The Asus ZenBook S16, powered by AMD’s groundbreaking Strix Point Ryzen HX 370 and 365 chips, isn’t just another premium ultrabook—it’s a future-proof machine that redefines performance, portability, and AI integration. Launched in late 2024, it has already positioned itself as one of the best Windows laptops for 2025, standing tall against newer models with its exceptional processing power, AI capabilities, and ultra-thin design.
While the laptop market is evolving rapidly, the ZenBook S16 remains a powerhouse, thanks to its cutting-edge CPU architecture, power-efficient OLED display, and creator-focused features. Whether you’re a content creator, professional, or an AI enthusiast, this premium ultrabook holds its ground in 2025 and beyond.
Let’s dive into why the Asus ZenBook S16 remains one of the best choices in 2025—even as new laptops enter the market.
Ultra-Thin, Ultra-Premium Design
One of the biggest selling points of the ZenBook S16 is its incredibly thin and lightweight chassis. At just 12-13mm thick, it is one of the slimmest 16-inch ultrabooks ever made, proving that you don’t need a bulky laptop to get top-tier performance.
Despite its razor-thin design, Asus has managed to pack in high-performance hardware while keeping excellent cooling, quiet operation, and efficient power management.
Material & Build Quality
- Ceramic Polymer Coating: Asus has developed a unique ceramic polymer finish on top of the aluminum chassis, giving it an ultra-premium look and feel.
- Available in Two Colors: Dark Gray & Cream White, both offering a sleek aesthetic that rivals even the MacBook series.
- Ultra-Durable Chassis: The unique micro-mesh ventilation design ensures better airflow while also enhancing spill resistance.
Port Selection: Surprisingly Versatile for an Ultra-Thin Laptop
Despite its thin profile, the ZenBook S16 offers an impressive range of ports:
- 2x USB-C (USB4)
- 1x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
- 1x HDMI 2.1
- 1x Full-Size SD Card Slot
- 1x Audio Combo Jack
This combination of legacy and modern ports ensures seamless connectivity for creators and professionals—something that even many MacBooks and other premium ultrabooks lack.
The Game-Changing AMD Strix Point Ryzen HX 370 & HX 365 Chips
The real reason the ZenBook S16 stands out in 2025 is its next-generation AMD Strix Point processors. These chips mark a massive leap in x86 computing, bringing together unmatched efficiency, AI acceleration, and GPU performance.
Two Variants of AMD Strix Point CPUs
The ZenBook S16 comes in two versions:
- Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
- 4 Zen 5 cores + 8 Zen 5c cores
- Radeon 890M iGPU (16 Compute Units)
- AI NPU with 50 TOPS processing power
- Base Frequency: 2.0 GHz | Boost: 5.1 GHz
- Ryzen AI 9 365
- 4 Zen 5 cores + 6 Zen 5c cores
- Radeon 880M iGPU (12 Compute Units)
- AI NPU with 50 TOPS processing power
- Base Frequency: 2.0 GHz | Boost: 5.0 GHz
The HX 370 variant is ideal for power users, while the 365 model still delivers exceptional performance at a lower cost.
AI-Powered Performance for 2025 & Beyond
AMD’s XDNA 2 NPU brings AI acceleration to Windows laptops, handling:
✅ AI-enhanced video editing & content creation
✅ On-device AI applications & generative models
✅ Faster image and speech recognition
Unlike many 2024 models that lacked deep AI integration, the ZenBook S16 is fully Copilot+ compatible, ensuring future-proof AI capabilities.
Stunning OLED Display for Professionals & Creators
Asus has equipped the ZenBook S16 with one of the best OLED displays in the industry.
Display Specs:
- 16-inch 3K OLED Touchscreen (2880×1800)
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- HDR Support with True Black Levels
- 100% DCI-P3 Color Gamut for Accurate Colors
- Asus Pen 2.0 Support for Creators
For video editors, designers, and professionals who need top-tier color accuracy, this OLED panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and ultra-smooth visuals.
Performance in Real-World Tasks
Despite being ultra-thin, the ZenBook S16 does not compromise on raw performance.
Benchmarks (HX 370 Model)
📊 Cinebench R23: Multi-core Score: 23,000+
🎮 Gaming Performance (Radeon 890M iGPU):
- CS:GO (1080p Ultra) – 130 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Low 1080p FSR 2.0) – 50+ FPS
- Valorant (1440p High) – 120 FPS
🎞️ Video Editing:
✅ Premiere Pro 4K Rendering: 25% faster than previous Ryzen chips
✅ DaVinci Resolve: Handles color grading & effects with ease
💻 Everyday Productivity: ✅ Handles 50+ Chrome tabs without lag
✅ Microsoft Office, Zoom, and multitasking run seamlessly
The Radeon 890M and 880M GPUs offer a big improvement over previous integrated graphics, making light gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering smoother than ever.
Efficient Cooling & Battery Life
Unlike previous thin laptops that struggled with thermals, the ZenBook S16 uses an ultra-thin vapor chamber with graphite cooling sheets and dual fans to keep temperatures low.
Battery Life
🔋 78Wh Battery
🔋 15-17 Hours of Light Use (Web browsing, emails, etc.)
🔋 8-10 Hours of Heavy Use (Video editing, multitasking)
🔋 USB-C Fast Charging (70% in 45 minutes)
This makes the ZenBook S16 one of the longest-lasting premium ultrabooks in 2025.
Should You Still Buy the ZenBook S16 in 2025?
Even though it launched in late 2024, the Asus ZenBook S16 remains one of the best ultrabooks in 2025, offering unmatched performance in a sleek, portable design.
✅ Pros
✔ Ultra-thin & premium build
✔ AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 & HX 365 bring next-gen performance
✔ Beautiful 3K OLED touchscreen
✔ Long battery life & efficient cooling
✔ Excellent speakers & AI-driven features
❌ Cons
✖ Keyboard gets slightly warm under heavy loads
✖ Priced as a premium device
Who Should Buy the ZenBook S16 in 2025?
✔ Content Creators & Designers – Thanks to its 3K OLED screen & powerful GPU
✔ AI Enthusiasts & Power Users – Copilot+ integration & AI-enhanced performance
✔ Professionals & Business Users – Premium build, great battery life, and versatile connectivity
For those seeking the best ultrabook in 2025, the Asus ZenBook S16 remains a powerhouse, proving that 2024 laptops can still dominate the future. 🚀