Asus vivobook s15 s532f review in Spanish (complete analysis)

Asus VivoBook S15 S532F is presented this 2019 with the hybrid touch screen and touchpad called ScreenPad 2.0. A useful tool that was implemented with the ZenBook Pro 15 and has now been extended to other models of the brand and has improved considerably since its first version.

The VivoBook is a versatile, very thin, general-purpose laptop with glimpses of quality and design with plenty of options to choose from and even various colors. We will see during the review how this variant S532F performs with the Core i5-8265U, the most basic version of the new Asus range.

And we cannot start without first thanking Asus for their trust in us, a long-time partner and dedicated to our reviews.

Asus VivoBook S15 S532F technical characteristics

Unboxing

Asus VivoBook S15 S532F is presented to us in a fairly minimalist neutral cardboard box that in turn serves as a packaging for a second box that is next to a transport case. It is a great detail of the brand to include accessories like this one. We then open the main box, which will be a case type to find the laptop well protected by polyethylene foam and a bag.

In total, we have the following accessories in the bundle:

• Asus VivoBook S15 S532F Laptop Cloth Carrying Case External Power Supply User Manual Ornament Sticks

Ultra-thin NanoEdge design

One of the strengths of this Asus VivoBook S15 S532F and overall of this entire family of Asus notebooks is its ultra- slim design. In addition, the models have been refined in this generation to provide us with some details of quality and that improve the performance of the equipment. In general, it is a team designed for portability without sacrificing performance or autonomy, although this time we are dealing with the model with more discreet hardware than those that have been presented.

Later we will see all this in detail, but now let's focus on its appearance. It is a laptop with a Max-Q design made of aluminum and plastic. Specifically, we have the entire aluminum lid and interior area, while the base is plastic. It is presented in various pastel colors, such as pink or green, although our model is silver gray, taking advantage of the natural color of aluminum.

The futuristic and sharp design is in perfect harmony with the thin NanoEdge frames of the screen. We are talking about 5 mm for the sides, 8 mm for the upper area and 20 mm for the lower area, although part of it remains hidden. In this way we have a useful area of ​​88% for its 15.6-inch screen. Giving total measurements of 357 mm wide, 320 mm deep and only 18 mm thick. And the set weighs 1.8 kg with battery included.

One of the interesting details of the design is the screen opening system. With two hinges located in the lower frame that makes part of the frame protrude through the lower area. In this way the Asus VivoBook S15 S532F adopts an inclined position for a more comfortable use and helps the air to circulate underneath to improve cooling. Two small rubber feet protect this aluminum frame from scratches by resting it against the ground.

The display lid is barely 5mm thick, but the frame is stiffer than it appears, thus preventing twisting of the imaging panel. Very good overall quality of the finishes, with remarkably thick aluminum plates to increase rigidity, but also a little weight.

If we look at the sides of the Asus VivoBook S15 S532F, we can see that all the controls are located in the left and right area. The rear and front area remain completely clean in view of the user.

This is a notable aesthetic advantage, but in terms of cooling, we only have a grille in the back area that forces hot air to come out in front of the screen. It is relatively large, but thinking of the more powerful variants, it could be small with nothing on the sides. We will see later what this translates to.

We finish with the lower area, which is plastic, and has very few openings for air intake. What's more, we only have two fairly thick grilles where the only fan in the system is located and another two for the speakers in the front area. The set is accompanied by four large rubber feet.

Ports and connections

We will get even closer to these sides to see the distribution of I / O connections that we have in the Asus laptop. Starting from the right side we find:

• MicroSD card reader 3.5mm audio combo + microphone USB 3.1 gen1 Type-CUSB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A HDMI port DC-in power port

And in the left area we find:

• 2x USB 2.0

And it would already be, it is a fairly complete connectivity to be a small team, although we note important absences such as the RJ-45 port for a wired network. Similarly, we see that none of the USB ports are Gen2, this is because the chipset that we have implemented is the Intel ID3E34, a customized version for this type of laptop and very far from the benefits of the HM370.

Main screen

We say main screen because this Asus VivoBook S15 S532F has not one, but two screens including the one integrated in the touchpad, for the functionality of the ScreenPad that we will see later in more detail.

This screen has a 15.6-inch diagonal in 16: 9 format with a native Full HD resolution (1920x1080p). The image panel is IPS LED technology with a density of 141 dpi. We assume that, like the other S15 models, this panel is being manufactured by LG, specifically the LP156WFC-SPD1 model with a contrast of 1, 200: 1 and a brightness of 250 nits.

According to basic specifications, the panel is quite acceptable as it could be assumed for a range of notebooks where you are always looking for a great quality price. In addition, the definition and colors of the panel are splendid, to work or watch multimedia content, a pity that we do not have HDR.

The vertical and horizontal viewing angle is 178⁰ as always in this type of panel. The color representation at these angles is perfect, without any distortion or loss of brightness.

Calibration

We have run some calibration tests for this IPS panel with our Colormunki Display colorimeter, which is X-Rite certified, and free HCFR software. With these tools we will analyze the color graphics of the screen in the DCI-P3 and sRGB spaces, and we will compare the colors that the monitor delivers with respect to the GCD reference palette.

All the color tests have been carried out with a brightness of 50%, and with the factory settings of the panel, which is where we have obtained the best results.

Brightness and Contrast

We have obtained the brightness and contrast measurements of this laptop with the help of HCFR and the results are more than satisfactory. For the first measurement, we have records that in all cases exceed 300 nits (cd / m2), which is great for a panel that does not have HDR.

And the same goes for the contrast, comfortably exceeding 1200: 1, which are very good measurements for this type of panel. Asus does not usually disappoint in this type of components, so we can rest easy with its products.

SRGB color space

We now continue with the calibration tests for the sRGB space, where we see an average Delta E of 5.35, which is not too good. A few interesting records would be below 3, and better yet 2, but we can not ask that any panel be perfect, especially in a laptop that is not oriented to design.

The graphics do show us quite good results from their calibration, with a very well adjusted color temperature at point D65, and quite acceptable RGB levels. The graphics related to blacks and whites do stay far from the reference, as does the Gamma configuration. We value having this color space covered enough, which could be around 80% approximately.

DCI-P3 color space

In this color space we have quite similar registers, with a Delta E greater than 5, although this time the graphics are quite well adjusted to what is considered ideal. It usually occurs in this type of panel, although of course, the color space will be quite limited to just over 60%.

Harman / kardon sound

We now move to the sound section, where this Asus VivoBook S15 S532F leaves us feeling good, but not excellent. First, we have a dual stereo speaker system located in the lower front area. The system is certified by Harman Kardon, like many other brand products, including projectors.

For practical purposes, these two speakers in round configuration provide us with good sound quality even at the highest levels. But of course, the maximum volume is quite discreet, thus avoiding distortion. In addition, the bass is noticeable quite little, I would say that a little less than normal for a laptop, although for its benefit I say that the quality in highs and mids is good, an advantage to watch movies, for example.

The webcam and microphone system is located in the upper frame of the screen, the ideal and most versatile place of all. The sensor we have is nothing out of the ordinary, with standard HD 1280x720p resolution capable of recording at 30 FPS. As for the microphones, we have one on each side of the camera to record in stereo at an acceptable quality for chats.

The most interesting thing about this sensor is that it includes another IR sensor compatible with Windows Hello for facial recognition. And of course we have tried it and it has given good results as long as the light conditions are not bad. Obviously we did not reach the level of a Smartphone, but at least it is a possibility to exploit, because we do not have a fingerprint sensor.

Touchpad and keyboard

This section is where this Asus VivoBook S15 S532F from the previous generation differs the most, since now not only the ZenBook have ScreenPad, but it has also been adopted in this S15 range.

Let's go by parts and start with the keyboard, one of the chewing gum type as usual and with island-type keys not too big or too far apart. And is that the manufacturer has needed to save space to enter a numeric keypad on the right, something that is not usually seen in 15-inch laptops. They feature a 1.4mm travel, and the feel is pretty good. We have detected that in the central area this panel tends to sink a little, although only if we press more than normal.

This keyboard is also a backlit type, or what is the same, with a backlight on all the keys. Let's not wait for RGB, since we will only have the white color available, which we can activate, deactivate or modify the brightness through the double function of the F7 key.

Nor are any more of these secondary functions missing in the entire row of F keys and part of the number pad. Among them we have the sound control, screen brightness, crop tool and some of Asus' own. We are talking about the MyAsus application, the touchpad function control and the backlight.

ScreenPad 2.0: more complete and functional

And the most differential aspect as we anticipate comes in the touchpad, in which the new Asus ScreenPad 2.0 has been implemented. This is the second version of the manufacturer's multifunction panel that has practically improved in every way.

Now we have a higher image quality screen by being able to reach a maximum resolution of 2160x1080p, even more than the main screen. What's more, its brightness reaches approximately 200 nits and a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

But the most important thing will be its functionalities, which will be implemented through the ScreenXpert application installed natively in the system. In this way we have launcher with applications similar to that of a smartphone from which we can open all those that we have anchored or installed on the computer.

For practical purposes, the functions of this screen are classified into four main functions:

• Mode Switch: the main function is to be able to toggle between a normal touchpad, without the display functions and consequently it will turn off, or both functions together. Pressing with three fingers on the screen, the touchpad mode will be activated temporarily, or we can also activate it permanently by clicking on the icon in the ScreenPad taskbar. Home page: basically it is the launcher that we have discussed, where we have a list of applications to access. By clicking on the icon in the double window of the ScreenPad, we can anchor the applications open on it. App Switcher: we can even drag applications from one screen to the other with the mouse or through the browser integrated in the ScreenPad. App Navigator: next to the previous one, the system allows us to navigate normally through the advantages or applications open on the ScreenPad. So we can work simultaneously as if we had two desks.

ScreenPad 2.0 has a few apps already pre-installed, and its own app store. The generic ones are:

• Number Key: a numeric panel Handwriting: a freehand writing application that integrates with Quick Xpert text editors: an application with shortcuts to functions such as copy, paste, select, etc. Three applications for Word, Excel and Power Point: with typical functions of the task barrier

Its operation is simply exquisite, without complications and very fast when we get used to it. The touchpad itself also works perfectly, precise, lag-free, and very wide to work with. Great work from Asus and Intel on this system .

Network connectivity

Regarding network connectivity, the Asus VivoBook S15 S532F is not the model with the best specifications, since this time we only have an Intel Wireless-AC 8265 chip. This chip works under the AC or Wi-Fi 5 standard at a maximum of 1.73 Mbps in the 5 GHz frequency, come on, the thing of a lifetime. At least we have other superior models in which a Wi-Fi 6 card has been installed, presumably the Intel AX200, capable of reaching 2400 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency.

Due to its Max-Q design, Asus has decided to do without an Ethernet network card, so unfortunately we have lost the RJ-45 on the side.

Internal features and hardware

In this section we will also have a normal enough hardware in the Asus VivoBook S15 S532F, since we are not facing a gaming laptop. In any case, we will explain in more or less detail what elements we have inside, never forgetting refrigeration.

We will start with the processor, which is installed in this model an Intel Core i5-8265U with 4 cores and 8 processing threads. This 8th generation Intel processor remains in the low-power family, with a TDP of just 15W, though configurable from 10 to 25W. Their cores are capable of working at a base frequency of 1.60 GHz up to 3.90 GHz in turbo mode, which is not bad. The L3 cache memory is increased to 6 MB.

These CPUs have integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics, working at a maximum frequency of 1.10 GHz. It is compatible with DirectX12 and OpenGL 4.5, so we can even play in a fairly basic way at 1280x720p resolutions if it is AAA games of the current generation. Of course it is not a laptop intended for this purpose.

Let's go to see the RAM memory configuration, which in this case is 8 GB DDR4 at 2666 MHz thanks to two 4 GB Dual Channel modules built by Samsung. The south bridge is controlled by an Intel ID3E34 chipset, a customized version for these Asus laptops that in terms of capacity and performance is far from the HM370 of gaming equipment.

Regarding storage, a 256 GB Western Digital PC SN520 SSD has been installed in this model. This model is installed on an M.2 PCIe 3.0 x2 interface, so its theoretical performance will be 1700 MB / s in sequential reading and 1300 MB / s in sequential writing. The equipment has a second M.2 slot compatible with PCIe or SATA drives, and obviously we don't have space for 2.5 ”drives. In our view, we would recommend at least opting for a 512 GB configuration, since 256 GB seems little to us if we are going to give a lot of use to this laptop.

If we go to the models superior to this one, for example, the S532FL, we will be able to opt for a Core i5-8565U processor and even dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX250 graphics, which give us a slight extra in gaming performance. Similarly, the RAM can be raised to 16 GB, and the storage capacity up to 1TB at the factory.

Basic cooling system for the U range

Okay, we don't have an Intel H family processor installed here, but the high working frequencies are sure to cause high temperatures. The manufacturer has opted for a single turbine-type fan configuration and a single copper heat pipe installed above the DIE that transfers heat to a finned block.

The first thing we observe is a fairly small fan, and also very closed at the air inlet. And second, the copper tube is big and wide, but quite long. This will make it take time for the heat to reach the ejection system, which will lead to a bottleneck when we increase performance. We already anticipate that the temperatures under stress will not be good.

Remember these positions and then identify them with the distribution of surface temperatures captured by our Flir ONE thermal camera.

An autonomy that has surprised us

We finish the description of this Asus VivoBook S15 S532F talking about its battery and autonomy. In all the models we are going to have a Li-Ion battery with 4 cells and 3550 mAh that delivers a power of 42Wh, which is not bad for a team without dedicated graphics and a CPU of the U range.

In terms of autonomy, we have obtained about 6 hours with the two screens turned on at a brightness of approximately 30%. During this time, we have edited this review, we have browsed and we have performed the typical tasks of an average user. We honestly expected less, so we were very satisfied.

It is true that everything will depend on how and how much we use the equipment, the stress we put on it and the brightness of the screens. If we turn off the ScreenPad of course we will get an improvement that could last up to 7 hours or more, so we can consider it one of the strengths of the laptop.

The charge cycle is around 50 minutes for 60% battery, so in 1 hour and 30 minutes we could do a full charge cycle, which is not bad either.

Test of performance

Now we are going straight to the performance testing phase of this Asus VivoBook S15 S532F, which in this case we have made some cuts regarding gaming equipment. All these tests have been carried out with the equipment plugged into the wall and with a standard ventilation profile from the factory.

SSD performance

Let's start with the unit benchmark on this solid Western Digital PC SN520, for this we have used the CristalDiskMark 6.0.2 software .

If we remember the values ​​that the manufacturer specifies for this unit, these are not only equaling them, but exceeding them in both registers, writing and reading. We must know that the interface is x2 and not x4 as in high performance computers, so 1700 MB / s and 1300 MB / s are more than satisfactory results.

Benchmarks

Let's see below the synthetic test block. For this we have used the following programs:

• Cinebench R15Cinebench R203DMark Fire Strike

Let's take with perspective the results compared to other equipment that we have analyzed, they are low because they are quite different hardware. We have decided not to show the results in comparative graphs for the simple fact of being a non-gaming oriented team.

Gaming performance

Out of curiosity, we have taken the 6 titles that we usually try on other computers to see what the Asus VivoBook S15 S532F is capable of with its integrated graphics. We have run the games with the following settings:

• Shadow of the Tomb Rider, Bass, DirectX 11, 1280x720p Far Cry 5, Bass, DirectX 12, 1280x720p DOOM, Medium, TAA, Open GL 4.5, 1920x1080p Final Fantasy XV, lite quality, DirectX 12, 1280x720p Deus EX Mankind Divided, Bass, DirectX 12, 1280x720p Metro Exodus, bass, trilinear, DirectX 12, 1280x720p

It is clear that the results, even in low quality, are not within the 30 FPS minimum, so it is clearly not a recommended team if you plan to play at an acceptable level. Of course, in puzzle games or platforms it will go wonderfully, so entertainment will always be an option.

We also have the version with Nvidia MX250 that will bring better performance to this resolution with games like these.

Temperatures

The stress process that the Asus VivoBook S15 S532F has undergone has lasted around 60 minutes, in order to have a reliable average temperature. This process has been carried out with Prime95 and the capture of temperatures with HWiNFO.

Asus VivoBook S15 S532F	Repose	Maximum performance
CPU	44 ºC	93 ºC

We were already anticipating in the analysis to the heatsink that the team was going to be in trouble with prolonged stress processes. And so it has been, since the temperature has been maintained constantly at more than 90⁰C and also with thermal throttling on many occasions.

For normal use and without extreme stress processes like the one we do, 44 ⁰C is a good temperature, and performing normal tasks we will not have any heating problem.

Analyzing the thermal photos, we see that the greatest amount of heat is located right where the processor is. As we assumed, a single long heat pipe will not work too well when processor stress is prolonged. Perhaps a more central location for the fan would have been a great option, thus avoiding a cooler keyboard area.

In addition, another drawback of this beautiful design is that the screen takes all the hot air expelled by the fan, and as we see the temperatures even rises to 40 degrees. It is nothing alarming, but of course, always upgradeable.

Final words and conclusion about Asus VivoBook S15 S532F

The Asus VivoBook S15 S532F has been loaded with new features in this new generation, but the one that stands out the most among them is undoubtedly the ScreenPad 2.0. A double screen system that in this second generation improves in all aspects to the first version, available applications, control, integration and of course an excellent high resolution touch screen with which to work perfectly.

Next to it, we have an ultra-thin 15.6-inch laptop that is very compact and ideal for working, studying or consuming multimedia content. The excellent autonomy is also one of its most notable aspects, since 6 hours with the two screens on is great news.

The hardware is not oriented towards gaming or high performance, but the Core i5-8265 is a very solvent CPU along with 8 GB of RAM. We also have versions with the i5-8565 and dedicated MX250 graphics that outperform the Intel UHD 620 built into this model. The SSD also performs as it promises, although it is true that it is PCIe 3.0 x2 instead of x4, and 256 GB seems to us a limiting capacity.

We recommend that you take a look at our guide to the best laptops on the market

Regarding the screen, it has left us very good feelings, although it is true that it does not reach the level of gaming or design equipment. In any case it has a good calibration and excellent mink angles. Similarly, the cooling system is not entirely effective under continuous stress processes, but we have a fairly limited space.

The direct competitors of this Asus VivoBook S15 S532F are for example the Dell XPS 15, Lenovo IdeaPad 720S, Acer Aspire 5 A515, or the HP Specter x360 15. None of them has this original ScreenPad functionality and the prices are quite close or exceed to this laptop, which we can get for 899 euros (this same unit). So, taking stock of everything, the VivoBook is a highly recommended device.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ SCREENPAD 2.0 USEFUL, AND PERFECT IMPLEMENTATION	- REFRIGERATION IS IMPROVABLE
+ EXCELLENT AUTONOMY WITH MORE THAN 6 HOURS	- FOR THIS PRICE A 512 GB SSD WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE
+ MAX-Q ALUMINUM DESIGN	- DOES NOT HAVE RJ-45
+ PRETTY BALANCED HARDWARE AND DIFFERENT OPTIONS
+ GOOD PRICE FOR THE WHOLE SET

The professional review team awards you the gold medal and recommended product:

Asus VivoBook S15 S532F

DESIGN - 95%

CONSTRUCTION - 87%

REFRIGERATION - 79%

PERFORMANCE - 81%

DISPLAY - 85%

PRICE - 89%

86%

Innovative laptop, with ScreenPad 2.0, great design and better autonomy