We Review the ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED: Windows on ARM Finally Delivers

Looking for a laptop that delivers desktop-class performance without draining your battery by lunch? The ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED with Snapdragon X Elite represents a watershed moment for Windows computing, bringing the ARM revolution that Apple started years ago to the PC world in a compelling, production-ready package.

Introduction

When Apple introduced the M1 chip in 2020, it fundamentally changed what we expected from laptop performance and battery life. The transition from Intel to Apple Silicon wasn’t just an incremental improvement; it was a leap forward that left Windows laptops struggling to compete. For years, Windows on ARM attempts fell flat, plagued by compatibility issues and underwhelming performance. That changes now.

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED, available at Best Buy and other retailers, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor, represents Windows’ own moment. This isn’t another half-baked experiment in ARM computing. This is a genuine step forward that delivers on the promise of ARM architecture: exceptional battery life without sacrificing performance, all in a thin and light package that doesn’t require constant visits to the nearest power outlet.

This 15.6-inch laptop targets creative professionals, photographers, and anyone who needs a balance of portability and power. With its stunning OLED display, robust performance, and genuinely impressive battery life, the Vivobook S 15 signals that the ARM revolution on Windows has truly arrived. The question isn’t whether ARM can work on Windows anymore; it’s whether you should upgrade from your older Intel-based device. 

I have a variety of Windows-only software I run in my daily work, and I’ve been using the Vivobook as my daily driver for a few months. Here are my thoughts. 

Comprehensive Specs and Configurations

Processor

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100
• 12-Core CPU, 3.4 GHz base clock
• Up to 45 W TDP (23 W typical)
• Neural Processing Unit (NPU): 45 TOPS
• Total AI Performance: Up to 75 TOPS (combined CPU, GPU, NPU)

Memory

• 16 GB LPDDR5X (8,400 MHz) in reviewed unit
• Available in 16 GB or 32 GB configurations
• Non-upgradable (soldered)

Graphics

• Integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU

Display

• 15.6″ 3K OLED Panel
• Resolution: 2,880 x 1,620
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Screen-to-Body Ratio: 89%
• Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
• Peak Brightness: Up to 600 nits (HDR)
• Color Gamut: 100% DCI-P3
• Certifications: DisplayHDR True Black 600, VESA Certified, SGS Performance Tested, TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Hardware Certified
• Non-touch

Storage

• 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
• Single M.2 2280 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4)
• User-replaceable

Ports

• 2x USB-C (USB4 Gen 3, up to 40 Gbps) with DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery
• 2x USB-A 3.2
• 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS (HDMI-2.0-class bandwidth, supports up to 4K60)
• 1x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
• 1x microSD card reader

Wireless

• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
• Bluetooth

Webcam

• 1080p front-facing camera with IR for Windows Hello facial recognition
• Privacy camera shutter

Audio

• Smart Amp Technology
• Built-in microphone

Battery

• 3-cell lithium-ion polymer
• Capacity: 70 Wh
• 90 W power adapter

Input

• Backlit keyboard with numeric keypad
• Precision touchpad

Dimensions

• 13.88″ x 8.93″ x 0.58″
• Weight: 3.13 lbs

Operating System

• Windows 11 Home
• Copilot+ PC certified

Pricing

• Base configuration (as reviewed): $1,149

Design and Build Quality

The Vivobook S 15 OLED strikes an excellent balance between premium build quality and everyday practicality. ASUS has crafted a laptop that looks sophisticated without being flashy, wrapped in a Cool Silver aluminum chassis that feels solid and substantial in hand. The finish resists fingerprints well and has a subtle, professional appearance that works equally well in a client meeting or a coffee shop editing session. At just 3.13 pounds and 0.63 inches thick, this laptop is genuinely portable in a way that makes you forget you’re carrying a 15.6-inch machine. You can slip it into a messenger bag without thinking twice, and it won’t weigh you down during a day of location shooting or traveling between meetings. The aluminum construction provides rigidity with virtually no flex in the lid or keyboard deck; pick it up one-handed by a corner and there’s no creaking or bending. It feels like a laptop built to last, with tight tolerances and a level of fit and finish that justifies its premium positioning.

HDMI port, two USB-C ports, microSD slot, headphone jack, and two USB-A 3 ports.

The design itself is sleek and modern without trying too hard. There are no aggressive flourishes or embellishments, just clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. The ASUS logo sits subtly on the lid, and the overall look says “professional tool” rather than “look at me.” For photographers and creatives who need to present work to clients, this understated elegance works perfectly. One standout feature is the lay-flat hinge, which allows the display to recline to 180 degrees. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s incredibly useful in practice. You can easily show work to someone sitting across from you, collaborate over a table, or work in awkward positions where a more restricted hinge would force uncomfortable viewing angles. The hinge feels sturdy and well-damped throughout its range of motion, with no wobble when typing, yet smooth enough to adjust with one hand.

Display: OLED Excellence

I’ve become a real display snob in recent years, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The 15.6-inch OLED display is the laptop’s standout feature and a primary reason to consider this machine for creative work. With a resolution of 2,880 x 1,620 (3K), it delivers sharp, detailed images with pixel density high enough that individual pixels are invisible at normal viewing distances. Text is crisp and readable, photos show fine details clearly, and the overall visual experience is impressive. The 16:9 aspect ratio provides ample horizontal space for timeline work or side-by-side document comparison, though some users might prefer the extra vertical space of 16:10 or 3:2 panels for productivity tasks. I personally don’t mind it, as it makes the device a bit more compact. 

What truly sets this display apart is the OLED technology. The infinite contrast ratio means true blacks that completely turn off individual pixels and create an image quality that LCD panels simply cannot match. Blacks are genuinely black, not the dark gray of even high-end LCD displays, and this makes a dramatic difference in visual impact. Colors are vibrant and punchy without being oversaturated or inaccurate, with excellent saturation and accurate hue reproduction. The display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, the standard for digital cinema and increasingly important for content creation. For photographers and designers working with color-critical content, this level of color accuracy out of the box is excellent. The display is DisplayHDR True Black 600 certified, meaning it can hit 600 nits peak brightness in HDR mode while maintaining those perfect blacks. In practice, HDR content looks spectacular with highlights that pop and shadows that retain detail without crushing. SDR brightness is more than adequate for indoor use and acceptable for outdoor work in shade.

The 120 Hz refresh rate makes everyday computing noticeably smoother. Mouse cursor movement and scrolling are more precise and responsive. While this isn’t a gaming laptop, the higher refresh rate still benefits the general user experience in ways that become immediately apparent when you return to a 60 Hz display. The screen’s viewing angles are excellent, as expected from OLED technology. Colors and brightness remain consistent even at sharp angles, making it easy to work with others looking at the screen from the side or to use the laptop in awkward positions where you’re not directly centered.

It’s a gorgeous display.One consideration with OLED displays is potential burn-in with static content over long periods. ASUS includes pixel-shift technologies and screensaver recommendations to mitigate this risk, and in practice, burn-in is unlikely to be an issue for users who follow basic precautions like using a screensaver and not leaving static images displayed for hours at a time. The risk is real but manageable with normal usage patterns.

The non-touch screen is a conscious trade-off in this design. Touch would add cost, reduce battery life, and potentially introduce display wobble when using the touchscreen with the laptop open on a desk. For the target audience of photographers and creatives who primarily use mouse/trackpad input, the lack of touch is not a significant loss, and it allows ASUS to keep the display wobble-free and the battery life exceptional. I personally have never seen the appeal of touchscreen laptops for the way most people use such computers, but for those who like them, it’s something to be aware of. 

The 89% screen-to-body ratio creates slim bezels that make the display feel expansive and modern without being distractingly thin or fragile. The webcam sits in the top bezel without requiring a notch or compromising the screen real estate, a practical balance between modern aesthetics and functional design.

Keyboard, Trackpad, and Input

The keyboard on the Vivobook S 15 OLED is a standout feature that demonstrates ASUS’ attention to practical usability. The full-size keyboard includes a numeric keypad on the right side, a rarity in modern thin-and-light laptops that makes this machine particularly appealing for anyone who regularly works with numbers, enters data, or uses keyboard shortcuts that benefit from dedicated number keys. The key layout is sensible and well-spaced, with standard key sizes that avoid the cramped compromises often found in 15-inch laptop keyboards trying to fit in a numpad.

Key travel is generous for a thin laptop at approximately 1.5mm, with tactile feedback that’s satisfying without being heavy. The keys have a slight concave shape that helps with finger positioning and accuracy, and the actuation force strikes a good balance, being responsive enough for quick typing without being so light that you trigger accidental keystrokes. Typing feel is confident and precise, with a solid bottom-out that doesn’t feel mushy or cheap. Long typing sessions are comfortable, with none of the finger fatigue that comes from keyboards with too-shallow travel or poor feedback.

I love a num pad. The backlit keys are evenly illuminated with adjustable brightness and color, making it easy to work in dim environments without straining to see key labels. The function row includes dedicated keys for brightness, volume, and other common adjustments, with logical placement that becomes second nature quickly. I like to change the backlight to blue, as it looks nice with the silver. 

The precision trackpad is spacious and responsive, with a smooth glass surface that feels excellent under fingertips. Multi-touch gestures work reliably. Three-finger swipes to switch apps, four-finger gestures for virtual desktop management, and pinch-to-zoom all respond accurately without requiring exaggerated movements or multiple attempts. Click feel is solid throughout the trackpad surface with even resistance, and the integrated button mechanism provides satisfying tactile feedback without being loud or clicky. The trackpad doesn’t flex or creak, and there’s no dead zone or unresponsive area anywhere on the surface, though I did notice a minor decrease in sensitivity near the top. 

Performance: ARM Done Right

The Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 represents Qualcomm’s serious entry into laptop-class processors, and the results demonstrate that ARM architecture can deliver competitive performance in a Windows laptop without the compromises that plagued earlier ARM attempts. This isn’t a low-power chip struggling to keep up with basic tasks; it’s a genuine performer that handles demanding workloads while maintaining the efficiency advantages that make ARM compelling.

The 12-core CPU configuration with a 3.4 GHz base clock delivers performance that feels fast and responsive in daily use. Applications launch quickly, multitasking is smooth even with many programs open simultaneously, and there’s no sense of the system struggling or lagging behind user input. The processor has enough headroom to handle demanding tasks without constant maxing out or thermal throttling that would compromise sustained performance.

For creative work, the Snapdragon X Elite proves capable across the applications that matter. Photo editing in Photoshop and GIMP is smooth and responsive, with quick processing, responsive adjustments, and export times that are competitive with Intel and AMD laptops in this class. The integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU handles hardware acceleration tasks effectively, making GPU-accelerated filters and effects work without stuttering or excessive waiting.

Video editing in applications like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere is possible, though expectations need to be calibrated appropriately for integrated graphics. 1080p editing with standard codecs is smooth, with real-time playback and responsive timeline scrubbing. 4K editing is feasible for shorter projects or simpler effects work, though complex multicam sequences or heavy effects may require proxies for smooth work. The processor can handle background encoding and export tasks, though render times are naturally slower than systems with discrete GPUs. For light to moderate video work, the system is capable; for heavy professional video production, you’d want discrete graphics.

Productivity and photo work are where this laptop truly excels. Web browsing is fast and smooth with dozens of tabs open simultaneously. Document editing, spreadsheet work, email management, and other office tasks are effortless. The system never feels bogged down by typical productivity workloads, and the efficiency advantages of ARM architecture mean you can run these applications all day without draining the battery. Background tasks like cloud syncing, antivirus scans, and system updates run without noticeably impacting foreground performance, something that can’t always be said for laptops with less capable processors.

The NPU (Neural Processing Unit) with 45 TOPS of dedicated AI performance enables on-device AI features like Windows Studio Effects for the webcam, background blur, automatic framing, and voice isolation. The total AI performance of up to 75 TOPS (combining CPU, GPU, and NPU capabilities) positions this as a Copilot+ PC with access to Microsoft’s AI features. While many of these AI capabilities are still evolving and their practical utility varies, having dedicated hardware acceleration for AI tasks future-proofs the system as more AI features are integrated into applications and operating systems.

Thermal management is excellent, with the laptop remaining cool to the touch even during sustained workloads. The ARM architecture’s efficiency advantage is evident here: tasks that would cause Intel or AMD laptops to spin up fans and heat up the keyboard deck barely register as a temperature increase on the Vivobook S 15. The laptop can be used comfortably on your lap even during video exports or photo processing, with no hot spots or uncomfortable warming. The fan noise is minimal to nonexistent during typical use, and even under heavy load, the fan remains quiet enough that it’s easily masked by ambient room noise. This near-silent operation is transformative for the user experience, allowing you to work in quiet environments like libraries, meetings, or late nights without the annoying hum of cooling fans.

Software and Compatibility: The ARM Question

The elephant in the room for any Windows on ARM device is software compatibility. Previous Windows ARM attempts failed largely because applications either didn’t work at all or ran so poorly through emulation that the experience was frustrating and compromised. The Snapdragon X Elite generation represents a significant leap forward in this area, though it’s important to set realistic expectations.

Microsoft’s Prism translation layer is the key enabler of compatibility. Prism can translate x86 and x64 applications to ARM code on the fly, allowing non-native applications to run on ARM processors. The performance of this translation has improved substantially, and in practice, many applications run well enough that you won’t notice they’re being emulated rather than running natively.

During my testing and workflow, I didn’t hit compatibility issues that blocked my work. Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Microsoft Office suite, web browsers, and the various utilities and specialized software I use all worked as expected. Prism handled the translation effectively for these applications, delivering performance that felt native and responsive. I was quite surprised that even my niche professional meteorology software ran without issue.

That said, it’s important to acknowledge that Microsoft itself describes Prism as providing compatibility and performance enhancements rather than claiming perfection. Some software and games, particularly those relying on certain instruction sets, kernel-mode drivers, or specific hardware dependencies, may still have issues. Applications with anti-cheat systems, certain VPN clients, and some specialized professional software may not work or may require updates from developers. The Windows on ARM compatibility situation has improved dramatically, but it’s not absolute across all software.

For most users doing typical productivity work, photo editing, web browsing, content creation, and general computing, the compatibility story is excellent. The applications you use daily will almost certainly work fine. For niche applications, hardware-dependent utilities, or specialized professional software, it’s worth checking compatibility before committing to an ARM Windows device. Many major applications now have native ARM64 versions, improving performance and reducing reliance on translation layers.

Web applications and services work perfectly since they run in the browser, and modern web apps can handle many tasks that once required native applications. Cloud-based tools and web-based editing software applications are completely unaffected by ARM architecture.

The Windows 11 installation is clean and bloatware-free, with just the standard Windows pre-installed applications and a handful of ASUS utilities that are actually useful. There’s no trial software you need to immediately uninstall, no pop-up advertisements disguised as system notifications, and no bundled applications fighting for attention on first boot. This clean software experience means you can start using the laptop productively without spending an hour removing junk software, a refreshing change from many consumer Windows laptops.

The ASUS utilities that are included are actually useful rather than bloatware disguised as features. MyASUS provides system information, support resources, and driver updates in one convenient location without being intrusive or resource-hungry. The battery management tools let you limit maximum charge to preserve long-term battery health if desired, a feature that’s genuinely useful for extending battery lifespan over years of use. The function key behaviors can be customized to match your preferences, and the settings are straightforward and well-organized. These are thoughtful additions that enhance the experience rather than bloat that needs to be removed, showing that ASUS understood what utilities should be: helpful when needed, invisible when not.

Daily usage is smooth and responsive in ways that make the laptop feel fast, regardless of what you’re doing. The combination of fast storage, efficient processor, and adequate RAM means applications launch quickly without the delays that make you question whether you actually clicked the icon, switching between tasks is instantaneous without the laggy feel of systems struggling to manage memory, and the system never feels sluggish or bogged down, even with multiple demanding applications running simultaneously. Windows 11’s improved features like Snap Layouts for window management work well on this screen size and resolution, making it easy to organize your workspace efficiently. I experienced no driver issues, compatibility problems, or system instabilities. The system has been rock-solid reliable, with no crashes, freezes, or mysterious problems that require troubleshooting.

The overall user experience is excellent in ways that are hard to articulate but easy to feel. This feels like a premium, well-executed laptop that doesn’t get in your way. It’s fast, it’s quiet, it’s cool, the battery lasts all day, and nothing about it feels compromised or second-rate. These are the fundamentals that matter for daily productivity, and the Vivobook S 15 nails them in ways that make it a pleasure to use rather than a tool you tolerate. The ARM architecture is invisible to the user in positive ways: you get the benefits of efficiency and battery life without any of the compromises or friction that previous ARM Windows devices imposed.

Price and Configurations

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED with Snapdragon X Elite is priced at $1,149-$1,499 in its primary configuration (pricing varies by retailer and sales). At this price point, it competes directly with mainstream performance laptops from major manufacturers.

The ARM Windows market continues to evolve, with manufacturers iterating on designs and Qualcomm refining its Snapdragon X platform. Questions about the long-term viability and adoption of ARM architecture in Windows laptops are natural given the ecosystem’s complexity and the entrenched position of x86 processors. However, the fundamental advantages of ARM (superior power efficiency, excellent thermal characteristics, and increasingly competitive performance) address real pain points for mobile professionals and everyday users. The success of Apple’s transition to ARM silicon demonstrates that the architecture can deliver premium computing experiences when properly implemented, and Windows manufacturers are now bringing similar benefits to the PC ecosystem.

At its price, the value proposition is strong. You get an excellent OLED display, solid build quality, exceptional battery life, and performance competitive with traditional laptops, all in a thin, light package. The battery life alone justifies the price for mobile professionals.

What I Liked

• Exceptional Battery Life: 12 hours for light work and 5-6 hours for intensive tasks in real-world testing.
• Outstanding Display: The OLED panel is vibrant, accurate (100% DCI-P3, DisplayHDR True Black 600 certified), and a genuine pleasure to use for creative work, with 600 nit peak brightness and an 89% screen-to-body ratio.
• Silent Operation: Near-silent cooling even under load changes the user experience.
• Solid Performance: Competitive with modern laptops while maintaining ARM efficiency advantages. Up to 75 TOPS of total AI performance.
• Build Quality: Aluminum construction feels solid and professional.
• Keyboard with Numeric Pad: Full-size keyboard with excellent travel and the rare inclusion of a numeric keypad.
• Portability: Thin, light, and easy to carry without sacrificing screen size or performance.
• Strong Compatibility: I didn’t hit issues in my workflow. Prism handled the rest well, though it’s worth verifying your specific applications if they’re mission-critical.
• Lay-Flat Hinge: Practical for collaboration and unusual viewing angles.
• Clean Software Experience: Minimal bloatware, just Windows 11 and useful utilities.
• Wi-Fi 7: Future-proofed wireless connectivity with excellent real-world performance.

What I Didn’t Like

• MicroSD Instead of Full SD: A full-size SD card reader would be far more useful for photographers.
• Non-Upgradable RAM: 16 GB is adequate but soldered. 32 GB models are available for those who need more headroom.

Conclusion

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED represents a genuine turning point for Windows computing. After years of false starts and disappointing ARM experiments, we finally have Windows laptops that deliver on the ARM promise: exceptional battery life without sacrificing performance, all while maintaining strong compatibility with the applications that matter.

The uptake has been slower than Apple’s transition, in part because the Windows ecosystem is more complex, the hardware market more fragmented, the history not great, and the software landscape more diverse. But the foundation is solid. Applications are increasingly compiled for ARM, emulation performance is strong, and the hardware capabilities are genuinely competitive.

For photographers, creatives, and mobile professionals, the Vivobook S 15 offers a compelling combination of capabilities. The OLED display is superb for visual work. The battery life enables true all-day productivity. The performance handles normal creative applications well. And the thin, light design makes it genuinely portable.

If you’re considering a laptop and prioritize battery life, quiet operation, and portability alongside solid performance, ARM Windows options like the Vivobook S 15 deserve serious consideration. Compared to similarly priced Intel or AMD laptops, the Vivobook S 15 trades slightly lower peak performance for dramatically better battery life and thermal behavior. But for users who value all-day computing and quiet operation over maximum benchmark scores, it’s a compelling choice. If you’ve been jealously eyeballing Apple’s laptop but have to run Windows, an ARM laptop is worth a look. You can purchase the Vivobook S 15 at Best Buy and other retailers.