Asus is unveiling a host of new PCs at CES 2025. We're starting with the Vivobook range, now subscribed to Snapdragon chips under ARM which will be able to lower its entry price somewhat with new plastic chassis.
To recognize them and distinguish them from aluminum chassis, a very simple trick: the new plastic Vivobooks lose their S and are therefore called Vivobook 14 and Vivobook 16, with 14 and 16-inch panels.
The two devices are abandoning HDMI 2.1 in the process, but don't panic, for display on an external screen, they can still count on two USB 4 type-C ports. These are completed by a combo jack, an HDMI 2.0 therefore, and two USB 3.2 in 1 ports in type A.
The arrival of a new Snapdragon chip
For the rest, we are on a configuration very close to the previous Vivobooks with the whole gallery of Qualcomm ARM chips. We therefore discover the new Snapdragon X, and find the two previous ones, the Snapdragon X Plus and the Snapdragon X Elite. These chips all guarantee the presence of a 45 TOPS NPU and therefore the possibility of accessing Microsoft's AI features, gathered under the Copilot+ banner.
The Vivobook 14 and 16 still abandon WiFi 6E in favor of a simple WiFi 6. Exit also OLED in favor of LCD panels, both of which have a 16:10 ratio, all in full HD.
We were able to get our hands on these two products before they were released and it goes without saying that the level of finish is much less advanced than on the previous Vivobook S14 and S16. They are also heavier (1.49 kg for the 14 compared to 1.39 for the S14 and 1.88 kg for the 16 compared to 1.67 kg for the S16). At first glance, however, the whole thing seems rather clean and sufficient for a PC under 800 euros.
Vivobook 18: for those who want a very large screen
In passing, let's say a few words about a final product that is quite different from the previous two, but still belongs to the same range. Asus presents a Vivobook 18 for those who want a very large screen.
The latter is based on IPS technology but with a fast refresh rate of 144 Hz please. It draws on the latest AMD Ryzen 200 chips and weighs its weight, with 2.6 kg on the scale.
Price and availability
The Asus Vivobook 14 and 16 will be available from February 2025. They will both cost 799 euros for their basic configuration.
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