note-takers, and anyone who prefers pen input on their Asus Zenbook S16.

However, there’s a slight ergonomic quirk here. The laptop’s hinge doesn’t allow the screen to fold back 180 degrees flat. This makes drawing or sketching directly on the screen somewhat awkward, as you can’t lay it flat on a table comfortably.

It feels like a slight oversight for the Asus Zenbook S16 that prevents the pen integration from reaching its full potential, making the stylus feel slightly like an add-on rather than a core design consideration for artists. Despite this, the pen itself performs well, and the touchscreen is responsive and useful for general tasks.

Under the Hood: The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Roars within the Asus Zenbook S16

The real revolution lies within the Asus Zenbook S16. This model is one of the first laptops powered by AMD’s new “Strix Point” processors, specifically the top-tier Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in the review configuration.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the naming convention. Yes, “Ryzen AI 9 HX 370” is a mouthful, and the shift in naming has drawn criticism. However, as the reviewer rightly points out, confusing naming schemes are unfortunately an industry-wide affliction (looking at you, Intel Core Ultra!).

Naming aside, what matters is the performance, and this chip delivers in spades inside the Asus Zenbook S16. Built on the latest Zen 5 architecture, this CPU represents a significant leap forward.

Configurable up to a 54-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power), the Asus Zenbook S16 runs it at a more modest default of 28 watts due to its ultra-thin design constraints. This means thicker laptops with the same chip might eke out even more performance later.

But don’t let that default TDP fool you. Even at 28 watts, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is an absolute beast for this form factor found in the Asus Zenbook S16.

In multi-core benchmarks, it demonstrably surpasses Apple’s M3 Pro chip (though admittedly, the M3 Pro isn’t Apple’s latest-gen). This translates to real-world gains.

For tasks like video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, the Asus Zenbook S16 offers a surprisingly smooth experience, potentially making it one of the thinnest viable options for editors who need to work on the go. This level of CPU prowess in an ultrabook chassis redefines expectations for portable productivity.

Integrated Graphics That Can Actually Game? Radeon 890M Shines in the Asus Zenbook S16

Coupled with the powerful CPU cores is AMD’s new integrated graphics solution, the Radeon 890M, featured in the Asus Zenbook S16. Traditionally, integrated GPUs (iGPUs) in thin laptops were just enough to run the operating system smoothly and handle basic media playback. High-end gaming was strictly the domain of dedicated graphics cards found in much thicker, heavier machines.

The Radeon 890M changes that narrative significantly. While it won’t magically run Cyberpunk 2077 at ultra settings and 60 FPS on the Asus Zenbook S16, the performance it offers is genuinely impressive for an iGPU.

The review highlights achieving playable frame rates in demanding titles (albeit likely at lower settings/resolutions) and a solid experience in eSports games. This is a remarkable achievement.

It means that casual gaming, competitive shooters, and less demanding titles are well within reach on a machine this thin and light, without the battery drain and heat output of a dedicated GPU during lighter tasks. This versatility makes the Asus Zenbook S16 a more compelling all-rounder.

The “AI” Factor: NPU, Copilot+, and Future-Proofing the Asus Zenbook S16

AMD prominently features “AI” in the processor’s name, and for good reason. The Ryzen AI 300 series includes a significantly upgraded Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 50 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second).

This dedicated silicon is designed to accelerate Artificial Intelligence tasks locally on the device, rather than relying solely on the cloud, enhancing the capabilities of the Asus Zenbook S16.

What does this mean practically?

1. Privacy: Processing AI tasks locally keeps your data on your machine when using the Asus Zenbook S16.
2. Speed & Efficiency: Local processing can be faster and consume less power for specific AI workloads compared to using the CPU or GPU.
3. Future AI Features: This laptop qualifies as a “Copilot+ PC,” Microsoft’s standard for devices capable of running next-generation AI features within Windows and compatible applications. Expect enhanced capabilities like local image generation, advanced background effects in video calls, real-time translation, and the upcoming “Recall” feature (though Recall’s rollout has faced scrutiny).

Currently, the number of applications fully leveraging the NPU’s power is limited. You might see benefits in specific Windows Studio Effects or certain creative app features.

The reviewer rightly speculates that by the time NPU usage becomes widespread in a couple of years, 50 TOPS might not seem as impressive as it does today. However, having a capable NPU now in the Asus Zenbook S16 is significantly better than having none.

It provides a degree of future-proofing and ensures the laptop can take advantage of AI advancements as they roll out, making tasks potentially faster and more efficient down the line. The dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard (which can be remapped) underscores this AI focus.

Thermals and Endurance: A Balancing Act for the Asus Zenbook S16

Packing so much power into such a thin chassis inevitably leads to questions about heat management for the Asus Zenbook S16. This device handles its thermals reasonably well under typical load. However, when pushed hard with demanding tasks like rendering or gaming, things get toasty.

While the keyboard area and top deck remain within acceptable temperature ranges, the bottom of the laptop can reach temperatures close to 60°C (140°F). This is genuinely hot – too hot to comfortably keep the laptop on your lap for extended periods, especially under heavy load.

Using it on a desk with good ventilation is recommended when pushing the performance envelope. The reviewer notes that the ambient temperature in India might exacerbate this, but potential buyers in warmer climates or those who frequently use laptops on their lap should take note. Even moderate loads can warm things up considerably, even with fans set to performance mode.

On the flip side, battery life is outstanding for the Asus Zenbook S16. Thanks to the efficiency of the Zen 5 architecture and AMD’s power management, this machine achieved a remarkable 12 hours in a 1080p YouTube streaming test.

This suggests that for everyday productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption, you can likely expect all-day battery life, potentially even longer depending on screen brightness and workload. This is a massive win for Windows ultrabooks, finally offering endurance that rivals the best in the market.

Input and Output: Keyboard, Trackpad, Audio, and Stability

Interacting with the Asus Zenbook S16 is generally a pleasant experience.

• Keyboard: The keyboard offers a decent layout, and typing is generally fast and comfortable. However, due to the laptop’s extreme thinness, key travel is quite shallow. It’s not uncomfortable, but it lacks the deep, satisfying feedback of thicker keyboards and might take some getting used to. A nice touch is the adaptive backlight.
• Trackpad: The trackpad is enormous, providing ample space for gestures. It features a smooth glass surface that feels premium. Asus includes its clever virtual numpad and unique virtual dials for volume/brightness control – genuinely useful features.
• Audio: The speakers on the Asus Zenbook S16 are surprisingly potent for such a thin device. Asus laptops often punch above their weight in audio, delivering clear, loud sound adequate for calls, movies, and music.
• Stability: One concerning note was experiencing a couple of system hangs, requiring forced restarts. This could be early driver issues but warrants observation. Hopefully, software updates will ensure stability.

Configuration, Value, and The Ultimate Question: Who Is the Asus Zenbook S16 For?

The reviewed configuration packed the top-tier Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. While the SSD is upgradeable, the RAM is soldered. 32GB is plenty, but lack of upgradeability is common in ultrabooks.

This level of technology doesn’t come cheap. The estimated price is around $1800 USD (or ₹1.5 Lakh in India). While not exorbitant for a premium ultrabook, it’s a significant investment. Lower-spec configurations will likely be available.

So, who should buy the Asus Zenbook S16?

• The “No Compromise” Portable User: If you demand cutting-edge performance, a stunning large display, excellent battery life, and AI features in one of the thinnest 16-inch chassis, this Asus Zenbook S16 is built for you.
• Mobile Creators: Video editors, photographers, and designers needing power on the go will appreciate the specs, display, and SD reader. Thinness is a plus, but mind the heat under load.
• Business Professionals & Students: A powerful, portable machine with all-day battery life for productivity, presentations, and conferencing.
• Media Enthusiasts: The gorgeous OLED screen and great speakers make it exceptional for content consumption.

However, it might be overkill if:

• You need only basic tasks (web, email, docs). Less expensive options exist.
• You require maximum sustained performance (heavy rendering, AAA gaming). A thicker laptop offers better cooling and potentially more power.
• You frequently work with the laptop directly on your lap under heavy load (due to heat).

The Verdict: An Ultra-Thin Marvel with Minor Caveats

The Asus Zenbook S16 is, without doubt, an incredible piece of engineering. It successfully merges extreme portability with flagship CPU performance, a best-in-class display, outstanding battery life, and AI capabilities. The iGPU redefines expectations for integrated graphics.

It’s not perfect. The ceramic finish needs care, the bottom gets hot, the keyboard is shallow, RAM is soldered, and pen use is slightly awkward. Early stability issues need watching.

Ultimately, the Asus Zenbook S16 represents the pinnacle of current x86 thin-and-lights. It’s a statement piece proving portability and power can coexist.

If you fit the target audience and accept the premium, this laptop is highly compelling. It pushes mobile computing boundaries, offering an amazing experience. If you want ultra-thin with ultra-performance, Asus and AMD delivered.

You can also visit Asus’s official website for more details.

Pros

• Incredible CPU Performance
• Stunning OLED Display
• Outstanding Battery Life
• Ultra-Portable Design & Ports
• Capable Integrated Graphics

Cons

• Gets Very Hot Under Load
• Premium Price Tag
• Shallow Keyboard & Limited Hinge
• Soldered RAM

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