If you’re looking for the best i3 laptop and the best laptop then you’ll definitely want to check out this 15.6-inch laptop by ASUS. Available for less than $500, this device outperforms many similar models both in specs and real-world testing. While the battery life is somewhat lacking, ASUS made up for this by including a fast-charging feature on this laptop.
Why We Like It – ASUS VivoBook 15
This ASUS VivoBook 15 review covers everything you need to know about this high-performing budget laptop, from its backlit keyboard and Ergolift design to the 128 GB of SSD storage with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.
- Full Size Backlit Keyboard
- 8 GB of RAM (Upgradeable to 20 GB)
- Also Available With An Intel Core i5
- Not Available With An Intel Core i7
- TN Panel Doesn’t Provide Good Viewing Angles
Power & Performance
Unlike similarly priced laptops, the ASUS VivoBook 15 actually makes the cut when it comes to casual gaming. It uses a dual-core Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU, which has a 4M cache and runs up to 3.4 GHz. For the GPU, the VivoBook uses the Intel UHD G1 Graphics, which is more than capable for daily use (the ASUS VivoBook s15 provides an upgraded graphics card). The specs are quite good, but unfortunately, the 15.6” screen doesn’t do the laptop justice. The TN panel has bad viewing angles and only puts out 230 nits of brightness. If you prefer AMD processors on a laptop that can allow you to play or work, check out the Acer aspire 1 review.
Battery
The VivoBook 15 is powered by a 37 WHr lithium polymer battery, which provides the laptop with adequate battery life (check out our HP 15.6 laptop review for a device with superior battery performance!). You can expect to get between 5-8 hours per charge, although some customers have reported battery lives as long as 3 hours. Fortunately, the ASUS VivoBook 15 does have fast-charging capabilities, which will charge the laptop from 0 to 60% in around 50 minutes. The device uses a proprietary charger, not the USB C port like some models. Also explore the slim 8GB RAM Acer laptop with a battery run time of 7 hours in our Acer aspire 5 slim review.
Ports & Expandability
You’ll find a USB-C 3.2 port (which only supports data transfers), a USB-A 3.2 port, a USB 2.0 port, an SD card slot, and an HDMI port. Internally, the laptop has 128 GB of storage with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM (if you need more internal storage check out the HP 17.3 laptop!). You can only upgrade the RAM to a maximum of 20GB because 4 GB of RAM is soldered to the motherboard, but for most users, the 8 GB should be sufficient anyway.
Build Quality
This ASUS laptop has a premium feel. The shell is made of ABS polymer with an aluminum finish. The bottom is a matte black polycarbonate. ASUS has included a full-size keyboard on this laptop, and there is a Windows Hello compatible fingerprint scanner built into the right side of the trackpad. Unfortunately, the matte-finish TN panel used for the screen has poor viewing angles (if you prefer an IPS panel then head over to our Lenovo IdeaPad S340 review!). On the plus side, the bezels are smooth, the 720p webcam is sufficient, and the bottom-firing speakers are great!
Value
If you want your very own ASUS Vivobook 15 then be prepared to drop $479 for the privilege. We think that is a fair price considering the overall performance of the laptop. There isn’t a specific mention of a warranty, but there are two and four-year protection plans available for an additional cost ($63.99 and $109.99). You get free shipping and returns provided by Amazon as well. Customers seem to be happy with the laptop, as it scores a 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 3,082 ratings).
ASUS VivoBook 15 Wrap Up
We would definitely recommend the ASUS VivoBook 15! Unless you’re a heavy gamer in need of a dedicated laptop, the VivoBook 15 should be more than enough to meet (and exceed) your expectations. We wish that the screen has better, but that’s the only thing we can really complain about when it comes to this laptop.
