If you’re in the market for a laptop that perfectly balances performance, portability, and price, the ASUS Vivobook 15 with Intel Core i5-12500H 12th Gen is one to seriously consider. This laptop isn’t just another device to check your emails or browse social media; it’s designed to meet the needs of professionals, students, and casual gamers alike. Let’s dive into the specifics and see why this laptop is gaining attention.
ASUS Vivobook 15
Sleek and Portable Design
The first thing that catches your eye about the ASUS Vivobook 15 is its sleek, modern design. Weighing in at just 1.7 kg, this laptop is incredibly light for a 15.6-inch device. Whether you’re a student hopping between classes or a professional on the move, this laptop is easy to carry around without feeling like a burden. The thin profile doesn’t just make it portable but also adds to its overall aesthetic appeal. The blue color variant is particularly striking, offering a refreshing break from the usual silver and black options on the market.
The build quality is decent for a laptop in this price range. While it’s primarily made of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap. The keyboard deck has a bit of flex, but it’s nothing that affects everyday use. The hinge mechanism is smooth and allows you to open the laptop with one hand, which is always a nice touch.
Display: Crisp and Vibrant
The 15.6-inch Full HD display on the ASUS Vivobook 15 is another highlight. With a resolution of 1920×1080, the screen delivers sharp and clear visuals, making it perfect for watching movies, editing photos, or even working on detailed spreadsheets. The colors are vibrant, and the viewing angles are decent, although they might not be as wide as some higher-end models. And the anti-glare coating helps to reduce reflections, making it easier to use in bright environments.
However, the brightness could have been a bit higher. In outdoor settings or under direct sunlight, you might find yourself squinting to see the screen clearly. But for indoor use, it performs admirably.
Performance: A True Workhorse
Under the hood, the ASUS Vivobook 15 packs a punch with the Intel Core i5-12500H 12th Gen processor. This chip is part of Intel’s latest lineup, designed to handle multitasking and more demanding tasks with ease. Whether you’re running multiple tabs in Chrome, working on Office 2021 applications, or doing light photo editing, this laptop handles it all without breaking a sweat.
The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most users, providing a smooth and responsive experience. However, if you’re a heavy multitasker or plan to do more intensive work like video editing, you might find yourself wishing for an upgrade to 16GB. The 512GB SSD offers ample storage space and contributes to the laptop’s fast boot times and quick file access.
For those into casual gaming, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle less demanding titles without too much trouble. Don’t expect to run the latest AAA games on high settings, but for games like CS:GO, Dota 2, or even some lighter 3D titles, the performance is respectable.
Battery Life: Reliable, If Not Extraordinary
Battery life is always a crucial factor for a laptop, especially one designed for portability. The ASUS Vivobook 15 delivers a decent performance in this department. On a full charge, you can expect around 6-7 hours of mixed usage, including browsing, document editing, and streaming videos. This isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s sufficient for a typical workday or a few classes. Keep in mind, though, that more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing will drain the battery faster.
The laptop charges via a standard power adapter, and it takes around 2 hours to go from 0% to 100%. Fast charging would have been a nice addition, but considering the price point, it’s not a dealbreaker.
Software and Features
Out of the box, the ASUS Vivobook 15 comes with Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. Windows 11 is optimized for productivity, offering a sleek interface and a host of new features that make multitasking easier. You also get Microsoft Office 2021 pre-installed, which is a great bonus for students and professionals alike.
The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with decent key travel and spacing. It’s not backlit, which might be a downside if you often work in low-light environments. The trackpad is responsive and supports Windows Precision drivers, making it a breeze to use gestures and multi-touch commands.
For connectivity, the laptop is equipped with a good selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. This ensures that you can easily connect your peripherals without needing multiple dongles.
Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Package
The ASUS Vivobook 15 with Intel Core i5-12500H 12th Gen is a well-rounded laptop that offers excellent value for money. It’s not a high-end machine, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it focuses on delivering solid performance, good portability, and a pleasing design, all at a reasonable price.
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle everyday tasks with ease, while also being portable enough to take on the go, the ASUS Vivobook 15 is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday use, this model is definitely worth considering.
