popularDr.W posted Dec 16, 2025 01:26 PM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
popularDr.W posted Dec 16, 2025 01:26 PM
YMMV: ASUS Zenbook S16 (Open-Boxes): Ryzen AI 9 365, 16" 3K 120Hz OLED Touch, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD $582.99
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Also your warranty from ASUS will suck. 90 days and after that if you need service, BB will charge you a deductible to repair it. There is a slim chance if you contact ASUS after buying it, they might reset the warranty to a full year from date of purchase, but don't count on it.
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I am enjoying the 16" form factor much better.
the 3k resolution is I think ideal for OLED. The 1900x1200 OLED in the 14 had too noticeable rainbow effect especially around text. It's dark now but, it gets blindingly bright in the darkness. However, the glossy screen I am sure will be very unforgiving in sunlight, regardless of brightness.
The touchpad is yuge, and is pleasant to use, similar to the 14, but the size increase is more pleasant.
For Asus laptops, I use G-Helper which is very nice to switch power profiles and disable in one click the Asus bloatware services that run in the background. I can instantly switch between 60hz to 120hz as well depending on how much battery life I'd like.
I run it in "silent mode" for normal usage, which right now, I am watching netflix, have several tabs open on firefox while typing this review sitting on the couch with this in my lap.
Silent mode is still very powerful and it is very fast for normal usage. I am sure battery life will be quite long.
It's very pleasant, and it's not very warm or discomforting.
If I switch it to balanced, it does get a little warm, but not terrible.
The speakers are decent quality, again improved from the 14.
The SSD is a Samsung MZVL81T0HELB, no complaints.
The wifi solution is a Mediatek MT7925. I'll have to test it with some bluetooth speakers. The Mediatek in the 14 has MISERABLE latency and huge bluetooth sound delays connected to some Edifiers, so I'll have to try it later and see if this mediatek model has that fixed.
On WiFi, I get 673.58mbps down which is the max my cheap router will output, upload is weak though at 130mbps. Compare to my wired desktop at 946down/806up.
I haven't played any games on it yet, but it will do much better than my 14, which played minecraft and civ 6 fine, does anyone need to be playing anything else?
I always go through and clear out any microsoft or vendor/asus related bloat on a new install. I don't like vendor software, but I will give it to Asus, MyAsus app makes it easy to install new bios and even SSD firmware.
I really don't like that the front facing camera doesn't have a privacy cover though, so best you can do is disable it in the device manager and/or use a little piece of tape.
The aluminum frame is very sturdy feeling, and reminds me of my ancient Zenbook UX31 back in 2012, which was an absolute tank. it's sturdier (no flexing) compared to the 14.
Overall, I think this is my favorite laptop I've owned. At this price, it's phenomenal value.
My unit at excellent condition did not come with the original packaging, just the AC adapter and laptop, but it is in perfect condition. Open box condition is highly YMMV based on who in store is grading them.
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