Qualcomm announced the flagship Snapdragon X Elite processor at the 2023 Snapdragon Summit. Since it was first installed in many notebooks in the middle of last year, it is now also being used bySnapdragon X processorCreate more lightweight, suitable for long-term use, and also compatible with Windows Copilot artificial intelligence application experience.
In addition to last year's release of the Vivobook S15 (S5507) powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, ASUS also introduced a new and improved model in the Vivobook S series this year: the more accessible Vivobook S14 (S3407). This model boasts a Snapdragon X processor for full performance, a slim and portable design, and is capable of meeting most mobile work and daily needs.
A Brief Review of the Snapdragon X Processor
The Snapdragon X processor, announced earlier this year, is positioned as a more entry-level processor compared to the previously released Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. However, it still boasts 45 TOPS of NPU computing power, allowing Windows laptops powered by this processor to still comply with Microsoft's "Copilot+ PC" design while remaining priced under $600.
The reason it fits into Microsoft's "Copilot+ PC" design is that the Snapdragon X processor's NPU still offers 45 TOPS of computing power. The overall design still features an octa-core Oryon CPU running at 8GHz, but the boost function of previous processors has been removed. The Adreno GPU maintains the same 3.0 TFLOPS performance as the entry-level Snapdragon X Plus processor.
Other specifications include support for LPDDR8448x memory specifications with a data transmission efficiency of 5 MT/s, as well as PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs, 5G networking capabilities, and up to Wi-Fi 7 wireless transmission. It still supports the simultaneous connection of three 3K4 display output monitors, or two QHD resolution, 60Hz frame refresh rate monitor display outputs.
From an overall positioning perspective, the Snapdragon X processor specifications primarily differ in the number of CPU cores, maximum operating clock speed, and the ability to upclock. The GPU computing power is also positioned at the entry-level level, but the NPU computing power remains the same as the previously released processors. The processors also utilize the same memory specifications, meaning they can still deliver similar computing performance for AI-focused applications and even offer up to 30 hours of battery life.
Vivobook S14 Hardware Specifications
This time, I experienced the Vivobook S14 equipped with a Snapdragon X processor. It not only meets the "Copilot+ PC" design, but also uses Microsoft's new Windows 11 artificial intelligence application functions. For example, it can use artificial intelligence to analyze the text or image clicked by the user and then perform corresponding operations.Click to DoIt is also equipped with ASUS's intelligent digital asset management application "StoryCube", allowing users to manage files seamlessly and efficiently.
In terms of hardware specifications, the Vivobook S14 uses a 14-inch IPS anti-glare display panel with a 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600) and a 60Hz refresh rate. The entire machine weighs 1.3 kg and also meets the MIL-STD-810H US military standard for shock resistance and operation in high-altitude and low-temperature environments.
The display panel has a brightness of 400 nits and complies with TÜV Rheinland's low blue light hardware certification and anti-glare coating, allowing for comfortable viewing of content for extended periods. The 16:10 aspect ratio allows for 180-degree viewing, making it convenient for document processing, content discussion, and more.
In addition, the AiSense video camera on the screen supports Full HD image quality shooting specifications and has an infrared function for identifying whether the user is in front of the screen. It also supports Windows Hello facial recognition, which can be used for identity recognition login or to help keep the face in the center of the screen during video conferencing. The video camera also has a mask design, which allows users to avoid potential privacy issues by physically blocking it.
While it lacks the ErgoLift design of the Zenbook series, which allows the body to be slightly lifted up after the screen lid is opened to increase bottom-level heat dissipation, the Vivobook S14 does provide ample heat dissipation space through raised rubber pads at the bottom. The keyboard also uses the same metallic color as the lid and is equipped with a black, standard-sized ErgoSense chiclet keyboard. The touchpad supports the same smart gesture control functions as the Zenbook series, making it easy for users to adjust screen brightness and volume, or fast-forward playback content.
Other specifications include Wi-Fi 6E wireless networking specifications (Wi-Fi 7 is not supported), support for Bluetooth 5.3, and Snapdragon Sound audio technology, which can correspond to aptX Adaptive encoded audio playback, which means that 24-bit/96kHz high-quality audio playback can also be achieved through Bluetooth.
As for sound output, the Vivobook S14 is equipped with a dual-speaker design and supports technologies such as ASUS Audio Booster, as well as Dolby Atmos technology.
Although ASUS provides an integrated 65W USB-C charger with a non-detachable cable in the original box, the Vivobook S14 can actually provide a maximum battery life of 30.5 hours. In fact, you don't necessarily need a charger when carrying it out. On the contrary, it can reduce some weight and you don't have to worry too much about power consumption.
Hardware performance
The Vivobook S14's Snapdragon X processor, specifically the "X1-26-100," features eight Oryon CPU cores, a maximum operating frequency of 8GHz, 3.0MB of cache memory, an Adreno GPU capable of 30 TFLOPS of computing power, and a Hexagon NPU offering 1.7TOPS of computing power. Overall, its performance is roughly equivalent to that of an Intel Core Ultra 45 U-series processor.
Since it does not have a frequency-increasing design, the overall computing performance output is relatively average, but it still maintains an 8-core configuration, so it is still sufficient for handling multi-tasking operations.
Although 16GB of memory can cope with general daily usage needs, it may be a bit difficult to handle more browser tabs, run different applications at the same time, or even edit complex audio and video content.
Gaming performance?
The Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon X processor is compatible with Microsoft's DirectX 12 API, so it shouldn't have a problem running most DirectX 12-based games. It's even compatible with content created with game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. However, overall performance is similar to that of an entry-level discrete graphics card, more closely matching that of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or Intel Iris Xe.
Judging from the positioning of the Snapdragon X processor, its Adreno GPU's performance and gaming applications are primarily focused on accelerating AI computing and handling basic graphics. Furthermore, judging by the Vivobook S14's product positioning and market price, gaming is naturally not its primary function, with the device prioritizing long battery life and lightweight office tasks.
Experience using the "Copilot+ PC" feature and ASUS's "AI PC" service
As it complies with the "Copilot+ PC" design, the keyboard also includes a Copilot shortcut key, allowing users to quickly launch the Copilot AI smart assistant. The Vivobook S14 can also smoothly execute various artificial intelligence functions equipped with Windows 11, such as the most basic Copilot digital assistant service, Windows Studio effects, real-time assistive subtitles, Mini Paint, as well as application functions such as changing the background during video calls and eliminating background noise.
The new version of Windows 11 adds a "Click to Do" function that can be activated by combining the Windows key and the left mouse button, or the Windows key and the Q key. It can provide search, image storage or sharing for the content displayed on the screen, and can even be opened through apps such as Painter and subsequent operations can be performed.
At the same time, Microsoft has previously introduced many times and touted the "Recall" function, which all operations are processed on the device side. It allows the system to automatically record the user's PC operation behavior according to time, allowing users to quickly review it later, such as confirming when a file was placed in a certain location, or whether it was accidentally deleted.
Other features include the newly added image generation function in Mini Paint and Photos, as well as the recently added Super Resolution and Reshape Image modes, making it easier for users to create with artificial intelligence. The Super Resolution function leverages the NPU computing power of the Snapdragon X processor to quickly increase photo resolution by up to 8 times while further preserving image details. The Reshape Image mode can change the image presentation style based on user input prompts or selected presets.
As for the "StoryCube" provided by ASUS, it can help users categorize the content of many photos through artificial intelligence calculations. Similar to the built-in functions of most mobile phone albums, the system will automatically analyze the faces and scenes in the photos, thereby quickly categorizing the photos according to conditions such as people and scenes. It also makes it convenient for users to quickly find specific photos according to the classification in the future.
Summary: Perhaps it is more suitable for digital nomadic use?
While the Snapdragon X processor's performance is entry-level, it can still support the artificial intelligence computing power required by the "Copilot+ PC" design and is compatible with many of Microsoft's Copilot application functions, thereby realizing an AI PC experience.
On the other hand, thanks to its Arm architecture design, the Vivobook S14, equipped with a Snapdragon X processor, also boasts up to 30 hours of battery life (according to official data, under light usage). With regular use, it can maintain a minimum of 17 hours of battery life, making it easy to use all day without plugging in.
In terms of price, the Vivobook S14 is priced below NT$3 and is equipped with a 14-inch, 2.5K resolution display screen and a complete connection port design. Although it is a pity that it only provides 16GB of memory capacity, it can actually meet most daily usage scenarios. Even if it cannot meet the needs of 3A-level gaming, it is enough to handle most document processing, online meetings, web browsing, and even simple video editing and processing needs.
On the other hand, in the current situation where digital nomadism is prevalent,Vivobook S14With features for long-term use, sufficient computing performance, and an affordable price, it is actually quite suitable for the needs of digital nomadic work.
For those seeking more advanced features, ASUS currently offers a comprehensive selection of Snapdragon X, Snapdragon X Plus, and Snapdragon X Elite processor-based devices, providing users with a wide range of choices. Qualcomm's ongoing collaboration with Microsoft will further enhance hardware and software integration with Windows 11, ensuring high compatibility with most Windows applications. This makes recent Windows on Snapdragon devices more accessible to everyday users, even enabling mainstream AI applications.
