As a tech journalist, we don’t often get the chance to review new gadgets before they hit the market in South Africa. However, when Asus provided us with the opportunity to test out their latest laptop, the Zenbook S 16, we jumped at the chance. This new laptop is equipped with an OLED screen and a high-end AMD AI processor, making it one of the first AI-powered laptops to be released in South Africa.
What makes the Zenbook S 16 stand out are its impressive specifications. It boasts an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX CPU, a Radeon 890M GPU, 2TB of SSD storage, and a generous 32GB of RAM. Additionally, the laptop features a stunning OLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering an exceptional visual experience.
One of the unique aspects of the Zenbook S 16 is the material used in its construction, called Ceraluminum. The laptop comes in “Scandinavian white” and “Zumaia grey” color options, with a razor-thin design that still feels durable. In terms of connectivity, the laptop offers all the standard ports you would expect, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a full-sized SD card reader.
When it comes to performance, the Zenbook S 16 handles tasks with ease, thanks to its powerful processor and ample memory. The laptop features a spacious trackpad, customizable gestures, and a comfortable keyboard, providing a premium user experience. The AMD chip powering the device offers excellent performance and impressive battery life, making it ideal for everyday use.
In terms of AI workloads, tests have shown that the Ryzen AI 9 chip with AMD XDNA neural processing unit is more than capable of handling on-device AI tasks. The laptop excelled in various benchmarks and real-world tests, showcasing its capabilities in AI processing. With exceptional battery life and competitive pricing, the Zenbook S 16 is a top choice for Windows users looking for a high-end laptop.
Overall, Asus has delivered a standout product with the Zenbook S 16. While it may not sway die-hard Mac users, it offers Windows users a compelling alternative to Apple’s offerings at a competitive price point. If you’re in the market for a premium Windows laptop that balances performance and affordability, the Asus Zenbook S 16 is definitely worth considering.