In the wake of Microsoft’s recent Windows event, Asus has introduced the Vivobook S 15 (S5507), its premier Copilot Plus PC, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series processors. According to Asus, the Arm-based chipset is poised to not only enhance existing Vivobook functionalities but also accelerate new AI-driven applications and workloads with a formidable 45 TOPS of neural processing prowess.
The latest Vivobook S 15 retains the OLED display specifications of its Intel predecessor — a 15.6-inch panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio, 2880 x 1620 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits peak HDR luminance. However, this variant boasts a slimmer chassis and narrower bezels. Users can choose between a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite or a 10-core X Plus processor, though the base configuration features the Elite chip, which includes a less robust integrated GPU and lacks dual-core boost capabilities.
Both iterations of the S 15 support up to 32GB of onboard memory and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. Connectivity options include two USB-A ports, two USB 4.0 Type-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, an audio/microphone combo jack, and a microSD card reader. Additionally, the device is equipped with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
The Vivobook S 15 is the first Asus device to feature the proprietary StoryCube application, an AI-powered tool for sorting, editing, managing, and exporting RAW photo and video files. Asus asserts that the Snapdragon’s NPU will enhance other AI tasks in applications such as Windows Studio Effects and Cocreator.
Targeting digital artists, graphic designers, and other visual creatives, Asus positions its Vivobook line as a cost-effective alternative to the ProArt series. While some Vivobook Pro models include standalone GPUs akin to those in the ProArt series, most Vivobooks rely on integrated graphics. The Snapdragon X series represents Qualcomm’s counter to Apple’s M-series chips, but the true performance of this series remains to be seen until the laptops hit the market. Launching with a Vivobook could signify Asus’s confidence in the new chip’s capabilities — or it might indicate a cautious approach.
The Asus Vivobook S 15 featuring the Snapdragon X Elite is available for preorder at select retailers, with shipments commencing on June 18th. The model with 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage, priced at $1,399, will be exclusively available at Costco. Meanwhile, the $1,299 version with 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage will be offered by multiple retailers. A Snapdragon X Plus variant is slated for release later this year, though pricing details remain undisclosed.
This article was originally published on theverge. Read the orignal article.
FAQs
1. What makes the Snapdragon X-series processors special? The Snapdragon X-series processors are designed to deliver exceptional performance with high neural processing power, making them ideal for AI-driven applications and workloads.
2. Can the Vivobook S 15 handle gaming? While the Vivobook S 15 is not primarily designed for gaming, its powerful processors and high-quality display can handle casual gaming and some more demanding titles, depending on the configuration.
3. Is the StoryCube app available on other Asus laptops? Currently, the StoryCube app is exclusive to the Vivobook S 15, offering unique features tailored to this specific model.
4. How does the Vivobook S 15 compare to Apple’s MacBook series? The Vivobook S 15, with its Snapdragon X-series processors, aims to compete with Apple’s M-series laptops by offering similar levels of performance and AI capabilities at a more affordable price point.
5. When will the Snapdragon X Plus variant be available? The Snapdragon X Plus variant of the Vivobook S 15 is expected to be released later this year, though specific details on pricing and availability have not yet been announced.