Asus unveiled a game-changing Vivobook 14 laptop at CES 2025, redefining budget laptop capabilities. Powered by the Snapdragon X processor, the Vivobook 14 starts at an incredibly competitive $700, making it the most affordable Copilot+ PC currently available.
While positioned as a mid-tier device, the Vivobook 14 boasts impressive specifications for its price point. Though featuring a plastic chassis, a standard 1920 x 1200 resolution IPS display, and a slightly thicker 0.70-inch profile, its internal components tell a different story.
For just $700, consumers get the performance of a Snapdragon X processor, combined with a generous 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This configuration significantly surpasses typical offerings in this price range, which often include only half the memory and storage capacity.
alt text: Asus Vivobook 14 laptop open on a table
Vivobook 14 and 16: Key Specifications Compared
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Vivobook 14 and its larger sibling, the Vivobook 16:
| Feature | Asus Vivobook 14 | Asus Vivobook 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.41 x 8.80 x 0.70 inches | 14.06 x 9.87 x 0.78 inches |
| Weight | 3.06 pounds | 3.88 pounds |
| Display | 14-inch 1920 x 1200, 60Hz | 16-inch 1920 x 1200, 60Hz |
| CPU | Snapdragon X | Snapdragon X |
| Memory | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 512GB |
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p |
| Ports | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-C 4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-C 4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | 50 watt-hour | 50 watt-hour |
| Price | $700 | $750 |
alt text: Close up of the Asus Vivobook keyboard and trackpad
Qualcomm’s Strategic Move with Snapdragon X
This aggressive pricing strategy for Snapdragon X laptops marks a pivotal moment for Qualcomm. Initially, the Snapdragon X focused on premium devices like the Surface Laptop 7th Edition, demonstrating Qualcomm’s potential to disrupt the market.
Over the past six months, Snapdragon X chips have made significant inroads, and these more affordable Copilot+ PCs further solidify Qualcomm’s position. The Vivobook 14, with its competitive specifications and price, is poised to challenge Intel-based laptops in the same segment.
Expanding the Vivobook Lineup
Asus also introduced a 16-inch version of the Vivobook, priced at $750. Furthermore, the company unveiled the higher-end Vivobook S14 and S16 models, blurring the lines between the Vivobook and Zenbook series. Asus aims to cater to a wide range of consumer needs and retail preferences with this diverse lineup.
alt text: Asus Vivobook S16 laptop shown from the side
The new Vivobooks, alongside the super-light Zenbook A14 and refreshed Zenbooks, strengthen Asus’s 2025 portfolio. The Vivobook 14 will be available from January 27th at Best Buy and on Asus’s website, while the Vivobook 16 launches a week earlier on January 20th.
Conclusion: A New Era of Affordable Performance
The release of the Snapdragon X-powered Vivobook 14 and 16 signals a new era of affordable performance laptops. Offering robust specifications at competitive prices, these devices are set to disrupt the market and provide consumers with compelling alternatives to traditional Intel-based options. The availability of high-performance components like the Snapdragon X processor, ample RAM and storage in budget-friendly laptops signifies a positive shift towards greater accessibility and value in the laptop market.
