The Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (2025) emerges as a compelling option for creative professionals, boasting an exquisite OLED display and robust performance capabilities. While its exterior design may appear understated with a predominantly plastic construction and a rather cumbersome power adapter, the internal specifications and user experience tell a different story. This device positions itself as a strong contender in the market, bridging the gap between high-end mid-range and premium laptops, particularly for those engaged in demanding creative workflows.
Equipped with a 14th-generation Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX4050 discrete graphics card, the Vivobook Pro 15 is engineered to handle intensive tasks with confidence. The inclusion of an AI Boost NPU further offloads AI-specific processes from the main CPU and GPU, enhancing overall efficiency. The generous 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD provide ample resources for multitasking and storage. Connectivity is well-addressed with a comprehensive array of ports, including a UHS-II SD card slot, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet. While the traditional power port and substantial 200W charger might seem a step back in modern design, the option for USB-C charging offers some flexibility. The laptop's 15.6-inch OLED display, featuring a 2880 x 1800 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, stands out as its most captivating feature, delivering exceptional color accuracy and vibrant visuals.
In terms of practical application, the Vivobook Pro 15 demonstrates commendable performance in photo editing. Tasks such as importing large batches of photos into Lightroom Classic and working with complex layers in Photoshop were handled smoothly, with minimal fan noise and efficient thermal management. This seamless experience is crucial for creative professionals who cannot afford workflow interruptions. The integrated DialPad on the trackpad, a refined feature from Asus, significantly enhances usability for Adobe suite applications and other creative software. This rotary dial interface allows for intuitive adjustments of tools and settings, proving to be a valuable asset for precise control during editing sessions. Its adaptability with various applications, though requiring some trial and error for optimal integration, underscores its potential as a productivity booster. However, a notable trade-off lies in the battery life. Despite a decent 75Wh battery, intensive creative work severely limits its unplugged operation to just a few hours, necessitating frequent tethering to a power outlet. This limitation, coupled with the device's moderate weight of 4.19 pounds, somewhat restricts its portability for on-the-go professionals.
For video editing, the laptop's capabilities are more nuanced. While it can run DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro, benchmark results and intermittent performance issues in demanding video workflows suggest it might not be the ideal choice for dedicated video editors seeking peak performance for the price. The gorgeous OLED display, while excellent for visuals and even casual gaming, exacerbates the battery drain, making a power outlet a near-constant requirement. This inherent tension between a powerful display/processor combination and battery endurance is a common challenge for high-performance laptops. For creative users, particularly photographers, who prioritize a stunning visual experience and robust photo editing capabilities, the Vivobook Pro 15 offers significant value. However, potential buyers must weigh the impressive display and processing power against the considerable constraint of its short battery life, which often dictates its usage environment.
Ultimately, the Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (2025) presents a mixed bag. Its brilliant OLED screen and solid performance for photo editing make it an attractive option for certain creative workflows. However, the short battery life, the cumbersome charger, and the challenges in high-demand video editing scenarios mean it's not a universal solution. For those whose primary focus is photo-centric work and who are willing to manage power constraints, it could be a suitable investment. Yet, for users demanding all-day portability or heavy video editing capabilities, exploring alternatives with better battery optimization or higher-tier specifications, even if at a higher price point, might be a more prudent choice.