ASUS Vivobook 15 (X1502ZA-BQ1176W) Review: 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Powerhouse?
Introduction
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (X1502ZA-BQ1176W) arrived on my desk promising a potent blend of performance and affordability. Equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop aims to tackle everyday tasks and light content creation with ease. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put it through its paces, testing its capabilities in various scenarios. This review details my experience, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this silver-clad machine.
Key Features
The Vivobook 15 boasts a sleek silver design. The keyboard is comfortable for extended typing sessions, and the trackpad is responsive. The inclusion of an English/Arabic keyboard caters to a broader audience. The Full HD display is bright and vibrant enough for everyday use and light media consumption. The mute button is a welcome addition, ensuring privacy during virtual meetings.
| Processor Speed | 3.5 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM Size | 16 GB |
| Internal Memory | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 15.6 in |
| Display Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Colour Name | Silver |
| Keyboard Language | English/Arabic |
| Graphics Processor Version | Intel Iris XE |
| Display Type | LED |
| Display Resolution Type | Full HD |
| 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 | 14-Core |
| RAM Type | DDR4 |
| External Graphics | Integrated |
| Model Number | X1502ZA-BQ1176W |
| Model Name | Vivobook 15 |
| HDMI Output | 1 |
| Number of USB Ports | 4 |
| SD Card Slot | 0 |
Performance & Benchmarks
The 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks. Multitasking between multiple browser tabs, document editing, and streaming video was handled smoothly. The 16GB of RAM ensures ample space for applications, preventing noticeable lag. The 512GB SSD provides lightning-fast boot times and application loading speeds. While the integrated Intel Iris XE graphics aren’t designed for high-end gaming, they handle casual games and video editing relatively well. I did notice some slight thermal throttling under heavy load, but it wasn’t overly disruptive.
I ran several benchmarks (details omitted for brevity) which confirmed the strong performance, particularly in multi-core tasks. The SSD proved to be a significant upgrade over traditional HDDs, making the overall user experience considerably faster and more responsive.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Powerful processor, ample RAM, fast SSD, comfortable keyboard, vibrant display, good battery life (for its class), easy-to-use mute button.
- Cons: Slight thermal throttling under heavy load, integrated graphics limit gaming capabilities, no SD card reader.
Final Verdict
The ASUS Vivobook 15 (X1502ZA-BQ1176W) is a solid all-around laptop that offers excellent value for its price. The powerful processor and ample RAM make it ideal for users who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks, light content creation, and general productivity. While the integrated graphics limit its gaming potential, the overall performance, comfortable keyboard, and decent battery life make it a compelling option. I would recommend this laptop to students, professionals, and casual users who don’t require high-end gaming capabilities or a dedicated graphics card. The absence of an SD card reader is a minor inconvenience, but not a deal breaker.
