ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021)
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Product family | Vivobook |
| Release date | January 2021 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home Windows 11 Home Windows 10 Pro Endless OS |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-1115G4 Intel Core i3-1125G4 Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Core i7-1165G7 |
| Memory | 4 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz |
| Memory slots | 1 user accessible |
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD 1 TB SATA 5400 RPM 2.5" HDD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible |
| Removable storage | MicroSD card reader |
| Display | 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 16:9 aspect ratio, IPS-level Panel, LED Backlit, 60Hz refresh rate, 250 nits, 45% NTSC color gamut, Anti-glare display, Non-touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 85% 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 16:9 aspect ratio, LED Backlit, 60Hz refresh rate, 200 nits, 45% NTSC color gamut, Anti-glare display, Non-touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 85% 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 16:9 aspect ratio, IPS-level Panel, 60Hz refresh rate, 300 nits, 100% sRGB color gamut, Anti-glare display, Non-touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 85% |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics NVIDIA GeForce MX330 2 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce MX350 2 GB GDDR5 |
| Sound | Built-in speaker Audio by ICEpower® harman/kardon (Mainstream) with Cortana support |
| Camera | 720p HD camera |
| Touchpad | Touchpad |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Card Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) (Dual band) 1x1 + Bluetooth 5.1 Wireless Card |
| Power | 65W AC Adapter |
| Battery | 42 WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion |
| Keyboard | Backlit Chiclet Keyboard with Num-key, 1.4mm Key-travel |
| Chassis | Plastic |
| Number pad | Yes |
| Fingerprint reader | Yes |
| Facial recognition | No |
| Website | ASUS |
All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.
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The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) is an ultraportable Windows laptop designed for everyday tasks such as school, multimedia, and light productivity. It features a variety of Intel 11th Gen CPUs, options for dedicated NVIDIA graphics, and a bright OLED display. However, its battery life is limited, and the keyboard can be tiring for extended use. The laptop is designed for users who need a portable device for everyday tasks but may not be suitable for demanding workloads or long periods of use without charging.[1][2]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) can be configured with the following processors[1]:
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 with 2 cores and 4 threads, 6 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.1 GHz.
- Intel Core i3-1125G4 with 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB cache, and a max frequency of 3.7 GHz.
- Intel Core i5-1135G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.2 GHz.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, 12 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.7 GHz.
The Intel Core i7-1165G7 has outstanding single-thread performance; however, its multi-thread performance lags behind more recent processors. This level of performance is only suitable for general productivity tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. Users looking for more intensive performance may need to consider newer CPU options.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Geekbench 5:
- CPU Single-Thread: 1,570 points
- CPU Multi-Thread: 4,969 points
- Cinebench R23:
- Single-Thread: 1,523 points
- Multi-Thread: 5,674 points
Graphics
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) offers the following graphics options[1]:
- Intel UHD Graphics (integrated, Core i3, 48 execution units)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, Core i5, 80 execution units; Core i7, 96 execution units)
- NVIDIA GeForce MX330 2 GB GDDR5
- NVIDIA GeForce MX350 2 GB GDDR5
The integrated graphics will depend on which CPU you get. The Core i3s have Intel UHD Graphics, while the Core i5 and i7 models feature Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which provide better performance for light gaming and multimedia tasks. The dedicated NVIDIA GPUs can handle simple, everyday tasks like web browsing and video playback, but they struggle with demanding games and applications.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Basemark GPU:
- Overall Score: 16,181
Memory
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) can be configured with the following memory options[1]:
- 4 GB DDR4 on board
- 4 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM
- 8 GB DDR4 on board
- 8 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM
- Max Total system memory up to: 16 GB
The recommended minimum is 8 GB because 4 GB is barely enough for the operating system and will cause slowdowns if you have many programs running simultaneously. The 8 GB models can be in single-channel (8 GB soldered + 1 empty SO-DIMM slot) or dual-channel mode (4 GB soldered + 4 GB SO-DIMM), so if you don't plan on adding a RAM module yourself later on, it's best to get the model that has the dual-channel memory as it'll perform better.[2]
Storage
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) can be configured with the following storage options[1]:
- 128 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD
- 256 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD
- 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD
- 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD
- 1 TB SATA 5400 RPM 2.5" HDD
The storage drive performance is good, making it suitable for quick boot times and fast application loading. If you get a model with a physical hard drive, it's best to install your applications on the SSD along with the operating system and only use the hard drive as mass storage.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Sequential Write Speed: 740.1 MB/s
- Sequential Read Speed: 1,370.8 MB/s
Co-processors
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) does not include any dedicated co-processors.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) features a backlit Chiclet keyboard with a numeric keypad and 1.4 mm key travel.[1]
The keyboard has sufficient spacing between keys and features adjustable backlighting with three brightness levels. However, the keys require a fair amount of force to actuate (operating force: 69 gf), making them tiring to type on for extended periods. The keyboard's total travel is 1.35 mm, and the pre-travel is 0.90 mm, which may not be ideal for users who type for long durations.[2]
Touchpad
The touchpad on the ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) measures 11.4 in² (73.5 cm²).[2]
The touchpad tracks all movements and gestures well, and there aren't any palm rejection issues. However, it only allows clicking towards the bottom of the touchpad, which may be limiting for some users.[2]
Webcam
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) comes with a 720p HD camera.[1]
The webcam's video quality is okay with some fine details and good color reproduction but has an unnatural hue. It is suitable for casual video calls but may not meet the standards for professional streaming or conferencing.[2]
Microphone
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) features a built-in microphone.[1]
The microphone captures speech decently clear with very little background noise. The performance is adequate for video calls and voice recordings, but it lacks advanced noise-canceling features.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) offers the following display options[1]:
- 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 16:9 aspect ratio, IPS-level Panel, LED Backlit, 60Hz refresh rate, 250 nits, 45% NTSC color gamut, Anti-glare display, Non-touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 85%
- 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 16:9 aspect ratio, LED Backlit, 60Hz refresh rate, 200 nits, 45% NTSC color gamut, Anti-glare display, Non-touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 85%
- 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 16:9 aspect ratio, IPS-level Panel, 60Hz refresh rate, 300 nits, 100% sRGB color gamut, Anti-glare display, Non-touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio) 85%
The display gets bright enough for use in most indoor settings but not outdoors in broad daylight. It has a superb contrast ratio (native contrast: 101,200:1) and excellent color gamut, covering 154.28% of sRGB and 99.99% of DCI P3, making it suitable for media consumption and color-critical tasks.[2]
Audio
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) comes with built-in speakers and audio by ICEpower® and harman/kardon (Mainstream) with Cortana support.[1]
The speakers have a mid-heavy sound profile, which is good for spoken content but lacks bass for music. The speakers are suitable for casual listening but may not satisfy audiophiles.[2]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) can be configured with the following WiFi options[1]:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Card
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) (Dual band) 1x1 + Bluetooth 5.1 Wireless Card
The wireless adapter is an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, providing fast and reliable connectivity. Bluetooth 5.2 support is also included, allowing for seamless connections with peripherals.[2]
SD Card Reader
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) includes a MicroSD card reader.[1]
The SD card reader is a convenient feature for users who need to transfer files from cameras or other devices.[2]
USB
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (supports data only)
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
The USB-C only supports data at USB 3.2 Gen 1 speed, so you can't use it to charge the laptop or output a video signal to an external display. The HDMI port's maximum output resolution is 4k @ 30Hz.[2]
Display Outputs
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) includes an HDMI 1.4 port.[1]
The HDMI port allows for external display connections, but it is limited to 4k @ 30Hz, which may not be sufficient for high-refresh-rate monitors.[2]
Case
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The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) has a simple, basic-looking design with a plastic build.[2]
The build quality is okay, but it doesn't feel particularly sturdy as there's a fair amount of flex in the keyboard deck and display. The laptop is available in three color schemes: Indie Black, Transparent Silver, and Hearty Gold.[2]
Maintenance
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The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) offers easy access to internals with nine screws.[2]
Upgradeable components:[2]
- RAM
- Storage (with space for a 2.5-inch SATA drive, although a mounting cable is not included in the box)
Cooling System
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The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) has decent thermal and noise handling.[2]
Heat
The keyboard temperature while idle is 24 °C, and under load, it reaches 48 °C.[2]
Noise
The fan noise while idle is 25.0 dBA, and under load, it reaches 44.5 dBA.[2]
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) ships with a 65W power adapter.[1]
The laptop's power consumption is reasonable for its performance level, but users should be aware that it does not support USB-C charging.[2]
Battery Life
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) comes with a 42 WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion battery.[1]
The battery life during light tasks is limited, making it necessary to carry the charger for extended use.[2]
Benchmarks:
- WiFi Browsing: 6.6 hours
- Video Playback: 4.7 hours
- Gaming: 1.1 hours
Biometrics
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The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) includes a fingerprint sensor located at the top right corner of the touchpad.[1]
The fingerprint sensor allows for quick logins and authorization for purchases, enhancing security and convenience.[2]
Software
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The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) ships with Windows 10 or 11, depending on the region and manufacturing date.[1]
Preinstalled Software
The laptop comes with various preinstalled software, including Disney+, Microsoft 365 (30-day trial), Norton Security Ultra (trial), MyASUS (for power and fan control), and more.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) includes a backpack, wired optical mouse (USB), and carry bag. Included accessories vary according to country and territory.[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) is considered a decent ultraportable laptop for everyday tasks such as school, multimedia, and light productivity. It offers a bright OLED display, a variety of Intel 11th Gen CPUs, and options for dedicated NVIDIA graphics. However, its battery life is limited, and the keyboard can be tiring for extended use. The laptop is suitable for users who need a portable device for everyday tasks but may not be suitable for demanding workloads or long periods of use without charging.<=== Problems Summary === The ASUS Vivobook 15 (2021) has several drawbacks that users should be aware of:
- The keyboard can be tiring to use for extended periods due to the high actuation force required.
- The touchpad only allows clicking towards the bottom, which may be limiting for some users.
- The build quality is not particularly sturdy, with noticeable flex in the keyboard deck and display.
- The battery life is limited, making it necessary to carry the charger for extended use.
- The USB-C port only supports data transfer and cannot be used for charging or video output.
- The HDMI port is limited to 4k @ 30Hz, which may not be sufficient for high-refresh-rate monitors.
- The speakers lack bass, which may not satisfy audiophiles.
- The laptop does not support USB-C charging.
- The cooling system, while decent, can result in high keyboard temperatures under load.
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 "Vivobook 15 (2021) Specifications". ASUS.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 "ASUS VivoBook 15 OLED K513 (2021) Review". RTINGS.