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ASUS Vivobook 14 laptop with Core i3-1215U and 16GB RAM: specs and fit

A 14-inch Full HD ASUS Vivobook with a 12th Gen Core i3-1215U, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD and Windows 11 Home in S mode, plus a USB hub. What to know.

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This ASUS Vivobook is a 14-inch everyday laptop with a 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor, 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD. It is the kind of machine suited to schoolwork, web browsing, office documents and video calls, and it weighs 3.1 lb (about 1.4 kg). This configuration is described as upgraded by a third-party seller, so it differs from a stock ASUS build.

Processor and memory

The Core i3-1215U has six cores and eight threads, with two performance cores, and runs at up to 4.4GHz with 10MB of cache. It uses Intel UHD integrated graphics, which is fine for everyday tasks and video playback but is not meant for demanding games. The listing gives 16GB of DDR4 memory, made up of 8GB onboard plus an 8GB SODIMM module. That is more memory than many laptops in this class, and it helps when you keep many browser tabs and documents open.

Storage

Storage is a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD. SSDs make start-up and app launches much quicker than a hard drive. At 512GB there is plenty of room for documents, photos and common software, though large video or game libraries will fill it faster.

Display and camera

The 14-inch IPS-level screen has Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution at 60Hz. IPS-level panels typically hold their colour well from side angles. There is also an integrated webcam for calls, and a standard keyboard.

Ports and wireless

The listing gives one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.2 Type-C port, HDMI, and a headphone and microphone combo jack. There is no optical drive. Wireless is 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E in the listing title) and Bluetooth 5.3. A 45W power supply and a 3-cell, 42 WHr battery round out the hardware.

Windows 11 Home in S mode

The laptop runs Windows 11 Home in S mode, which limits software installation to apps that Microsoft has approved for S mode. This can feel limiting if you need desktop programs from elsewhere. Windows normally lets you switch out of S mode, but the change is one-way, so read Microsoft's instructions first.

What comes in the box

The listing says a portable USB hub from Dockztorm is included, which supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. A hub is useful here because the laptop has only a few ports.

Who it suits

This laptop suits students, home users and anyone who wants a light, simple machine for browsing, streaming, writing and video calls. It is less suited to video editing, 3D design or modern gaming.

What to check before you buy

  • Software: do your programs run in Windows 11 S mode, or will you need to switch out of it?
  • Configuration: the listing says the seal was opened for hardware and software upgrades by the seller, so check the terms of the seller's warranty and support.
  • Ports: with one USB 2.0, one USB-C and HDMI, think about whether the included hub is enough for your accessories.
  • Battery life: a 42 WHr battery gives moderate runtime, which depends on your use.
  • Model details: the listing does not give an ASUS model number, so confirm exact specifications before relying on any one.

The short version

  • 14-inch Full HD IPS-level display at 60Hz.
  • Intel Core i3-1215U with six cores, up to 4.4GHz.
  • 16GB DDR4 memory and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD.
  • Windows 11 Home in S mode, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3.
  • Includes a Dockztorm portable USB hub.

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