Finding a powerful mid-range laptop with a large 16-inch display can often be a challenging task. Many laptops in this category either sacrifice performance for a larger screen or compromise on display quality to keep costs down - here's looking at you HP 17-cn2099nr -.
However, ASUS has managed to strike a balance once again with the ASUS VivoBook 16 M1605YA-ES52. This laptop offers a compelling combination of performance, display quality, and user-friendly features, making it an attractive option for users seeking a versatile and powerful 16-inch laptop.
The M1605YA-ES52 boasts a 16-inch WUXGA display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Mobile Processor and AMD Radeon graphics, this laptop delivers robust performance for a range of demanding applications.
With its fast storage, extensive connectivity options, ergonomic design, and extremely competitive price point, the VivoBook 16 has gained popularity among customers who prioritize both power and portability.
In this review, we set out to find out everything there is to know about this mid-range laptop that has already managed to position itself as one of the most popular laptops of 2023 thanks to its high-end features and superb customer reviews.
Who's this laptop for?
The ASUS VivoBook 16 M1605YA-ES52 is a versatile laptop suitable for students, professionals, creatives, and casual users alike. It offers reliable performance, portability, and a feature-rich design to cater to a wide range of computing needs and preferences.
Whether you're a student looking for a reliable study companion, a professional in need of a powerful work tool, a creative individual seeking a laptop for design and editing tasks, or a casual user who enjoys gaming and multimedia, the VivoBook 16 has something to offer. Its impressive capabilities and user-friendly features make it a versatile choice for various lifestyles and computing requirements.
Design, Display, and Keyboard
The ASUS VivoBook 16 M1605YA-ES52 features a sleek and lightweight design, weighing only 4.14 lbs and measuring just 0.78 inches thick. Its compact form factor makes it highly portable for a 16-inch notebook, allowing you to carry it with ease wherever you go. The laptop is finished in Indie Black, giving it a sophisticated and professional look.
The highlight of the VivoBook 16 is its 16-inch WUXGA display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. This display offers a more immersive viewing experience, with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Much like the 15-inch ASUS VivoBook 15 F1500EA-AS31, the ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels further enhance the visual experience by providing a screen-to-body ratio of 86%. Whether you are watching movies, working on creative projects, or browsing the web, the display of the VivoBook 16 delivers excellent clarity and visual quality.
The keyboard of the ASUS VivoBook 16 is designed for comfort and productivity. It features an ErgoSense backlit chiclet keyboard with a num-pad, allowing for convenient data entry and efficient workflow.
The full-sized keyboard with a 19.05mm key pitch ensures comfortable and accurate typing. The 0.2mm dished key caps are designed to match the shape of your fingertips, providing a natural typing experience. Finally, with a key travel of 1.4mm, the keyboard offers responsive feedback and allows for extended typing sessions without discomfort. AKA; a pretty awesome keyboard.
Performance
Now let's talk about the performance of the ASUS VivoBook 16 M1605YA-ES52. Specifically, this laptop is equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen 5 7530U, which is part of AMD's Ryzen™ 5 Processors with Radeon™ Graphics family. What does this mean for you? Well, it means you're getting a mid-range processor that packs a punch and delivers solid performance for your everyday tasks.
The Ryzen 5 7530U has 6 CPU cores and 12 threads, which means it can handle multitasking like a champ. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on multiple applications simultaneously, this processor has got your back. With a base clock speed of 2.0GHz and the ability to boost up to 4.5GHz, it offers a snappy performance that keeps up with your demands.
One cool thing about the Ryzen 5 7530U is its use of TSMC's 7nm FinFET technology. Don't worry if that sounds like gibberish to you; all you need to know is that it's a fancy manufacturing process that makes the processor more power-efficient and faster. In simple terms, it means you get better battery life and a more responsive laptop.
Now, let's address the overclocking question. Unfortunately, the Ryzen 5 7530U is not unlocked for overclocking. But don't fret! It's already a beast right out of the box, and most people won't need to mess around with overclocking anyway. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the smooth performance without worrying about tweaking settings.
In real-life terms, the Ryzen 5 7530U delivers snappy performance for your everyday tasks. Whether you're working on documents, browsing the web, or binge-watching your favorite shows, this processor keeps everything running smoothly.
Oh, and let's not forget about the integrated Radeon Graphics. While it's not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards, it still holds its own. You can enjoy casual gaming, edit photos, and watch videos without any issues.
Again, this is not a dedicated graphics, if you're looking for a laptop to play AAA games smoothly then we would suggest you either opt for a dedicated gaming laptop such as the budget-friendly Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8 or opt for a "normal laptop" with a dedicated graphics such as the Acer Swift X SFX14-42G-R607.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The VivoBook 16 offers extensive connectivity options to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices.
It features a standalone USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C and a couple of Type-A ports, allowing for high-speed data transfers and versatile connectivity. The inclusion of a micro HDMI 1.4 port enables you to connect the laptop to external displays or projectors for presentations or media playback.
Additionally, the laptop is equipped with a 3.5mm combo audio jack, providing convenience for audio input and output. The laptop also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
In terms of battery life, the ASUS VivoBook 16 M1605YA-ES52 is expected to offer decent endurance. Specifically, you can expect the laptop to last you roughly 6 to 8 hours worth of battery life depending on your usage. However, what's even better is the fact that you can charge up 60% of the battery in just 49 minutes, rendering actual battery life something that's not as important as it used to be.
Special Features
The M1605YA-ES52 comes packed with some nifty special features that enhance your overall laptop experience. Let's dive into these cool features.
First up, we have the fingerprint sensor. Say goodbye to typing in passwords every time you want to log in. With the built-in fingerprint sensor cleverly placed on the touchpad, all it takes is one touch to unlock your laptop via Windows Hello.
Next on the list is the ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology. We all know the pain of being in a video conference or an online call with background noise that just won't quit. On that front, their AI Noise-Canceling Technology uses some fancy machine learning to isolate unwanted noise and ensure crystal-clear communication. No more shouting "Can you hear me?" a million times. It still isn't comparable to professional headphones but it does perform better than your standard mid-range laptop audio input.
Additionally, there's the Antimicrobial Guard Plus. No, it's not a superhero, but it does fight against icky bacteria and viruses. This laptop is coated with silver ions that have a knack for keeping those pesky microbes at bay. So, when you touch frequently-used surfaces, you can feel a little more confident knowing that ASUS has your health in mind. It's like having a tiny, invisible shield that inhibits 99% of bacteria and viruses. Now, that's something to smile about!
And let's not forget about the durability of this bad boy. The VivoBook 16 meets the US MIL-STD-810H military-grade standard, which means it has undergone some serious testing. It has survived a gauntlet of 12 rigorous test methods and 26 punishing test procedures, exceeding industry standards.
In a nutshell, the ASUS VivoBook 16 M1605YA-ES52 is more than just a laptop. It's a powerhouse with special features that add convenience, security, and durability to your daily life. The fingerprint sensor, AI noise-canceling technology, antimicrobial coating, and military-grade durability all combine to provide a better overall computing experience.
Conclusion
The ASUS VivoBook 16 M1605YA-ES52 is a powerful and versatile laptop that offers a range of impressive features. With its sleek design, vibrant display, powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, and extensive connectivity options, it is well-equipped to handle a variety of tasks, from productivity work to multimedia entertainment.
The inclusion of special features such as the fingerprint sensor, AI noise-canceling technology, and antimicrobial coating further solidify this mid-range laptop as your go-to option for a powerful 16-inch notebook that doesn't compromise neither on performance nor on screen quality. Overall, the VivoBook 16 is a solid choice for users who value performance, portability, and a budget-friendly price point.