ASUS has taken a major leap in premium AI-driven laptops with the launch of the Zenbook S16 (UM5606KA-RJ109WS). It's one of the first Copilot+ AI PCs, powered by the new AMD Ryzen AI 7 8840HS processor. Packed with a vibrant 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen, up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a featherlight 1.5 kg chassis, this Zenbook is a futuristic combination of performance, portability, and AI innovation.
Here’s my full hands-on review after testing it extensively.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 16" 3K OLED Touchscreen (3200 x 2000), 120Hz, 16:10 aspect ratio, 100% DCI-P3 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI 7 8840HS (8 cores, 16 threads, Zen 4 architecture) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 780M integrated GPU |
| RAM & Storage | 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home with Copilot+ features |
| AI Capabilities | Recall, Studio Effects, Cocreator, Live Captions |
| Build Material | Plasma Ceramic Aluminum (Zumaia Gray finish) |
| Battery | 70Wh battery, USB-C fast charging |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Bundled Software | Microsoft Office Home & Student 2024, Microsoft 365 Basic (1 year) |
Design and Build
The Zenbook S16 stands out with its minimalist, industrial aesthetic and ultra-slim body. The ceramic aluminum material used in the chassis not only gives it a unique matte texture but also contributes to its lightweight build without compromising strength. At just 1.1 cm thin, it's one of the slimmest 16-inch laptops currently available.
Despite the thin profile, the build feels premium and sturdy. The Zumaia Gray finish is subtle yet stylish, designed to resist fingerprints and scratches over time.
Display Quality
The 3K OLED display is a real highlight. With a resolution of 3200 x 2000, it delivers razor-sharp text, vivid colors, and deep contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel extremely smooth, while support for HDR True Black 600 enhances the experience for watching movies or editing content.
Color reproduction is exceptional, making it an ideal display for content creators, designers, and anyone who spends hours staring at the screen.
Performance and AI Capabilities
The AMD Ryzen AI 7 8840HS is more than just a powerful CPU. It includes a dedicated AI engine (XDNA NPU) that can handle up to 40 TOPS, enabling advanced features like Recall and Studio Effects to run directly on the device without relying on cloud processing.
Real-world performance is excellent:
- Multitasking is smooth, even with over 20 browser tabs and multiple applications open.
- Video editing and photo processing are handled effortlessly.
- Coding environments and virtual machines run smoothly, thanks to the high-speed RAM and SSD.
The AMD Radeon 780M integrated GPU is not meant for hardcore gaming, but casual and creative workloads perform well. You can play light games at medium settings without issues.
Copilot+ AI Features
With Microsoft's Copilot+ platform, the Zenbook S16 brings true AI integration to Windows 11. Key features include:
- Recall: Lets you search and “scroll back” through anything you've seen or done on your device using snapshots.
- Cocreator: A generative AI sketch tool that helps you turn basic outlines into artistic visuals.
- Live Captions: Adds real-time captions for any spoken content, including offline videos.
- Studio Effects: Enhances your webcam with eye contact correction, background blur, and noise suppression.
These features run natively on the NPU, ensuring low power consumption and fast results.
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Audio
Typing on the Zenbook S16 is a comfortable experience. The backlit keyboard has decent key travel and is well-spaced for productivity work. The large glass touchpad is smooth and precise.
Audio is powered by a Harman Kardon-tuned speaker system with Dolby Atmos support. Sound output is clean, loud, and immersive, suitable for media consumption and video calls. The AI-enhanced microphone does a good job of cutting background noise during meetings.
Connectivity and Ports
Despite the thin form factor, ASUS has included a solid set of ports:
- 2 x USB 4.0 Type-C (supports charging and display)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1 x HDMI 2.1
- 1 x 3.5mm audio combo jack
- 1 x microSD card reader
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 provide the latest in wireless connectivity.
Battery Life
The 70Wh battery holds up well, offering around 12 to 14 hours of screen time depending on usage. The laptop supports USB-C fast charging, reaching 50 percent in about 30 minutes, which is ideal for working on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 3K OLED touchscreen with 120Hz refresh
- Ultra-light and ultra-thin design
- Powerful Ryzen AI chip with integrated NPU
- Useful AI features with Copilot+
- Office Home 2024 and 1-year Microsoft 365 Basic included
- Solid battery life and fast charging
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated GPU (not ideal for AAA gaming)
- Premium pricing
- Limited service center reach in smaller cities
Final Verdict
The ASUS Zenbook S16 (UM5606KA-RJ109WS) is one of the most future-ready laptops currently available. With its Copilot+ AI features, ultra-thin and light design, and stunning 3K OLED display, it's built for those who want powerful productivity and AI-driven creativity in a highly portable form.
Whether you're a content creator, developer, student, or business user looking for a next-gen machine, the Zenbook S16 is a reliable and refined option.
Price and Availability
As of May 2025, the ASUS Zenbook S16 is priced at approximately ₹1,39,990 in India and is available via:
- ASUS India Store
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZC0alL
- Select retail outlets
