Asus Zenbook S 16 Drops to $1,000: An Ultra-Slim OLED Powerhouse Finally Priced to Move

Background

Slim, large-screen laptops have quietly become the new default for people who want a desktop-like canvas without lugging a brick. Asus’ Zenbook S 16 is a poster child for this shift: a remarkably thin-and-light 16-inch notebook with a premium build, a color-rich OLED display, and modern AMD silicon built for both classic productivity and on-device AI features.

When it debuted, the Zenbook S 16 earned praise for cramming a big display into a sleek chassis that looks and feels more like a 14-inch ultrabook. Its lid uses a ceramic-like finish (Asus has experimented with a plasma-ceramic process on recent Zenbooks) that lends a distinctive matte texture, and its overall footprint and weight make it easy to slide into a backpack without thinking twice. It pairs that portability with a taller 16:10 screen, a roomy keyboard, and surprisingly robust speakers—three of the most impactful quality-of-life upgrades you can give a work machine.

But there was a catch: pricing. Depending on configuration, early models often sat north of the psychological $1,400–$1,600 line. Reviewers liked it; deal hunters didn’t. The result was a laptop that many people admired from afar.

Two things have changed since then:

• The market has shifted to “AI PCs,” with CPUs that include a neural processing unit (NPU) to accelerate tasks like live background blur, voice isolation, and a growing set of creative and productivity tools that run locally.
• New chips tend to push last season’s standouts into value territory around major shopping weekends.

Together, those forces just produced the first genuinely eyebrow-raising price on Asus’ 16-inch featherweight.

What happened

As part of February’s long-weekend promotions, the Zenbook S 16 dropped by roughly $500 at multiple retailers, landing at the $1,000 mark for at least one mainstream configuration. That’s the lowest widely advertised price we’ve seen to date on this line.

The exact spec sheet at this price can vary by store, but the key ingredients that make the S 16 special typically include:

• A 16-inch 16:10 OLED panel at high resolution, often with a fast refresh rate for smoother scrolling and inking.
• A recent AMD Ryzen chip with a capable integrated GPU and an NPU for on-device AI features.
• A thin, premium chassis with a generous battery, solid speakers, and a modern port mix heavy on USB-C/USB4.

The net effect: configurations that used to sit in “treat yourself” territory are now priced like midrange ultrabooks. For students, hybrid workers, and frequent travelers who value screen real estate without the heft, that’s a big shift.

Why this deal stands out

Most thin 16-inch laptops with OLED screens and premium construction still live at or above $1,300 when not on closeout. Dropping to $1,000 does a few things at once:

• It makes the S 16 a direct competitor to mainstream 14-inch notebooks that have smaller displays and less visual punch.
• It undercuts many creator-leaning 16-inch models that are thicker, louder, and heavier because they chase dedicated graphics performance.
• It brings the S 16 into conversation with Apple’s 15-inch Air and Microsoft’s latest Surface Laptop, two of the best big-screen ultraportables—but with different trade-offs on display tech, ports, and app ecosystems.

If you’ve been holding out for a premium-feeling Windows machine that doesn’t require the usual premium price, this is the greenest light the Zenbook S 16 has flashed so far.

Key specs and real-world feel (what matters, not the marketing)

Exact configurations vary, but here’s how the S 16 class of machines tends to behave day-to-day, and what to check in the fine print before you buy:

Performance and AI acceleration

• Modern Ryzen silicon gives you more CPU speed than most people will saturate in office apps, dozens of browser tabs, and light media work. Integrated Radeon graphics are competent for hobbyist photo/video edits and casual games at modest settings.
• The built-in NPU is a long-term bet. Today it mainly accelerates features like webcam background effects, eye-gaze correction, noise reduction, and some AI upscaling or transcription in supported apps. The real win is responsiveness and battery savings for those tasks compared with kicking everything to the CPU or cloud.

Display

• OLED is the headline feature: inky blacks, excellent contrast, wide color. It’s a joy for movies, photography, and long reading sessions—especially on a 16:10 canvas that shows more of a document or timeline at once.
• Many S 16 configs run at 120 Hz, which makes scrolling and pen input feel noticeably smoother. Even if you’re not gaming, you’ll feel it in the UI.
• Concerns about OLED burn-in are reasonable but often overstated in modern laptops. Asus includes pixel shifting, screen savers, and panel refresh routines. If you vary your content and let the panel maintenance run occasionally, the risk is low for typical two- to four-year ownership.

Build, keyboard, and thermals

• The chassis feels lighter than you expect from a 16-inch. It’s not a flexy budget shell; it’s closer to a premium ultrabook scaled up.
• The keyboard is spacious with a comfortable layout; travel is on the shallower, crisp side, as is common in thin machines. The haptic or glassy touchpad (depending on config) is wide and accurate.
• Cooling is tuned for quiet competence rather than desktop-class bursts. Under sustained loads you’ll hear the fans, but for common workflows the machine stays restrained.

Battery life and charging

• Expect true all-day runtime on light-to-moderate work if you keep brightness in check. OLED power draw varies with content (dark UIs help), but a decently sized battery and efficient silicon make the S 16 a dependable travel companion.
• USB-C charging means you can top up with compact GaN adapters; just check wattage requirements for best performance under load.

Ports and expandability

• You’ll typically get multiple USB-C/USB4 ports and at least one legacy port (USB-A or HDMI). Some variants skip the headphone jack; check before you buy if that matters.
• Memory is commonly soldered. Choose the RAM you want for the life of the machine. Storage is often upgradable via a standard M.2 slot, but confirm the retailer’s spec sheet.

Who should buy it—and who shouldn’t

Consider the Zenbook S 16 at $1,000 if you:

• Want a big, color-accurate screen in a genuinely portable body.
• Split time between office work, research, and light creative projects in Lightroom, Resolve, or Figma.
• Value quiet operation and premium build over raw GPU muscle.
• Prefer Windows, need USB-C flexibility, and like the idea of on-device AI features that don’t tax your battery.

Think twice if you:

• Need a dedicated GPU for heavy 3D, AAA gaming at high settings, or intensive multi-cam 4K edits under deadline.
• Demand maximum serviceability (e.g., user-upgradeable RAM) or long-term modularity.
• Are sensitive to OLED pulse-width dimming (PWM). Most people are fine, but if you’ve experienced eye strain with some OLED panels, try to demo first or buy from a retailer with an easy return window.

How it stacks up against popular alternatives

• Apple MacBook Air 15: The Air still leads in battery consistency and fanless silence, with a tightly integrated ecosystem. But it lacks OLED’s contrast pop, and the Windows-first software many pros rely on runs best on… Windows. At $1,000, the S 16 feels like more screen tech for the money.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop (latest gen): Arm-based Surfaces are incredibly efficient and quiet, with long battery life and strong NPUs. App compatibility has improved, but if you live in niche Windows tools or older drivers, x86 AMD inside the S 16 is a safer bet today.
• Creator-class 16-inch PCs with dedicated GPUs: Great for Blender, Unreal, or heavy DaVinci work. They’re also thicker, heavier, and louder—and usually pricier. If your day is 90% writing, calls, and light edits, you’ll carry extra bulk for performance you rarely use.
• Framework 16: If modularity and repair are your highest values, Framework is unmatched. But it’s larger and serves a different buyer than the ultraportable-first S 16.

Caveats, quirks, and buying checklist

• RAM is likely not upgradeable; pick 16 GB or 32 GB at checkout based on your workload. Creators working with large RAW files will appreciate 32 GB.
• Confirm the screen spec. Asus sells multiple OLED panels across lines. Look for 16:10, high resolution, and a 120 Hz refresh if you value smoothness.
• Check for a headphone jack if you need it; some thin designs drop it to save space.
• Warranty and support matter. Asus has improved its service footprint, but experiences vary by region and retailer. Favor sellers with clear return policies and consider adding accidental-damage coverage if you travel frequently.
• OLED care: Enable the built-in protections, avoid static high-brightness UI elements for days on end, and don’t disable pixel refresh prompts.

Key takeaways

• The Zenbook S 16 finally crossed into mainstream pricing, bringing a premium 16-inch OLED experience to the $1,000 tier.
• It’s an excellent fit for people who want a big, beautiful screen, real portability, and quiet competence over raw GPU horsepower.
• At this price, the S 16 undercuts many rivals and presents a compelling alternative to the 15-inch MacBook Air and Surface Laptop—especially if you value OLED and Windows-centric workflows.
• Choose your configuration carefully: prioritize RAM, verify the exact OLED panel and refresh rate, and check the port list.

What to watch next

• Spring refresh cycles: New chips push deeper discounts on current models. If you miss this window, watch for spring clearance or open-box deals.
• AI software momentum: More apps are adding NPU-accelerated features that run locally, from transcription and noise removal to background object selection and diffusion-based upscaling. The S 16’s NPU could become more valuable over time.
• Competing OLED ultrabooks: Expect HP, Lenovo, and Dell to chase similar thin-and-light 16-inch formulas. Competition is good for prices and panel quality.
• Windows updates: Microsoft’s AI features are evolving quickly. Keep an eye on how local recall, image generation, or smart search tools roll out to x86 NPUs and what that means for battery life.

FAQ

Is $1,000 genuinely a good price for the Zenbook S 16?

Yes. For a thin, premium 16-inch OLED laptop with modern AMD silicon and an NPU, $1,000 is an unusually strong value. Comparable machines often sit several hundred dollars higher when not on clearance.

Can I game on the Zenbook S 16?

Light gaming is fine. Indie titles and esports fare can run smoothly at moderate settings on integrated graphics. For AAA games at high settings or ray tracing, you’ll want a laptop with a dedicated GPU.

How does it compare to a 15-inch MacBook Air?

The Air wins on battery predictability and stays silent under most loads. The Zenbook S 16 counters with an OLED screen, a larger 16:10 canvas, broader port options, and native Windows app support. At equal prices, pick based on your workflow and OS preference.

Should I worry about OLED burn-in for spreadsheets and code?

Modern mitigations make burn-in unlikely under typical use. Rotate content, avoid leaving static high-contrast windows at max brightness for days, and let the panel’s maintenance cycle run. For most users, OLED’s benefits far outweigh the risk.

Is the RAM upgradeable later?

Usually not. Like many ultra-thin designs, the S 16 typically uses soldered memory. Decide on 16 GB vs. 32 GB at purchase.

Does it run Linux well?

Many AMD-based ultrabooks do fine with mainstream Linux distributions, but features like the fingerprint reader, haptic touchpad, or certain power states can require tinkering. If Linux is critical, check community forums for your exact model ID before buying.

How is the webcam and mic for remote work?

Above average for an ultrabook, with AI-assisted background effects and noise filtering on supported apps. It’s not a dedicated creator cam, but it’s more than serviceable for daily calls.

Source & original reading

Original article: https://www.wired.com/story/asus-zenbook-s-16-presidents-day-sale/