ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ Unboxing, First Impressions

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ has been refreshed with the latest 11th-Gen Intel Core mobile processors which instantly makes this laptop on the top of the ASUS VivoBook S series. This line of ASUS notebooks caters to younger demographics and working professionals who wanted the best-value laptop for their hard-earned money, especially now that we are in the new normal.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing, First Impressions

ASUS VivoBook S14 (S433EQ) Unboxing

The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433Q promises a more vibrant take to productivity with its eye-catching colors and it Gen Z Enter key trademark. Along with these iconic features, we are excited to put this beast out of the box. Join us in this ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ Unboxing and First Impressions right after the jump. You can also check our reaction video on the laptop's Philippine release in our YouTube channel.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ comes with a pretty standard brown box just like any other VivoBook laptops before it. The main face of the box is for the ASUS VivoBook branding. At the back of the box are some safety stamps and certifications. There's also a quick glance on the specifications of the laptop.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ Unboxing, First Impressions

In our case, it says we have the S433E Indie Black variant with 14-inch LED-backlit display, 11th Gen Core i7 processor, 512GB PCIE storage, 8GB DDR4, and WiFi 6 to name a few. Aside from that, there's nothing more interesting to catch our eye's attention on the sides.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E: What's in the Box?

Opening the box, we are greeted by the VivoBook S14 wrapped in a soft cloth-like material. This gives off a premium feel to the package. Here, you'll see ASUS Intelligent Performance Technology or AIPT trappings through the paper-like wrapping. Underneath the laptop, there are obligatory inclusions of paper works like the warranty card, after-sales support information, and laptop stickers.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ Unboxing, First Impressions

Digging further, we'll have the power adapter for charging the laptop; it's compact and small unlike other out-of-the-box charging bricks in this price point. I am expecting a laptop sleeve but ASUS left it in the cutting room. But, I have no complaints. ASUS always gives one of the best presentations in their packaging. Even on a mid-tier laptop like the VivoBook S series, there's always a touch of "premium" in every items included in the box.

Initial Impressions and Hands-on

Going back to the laptop, we have the Indie Black colorway which gives off a charcoal-ish tone to the textured black finish. To those purists and fans of monochrome colorway, this could be your jam. The ASUS VivoBook branding is also flushed to the side of the lid. This subtle branding would definitely be overshadowed by the stickers in case you decide to put those on the lid.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing: Design

The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ's body is made of aluminum alloy. This gives the computing machine a more metallic and polished look. The side trimmings are also classy enough for you to flash the laptop on the wild. The overall aesthetics is clean. We also love the fact that it does not smudge that easily.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing - Design Trimmings

Ports and Interface: They're all here!

This 15.9-mm thin machine is generous when it comes to ports and interface. For one, there's a full-sized HDMI and a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. Likewise, there's a DC input, a USB 3.0 Type, and 3.5-mm audio jack that complete the set on the left side. 

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing - Ports

On the right, we have a couple of USB 2.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and some LED indicators for power and battery. These USB-A ports are very useful in case you plan to use multiple accessories with the laptop.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing  Ports and Interface

Wide display, thin bezels

Opening the lid, we will be greeted by a full-sized keyboard and the display. Surprisingly, the screen is framed by thin bezels which is quite a feat for a VivoBook laptop. In our initial time with the notebook, we could say that the 14-inch display is decent with welcoming viewing angles.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing Display

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ Unboxing, First Impressions

Full-sized keyboard with Gen Z Key

The keyboard is also comfortable to use with enough side bezels to not feel crammed when typing. Key travel is quite good with keys being responsive in our initial usage.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ Unboxing, First Impressions

Plus, the pop of neon color on the Enter key adds a youthful appeal to the whole typing experience. ASUS calls this the "Gen Z Key." I think it's a welcome feature for younger demographics and the young-at-heart users.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ Unboxing, First Impressions

The underside of the laptop houses the speakers. These are tuned by Harman Kardon for better sound quality, though we still need to test that in our full review. Aside from that, there's a vent that serves as an exhaust system for heat management.

ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E Unboxing

The NumberPad 2.0

The trackpad is also large enough to accommodate the NumberPad 2.0. This transforms your regular trackpad to an LED-lit NumberPad for inputting numeric information. We love the fact that you can still use the trackpad while the NumberPad is activated.

Conclusion

So far, we think that the ASUS VivoBook S14 S433EQ is a very forward-looking laptop. It's fun yet it packs elegance and style, especially the Indie Black colorway. The new 11th Gen Intel Core processor is its selling point. It's one of the firsts laptops in the country to offer this latest mobile processing prowess.

The ASUS VivoBook S14 S433E comes in two variants - the one with Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics (Php 49,995), and the Core i7-powered laptop with NVIDIA MX350 graphics (Php 59,995). For the in-depth breakdown of this laptop's features, stay tuned for our review! We'll also be giving you some talking points if ever you're toying on buying this laptop.

ASUS VivoBook S14 (S433E) Specs

  • 14-inch LED-backlit Full HD (1920 x 1080)
  • 16:9 Frameless four-sided 
  • NanoEdge display with 85% screen-to-body ratio 
  • 178° wide-view technology
  • Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor (S433EQ)
  • Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor (S433EA)
  • NVIDIA GeForce MX350 (S433EQ)
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics (S433EA)
  • Windows 10 Home
  • 8GB 3200MHz DDR4
  • 512 GB SSD
  • Intel WiFi 6 GIG+ (802.11ax)
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • HD camera
  • I/O Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C; 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A; 2 x USB 2.0; 1 x HDMI; 1 x Audio combo jack; 1 x MicroSD card reader; 1 x DC-in
  • Audio: Array microphone with Cortana voice-recognition support, 3.5mm headphone jack, certified by Harman Kardon
  • 50 Wh 3-cell lithium-polymer battery, 65W power adapter: 60% in 49 minutes
  • Plug Type: ø4 (mm)
  • Output: 19 V DC, 3.42 A, 65 W
  • Input: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal
  • 1.59 cm x 32.49 cm x 21.35 cm at 1.4kg
  • Dreamy White, Indie Black, Gaia Green, Resolute Red
  • Php 49,995 (Core i5); Php 59,995 (Core i7)

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