Asus VivoBook S15 (S532F) review

The Asus Vivobook S15 doesn’t have a discrete GPU, relying instead on the integrated graphics of its Intel Core i7 processor, but that quad-core chip does provide very respectable performance in most of our benchmark tests. 

Its PCMark 8 score of 3535 points reflects strong all-round performance that will be able to handle a wide range of tasks. It won’t have any trouble at all handling some number-crunching in Excel, and will also be able to cope with more demanding photo- or even video-editing. 

And while the lack of discrete GPU means that it’s not really a gaming laptop, a Cinebench score of 56.5fps should allow the VivoBook S15 to handle a spot of casual gaming when it needs to.

Battery life

The battery life of the Asus VivoBook S15 is a little more modest - although that’s inevitable given the powerful i7 processor and the need to drive that large 15.6-inch screen (it’s also noticeable that Asus avoids any specific claims about battery life on its web site).

Running the intensive PCMark 8 Home test on a loop ran the battery down in 4.5 hours, although it did last longer when playing our video test file, stretching to seven hours and 45 minutes. 

That’s not quite ‘all-day’ battery life, but it should keep you going for the best part of the day. And, after all, you’re not likely to take a laptop of this size and weight on a cross-country hike, and the VivoBook S15 will certainly earn its keep at home or in an office where you can give it a quick top-up every now and then.

Verdict

The VivoBook S15 strikes a nice balance between its large display and its highly portable design, whilst also providing strong all-round performance and good connectivity at a competitive price. 

The battery life won’t break any records, but it’s still respectable for a laptop with such a large display and powerful i7 processor. 

The ScreenPad isn’t entirely successful, but you don’t seem to be paying much of a premium for it, and the VivoBook S15 still provides good value for money for anyone that needs a large-screen laptop for home or the office.