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With Nvidia’s GTX 1050 and an Intel Core i7 processor powering it, the Vivobook Pro 15 is built for more than spreadsheet creation and the occasional video edit.
Here’s how the Asus VivoBook Pro 15 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
3DMark Sky Diver: 16,747; Fire Strike: 5,460; Time Spy: 1,819
Cinebench CPU: 732 points; Graphics: 87 fps
GeekBench 4: 4,359 (single-core); 12,885 (multi-core)
PCMark 8 (Home Test): 3,221 points
PCMark 8 Battery Life: 2 hours and 32 minutes
Battery Life (TechRader movie test): 3 hours and 57 minutes
Total War: Warhammer 2 (1080p, Ultra): 21.6 fps; (1080p, Low): 52 fps
Middle Earth: Shadow of War (1080p, Ultra): 26 fps; (1080p, Low): 62 fps
This laptop is capable of handling both work and play. And, by play, we naturally mean gaming.
In our benchmarks and real-world use, the Vivobook Pro 15 handles anything we can throw at it with ease.
As you can see from the benchmarks, the VivoBook Pro 15 on Ultra settings may not be the fastest machine on the market, but it’s more than capable, especially when you consider the price.
For some, the 512GB SSD isn’t going to be enough, especially if you’re installing several large games.
If that sounds like something you may end up doing, or you want to future proof your purchase a bit, opting for the previously mentioned 4K model with an extra 1TB HDD is the way to go.
Battery life
With the added performance gains of the GTX 1050, battery life takes a hit on the VivoBook Pro 15.
With a total of 3 hours and 57 minutes in our movie test, you’ll find the battery well enough to get through a movie during a short flight, but don’t expect it to last on a cross-country flight.
The PCMark 8 battery test revealed even lower battery life, with a measly 2 hours and 32 minutes of use. For reference, the XPS 15 ran for 5 hours and 54 minutes in the TechRadar movie test, and a 3 hour and 38 minutes on the PCMark 8 test.
Final verdict
We have to give it to Asus — the VivoBook Pro 15 is a reliable all-around laptop. It’s powerful enough for the casual gamer to play whatever he or she desires, and yet it’s not going to drain your bank account.
That touchpad, though, is finicky and confusing. A touchpad should be straightforward with next to zero learning curve. After a week with this unit, we are still trying to learn how to use it.
Those looking for a laptop that’s priced right and more than powerful enough, the VivoBook Pro 15 is worthy of consideration. Just make sure to buy yourself a mouse — you’ll thank us later.
