Lightweight AI laptops hit the market ahead of back-to-school season

Students in Vietnam are looking beyond specs and focusing on smarter, more portable laptops with longer battery life and built-in AI features.

A wave of new devices hitting the market promises to meet these evolving demands, combining sleek designs with powerful performance and intelligent tools tailored for study, creativity, and everyday use.

ASUS has unveiled a new generation of AI-integrated laptops designed for students as part of its back-to-school 2025 lineup. The company’s latest offerings include the Vivobook S14/S16 and the ASUS Gaming V16, both equipped with long battery life, lightweight design, and enhanced performance tailored to the academic and creative demands of young users.

The launch reflects a growing shift in consumer preferences among students, who are increasingly prioritizing mobility, battery endurance, and AI integration over pure processing power. Meanwhile, parents remain focused on durability, brand trust, and cost-effectiveness.

ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 is a lightweight AI-powered laptop offering up to 20 hours of battery life

ASUS Vivobook S14/S16 is a lightweight AI-powered laptop offering up to 20 hours of battery life

“Vietnam continues to be one of ASUS’ most important markets in Southeast Asia", said Eric Lee, Regional Director of ASUS Southeast Asia. “We’re committed to offering devices that are reliable, smart, and aligned with the real needs of students in today’s hybrid learning environment".

The Vivobook S14/S16 models target students and young professionals who seek flexibility and style. With a chassis weighing from just 1.4kg and measuring only 1.59cm thick, these devices are built for portability. They feature a metal top cover, minimalist design, and are available in Platinum Silver and Indie Black.

Internally, the laptops are powered by up to Intel Core Ultra H-Series processors, typically reserved for high-performance machines, alongside 16GB of RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. All models support upgrades, giving students room to grow as academic demands increase.

With built-in Neural Processing Units (NPUs), the Vivobook S line supports a range of AI functions such as background noise cancellation, facial recognition, performance optimization, and quick access to Microsoft Copilot via a dedicated hotkey. 

Display features include a 1920x1200 resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and slim bezels on three sides. The 14-inch model offers ultimate mobility, while the 16-inch version features a 144Hz refresh rate for multitasking and content creation.

The standout feature is a 70Wh battery capable of lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge, with fast-charging support (60% in under 50 minutes). The laptops meet MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability standards and include a 2-year international warranty, a valuable bonus for students planning to study abroad.

New Copilot+ PC versions of the Vivobook S14/S16, powered by AMD and Qualcomm processors and featuring OLED displays, are set to roll out later in August to meet the surge in student demand.

For students in engineering, IT, graphics, and other demanding fields, ASUS is introducing the Gaming V16. Priced from VND 20 million, it features a clean, professional design that fits both classroom and work environments.

The laptop is equipped with up to an Intel Core 7 240H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, alongside 16GB DDR5 RAM and high-speed NVMe storage. Two RAM slots allow for future upgrades.

Its 16-inch FHD+ screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and features slim bezels and a 16:10 aspect ratio for immersive viewing. The ASUS IceCool cooling system ensures stable performance even during heavy workloads.

ASUS Gaming V16 is a lightweight, AI-powered gaming laptop designed for tech-savvy students and creative professionals

ASUS Gaming V16 is a lightweight, AI-powered gaming laptop designed for tech-savvy students and creative professionals

Battery life reaches up to 9 hours for office tasks, supported by 100W USB-C Power Delivery fast charging. A full suite of I/O ports, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack, make it easy to connect with peripherals, external displays, or presentation equipment.

Alongside its flagship models, ASUS continues to expand its laptop ecosystem. For budget-conscious users, options like the Vivobook Go, Vivobook 14/15/16, and the Vivobook 16 (M1607KA), the most affordable Copilot+ PC on the market, remain popular choices. The Vivobook 15 was ASUS’ best-selling model during the 2024 back-to-school season.

Premium users can turn to the Zenbook series, which features sleek aluminum designs, OLED Lumina displays, and extended battery life. The Zenbook A14, weighing only 980g and powered by Snapdragon X, offers up to 28 hours of video playback and 19.5 hours of web browsing. Other models, like the Zenbook 14 and Zenbook S16, feature integrated AI NPUs and compact builds for professionals on the go.

For students in need of maximum computing power, ASUS offers high-performance models from the ROG and TUF Gaming lines, including the thin-and-light TUF Gaming A14 and flagship machines like the ROG Strix SCAR with RTX 5090 GPUs.

To support students during the 2025 academic year, ASUS is launching the "ASUS Together - Lighten the Load" campaign from August 1 to October 31. Customers who purchase eligible Vivobook S or Gaming V16 models at authorized retailers will receive a free ASUS backpack worth up to VND 990,000.

Additionally, ASUS offers up to 15% off all laptop models on its official e-store, plus free on-site warranty packages for students and educators who register using a school-issued .edu email address.

Students can explore the latest devices at ASUS Exclusive Stores, which showcase the full laptop lineup. ASUS is also partnering with major retailers to open AI Innovation Hubs where users can test AI features and receive personalized consultations. With over 60 warranty centers nationwide, ASUS continues to ensure reliable after-sales support for students across Vietnam.

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