ASUS VivoBook 16 Laptop, 16” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10Display, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U CPU, AMD Radeon™ Graphics, 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Fingerprint Sensor, Windows 11 Home, Indie Black, M1605YA-ES74
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This is a lightweight 4.1-pound productivity machine for students and home office users who need an 8-core processor and 1TB of storage but do not care about color accuracy.
The 8-core Ryzen 7 processor and 1TB SSD provide high-end speed for data-heavy tasks, but the 8GB of RAM creates a bottleneck. The washed-out 45% NTSC display and lack of USB-C video output severely limit its use for creative work or multi-monitor desk setups.
If you plan to keep this laptop for more than two years, buy an 8GB DDR4 SO-DIMM stick to populate the empty RAM slot and enable dual-channel memory.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor easily handles heavy web browsing and large Excel files without stuttering
- 16-inch 1920 x 1200 display with a 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for reading documents
- 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD offers massive storage capacity for large local file libraries
- Weighs only 4.1 pounds, making it surprisingly portable for a 16-inch laptop
- Physical webcam privacy shield and built-in fingerprint reader add convenient security
Cons
- 8GB of RAM is soldered to the motherboard and runs in single-channel mode out of the box
- Display only covers 45% NTSC color gamut, making photos and videos look washed out
- USB-C port does not support video output for external monitors
- Plastic chassis is a magnet for fingerprint smudges and feels cheap
Dimension Scores
The Ryzen 7 7730U is fast, but it is bottlenecked by 8GB of single-channel RAM.
The 16:10 aspect ratio is great for work, but 45% NTSC color coverage looks dull and washed out.
The 42Wh battery only provides about 6 to 8 hours of light web browsing before needing a charge.
At 4.1 pounds, it is incredibly light for a 16-inch laptop, though the plastic body attracts fingerprints.
Best For
- College students writing papers who want a 16-inch screen without carrying more than 4.1 pounds
- Home office users managing massive spreadsheets and heavy browser tabs
- Writers and coders who benefit from the taller 16:10 screen aspect ratio
Not Recommended For
- Photo or video editors who need accurate colors (only 45% NTSC)
- Gamers looking to play modern titles (integrated Radeon graphics struggle here)
- Users wanting a single-cable desk setup (no USB-C display output)
Watch Out For
- The USB-C port is data-only — you cannot use it to connect an external monitor, so you are stuck using the single HDMI 1.4 port.
- The 8GB of RAM is soldered to the motherboard, though there is one empty SO-DIMM slot if you want to open the laptop and upgrade it yourself.
- The plastic chassis shows every single fingerprint and smudge, requiring constant wiping to look clean.
- The screen maxes out at 300 nits of brightness, making it very difficult to use outdoors or in brightly lit rooms.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| ASIN | B0BT6NKLQR |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Color | Indie Black |
| Series | VivoBook 16 |
| Voltage | 19 Volts (DC) |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 7 |
| Processor | 4.5 GHz ryzen_7 |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB SSD |
| Model Name | VivoBook 16 |
| Item Weight | 4.1 pounds |
| Screen Size | 16 Inches |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ax, Bluetooth |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| Processor Brand | AMD |
| Special Feature | Fingerprint Reader |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Item model number | M1605YA-ES74 |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
| Optical Drive Type | No Drive |
| Product Dimensions | 14.12 x 0.78 x 9.82 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon |
| Hard Drive Interface | NVMe |
| Number of Processors | 8 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920x1200 Pixels |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 8 GB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.12 x 0.78 x 9.82 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 16 Inches |
What Buyers Say
A recurring shock in user reviews is discovering the USB-C port doesn't support external monitors, forcing reliance solely on the HDMI port. Students and remote workers frequently mention how light the 4.1-pound frame feels in a backpack. The keyboard and large trackpad provide excellent comfort during long typing sessions. The plastic chassis acts as a notorious fingerprint magnet, and multiple reviews note the screen colors look noticeably dull compared to modern smartphones.
“super fast for work and crazy light for a 16 inch screen but im returning it because i cant plug it into my usb-c dual monitor dock. why make a laptop in 2023 that cant do video over usb c??”
Common Praise
- The 16:10 screen ratio makes reading long documents and web pages much easier
- It weighs only 4.1 pounds, making it surprisingly easy to carry around campus
- The physical webcam privacy shield is a great peace-of-mind feature
- The processor handles dozens of Chrome tabs and heavy Office files without breaking a sweat
Common Complaints
- The USB-C port is data-only and won't connect to a monitor or dock
- The Indie Black plastic casing gets covered in greasy fingerprints almost immediately
- The screen colors look muted and lack vibrancy for watching movies
- The 42Wh battery drains quickly if you push the processor with heavy tasks
Ownership Tips
- The fan stays completely silent during basic web browsing but ramps up noticeably during software updates or heavy multitasking.
- You will need to keep a microfiber cloth handy because the lid and palm rest look filthy after just a few days of use.
- Adding an 8GB RAM stick to the empty slot significantly boosts the integrated graphics performance by enabling dual-channel memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect two external monitors to this laptop?
No. The USB-C port does not support video output, so you can only connect one monitor using the HDMI 1.4 port.
Is the RAM upgradable?
Yes, partially. The included 8GB is soldered to the motherboard, but there is one empty DDR4 SO-DIMM slot inside allowing you to add more memory.
Can this run games like Minecraft or Sims 4?
Yes, the integrated AMD Radeon graphics handle light or older games on medium settings, but do not expect to play demanding modern AAA titles.
Does the keyboard light up?
Yes, it features a backlit keyboard which makes typing in dim environments much easier.
Is the chassis metal or plastic?
It is made entirely of polymer plastic. This keeps the weight down to 4.1 pounds but makes it feel less premium and prone to fingerprint smudges.
Buying Guide
When buying a budget 16-inch laptop, you are always trading build quality and screen color for processor speed and screen size. This ASUS gives you a 1TB drive and an 8-core Ryzen 7 chip, but cuts corners on the display vibrancy and port capabilities. If you just need a big screen for text, spreadsheets, and web browsing, it fits the bill perfectly. If you want to edit photos or use a modern USB-C docking station, you will be disappointed.
45% NTSC Color Gamut
This measures how many colors the screen can display. 45% NTSC is the bare minimum for modern laptops, meaning reds and greens will look dull compared to your smartphone screen.
Data-only USB-C
Unlike premium laptops where the USB-C port does everything, this one only transfers files. You cannot use it to send video to a monitor or charge the laptop.
Soldered 8GB RAM
The memory is permanently attached to the motherboard. While 8GB is enough for basic tasks today, you will need to open the laptop and use the single empty slot if you want to upgrade later.
Alternatives
Look for laptops with a '100% sRGB' display if you want vibrant colors, or 'Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C with DisplayPort' if you need to connect multiple monitors.
You Might Also Like
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
$600+This 2.71-pound MacBook Air with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and M5 chip is for users needing powerful AI capabilities and up to 18 hours of battery life.
Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M5 Pro chip with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU: Built for AI, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7; Space Black
$600+This 16.2-inch MacBook Pro with an 18-core M5 Pro CPU and 20-core GPU is for professionals needing extreme AI performance and up to 27 hours of battery life.
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
$600+This 3.32-pound MacBook Air with an M5 chip and 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is for users needing powerful AI capabilities and up to 18 hours of battery life.
HP OmniBook 5 16” Touchscreen AI Laptop – Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, Copilot AI, Wi-Fi 6E, Backlit Keyboard, Silver
$600+This 16-inch touchscreen laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD is for users needing a mid-range AI-accelerated machine for productivity and light creative tasks.