The ASUS VivoBook X505 is a capable laptop with lots of features and a very attractive price
Growing internet penetration and increasing awareness amongst consumers about the emergence of novel technologies have fuelled the growth for cross-functional devices that offer powerful features and capabilities. This has encouraged the development of multifunctional devices, especially laptops. But, when it comes to lightweight Windows laptops, and on a budget, there’re only a few great options available for consumers.
Last year, ASUS launched the VivoBook X507, which undoubtedly was one of the best laptops under Rs 30,000. Now, the Taiwanese giant has introduced another lightweight VivoBook X505 laptop for budget centric users.
Design
Powered by NanoEdge display, the VivoBook has a 15.6-inch, full-HD display with a frame slightly larger than those typically used in 14-inch laptops. It’s further surrounded by a 7.7mm bezel and has an 81 per cent screen-to-body ratio that makes it ideal for most multimedia tasks.
The overall footprint of the VivoBook X505 is a bit on the large side. However, weighing just 1.6kg, the laptop is portable and feels durable too with a mix of aluminium and plastic. The lid, as well as keyboard, features brushed aluminium finish, but everything else is plastic.
The VivoBook doesn’t disappoint when it comes to ports. On the left edge, there is an HDMI port, a USB Type-C port, an RJ45 port and the power dock. On the right side, there are two USB 2.0 ports, a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack, two notification LEDs, and an SD card reader. Beneath the full-HD display, there is a full-size keyboard with chiclet keys.
Performance
For the VivoBook X505, ASUS has joined hands with AMD, and currently, it’s the only series between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000 to come with AMD Ryzen 5 processor and Radeon Vega graphics, ensuring effortless productivity, multitasking and entertainment.
The ASUS VivoBook X505 review unit that we received came with Ryzen 5 2500U processor, 8GB of RAM and 1TB storage. Combining all together, the VivoBook is well-equipped to carry most everyday tasks, along with mild gaming.
The 15.6-inch full-HD display with 1920x1080p resolution offers great colours on the screen but suffers from poor viewing angles. The keyboard has good tactile feedback and offers comfortable typing experience. You can type for hours without any discomfort in fingers.
ASUS has incorporated IceCool technology that uses smart fan control and thin heat pipes to create an efficient cooling system to keep the average surface temperature of the palm rest below 36°C, which is lower than the normal body temperature. This allows for robust cooling performance and ultimate user comfort.
Another impressive aspect of the laptop is the audio quality. From music to movies to games, everything sounds fuller and great. The laptop’s audio software also offers manual settings options, so you can take full control of your audio mix. Music mode brings your favourite songs to life; Movie mode produces cinema-quality audio; Recording mode optimises settings for crystal-clear audio recording; and Gaming mode enhances the in-game audio.
In one full charge, during our test, the laptop lasted for approximately four hours and 50 minutes. In addition, fast-charge technology charges the battery to 60 per cent in nearly 50 minutes.
Conclusion
The ASUS VivoBook X505s is a great everyday laptop with the performance and compactness of an ultrabook.
Pros
Display, battery life
Cons
A lot of flex while typing
