ASUS Vivobook 14 X1404ZA-I38128 Review: Slim Laptop with 14-Inch FHD Display

Introduction

The ASUS Vivobook 14 X1404ZA-I38128 is a budget-friendly laptop aimed at everyday users. With its sleek design and a decent set of specifications, it promises a smooth computing experience. I’ve spent the last few weeks using the X1404ZA-I38128 for various tasks, from web browsing and document editing to casual gaming and video streaming, to give you a comprehensive review.

Features

The Vivobook 14 boasts a 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display which delivers vibrant colours and crisp visuals. The quiet blue colour is aesthetically pleasing. The keyboard is comfortable to type on for extended periods, and the trackpad is responsive and accurate. The inclusion of a dedicated mute button is a thoughtful addition, especially for those frequenting video conferencing.

Connectivity options are good, with multiple USB ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader, allowing for easy connection to peripherals. The device runs Windows 11 Home out of the box which makes it user friendly.

Specification Value
Processor Speed 4.4 GHz
RAM Size 8 GB
Internal Memory 128 GB
Version International Version
Screen Size 14 in
Display Resolution 1920×1080
Colour Name Quiet Blue
Keyboard Language English
Graphics Processor Version Intel Iris XE
Display Type IPS
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Connection Type HDMI
Average Battery Life 6 Hours
Storage Type SSD
Operating System Version Windows 11 Home
Operating System Windows
Model Series ASUS Vivobook
Processor Version Number/Generation 12th Gen
Number of Cores 10-Core
RAM Type DDR4
External Graphics Integrated
Graphic Memory 2 GB
Model Number X1404ZA-I38128
Model Name X1404ZA-I38128
HDMI Output Yes
Number of USB Ports 4
SD Card Slot Yes
Number of HDMI Ports 1
Processor Version Core i3-1215U

Performance

The Core i3-1215U processor, coupled with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, handles everyday tasks with ease. Web browsing, document editing, and video streaming were all smooth and responsive. However, more demanding tasks like video editing showed some limitations. While it could handle basic video editing, expect longer rendering times compared to laptops with more powerful processors.

The 128GB SSD provides quick boot times and fast application loading. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics is sufficient for casual gaming and watching videos in higher resolutions; however, more demanding games or high-resolution video editing would likely result in lag.

Battery life is a major concern, lasting around 5 hours on a single charge which could be improved. Heavy usage will drain the battery quicker.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Lightweight and portable, comfortable keyboard, good display quality, decent performance for everyday tasks, attractive price point.
  • Cons: Limited storage (128GB SSD), average battery life, struggles with demanding tasks.

Final Verdict

The ASUS Vivobook 14 X1404ZA-I38128 is a solid budget laptop for students or everyday users who need a reliable machine for basic tasks. Its lightweight design, comfortable keyboard, and vibrant display make it a pleasure to use. However, the limited storage and battery life are significant drawbacks. If you’re on a tight budget and your needs are primarily focused on everyday computing tasks, then this laptop is a good option. However, if you need more storage, better battery life, or plan to use it for demanding tasks, then investing in a more powerful model might be a wiser choice.