If you're looking for high-end graphics and performance for tasks like video editing or intensive engineering programs, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) is superior with a dedicated graphics card and a larger, higher-resolution display. It is also praised for its build quality and larger screen size, which may be useful for professional work that needs more screen real estate. However, it's heavier and less portable than the ASUS Vivobook S 15, and it might not be as versatile for certain software that runs only on Windows, since it comes with macOS. The Vivobook, conversely, would suit general use and tasks that don't demand intense graphics processing. It's lighter for carrying around and offers Windows 11 Home out of the box. Plus, it's significantly more expensive, so it's better for someone who prioritizes portability and has a higher budget. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019)
Very good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the ASUS Vivobook S 15
The ASUS Vivobook S 15 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019).
Key differences
Software Development
7.9/10
7.4/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.7/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and ASUS Vivobook S 15 are both good for software development, though the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.8/10
6.3/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
477.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
267.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has a better screen than the ASUS Vivobook S 15 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has a high-resolution display that makes text and images sharp and clear, beneficial for general use, and its wide color gamut ensures accurate color reproduction for engineering and design tasks. However, its refresh rate is not as high as specialized gaming laptops, which makes it less suited for 3D applications where smooth motion is crucial. The ASUS Vivobook S 15, while offering decent resolution and brightness for everyday tasks, lacks the more expansive color range and high refresh rates needed for professional-grade design work and fluid 3D gaming experiences.
Battery
12.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has 12 hours of battery life. The ASUS Vivobook S 15 has 9 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) has best in class build quality, while the ASUS Vivobook S 15 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$540
$908
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) has a price of $540 and the ASUS Vivobook S 15 costs $908.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and ASUS Vivobook S 15 are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.4/10
6.3/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and ASUS Vivobook S 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) is equipped with a dedicated AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU which is suitable for 3D applications, but its refresh rate is limited to 60Hz and macOS may not support many popular games. In contrast, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 relies on integrated Vega 8 graphics which can handle some gaming and 3D tasks; however, like the MacBook, it also has a 60Hz screen refresh rate and, while running Windows, has wider compatibility with games.
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
7.1/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and ASUS Vivobook S 15 are both good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) offers strong CPU and GPU performance, ample RAM, and a high-quality screen, making it well-suited for demanding engineering and design tasks, though it is heavier which affects portability. In contrast, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 packs a solid CPU with integrated graphics and a good screen, but trades off screen quality and speaker quality; however, it gains an advantage in portability and may appeal to those who prioritize a lighter device for engineering and general design work.
Content Creation
8.0/10
7.6/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) to be very good for content creation, while the ASUS Vivobook S 15 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.3 lbs
WEIGHT
3.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and ASUS Vivobook S 15 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and the ASUS Vivobook S 15 compare to other laptops
"The Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023: M2 Max challenges GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. The new MacBook Pro 16 2023 with the M2 Max SoC is the most powerful laptop Apple has on sale right now. While we do not get the expected performance and efficiency improvements from completely new 3 nm chips, which we expected ahead of the launch, the 2023 model is still a solid update. The CPU of the M2 Max can be up to 20 % faster than the old model and we also see an advantage of 25-30 % for the GPU with 38 cores. However, both components also consume more power, so the efficiency did not change that much under maximum load."
"Internals make Asus VivoBook S15 laptop a compelling option. The Asus multimedia laptop may look rather below-average with its modest black chassis, lack of a dedicated GPU, limited RAM and meagre port selection without Thunderbolt support. But your impression of the device will start changing once you set your eyes on its high-contrast OLED capable of producing deep blacks and highly accurate colours. And your opinion will change completely when the VivoBook is switched on. The AMD CPU can effortlessly keep up with powerful rivals from Intel. The integrated Radeon graphics blows away Intel's iGPU when it comes to graphics workloads such as rendering and simpler games."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) or the ASUS Vivobook S 15
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
102,795
Recommendations made
22,273
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.