ASUS has lobbed a couple of shiny new Vivobooks into the Indian laptop arena, and let’s be honest—it’s about time the mid-range crowd got something fresh to ogle. Yes, two models have entered the ring: the orthodox Vivobook S14 (S3407VA) and its yogi cousin, the Vivobook S14 Flip (TP3402VAO). Both are crafted for a broad cast of characters: students pulling all-nighters, professionals toggling between spreadsheets and snacks, and regular folks who still haven't figured out how to use half the buttons on Office 365. ASUS wants to make it clear: these machines embody a tantalizing mixture of portability, performance, and enough premium touches to make you forget you’re not buying a “Pro” something-or-other.
Let’s park ourselves first with the Vivobook S14—ASUS’s answer to the eternal question, “Can a lightweight laptop not feel like a plastic lunchbox?” Outfitted with a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13620H processor, this is no half-baked entry-level chip. ASUS claims an 18-hour battery life, fueled by a 70WHr power pack—ambitious, for sure, and probably achievable if you’re typing text files in airplane mode while squinting at a dimmed screen. But hey, they get points for optimism.
At a sprightly 1.4kg and just 1.59cm thick, the S14 slips into a backpack with the nonchalance of a paperback novel. The metal chassis isn’t just there for Instagram glam shots either—it’s been poked, prodded, and subjected to US military-grade tests, so you can at least pretend your next café binge is a special ops mission.
On the display front, we’re looking at a 14-inch FHD+ panel with a respectable 16:10 aspect ratio and an 86% screen-to-body ratio—stats that should put a satisfied smirk on any display snob’s face. TÜV Rheinland certification for reduced blue light emissions means your retinas might hate you slightly less after hours of late-night scrolling. Specs wise: 16GB of DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD storage, a backlit keyboard (with—get this—a dedicated Copilot key for all your AI shenanigans). For a touch of cloak-and-dagger, there’s an IR webcam for Windows Hello face login, plus a physical shutter for those times you want to look mysterious on Zoom.
Here’s the translation: the S14 isn’t out to win beauty pageants, but it might just survive a clumsy commute and your boss’s “can you share your screen?” at 8:57am. That blend of durability and drearily practical features might just make it the go-to workhorse for anyone who doesn’t require a discrete GPU—or RGB lighting bright enough to signal passing aircraft.
Beneath the hood you’ll find an Intel Core i5-13420H processor—not quite as muscular as the S14’s i7, but hardly a slouch. It’s paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, offering a decent buffet for the average multitasker. The Flip’s 50WHr battery is decidedly more modest, but ASUS tries to sweeten the deal with a 90W fast charger—because, let’s face it, nobody remembered to plug in last night.
Life in touchscreen land promises more than just finger smudges: stylus input support on the 14-inch FHD+ display means budding artists and overzealous annotators are firmly in the target zone. There’s also a 1080p webcam (privacy shutter included, because 2024 still remembers 2020), Dolby Atmos speakers, and a bouquet of ports including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and HDMI 2.1. The whole ensemble weighs in at 1.5kg, which is slightly heavier than the S14 but still miles from “back-breaking.”
Convertible laptops often flirt with disaster—wobbly hinges, awkward weight distribution, and trackpads that scream in tablet mode. If ASUS has delivered its usually robust build, IT professionals and on-the-go creatives might have found an affordable alternative to fancier hybrids.
For end users, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, seamless access to productivity tools and AI features might lure casual upgraders and students with sudden existential productivity crises. On the other, there’s always the specter of bloatware: beautiful new laptops tarnished by intrusive pop-ups and apps you’ll never use. It’s less of a bother with official Microsoft packages, but IT managers may still need to wield the digital pruning shears.
Let’s be honest: for every giddy first interaction with Copilot, there’s bound to be a frustrated thirty-something muttering, “Cortana flashbacks, anybody?”
TÜV Rheinland’s blue-light reduction stamp is more than just a sticker for the marketing slide: if you work late, your retinas might genuinely appreciate the break. Brightness and color accuracy aren’t flagged as chart-toppers, but for this price range, the experience should float above “adequate.”
The S14 Flip raises the ante with touch and stylus support—always a boon for artists, students, and folks who just like to poke their screen when Excel crumbles. At 14 inches, it strikes a sweet spot: not too small for full-sized documents, not too unwieldy for tablet duty.
And yet, there’s still a lingering, faint hope that ASUS will drop a MicroLED version in the future. One can dream.
The Vivobook S14 Flip, meanwhile, sneaks in at 1.5kg. That extra 100g isn't going to cripple your spine, but if you regularly switch between “tablet” and “laptop” modes, you’ll notice the difference during longer stints. Still, both machines are easily more portable than the traditional four-kilo “desktop replacers” that haunt the nightmares of 2010s IT managers.
Describing a laptop as “military-grade” occasionally veers into parody, but ASUS’s durability claims usually have substance beneath the showmanship. For schools and small businesses that distribute gear to accident-prone users, it’s a welcome assurance.
The Vivobook S14 Flip settles for a leaner 50WHr battery, which is probably enough for a few back-to-back Zooms followed by a light creative session. The included 90W fast charger is a solid consolation, promising a fast return to functionality for culture vultures and multitaskers who forget to charge overnight.
All in, these machines are probably a safe bet for office hours and light after-hours use—but don’t expect them to moonlight as e-reader replacements on your next Himalayan trek.
Dolby Atmos audio is baked in, which is lovely if you’re the sort of person who listens to symphonies—or YouTube tutorials at double speed. The Flip, in particular, scores bonus points with its wide connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and HDMI 2.1 all but guarantee you won’t need yet another dongle in your life.
For standard users—students, office commuters, and “I just want something that works” buyers—the Vivobooks seem designed to quietly get out of your way while making you look a little smarter than you probably are.
It’s a competitive price bracket, cluttered with competent rivals from HP, Lenovo, Dell, and now, a steady trickle of premium Chromebooks. ASUS’s real edge is the blend of features: up-to-date processors, solid build, and those AI integrations. But it’s also missing some of the flashiest specs, so don’t expect OLED screens or spec-sheet fireworks.
For IT professionals plotting device upgrades: ASUS’s pricing undercuts some traditional enterprise-first brands, but bulk buyers should wait for institutional deals—retail tags rarely reflect true fleet pricing. And always account for the “hidden cost” of training employees to not accidentally flip their new 360-degree devices onto the office floor.
If you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone mortally allergic to touchscreens, your mileage will vary. Intel’s H-series chips are powerful, but neither model boasts a discrete GPU, so AAA games and 8K video rendering aren’t part of the deal. Battery life isn’t class-leading, but it’s respectable for the power and profile on offer.
Business buyers—especially in education or SME environments—should take a hard look at the S14’s military testing credentials and straightforward security features. The Flip’s hybrid form factor is a blessing for road warriors and trainers, but its thinner battery might irk heavy users on the move.
Most appealing is this blend of polished extras—Windows Hello security, privacy shutters, Dolby Atmos, and those military-grade boasts—without straying into the realm of overengineered gimmicks. The dedicated Copilot key is a sign of things to come, with AI increasingly baked into everyday workflows.
IT pros will appreciate the combination of up-to-date hardware, user-centered touches, and the absence of marketing overreach. There are risks—the ever-lurking return of bloatware, and the ever-present possibility that real-world battery life won’t match those cheerful press releases. But there’s also genuine value for anyone who wants a sturdy, flexible, and moderately stylish daily driver.
The smart IT manager, the canny student, and the seen-it-all road warrior: each finds something to like here. Sure, the Vivobooks won’t win you a spot at the cool kid’s table, but at less than 1.5kg—and with the confidence to survive a little real-world chaos—maybe that’s more important.
If you’re ready to leave gimmicks behind and finally copilot your way to adulthood (or at least your next coffee-fueled project), the Vivobook S14 and S14 Flip are worthy candidates. Just remember to keep your expectations grounded, and your privacy shutter closed. After all, even a military-grade laptop can’t save you from the horrors of a surprise video call before breakfast.
Source: CNBC TV18 ASUS launches new Vivobook laptops in India for general consumers - CNBC TV18
Vivobook S14: Svelte, Sturdy, and Suited for Real Life
Let’s park ourselves first with the Vivobook S14—ASUS’s answer to the eternal question, “Can a lightweight laptop not feel like a plastic lunchbox?” Outfitted with a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13620H processor, this is no half-baked entry-level chip. ASUS claims an 18-hour battery life, fueled by a 70WHr power pack—ambitious, for sure, and probably achievable if you’re typing text files in airplane mode while squinting at a dimmed screen. But hey, they get points for optimism.At a sprightly 1.4kg and just 1.59cm thick, the S14 slips into a backpack with the nonchalance of a paperback novel. The metal chassis isn’t just there for Instagram glam shots either—it’s been poked, prodded, and subjected to US military-grade tests, so you can at least pretend your next café binge is a special ops mission.
On the display front, we’re looking at a 14-inch FHD+ panel with a respectable 16:10 aspect ratio and an 86% screen-to-body ratio—stats that should put a satisfied smirk on any display snob’s face. TÜV Rheinland certification for reduced blue light emissions means your retinas might hate you slightly less after hours of late-night scrolling. Specs wise: 16GB of DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD storage, a backlit keyboard (with—get this—a dedicated Copilot key for all your AI shenanigans). For a touch of cloak-and-dagger, there’s an IR webcam for Windows Hello face login, plus a physical shutter for those times you want to look mysterious on Zoom.
Here’s the translation: the S14 isn’t out to win beauty pageants, but it might just survive a clumsy commute and your boss’s “can you share your screen?” at 8:57am. That blend of durability and drearily practical features might just make it the go-to workhorse for anyone who doesn’t require a discrete GPU—or RGB lighting bright enough to signal passing aircraft.
Vivobook S14 Flip: Bend It Like ASUS
Now let’s flip the script—literally. The Vivobook S14 Flip trades in the rigid notebook persona for something a touch more acrobatic. With its 360-degree hinge, this model shapeshifts between classic clamshell, tablet, tent, and whatever other configurations you can justify in public. Whether you’re sketching, scribbling, or swiping your way through Netflix, the Flip caters to the compulsively fidgety.Beneath the hood you’ll find an Intel Core i5-13420H processor—not quite as muscular as the S14’s i7, but hardly a slouch. It’s paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, offering a decent buffet for the average multitasker. The Flip’s 50WHr battery is decidedly more modest, but ASUS tries to sweeten the deal with a 90W fast charger—because, let’s face it, nobody remembered to plug in last night.
Life in touchscreen land promises more than just finger smudges: stylus input support on the 14-inch FHD+ display means budding artists and overzealous annotators are firmly in the target zone. There’s also a 1080p webcam (privacy shutter included, because 2024 still remembers 2020), Dolby Atmos speakers, and a bouquet of ports including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and HDMI 2.1. The whole ensemble weighs in at 1.5kg, which is slightly heavier than the S14 but still miles from “back-breaking.”
Convertible laptops often flirt with disaster—wobbly hinges, awkward weight distribution, and trackpads that scream in tablet mode. If ASUS has delivered its usually robust build, IT professionals and on-the-go creatives might have found an affordable alternative to fancier hybrids.
Preloaded Software: Microsoft, Copilot, and the Gravitational Pull of Bloatware
Both Vivobooks waltz out of the box with Windows 11 Home, making them instant citizens in the modern Microsoft ecosystem. There’s a preinstalled Microsoft Office Home 2024 suite and a one-year ride on the Microsoft 365 Basic bandwagon. Most intriguing, however, is built-in support for Microsoft Copilot and a dedicated keyboard key to summon it—an early nudge pushing general users toward routine AI companionship.For end users, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, seamless access to productivity tools and AI features might lure casual upgraders and students with sudden existential productivity crises. On the other, there’s always the specter of bloatware: beautiful new laptops tarnished by intrusive pop-ups and apps you’ll never use. It’s less of a bother with official Microsoft packages, but IT managers may still need to wield the digital pruning shears.
Let’s be honest: for every giddy first interaction with Copilot, there’s bound to be a frustrated thirty-something muttering, “Cortana flashbacks, anybody?”
Display Details: The Eyes Have It
Displays can make or break a laptop experience, and here both Vivobooks earn points for effort—if not unbridled innovation. The standard Vivobook S14 offers an FHD+ panel in that increasingly popular 16:10 aspect ratio, which is a godsend for anyone who juggles rows of tiny spreadsheets. That 86% screen-to-body ratio means there’s only a whisper of a bezel, so you won’t feel like you’re watching 2002 reruns every time you open Netflix.TÜV Rheinland’s blue-light reduction stamp is more than just a sticker for the marketing slide: if you work late, your retinas might genuinely appreciate the break. Brightness and color accuracy aren’t flagged as chart-toppers, but for this price range, the experience should float above “adequate.”
The S14 Flip raises the ante with touch and stylus support—always a boon for artists, students, and folks who just like to poke their screen when Excel crumbles. At 14 inches, it strikes a sweet spot: not too small for full-sized documents, not too unwieldy for tablet duty.
And yet, there’s still a lingering, faint hope that ASUS will drop a MicroLED version in the future. One can dream.
Build and Portability: Durable, but not Indestructible
In a market littered with “ultralight” claims that unravel at the first brush with reality, the Vivobook S14 genuinely delivers. At 1.4kg and 1.59cm thick, you could easily toss it in your bag and forget it’s there—provided your bag isn’t already a museum for tangled charging cables and ancient USB sticks. The metal chassis, tested to US military-grade standards, is a nice touch. It won’t withstand a trek through the Andes, but it should handle a week in your average undergraduate’s backpack.The Vivobook S14 Flip, meanwhile, sneaks in at 1.5kg. That extra 100g isn't going to cripple your spine, but if you regularly switch between “tablet” and “laptop” modes, you’ll notice the difference during longer stints. Still, both machines are easily more portable than the traditional four-kilo “desktop replacers” that haunt the nightmares of 2010s IT managers.
Describing a laptop as “military-grade” occasionally veers into parody, but ASUS’s durability claims usually have substance beneath the showmanship. For schools and small businesses that distribute gear to accident-prone users, it’s a welcome assurance.
Battery Life: Marvel or Marketing Mirage?
Let’s grab a magnifying glass for the battery life specs. The S14’s advertised 18-hour longevity is, to put it mildly, “up to.” Under ideal circumstances—a.k.a. your laptop is on power-saving mode, you’re running Notepad, and your WiFi is off—the battery might last somewhere in that ballpark. In real-world conditions, think a day’s solid work or a cross-country train trip before panicky scavenging for a charger begins.The Vivobook S14 Flip settles for a leaner 50WHr battery, which is probably enough for a few back-to-back Zooms followed by a light creative session. The included 90W fast charger is a solid consolation, promising a fast return to functionality for culture vultures and multitaskers who forget to charge overnight.
All in, these machines are probably a safe bet for office hours and light after-hours use—but don’t expect them to moonlight as e-reader replacements on your next Himalayan trek.
Inputs and User Experience: Little Luxuries, Not Gimmicks
Both laptops boast backlit keyboards—necessary for typing in dimly lit dorm rooms or airports. ASUS adds a dedicated Copilot key, doubling down on its AI ambitions and giving productivity diehards an extra toy. What’s more, the S14’s IR camera and the Flip’s 1080p webcam with privacy shutters deliver a privacy-first experience—ideal for anyone worried their next Zoom reaction will go viral for all the wrong reasons.Dolby Atmos audio is baked in, which is lovely if you’re the sort of person who listens to symphonies—or YouTube tutorials at double speed. The Flip, in particular, scores bonus points with its wide connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and HDMI 2.1 all but guarantee you won’t need yet another dongle in your life.
For standard users—students, office commuters, and “I just want something that works” buyers—the Vivobooks seem designed to quietly get out of your way while making you look a little smarter than you probably are.
Pricing, Variants, and Availability: No Surprises, But No Steals
Let’s talk brass tacks. The Vivobook S14 starts at ₹67,990, with higher-spec variants touching ₹79,990. The Flip and its variants are priced attractively at ₹69,990. They can be snagged online from the ASUS e-shop and Flipkart—no cryptic flash sales here—and certain Flip models even get shelf space at ASUS Exclusive Stores and other brick-and-mortar retailers.It’s a competitive price bracket, cluttered with competent rivals from HP, Lenovo, Dell, and now, a steady trickle of premium Chromebooks. ASUS’s real edge is the blend of features: up-to-date processors, solid build, and those AI integrations. But it’s also missing some of the flashiest specs, so don’t expect OLED screens or spec-sheet fireworks.
For IT professionals plotting device upgrades: ASUS’s pricing undercuts some traditional enterprise-first brands, but bulk buyers should wait for institutional deals—retail tags rarely reflect true fleet pricing. And always account for the “hidden cost” of training employees to not accidentally flip their new 360-degree devices onto the office floor.
Who Should Buy—and Who Should Wait?
Are either of these Vivobooks a slam-dunk for everyone? Not quite. They fit squarely into the “premium mainstream” territory: overkill for those who just check email and underwhelming for hardcore gamers or professional video editors. If you’re a student, teacher, office pro, or someone who insists on having the latest laptop but not necessarily the greatest, these machines tick all the durability-and-decency boxes.If you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone mortally allergic to touchscreens, your mileage will vary. Intel’s H-series chips are powerful, but neither model boasts a discrete GPU, so AAA games and 8K video rendering aren’t part of the deal. Battery life isn’t class-leading, but it’s respectable for the power and profile on offer.
Business buyers—especially in education or SME environments—should take a hard look at the S14’s military testing credentials and straightforward security features. The Flip’s hybrid form factor is a blessing for road warriors and trainers, but its thinner battery might irk heavy users on the move.
The Real-World View: Subtle, Slightly Smug, and Satisfyingly Simple
Let’s be blunt: ASUS knows its audience. The Vivobook range isn’t here to dominate the luxury segment or dethrone the MacBook. Instead, these models make a case for practical laptops that don’t shortchange users on style or substance. They’re understated, but not unambitious; functional, but not frumpy.Most appealing is this blend of polished extras—Windows Hello security, privacy shutters, Dolby Atmos, and those military-grade boasts—without straying into the realm of overengineered gimmicks. The dedicated Copilot key is a sign of things to come, with AI increasingly baked into everyday workflows.
IT pros will appreciate the combination of up-to-date hardware, user-centered touches, and the absence of marketing overreach. There are risks—the ever-lurking return of bloatware, and the ever-present possibility that real-world battery life won’t match those cheerful press releases. But there’s also genuine value for anyone who wants a sturdy, flexible, and moderately stylish daily driver.
Conclusions and Uncomfortable Truths
Ultimately, ASUS’s twin Vivobook launch isn’t going to leave rivals quaking in their boots. Nor should it. This isn’t a moonshot, but a case study in thoughtful refinement. For every jaw-dropping spec that the Vivobooks lack, there’s a practical, understated design choice that elevates the user experience. In a world obsessed with “the best,” perhaps the best thing about the new Vivobooks is that ASUS has stopped trying to win some imaginary, maximalist race.The smart IT manager, the canny student, and the seen-it-all road warrior: each finds something to like here. Sure, the Vivobooks won’t win you a spot at the cool kid’s table, but at less than 1.5kg—and with the confidence to survive a little real-world chaos—maybe that’s more important.
If you’re ready to leave gimmicks behind and finally copilot your way to adulthood (or at least your next coffee-fueled project), the Vivobook S14 and S14 Flip are worthy candidates. Just remember to keep your expectations grounded, and your privacy shutter closed. After all, even a military-grade laptop can’t save you from the horrors of a surprise video call before breakfast.
Source: CNBC TV18 ASUS launches new Vivobook laptops in India for general consumers - CNBC TV18
