Ryzen AI 9 Zenbook S16 Review: Premium Ultrabook Tested
content: The Premium Ultrabook Dilemma Solved?
You're searching for a high-performance ultrabook that doesn't compromise on design or functionality, yet every option seems to sacrifice either ports, display quality, or processing power. After thorough testing of ASUS's Zenbook S16 with AMD's revolutionary Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, I confirm this laptop addresses that exact frustration. Combining benchmark data with real-world usage, this review cuts through marketing hype to reveal where this premium machine excels and where competitors might still challenge it.
Unmatched Design and Craftsmanship
ASUS's ceramic-aluminum hybrid chassis sets a new standard for premium laptops. Through their proprietary ceramization process, they've created a 1.5kg, 11mm-thin frame that resists fingerprints and scratches while maintaining structural rigidity. Unlike many ultra-thin competitors that feel flimsy, the S16 exhibits minimal flex and screen wobble.
The Scandinavian White model I tested reflects light noticeably, making the Zumaya Gray variant potentially more practical for bright environments. Remarkably, ASUS packed a full-sized HDMI 2.1 port, USB-A, SD card reader, and dual USB4 ports into this slim profile—a rarity that eliminates the dongle dependency plaguing most ultrabooks.
Display Excellence with Minor Caveats
The 16-inch 3K (2880x1800) OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals with 100% DCI-P3 coverage and near-instantaneous 0.2ms response time. My measurements confirmed:
- 500 nits brightness in SDR mode
- 800 nits peak in HDR content
- VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification
While the color accuracy and contrast outperform most Windows rivals, the glossy surface shows noticeable reflections in bright settings. Apple's Mini-LED MacBooks maintain higher sustained brightness, but the S16's OLED panel provides superior black levels and pixel-level contrast.
Ryzen AI 9 Performance Breakdown
AMD's Zen 5 architecture marks a generational leap with its 12-core/24-thread Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and Radeon 890M GPU. Testing in 28W performance mode revealed:
| Benchmark | Ryzen AI 9 | Intel Ultra 7 155H | Snapdragon X Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 | 15,200 | 12,800 | 14,100 |
| Blender Render | 10m 18s | 14m 06s | N/A |
| Tomb Raider (1080p) | 58 fps | 47 fps | 42 fps* |
*Game compatibility limitations observed on Snapdragon
The Radeon 890M demonstrates 20% faster gaming performance versus Intel's Arc graphics, enabling playable framerates at 1080p medium settings. Notably, enabling AMD's FSR upscaling doubled frame rates in supported titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Unlike competitors, performance remained consistent on battery power—a critical advantage for mobile professionals.
Thermal and Battery Realities
Under sustained loads, the bottom panel reached 51°C—uncomfortable for lap use. Switching to 15W balanced mode reduced heat significantly while maintaining responsiveness for office tasks. The 78Wh battery delivered:
- 7.5 hours video playback
- 10 hours light productivity
- Minimal standby drain (4% over 12 hours)
While respectable, Snapdragon X Elite laptops lasted 1.5 hours longer in identical tests. AMD's "all-day battery" claims require software optimizations still in development.
AI Capabilities: Future-Proof Investment
The 50 TOPS NPU currently outperforms rivals in raw power, but practical applications remain limited. Key observations:
- Accelerates Windows Studio Effects (background blur, eye contact)
- Powers ASUS StoryCube for AI media organization
- Copilot+ features delayed until late 2024 update
- NPU utilization improves efficiency for future AI workloads
The NPU's value lies in future-proofing rather than immediate utility. As developers leverage local AI processing, we should see battery life improvements and new functionalities.
Actionable Buyer Considerations
Before purchasing:
- Check thermal tolerance: If lap usage is frequent, test heat dissipation
- Prioritize GPU needs: Choose the 890M model for light gaming/creative work
- Evaluate AI urgency: Snapdragon offers current Copilot+ features
- Compare color options: Gray reduces reflections for outdoor use
- Consider timing: Intel's Lunar Lake arrives September 2024
Avoid the base configuration. For just £100 more, the upgraded model delivers 32GB RAM, two additional CPU cores, and significantly better graphics.
Final Verdict: Premium Powerhouse with Nuances
The Zenbook S16 sets a new bar for Windows ultrabooks with its exceptional build quality, industry-leading display, and class-topping graphics performance. While battery life doesn't match ARM-based rivals, its consistent performance on battery and extensive port selection make it uniquely versatile.
The Ryzen AI 9 hardware justifies its premium positioning today, but buyers must accept that its NPU's full potential requires future software updates. Against September's Lunar Lake chips, this laptop will likely maintain advantages in GPU performance and build aesthetics, though CPU efficiency may face stiff competition.
For creative professionals needing desktop-level performance in a travel-ready package, this represents 2024's most compelling Windows ultrabook solution. Which feature—ceramic-aluminum chassis, OLED display, or Radeon 890M graphics—would most impact your workflow? Share your priority below!
