Review of the Vivobook Pro 15
The Vivobook Pro 15, equipped with a discrete GPU, provides robust gaming capabilities, even though gaming is not its primary function. Tests conducted with games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Marvel Rivals indicate that the 40-series GPU enables frame generation, achieving over 90 frames per second at Ultra settings when ray tracing is disabled and the resolution is set at 1080p. Meanwhile, lighter games such as Marvel Rivals perform exceptionally well and are considered ideal for this laptop.
However, the device’s battery life fails to meet expectations. The power-intensive components, combined with the high-resolution OLED screen, consume significant energy. In tests involving a local video file playing on repeat, the battery lasted only 6 hours and 21 minutes at a standardized screen brightness of 100 lux, with keyboard backlighting turned off. Under heavier usage, the battery drains even faster, making it less suitable for mobile work environments.
The Vivobook Pro 15 is priced at $1,500, a cost that may be considered high. Although it boasts an excellent OLED display and solid performance, budget-conscious consumers might find more affordable alternatives offering similar performance levels.
For instance, the Vivobook Pro 16 launched last year with an RTX 4050. Due to price reductions, it is currently available for $1,000. Although it features a lower screen resolution and lacks OLED, it is equipped with a modern 16:10 display and comes with 16 GB of RAM instead of 24 GB, presenting a $500 savings. Additionally, last year’s Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, which often drops to $1,350, includes the RTX 4050 and is similarly sized. While it does not offer OLED, it provides a high-resolution IPS touchscreen with a 165-Hz refresh rate.
The main issue with the Vivobook Pro 16’s value proposition is the absence of a new GPU. The CPU upgrade might not substantially improve over the previous Intel chip, and the same graphics card offers little justification for the higher price. This is especially relevant considering the anticipated release of the RTX 5050. The standout OLED display might appeal to some consumers, despite the outdated aspect ratio.
