Asus Vivobook 16 review: A step ahead of typical budget laptops

      **Asus Vivobook 16 (Snapdragon X)**

      **MSRP:** $800.00

      “The Asus Vivobook 16 (Snapdragon X) presents an ordinary appearance for a budget laptop, yet delivers impressive performance and battery longevity.”

      **Pros:**

      - Sturdy construction, despite being plastic

      - Two Thunderbolt-4 ports

      - Convenient USB-C charging

      - Operates quietly

      - Decent battery life for budget models

      **Cons:**

      - Poor color reproduction on display

      - Limited upgrade possibilities

      - Not suitable for gaming

      In 2024, we've seen the introduction of thin-and-light laptops powered by Snapdragon processors, but often at high price points. This year, Qualcomm has rolled out a more affordable Snapdragon X chipset, with plans to unveil additional higher-end chips next year. This energy-efficient chipset paves the way for a new category of budget-friendly laptops, such as the Asus Vivobook 16 (X1607QA). Initially, the Vivobook 16 may not appear appealing, but its performance rivals that of entry-level Intel laptop processors, complemented by a satisfactory battery, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

      **Specifications and Configuration**

      **Asus Vivobook 16 X1607QA**

      - **Dimensions:** 14.06 x 9.87 x 0.70–0.78 inches

      - **Weight:** 4.14 pounds

      - **Display:** 16.0-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS, 60Hz

      - **CPU:** Qualcomm Snapdragon X

      - **GPU:** Adreno

      - **Memory:** 16GB

      - **Storage:** 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD or 1TB SSD

      - **Ports:** 2 x USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB Type A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

      - **Camera:** Full HD camera with Infrared support for Windows 11 Hello

      - **Wi-Fi:** Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

      - **Battery:** 50 watt-hour

      - **Operating System:** Windows 11

      - **Price:** $800

      The Asus Vivobook 16 (X1607QA) is available in two storage options, starting at $800 for the 512GB model. An additional 1TB version is listed on Asus' site but is not readily available on online retail platforms.

      **Design**

      Let’s be straightforward. The Vivobook 16 with the Snapdragon X chipset lacks standout features that would make it distinct among budget laptops. Its strengths lie in its solid performance, respectable I/O options, and commendable battery life, which I will elaborate on later.

      The device's exterior is constructed of plastic; the top and lid feature shiny surfaces, while the underside has a matte finish available in bright silver or dark blue. The bottom has two raised ridges and rubber feet at either end.

      Despite using plastic, the chassis only flexes under considerable pressure. Asus claims the laptop holds a MIL-STD-810H certification, which involves rigorous testing against extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and shock. However, these tests are assurances, not guarantees, and Asus won't cover damages under warranty.

      The laptop seems durable against everyday mishandling. After four weeks of use, there were no notable scratches from fingernails, though the shiny surfaces were susceptible to smudges. Cleaning with a microfiber cloth or rubbing alcohol typically sufficed.

      The display bezels are made of plastic with a dotted pattern, reflecting quality appropriate for the price, though their slim design raises concerns about potential cracking with prolonged use. The top bezel houses the Full HD webcam, complemented by a physical web cover. Additionally, an infrared projector and camera allow for facial recognition with Windows Hello, and there's an ambient sensor for adjusting brightness levels.

      The hinge does exhibit some wobble during fast typing or table vibrations, which can be distracting. On the upside, the lid can open flat to 180 degrees, providing flexibility in positioning. The base remains stable when lifting the lid with one hand, which is advantageous.

      While the design isn't overly impressive and lacks the premium feel seen in some of Asus' smaller Zenbook models, it holds its own. A metal casing would have been more appealing but would also increase weight. Overall, the design is practical, though it substitutes glamour for functionality.

      **Display and Audio**

      As suggested by its name, the Vivobook 16 features a 16-inch display. It's an LED-backlit IPS panel with a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 60Hz refresh rate, complete with an anti-reflective coating for reducing glare.

      The display performs similarly to other 120