So I’ve been using this ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 laptop for about three weeks now, and I’ve gotta say – it’s been an interesting experience. When my trusty old Dell finally gave up the ghost last month (after 6 years of loyal service), I found myself diving into the overwhelming world of budget to mid-range laptops. And let me tell you, there are A LOT of options out there.
After way too many hours of research and YouTube reviews, I decided to take a chance on the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6. Was it the right choice? Well, that’s what I’m here to share with you today – the good, the bad, and everything in between.
What Exactly is the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 Laptop?
Before we dive into my experiences, let’s talk about what this laptop actually is. The ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 is positioned as an affordable, everyday laptop that’s designed for basic productivity, web browsing, and light entertainment. It’s definitely not trying to compete with gaming rigs or professional workstations.
Depending on the configuration, you can get it with either an AMD Ryzen processor (usually the Ryzen 5 7520U or Ryzen 3 7320U) or an Intel processor (like the Intel i3-N305). The model I’ve been testing is the one with the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage.
What initially caught my eye was the combination of the relatively new processor, decent amount of storage, and the price point – which hovers around $400-500 depending on sales and configurations. For a student, remote worker, or anyone who needs a reliable machine without breaking the bank, that’s an attractive proposition.
The Key Specs at a Glance
Here’s what you’re looking at with the Ryzen 5 model:
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor (4 cores, up to 4.3GHz)
- 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) display
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
- Windows 11 Home
- Up to 10 hours of battery life (according to ASUS, but we’ll talk about real-world experience later)
- Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x audio jack
- Weight: Around 3.5 pounds
I should note that there are various configurations available, so double-check the specs of the specific model you’re looking at if you decide to purchase one.
Check the current price of the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 on Amazon
My First Impressions of the ASUS Vivobook Go
Taking this laptop out of the box, my first thought was, “Hmm, not bad.” It’s not going to win any design awards, but it doesn’t look cheap either. The slate gray color (some models come in different colors) gives it a professional appearance that wouldn’t look out of place in a classroom or coffee shop.
At about 3.5 pounds, it’s not the lightest 15.6-inch laptop out there, but it’s certainly not a back-breaker either. I’ve been carrying it in my backpack to the local library and coffee shops without any issues.
The build quality is… decent. It’s primarily plastic, as you’d expect at this price point, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. There’s some flex in the keyboard if you press hard, but nothing concerning for normal typing. The hinge feels sturdy, which is often a failure point on cheaper laptops.
Setting it up was pretty straightforward – the usual Windows 11 process with a few ASUS-specific settings and, yes, some bloatware that I promptly uninstalled. It booted up quickly, and I was able to start using it within about 20 minutes of opening the box.
Performance: Can It Handle Your Daily Tasks?
Here’s where things get interesting. The Ryzen 5 7520U processor in my model is actually quite capable for the price range. It’s a newer generation chip designed for efficiency, and it shows in how this laptop handles everyday tasks.
For context, my typical workday involves:
- Multiple Chrome tabs (I’m one of those people with 15+ tabs open at once)
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Spotify running in the background
- Occasional photo editing in Photoshop Elements
- Zoom meetings
And for all that basic productivity stuff? The Vivobook Go handles it like a champ. I rarely experience any lag or slowdown when switching between applications or working in multiple tabs.
The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most tasks, though I do notice the laptop starting to slow down if I push it too far (like having 25+ browser tabs open while editing photos). If you’re a heavy multitasker, this might be something to keep in mind.
What About More Demanding Tasks?
I’m not a gamer, but I did try running a few older games just to see how the laptop would handle them. Games like Stardew Valley run perfectly fine, and even something like Rocket League is playable on lower settings.
I also tested some light video editing in DaVinci Resolve (the free version). Editing basic 1080p clips is doable, though rendering times aren’t great. This definitely isn’t a laptop I’d recommend if video editing is a priority for you.
One unexpected bright spot has been the 512GB SSD, which is surprisingly speedy for a budget laptop. Windows boots in seconds, and applications launch quickly. Having that much storage at this price point is also pretty generous compared to some competitors.
The Display: Good Enough for Netflix?
The 15.6-inch FHD display on the Vivobook Go is… fine. It’s not going to blow you away with vibrant colors or brightness, but it’s perfectly adequate for productivity work and casual content consumption.
I’ve watched a few episodes of The Last of Us on this laptop, and while it’s definitely not as impressive as my TV, the viewing experience was enjoyable. The anti-glare finish is actually a nice touch – I’ve been able to work outside on my porch without too much trouble.
Viewing angles are decent but not great. Colors start to shift if you’re looking at the screen from extreme angles, but for normal use (especially if you’re the only one using the laptop), it’s not an issue.
My one real complaint is that the maximum brightness could be higher. In very bright environments, I find myself wishing I could crank it up just a bit more.
See the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 laptop on Amazon
Keyboard and Trackpad: The Daily Drivers
Since I do a lot of writing, the keyboard is super important to me. The Vivobook Go’s keyboard has been a pleasant surprise. The keys have good travel and feedback – not as satisfying as my mechanical keyboard at home, but I can type for hours without discomfort.
The layout is pretty standard, though the arrow keys are a bit cramped, and the power button is positioned as part of the keyboard (in the top right corner), which has led to a few accidental sleep activations until I got used to its location.
The trackpad is… serviceable. It’s not as smooth or responsive as what you’d find on more premium laptops, but it gets the job done. Multi-finger gestures work reliably, though the surface has a slight friction to it that I’m not a huge fan of. I often find myself connecting a mouse when I’m working for longer periods.
The Audio Experience
Let’s be honest – laptop speakers are rarely impressive, especially in this price range. The Vivobook Go’s speakers are loud enough, but they lack bass and can sound a bit tinny at higher volumes. They’re fine for watching YouTube videos or joining Zoom calls, but if you’re planning a Netflix marathon or want to enjoy music, you’ll probably want to connect headphones or external speakers.
Battery Life: Will It Last Through Your Workday?
ASUS claims “up to 10 hours” of battery life for the Vivobook Go, which is… optimistic, to say the least. In my real-world testing, I’ve been getting about 6-7 hours with mixed usage (web browsing, document editing, some streaming) at medium brightness.
That’s not terrible by any means – it’ll get most people through a school or work day – but it’s worth noting that you probably won’t hit that advertised 10-hour mark unless you’re doing very light work with the screen brightness turned way down.
The good news is that the laptop charges relatively quickly. I can go from 20% to 80% in about an hour, which is convenient when I need a quick top-up between classes or meetings.
Connectivity and Ports: The Essential Connections
For a budget laptop, the Vivobook Go offers a decent selection of ports:
- 1x USB 3.2 Type-C (doesn’t support charging or display output, unfortunately)
- 2x USB 3.2 Type-A
- 1x HDMI 1.4
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x microSD card reader
This covers most of the bases for everyday use, though I do wish the USB-C port supported charging or display output. The inclusion of a microSD card reader is a nice touch that’s becoming increasingly rare, even on higher-end laptops.
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, both of which have worked reliably during my testing. I particularly appreciate the Wi-Fi 6 support, as it helps maintain better connections in congested networks (like at my local coffee shop).
Who Should Consider the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6?
After a few weeks with this laptop, I have a pretty good idea of who might be happy with it – and who should probably look elsewhere.
The Vivobook Go Might Be Right For You If:
- You’re a student who needs a reliable laptop for writing papers, research, and attending online classes
- You’re a remote worker who primarily uses web-based applications and basic productivity tools
- You need a secondary laptop for travel or casual use
- You’re on a tight budget but still want decent performance for everyday tasks
- You value storage space (the 512GB SSD is generous at this price point)
You Should Probably Look Elsewhere If:
- You’re a gamer or need to run demanding applications
- You do a lot of video editing or other creative work that requires processing power
- You need all-day battery life (8+ hours) without charging
- Display quality is a top priority for you
- You need the absolute lightest laptop for frequent travel
Check current pricing for the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6
Comparing Models: Ryzen vs. Intel Versions
While I’ve been using the Ryzen 5 model, it’s worth mentioning that the Intel versions (particularly the i3-N305 model) offer a slightly different experience. Based on specs and reviews I’ve read (I haven’t personally tested the Intel version):
- The Ryzen models generally offer better multi-tasking performance
- The Intel models may have slightly better battery life in some scenarios
- Both provide adequate performance for basic tasks
- Pricing is similar, though the Ryzen 5 models tend to be positioned as slightly premium compared to the Intel i3 models
If you’re trying to decide between them, I’d generally recommend the Ryzen 5 7520U model if you can afford it, especially if you tend to run multiple applications simultaneously. But the Intel model would still be serviceable for basic needs.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Your Money?
So, is the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 laptop worth it? I think the answer is a qualified yes, with an emphasis on understanding what you’re getting.
For around $400-500 (depending on configuration and sales), you’re getting a laptop that handles everyday tasks competently, has decent build quality, and includes sufficient storage and RAM for most users’ needs.
It’s not going to wow you with premium features or exceptional performance in demanding applications, but it’s not trying to. This is a budget-friendly workhorse designed for students, casual users, and basic productivity – and in that context, it delivers good value.
What impressed me most was the general responsiveness of the system. Budget laptops often feel sluggish, but the combination of the Ryzen processor and SSD storage makes the Vivobook Go feel snappier than its price would suggest.
My Final Verdict
If I had to rate the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 laptop, I’d give it a solid 7.5/10 for its intended purpose and price range.
The strengths are definitely the performance-to-price ratio, keyboard comfort, and overall reliability for everyday tasks. The weaknesses are the average display brightness, battery life that doesn’t quite match the marketing claims, and a trackpad that’s just okay.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with the caveat that they understand what they’re getting – a capable, budget-friendly laptop that makes some reasonable compromises to hit its price point.
For students, remote workers who primarily use web applications, or anyone needing a reliable secondary machine, the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 represents a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. Just don’t expect it to replace a gaming laptop or professional workstation, and you’ll likely be satisfied with what it delivers.
Get the ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6 laptop on Amazon
