ASUS Vivobook S 14 S5406 14" Review

The ASUS Vivobook S 14 S5406 is a solid ultraportable that makes a few smart bets. It's packing 32GB of RAM, which puts it in the 70th percentile for memory, and a sharp 14-inch OLED screen. That combo makes it a great pick for anyone who multitasks hard or just loves a good-looking display. But it's built around Intel's new 258V 8-core chip, and its CPU performance sits right in the middle of the pack at the 55th percentile. This isn't a raw power machine, it's a balanced one designed for portability and everyday work.

Let's talk numbers. The CPU lands at the 55th percentile. That means it's perfectly capable for office apps, web browsing, and even some light photo editing, but it won't win any rendering races. The real star is the 32GB of RAM. That's a ton of headroom for having dozens of browser tabs open while running Slack, Teams, and a spreadsheet, all without a hiccup. The 1TB SSD is also a nice touch, landing in the 65th percentile for storage. Just know the integrated graphics are a major limitation, scoring in the bottom 18th percentile. This thing is not for gaming or serious video work.

Priced at $1300, the value proposition is clear. You're paying for that generous 32GB of RAM and the OLED screen in a thin and light chassis. Most laptops at this weight and price cap out at 16GB, so if you know you need the memory, this is a compelling offer. You are, however, trading away some CPU grunt and all gaming potential. It's a focused value play for the multitasker who prioritizes screen quality and future-proof memory over raw processing power.

Compared directly, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 with M4 is in another league for CPU and GPU performance, but it costs a lot more and starts with less RAM. The ASUS Zenbook Duo offers wild dual-screen productivity but is heavier and more expensive. For a more direct Windows alternative, many Lenovo Yoga or Dell XPS models around this price will have stronger CPUs (like an Intel Ultra 7) but often only 16GB of RAM. The Vivobook S 14's pitch is simple: if your workflow eats RAM and you want a great OLED, it's a unique spot. If you need more balanced power or better graphics, those competitors make a stronger case.

The Vivobook S 14 S5406 is a specialist. If you're a student, researcher, or business user who constantly runs memory-hungry applications and values a gorgeous, portable screen, its 32GB of RAM and OLED display are a fantastic combo. The average CPU and weak graphics are real trade-offs, though. For $1300, it's a great buy for a very specific user—the professional multitasker who lives in their browser and office suite. If your needs are more general, or if you ever want to play a game, look at the competition.