The Asus Zenbook S16: AMD’s New Powerhouse in an Ultra-Thin Design

# The Asus Zenbook S16: AMD’s New Powerhouse in an Ultra-Thin Design

## Introduction  

2024 is shaping up to be the year that Windows laptops finally break free from their reputation of underwhelming performance. While Intel and Qualcomm have brought impressive new devices to the market, AMD has been the brand many enthusiasts were waiting for. Now, with the **Asus Zenbook S16**, we get a first look at what AMD’s latest technology is truly capable of.  

Powering this new ultrabook is AMD’s latest **Ryzen AI9 HX 370** processor, a mouthful of a name that doesn’t do justice to its performance. This new chip, alongside the **Ryzen AI9 365**, offers impressive processing power and remarkable energy efficiency. Combined with a stunning design, an OLED display, and excellent thermal management, the **Zenbook S16** is positioned as a game-changer in the world of ultra-thin **x86 laptops**. Let’s dive into the details.  

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## Ultra-Thin Yet Powerful: Design and Build  

One of the most striking aspects of the **Zenbook S16** is just how thin it is. Measuring between **12-13mm**, this is one of the sleekest **x86** laptops available. Typically, such slim designs come at the cost of performance, but thanks to AMD’s new chip, Asus has managed to pack a serious punch into an ultra-portable form factor.  

Despite its slim build, Asus has made sure to include a well-rounded selection of ports. You get **two USB-C ports, a full-size HDMI, a USB-A port, and even a full-sized SD card slot**. This level of connectivity is rare in a laptop this thin and makes it a great choice for professionals who rely on multiple peripherals.  

Asus has also introduced a unique **ceramic-polymer bonded aluminum finish**, dubbed *Ser Aluminum*. While the name may not be appealing, the material itself provides a robust yet premium feel. It comes in two colors: **a sleek dark gray** and **a stunning cream variant**. The overall aesthetic is modern, with a unique **grilled ventilation system** that features intricate machined holes, not only contributing to airflow but also providing a slightly higher resistance to liquid spills.  

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## Stunning 16-Inch OLED Display  

Asus has gone all out with the **Zenbook S16’s** display. Featuring a **16-inch OLED panel** with **a 120Hz refresh rate** and **under 1ms response time**, this screen delivers exceptional image quality. The OLED technology ensures deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, making it an ideal choice for creatives and media consumers.

Additionally, the **touchscreen functionality** and **stylus support** (included with some configurations) add an extra layer of versatility, making it a fantastic option for artists, designers, and note-takers.  

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## Performance: The Power of AMD Ryzen AI9  

Under the hood, the **Zenbook S16** is powered by AMD’s new Ryzen AI9 series processors. There are two models available:

- **Ryzen AI9 HX 370** (higher-end variant)

- **Ryzen AI9 365** (base model)

Both chips operate at a **default power setting of 17W**, but users can push them to **28W** in performance mode. In some thicker laptops, these chips can scale up to **54W**, but Asus has optimized the **Zenbook S16** for efficiency and thermal management instead. Even at these lower wattages, the chips deliver **excellent performance** while maintaining a **cool and quiet operation**.

### Thermal Management  

Asus has incorporated a **super-thin vapor chamber**, **graphite sheets**, and **dual fans** to keep thermals in check. The result is an ultra-thin laptop that remains surprisingly cool, even under heavy workloads. However, one small drawback is that the **keyboard tends to warm up** during extended use. While not uncomfortably hot, it’s something to be aware of—especially for users running demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.

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## GPU Performance: Radeon 880M & 890M  

The **Zenbook S16** comes with two different integrated GPU options, depending on the processor model:

- **Radeon 880M (on the Ryzen AI9 365)**

- **Radeon 890M (on the Ryzen AI9 HX 370)**

Both GPUs represent a significant improvement over previous AMD integrated graphics. For **light gaming**, they perform exceptionally well, and for **moderately demanding titles**, they hold up decently. However, if you’re looking for **high-end gaming performance**, you’ll still need a laptop with a **dedicated NVIDIA or AMD GPU**.

For **video editing**, the **HX 370 model** performs surprisingly well, thanks to its higher core count and efficient processing. While not a full-fledged workstation replacement, it’s more than capable for on-the-go creative professionals.  

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## Keyboard & Trackpad: Solid but Could Be Better  

The keyboard on the **Zenbook S16** is **backlit, well-spaced, and comfortable for typing**. However, key travel is **slightly shallow**, likely due to the ultra-thin design. If Asus had made the device just **1-2mm thicker**, the keyboard experience could have been even better.

The **trackpad** is **large and centered**, with a smooth and responsive surface. Asus has added a unique **edge-based swipe control for brightness and volume**, but the implementation feels inconsistent. While a software update could improve its responsiveness, traditional buttons might have been a better choice.  

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## Speakers: A New Standard for Thin Laptops  

Asus has been perfecting laptop speakers, and the **Zenbook S16** is no exception. The audio quality is **noticeably better than most Windows laptops** and even surpasses the **MacBook Air 15-inch**. However, it still falls short of the **MacBook Pro 16-inch** in terms of depth and clarity.

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## Battery Life: Exceptional Efficiency  

The **Zenbook S16** houses a **78Wh battery**, a significant size for such a thin device. AMD processors have traditionally excelled in **power efficiency**, and the **Zenbook S16** continues this trend. **For light tasks like web browsing and email, the battery life is excellent**, making it one of the best ultra-thin Windows laptops for longevity.  

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## AI Capabilities & Microsoft’s Co-Pilot+  

A major talking point of AMD’s new chips is their **AI processing power**, boasting **50 TOPS NPU** capabilities. However, at the time of release, there’s no **killer AI app** that fully utilizes this potential. Surprisingly, despite its **AI power**, the **Zenbook S16 is not labeled as a Co-Pilot+ laptop**, as only Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite devices currently hold that designation. This might change in the future, but for now, the AI capabilities remain an underutilized feature.  

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## Pricing & Final Thoughts  

The **Asus Zenbook S16** is priced as a **premium product**, starting at **$1,399** for the base model, with the **HX 370 version costing $200-$300 more**. While it’s not a budget-friendly laptop, it **offers a unique combination of power, portability, and aesthetics** that justify its price.

For those seeking a **super-thin, high-performance Windows laptop**, the **Zenbook S16 delivers beyond expectations**. If you’re on a tighter budget, it may be worth waiting for alternative models that might offer similar performance at a lower price. But for those who want **cutting-edge AMD performance in an ultra-thin form factor**, this laptop is a **standout choice**.

Would you consider getting the **Zenbook S16**, or are you waiting for the next wave of ultra-thin laptops? Let us know your thoughts!