There’s a palpable shift in the premium ultrabook segment, and ASUS seems keen on leading the charge with its latest ASUS VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED (S5406SA). With a starting price of ₹99,990—though often found at a more attractive ₹89,990 on Amazon.in—this sleek, Copilot+ PC aims directly at power users, frequent travelers, and digital creatives who demand uncompromising performance without lugging around bulk. But how does this ultrabook fare under close scrutiny, especially given the jam-packed competition in 2025? Let’s dive in, examining not just the technical specifications ASUS touts, but the lived experience of using this machine as a daily driver, as well as weighing the risks and notable advantages.
Right out of the box, the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED impresses with its class-leading slim profile—just 13.9mm at its thinnest point. The premium aluminum alloy chassis feels both rigid and sophisticated, avoiding the flex or creaking typical of cheaper builds. Weighing in at about 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs), and measuring 31.05 cm x 22.19 cm, portability is clearly a design mandate. Notably, the device is MIL-STD 810H-certified, meaning it’s been tested for durability against drops, vibration, humidity, and more—an assurance that will resonate with users who work on-the-go or commute frequently.
Subtle design perks abound, from the effortless one-handed hinge operation (which also lies flat to 180°, perfect for collaboration) to color choices like Mist Blue that cater to both business and personal preferences. The underside sports pronounced rubber grips for desk stability and effective heat dissipation, while bottom-firing Harmon Kardon stereo speakers are thoughtfully placed for optimal casual listening.
If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that the understated minimalist styling may be perceived as bland next to the edgier or more stylized competition. However, for many professional or university environments, this is likely to be an asset, not a liability.
With VESA Certified DisplayHDR True Black 600, a peak brightness of 600 nits, and an 87% screen-to-body ratio, expectations for color vibrance and contrast are justifiably high, and real-world use doesn’t disappoint. Blacks are as inky as OLED tech promises, and wide viewing angles ensure group watching or off-angle viewing doesn’t diminish clarity or saturation. TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification means reduced eye strain for marathon work or streaming sessions.
One area where the display plays it safe is with refresh rate—capped at 60 Hz. While gamers might pine for higher rates found in ASUS’s own ROG series, the decision aligns with the ultrabook’s target: work-first users who prize battery longevity over ultra-smooth high-FPS visuals.
ASUS integrates the power button into the keyboard for streamlined aesthetics, and a dedicated Copilot key brings rapid access to Microsoft’s AI features—a glimpse of future productivity. The large precision touchpad responds fluidly to multi-touch gestures, with a glass-like finish that matches the device’s elevated fit and finish.
Intel Arc integrated graphics fill the GPU slot. While not a dedicated gaming solution, they compare favorably with past UHD and Iris Xe variants, enabling light video editing, basic photo manipulation, and even some moderate gaming (think eSports titles or indie games at medium settings). For those expecting workstation-grade or AAA gaming chops, a dedicated GPU ultrabook or a gaming laptop would be a better fit.
AI & NPU Capabilities: Future-Proof, but Under-Utilized
A marquee feature is the inclusion of an on-chip Intel AI Boost NPU, boasting up to 47 TOPS (trillion operations per second) in the flagship model. In principle, this enables local AI tasks—noise suppression, live background blurring, and more—at lower power draw and higher responsiveness than cloud-based or CPU-bound alternates.
But, as reviewed, the current software ecosystem lags. Tests of the Copilot+ PC’s AI functionalities show promising results for Microsoft’s Studio Effects (auto-framing, noise canceling, background effects in video calls), but local AI model acceleration (like LLM inferencing through DeepSeek in Ollama) remains unoptimized, often defaulting back to the CPU. For potential buyers eyeing the VIVOBOOK as a personal AI workstation, it’s wise to recognize this “future-ready” hardware awaits more robust everyday software support.
The MyASUS utility is a noteworthy value add. Acting as a command center, it allows easy management of fan profiles, battery life, driver updates, and one-click diagnostics. ASUS’s suite of smart apps—like GlideX (device integration), ScreenXpert (multi-screen management), and StoryCube for AI-assisted media sorting—further enhance productivity, though some features will appeal more to certain use cases than others.
Security, Privacy, and Compliance
The VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED incorporates Microsoft’s Pluton security processor, firmware TPM, and an IR webcam supporting Windows Hello facial authentication—all vital for modern remote/hybrid work. The webcam includes a physical privacy shutter for real-world peace of mind. Compliance with REACH, RoHS, and Energy Star 8.0 standards signals ASUS’s attention to environmental and energy concerns.
A singular RAM/storage configuration simplifies buying but may disappoint power users hoping for upgradable memory or storage down the line—a limitation shared with most ultra-slim notebooks.
ASUS’s IceCool cooling system manages thermals well, with heat spread across the underside and upper keyboard. Fans spin up under sustained heavy loads (benchmarking, extended rendering, etc.) but remain unobtrusive during normal productivity. The only caveat is that noise levels and heat may be more noticeable compared to Apple’s silent M-series MacBooks, but the ASUS holds its own in actual throttling avoidance until pushed well past typical office loads.
Charging is handled by a compact 65W USB Type-C fast charger. Support for Power Delivery (PD) means you can top up with everything from your smartphone charger to a hefty power bank. Whether docked or traveling, charging flexibility is a genuine, practical strength—helpful for professionals and students alike.
Given the package—display, battery, durability, and top-tier CPU—this pricing is fair, and even aggressive, considering the utility and real-world value delivered.
Caveats do exist. The AI-focused NPU capabilities, while exciting, are hampered by nascent software support—a problem likely to resolve itself as the Windows AI ecosystem matures. Lack of hardware upgradability and the 60 Hz refresh rate won’t fit all tastes, but these are reasonable trade-offs for most.
In a segment where meaningful differentiation is hard, the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED makes a persuasive case—rooted not in flashy gimmicks, but in fundamentals: screen quality, battery life, and day-to-day reliability. If you’re shopping for a premium Windows ultrabook with an eye to the AI-powered future, this ASUS machine absolutely deserves a place on your shortlist.
Source: MobiGyaan ASUS VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED (S5406SA) Notebook Review - Brilliant Display, Top-Notch Performance, Solid Battery Life
Design: Modern, Minimal, and Portable
Right out of the box, the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED impresses with its class-leading slim profile—just 13.9mm at its thinnest point. The premium aluminum alloy chassis feels both rigid and sophisticated, avoiding the flex or creaking typical of cheaper builds. Weighing in at about 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs), and measuring 31.05 cm x 22.19 cm, portability is clearly a design mandate. Notably, the device is MIL-STD 810H-certified, meaning it’s been tested for durability against drops, vibration, humidity, and more—an assurance that will resonate with users who work on-the-go or commute frequently.Subtle design perks abound, from the effortless one-handed hinge operation (which also lies flat to 180°, perfect for collaboration) to color choices like Mist Blue that cater to both business and personal preferences. The underside sports pronounced rubber grips for desk stability and effective heat dissipation, while bottom-firing Harmon Kardon stereo speakers are thoughtfully placed for optimal casual listening.
If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that the understated minimalist styling may be perceived as bland next to the edgier or more stylized competition. However, for many professional or university environments, this is likely to be an asset, not a liability.
Display: OLED Brilliance Lives Up to Hype
The display is where the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED truly steals the show. The 14-inch Lumina OLED panel offers a sharp WUXGA resolution (1,920 x 1,200) with a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio. This taller vertical format means you’ll see more on-screen at once—be it code, spreadsheets, or documents—reducing needless scrolling and boosting efficiency.With VESA Certified DisplayHDR True Black 600, a peak brightness of 600 nits, and an 87% screen-to-body ratio, expectations for color vibrance and contrast are justifiably high, and real-world use doesn’t disappoint. Blacks are as inky as OLED tech promises, and wide viewing angles ensure group watching or off-angle viewing doesn’t diminish clarity or saturation. TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification means reduced eye strain for marathon work or streaming sessions.
One area where the display plays it safe is with refresh rate—capped at 60 Hz. While gamers might pine for higher rates found in ASUS’s own ROG series, the decision aligns with the ultrabook’s target: work-first users who prize battery longevity over ultra-smooth high-FPS visuals.
Keyboard & Trackpad: Productivity-Focused Extras
Typing on the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED is a genuinely pleasant experience. The chiclet keyboard offers a solid 1.7mm key travel, and a responsive, tactile scissor mechanism makes long typing sessions less fatiguing. RGB illumination is a welcome touch—customizable yet restrained. There is no dedicated Numpad, but unless you’re crunching spreadsheets all day, you’re unlikely to notice its absence.ASUS integrates the power button into the keyboard for streamlined aesthetics, and a dedicated Copilot key brings rapid access to Microsoft’s AI features—a glimpse of future productivity. The large precision touchpad responds fluidly to multi-touch gestures, with a glass-like finish that matches the device’s elevated fit and finish.
Connectivity: Comprehensive and Future-proof
With cutting-edge ultrabooks, port selection is often a pain point, but ASUS makes a strong showing here:- 2 x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 (right side)
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (left side, with display/power delivery, up to 40Gbps)
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS
- 1 x 3.5mm combo audio jack
- 1 x Micro SD card reader
Performance: Intel Core Ultra Series Sets New Standard
At its heart, the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED is powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 2 processors, a generational leap that focuses as much on power efficiency as raw speed. Buyers can choose between the Core Ultra 5 226V (up to 4.5GHz, 8 cores/8 threads, 8 MB cache, 40 TOPS NPU) or the more powerful Core Ultra 7 256V (up to 4.8GHz, 8 cores/8 threads, 12MB cache, 47 TOPS NPU). Both are paired with 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and a snappy 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD (benchmarked at over 6,000 MB/s read and 4,000 MB/s write) for ecosystem-wide rapid-fire launch times and multitasking without perceived lag.Intel Arc integrated graphics fill the GPU slot. While not a dedicated gaming solution, they compare favorably with past UHD and Iris Xe variants, enabling light video editing, basic photo manipulation, and even some moderate gaming (think eSports titles or indie games at medium settings). For those expecting workstation-grade or AAA gaming chops, a dedicated GPU ultrabook or a gaming laptop would be a better fit.
AI & NPU Capabilities: Future-Proof, but Under-Utilized
A marquee feature is the inclusion of an on-chip Intel AI Boost NPU, boasting up to 47 TOPS (trillion operations per second) in the flagship model. In principle, this enables local AI tasks—noise suppression, live background blurring, and more—at lower power draw and higher responsiveness than cloud-based or CPU-bound alternates.
But, as reviewed, the current software ecosystem lags. Tests of the Copilot+ PC’s AI functionalities show promising results for Microsoft’s Studio Effects (auto-framing, noise canceling, background effects in video calls), but local AI model acceleration (like LLM inferencing through DeepSeek in Ollama) remains unoptimized, often defaulting back to the CPU. For potential buyers eyeing the VIVOBOOK as a personal AI workstation, it’s wise to recognize this “future-ready” hardware awaits more robust everyday software support.
Software: Streamlined Windows 11, ASUS Value-Adds
Out of the box, the notebook runs Windows 11 Home and includes Microsoft Office Home 2024 (lifetime license) and a year of Microsoft 365 Basic. The OS feels snappy, stable, and refreshingly devoid of unnecessary bloat.The MyASUS utility is a noteworthy value add. Acting as a command center, it allows easy management of fan profiles, battery life, driver updates, and one-click diagnostics. ASUS’s suite of smart apps—like GlideX (device integration), ScreenXpert (multi-screen management), and StoryCube for AI-assisted media sorting—further enhance productivity, though some features will appeal more to certain use cases than others.
Security, Privacy, and Compliance
The VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED incorporates Microsoft’s Pluton security processor, firmware TPM, and an IR webcam supporting Windows Hello facial authentication—all vital for modern remote/hybrid work. The webcam includes a physical privacy shutter for real-world peace of mind. Compliance with REACH, RoHS, and Energy Star 8.0 standards signals ASUS’s attention to environmental and energy concerns.
Real-World Use: Multitasking, Thermals, and Acoustics
Everyday performance is lively, regardless of whether you opt for the Core Ultra 5 or 7. Office suites, multiple browser tabs, video conferencing, and even mid-level creative work flow smoothly thanks to the fast RAM and SSD pairing.A singular RAM/storage configuration simplifies buying but may disappoint power users hoping for upgradable memory or storage down the line—a limitation shared with most ultra-slim notebooks.
ASUS’s IceCool cooling system manages thermals well, with heat spread across the underside and upper keyboard. Fans spin up under sustained heavy loads (benchmarking, extended rendering, etc.) but remain unobtrusive during normal productivity. The only caveat is that noise levels and heat may be more noticeable compared to Apple’s silent M-series MacBooks, but the ASUS holds its own in actual throttling avoidance until pushed well past typical office loads.
Battery Life: All-Day Power, Rapid Top-Ups
The VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED’s 75 Wh battery consistently delivers real-world battery life comfortably in the “all-day” range—eight to ten hours in mixed use scenarios (web browsing, office work, some media playback, and video calls). This puts it on par, if not ahead, of other ultrabooks in its class, greatly aided by the efficiency of both the OLED panel and Intel’s newest silicon.Charging is handled by a compact 65W USB Type-C fast charger. Support for Power Delivery (PD) means you can top up with everything from your smartphone charger to a hefty power bank. Whether docked or traveling, charging flexibility is a genuine, practical strength—helpful for professionals and students alike.
Critical Analysis: Strengths, Gaps, and Market Position
Strengths:- Display Quality: The OLED panel is unmatched at this price, with true blacks, vivid color reproduction, and eye comfort built in.
- Performance: Intel Core Ultra Series delivers snappy everyday use and multi-app multitasking. The SSD and fast RAM further eliminate bottlenecks.
- Portability: At 1.3 kg and sub-14mm thin, it’s genuinely easy to carry.
- Battery Endurance: Up to 10 hours of use is achievable, rivaling or beating Apple and Lenovo competitors.
- Build Quality: MIL-STD 810H durability, premium aluminum build—confidence inspiring.
- Connectivity: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4—a well-equipped future-ready ultrabook.
- Software Support: Windows 11 with lifetime Office and MyASUS suite is a real value driver.
- Unrealized NPU Potential: While the NPU is powerful on paper, lack of wide software adoption (as of mid-2025) means it feels like untapped horsepower.
- Limited Upgradability: Fixed 16 GB RAM may be a deal-breaker for those whose needs grow over the years; no option for more storage at purchase either.
- 60 Hz Display: Perfectly adequate for all but gaming or very high-refresh workflows. While not a flaw per se in this class, competitors offer 90 Hz or 120 Hz in select models for extra fluidity.
- Thermal and Acoustic Management: Warmth and modest noise under heavy load are typical in this segment, but seeking absolute silence ala Apple’s passively cooled MacBooks could lead to disappointment.
- Minimalist Design: Lacks the “wow” factor of more flamboyant laptops, potentially unappealing to some users.
Pricing and Availability: Competitive with a Premium Edge
ASUS has priced the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED (S5406SA) sharply given its feature set and OLED advantage. The Core Ultra 5 model (16 GB + 512 GB) is widely available at ₹89,990 via Amazon.in and ASUS e-shop, while the Core Ultra 7 variant runs ₹1,04,990. Both are sold across leading retailers, with periodic discounts and bundles that frequently sweeten the deal further.Given the package—display, battery, durability, and top-tier CPU—this pricing is fair, and even aggressive, considering the utility and real-world value delivered.
Conclusion: A Standout Ultrabook Prepared for the AI Future
The ASUS VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED (S5406SA) is not just another sleek, thin laptop. With its vibrant OLED display, robust construction, modern components, and sincere battery performance, it confidently claims a spot among the very best ultrabooks you can buy in 2025. For students, professionals, and even creators who prioritize display quality, portability, and reliable everyday performance, this machine is as close to a no-brainer as the crowded ultrabook space offers.Caveats do exist. The AI-focused NPU capabilities, while exciting, are hampered by nascent software support—a problem likely to resolve itself as the Windows AI ecosystem matures. Lack of hardware upgradability and the 60 Hz refresh rate won’t fit all tastes, but these are reasonable trade-offs for most.
In a segment where meaningful differentiation is hard, the VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED makes a persuasive case—rooted not in flashy gimmicks, but in fundamentals: screen quality, battery life, and day-to-day reliability. If you’re shopping for a premium Windows ultrabook with an eye to the AI-powered future, this ASUS machine absolutely deserves a place on your shortlist.
Source: MobiGyaan ASUS VIVOBOOK S 14 OLED (S5406SA) Notebook Review - Brilliant Display, Top-Notch Performance, Solid Battery Life
