ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop Review: Discover the Pros and Cons

The Asus Vivobook X515JA laptop is a mid-range Windows 10 Home device with the 10th Gen Intel Core i3 and Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.

The Asus Vivobook X515 Laptop is a budget laptop that cuts back on display, battery life and performance. But it does have some good features, like its thin profile of just 0.8 inches thick, slim bezels around the screen and a decent keyboard for those who need to type out long documents or emails. If your needs are simple, then this could do what you want from a laptop at a reasonable price.

What’s in the box?

When you unbox your new Asus VivoBook 15, you’ll find everything you need to get started right away. Here’s what you can expect to see when you open the package:

• Asus VivoBook 15 X515JA-BQ1761T Laptop
• AC Adapter (45W)
• Power Cord
• User Manual
• Warranty Card.

With these items in hand, you’ll be ready to set up your laptop and begin enjoying its features. Make sure to take the time to read the user manual, which provides essential information on your new device’s features and functions, as well as helpful troubleshooting tips.

ASUS VivoBook X515JA Review: Design

The Asus Vivobook X515JA laptop has a Slate-Gray chassis made completely out of plastic. It measures 14.1 x 9.2 x 0.8 inches in width, length and thickness and weighs 1.8kg which makes it fit conveniently with thin and lightweight devices. This laptop has an ErgoLift hinge which raises the base for a better thermal performance and typing experience.

It comes with a solid backlit keyboard with 1.4mm key travel, a fingerprint scanner and a smooth touchpad. The chiclet keyboard arrangement on this laptop leaves enough room for you to rest your palm so as to type comfortably. It also ships with a nice port selection; an HDMI port, a headphone audio combo jack, Type-A USB 3.0, Type-C USB 3.0, a 2x USB 2.0 port and a microSD card slot for expandable memory.

ASUS VivoBook X515JA Review: Display

The ASUS VivoBook X515JA is a 15.6-inch device with a NanoEdge display, 60Hz refresh rate and 500:1 contrast ratio with narrow viewing angles. It has a Full HD display at 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 88% screen-to-body ratio, and a peak brightness of 205 nits.

The display has a dim colour that makes the colour of some movies look worn, and for some, you have to strain your eyes to see dark scenes. The display on this laptop takes 48% AdobeRGB colour space and 65% of the sRGB colour gamut.

Performance and Battery life

The VivoBook X515JA laptop is equipped with an Intel Core-i3 processor, integrated Intel UHD graphics, 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which does a decent job in handling basic everyday tasks and even a low level of gaming. It has dual bottom-facing speakers that let you watch videos and listen to music without using headphones, although the vocals sound strained.

It has a built-in 720p webcam which isn’t good enough for anything except on days when there’s an emergency meeting at work. The best thing to do is to get an external webcam that works well with this device. The heat management is very good as it doesn’t get too hot to use, and the fans are pretty quiet compared to some other devices.

The battery life on the VivoBook X515JA is tested to last 6 hours with continuous web browsing over a stable Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness which is better than some more expensive devices.

Features of the VivoBook ASUS Laptop X515JA

1. Thin and lightweight.
2. 15.6 inches screen size.
3. It has a 720p webcam.
4. It has ErgoLift hinges.
5. Backlit keyboard.
6. Fingerprint reader.
7. Nice port selection.
8. Slim bezels on both sides of the display.

ASUS VivoBook X515JA Review: Specifications

• Operating system: Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
• Processor: 10^th Gen Intel Core i3 1005G1 1.2 GHz-3.4Gz
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics G1
• Display: 15.6 inches, 60Hz, 1920 x 1080 pixels @141ppi density
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB SSD
• Camera: 720p front-facing
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.1
• Ports: USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI port, 3.5mm audio combo jack, Micro SD card reader
• Sensors: Fingerprint sensor
• Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
• Weight: 1.8kg
• Battery: 37Wh
• Colour: Slate Grey.

ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop: Ports

The Asus VivoBook 15 X515JA laptop offers a decent variety of ports to accommodate your peripheral needs. With 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI 1.4, and a headphone/headset jack, you can connect multiple devices simultaneously without requiring additional adapters.

However, it’s worth noting that the inclusion of two USB 2.0 ports feels outdated, as they provide slower data transfer speeds compared to the more modern USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 ports. Also, the absence of a Thunderbolt port limits high-speed data transfer and video output capabilities.

If you rely heavily on fast data transfers or require advanced connectivity options, you might want to explore other laptops with a more comprehensive port selection. Nonetheless, for everyday use, the VivoBook 15 X515JA-BQ1761T should suffice in meeting most users’ basic connectivity needs.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad on the Asus VivoBook 15 X515JA laptop are designed to cater to the needs of daily users. With a chiclet-style keyboard featuring a dedicated numeric keypad and 1.4mm key travel, you can expect a comfortable and responsive typing experience.

However, some users might find the key travel slightly shallow, which could lead to occasional typos or discomfort during extended typing sessions.

The touchpad is reasonably sized, providing ample space for multi-finger gestures, navigation, and accurate cursor control. While it may not be the most premium touchpad on the market, it’s certainly functional and reliable for everyday tasks.

Keep in mind that for those who value a high-quality keyboard and touchpad, there may be alternative options on the market with more advanced features and improved tactile feedback.

Audio and Cameras

Audio Quality

When it comes to audio quality, the Asus VivoBook 15 X515JA laptop provides a satisfactory listening experience thanks to its SonicMaster technology. The built-in speakers produce clear sound, suitable for casual listening, video calls, or watching movies.

However, if you’re an audiophile or plan on using the laptop for music production, you might find the audio quality lacking in depth and richness.

In such cases, investing in external speakers or high-quality headphones would be a wise decision to enhance your listening experience.

Camera Performance

The VivoBook 15 X515JA-BQ1761T is equipped with a VGA camera, which may disappoint users who prioritize high-quality video calls or online meetings. The camera’s resolution is relatively low, resulting in grainy images and less-than-optimal video quality, especially in low-light environments.

If video conferencing or streaming is an essential part of your workflow, you might want to consider an external webcam with a higher resolution and better low-light performance to ensure clear and crisp visuals during your online interactions.

Graphics Performance

In terms of graphics performance, the Asus VivoBook 15 X515JA-BQ1761T comes with Intel® Iris™ Plus Graphics, which is suitable for everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.

However, if you’re looking for a laptop that can handle more graphically intensive tasks such as gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing, you may find this integrated graphics solution to be underwhelming.

The graphics performance may not meet the needs of users who require smooth frame rates and high-resolution textures in the latest games or professional applications.

To enjoy a better graphics experience, it would be wise to consider a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon series GPU, which would deliver significantly improved performance for demanding visual tasks.

Buyer’s Guide – VivoBook ASUS X515 JA laptop

The VivoBook ASUS X515JA laptop is a decent and affordable device with a display that almost covers the widescreen edge-to-edge, thin chassis, and numerous ports, but you will be getting less battery life, performance and a dim display. These are the compromises made to save money on this device. You pay for a device sold at this price.

Price: What is the cost of the ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop?

The cost of the ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop varies depending on the specific configuration, such as the processor and storage options. As mentioned in the content above, the price ranges from £429.99 to £537.62 in the UK. To convert these prices into US dollars, you can expect a price range of approximately $566 to $710, based on current exchange rates. Keep in mind that prices may vary across retailers and regions.

ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop Alternative Available Series

Listed below are the ASUS VivoBook X laptop series;

• VivoBook 15 X571
• VivoBook 15 X512
• VivoBook 15 X513
• VivoBook X541S
• VivoBook X407MA
• VivoBook 17 X712
• Vivobook Max X541SA
• ASUS VivoBook X515EA.

Is the ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop worth buying?

The ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop is a good laptop with decent performance and features. The laptop is designed for people who want to buy high-performing laptops at an affordable price. 

Pre-purchase Questions

Q: How is the ASUS VivoBook X515JA’s performance for daily tasks?

A: The VivoBook X515JA handles daily tasks and simple multimedia applications quite well, thanks to its Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM.

Q: Is the ASUS VivoBook X515JA suitable for gaming?

A: While the VivoBook X515JA is not designed for heavy gaming, it can handle less demanding games at lower graphical settings but may not provide the best gaming experience.

Q: What is the storage capacity of the ASUS VivoBook X515JA?

A: The VivoBook X515JA comes with a 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD, which can be upgraded for additional storage if needed.

Q: How is the keyboard and touchpad experience on the ASUS VivoBook X515JA?

A: The VivoBook X515JA features a comfortable keyboard with a 1.4mm key travel and a responsive touchpad, making it suitable for long typing sessions and daily use.

The Laptop Set-up Process

Step 1: Unpack the ASUS VivoBook X515JA

Carefully remove the laptop from its packaging, along with any accessories and documentation included in the box.

Step 2: Connect the power adapter

Find the power adapter and plug it into an available power outlet. Connect the other end to the laptop’s charging port, usually located on the left or right side.

Step 3: Turn on the laptop

Press the power button, typically located on the upper-right corner of the keyboard, to turn on the ASUS VivoBook X515JA. The device will start booting up.

Step 4: Complete the initial setup

Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your preferred language, region, and keyboard layout. Connect to a Wi-Fi network when prompted, and sign in with a Microsoft account or create a new one if you don’t have one.

Step 5: Customize your settings

During the setup process, you’ll be asked to customize various settings, such as privacy options and enabling location services. Take your time to review these settings and make the selections that best suit your preferences.

Step 6: Install any available updates

Once the initial setup is complete, check for any system updates by going to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.” Install any available updates to ensure your laptop is running the latest software.

Step 7: Install additional software and drivers

If the laptop requires any additional software or drivers, visit the ASUS support website to download and install them. This is particularly important for unique hardware features, such as a fingerprint reader or a backlit keyboard.

In summary, the setup process for the ASUS VivoBook X515JA is relatively straightforward and user-friendly. However, it’s essential to pay close attention to the available settings and options to ensure the best experience. One potential drawback is the need to manually install additional drivers and software, which might be inconvenient for less tech-savvy users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ASUS VivoBook X515JA offers a decent balance between price and performance for everyday users. While it may not be the perfect choice for heavy gaming or professional graphics work, it handles daily tasks and simple multimedia applications quite well.

The average comfortable keyboard, lightweight design, and ample storage capacity make it an appealing option for those who need a decent laptop for work or school. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, such as the dim colour profile and mediocre port selection, before making a final decision.

Ultimately, the ASUS VivoBook X515JA could be the right fit for you if you’re looking for a decent, budget-friendly laptop that can handle a variety of tasks with ease. Curious to see if it meets your needs? Give it a try and see for yourself!

FAQ – ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop Review

Q: Is the Asus VivoBook X514JA Laptop worth getting?

A: The answer depends on what you want out of your computer. If you need something cheap and light, then yes, otherwise no, because it’s just so mediocre.

Q: Does the Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop have a backlit keyboard?

A: Yes, it has a backlit keyboard.

Q: What does the fingerprint scanner look like?

A: It looks like a small circle which also serves as the power button.

Q: How long does the battery last when using the Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop?

A: On average, about five hours.

Q: Which version of the operating system does the Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop come with?

A: The Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop can come with either Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system, depending on the manufacturing date, region, or seller. It is essential to check the product description or inquire with the seller to determine the specific operating system version included with the laptop.

Q: Will the Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop run games well?

A: The Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop is not primarily designed for gaming, as it features low-power Intel 10th Gen CPUs and lacks a dedicated graphics card. While it may handle some light gaming, it is not suitable for demanding games or high graphical settings. For a better gaming experience, consider looking into dedicated gaming laptops with more powerful hardware.

Q: Are there any cons to having a touchscreen, and is the Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop touchscreen?

A: There aren’t many cons to having a touch screen except for some people who prefer physical buttons instead. The Asus VivoBook X515JA is not a touchscreen laptop.

Q: Where do I find more information about the Asus VivoBook X515JA Laptop?

A: You can check the official ASUS website.

Q: Is The Asus X515JA Battery Life Good?

The Asus X515JA offers a decent battery life, suitable for handling daily tasks and light usage. While it may not be on par with premium laptops or those specifically designed for extended battery life, it provides an adequate balance between price and performance for casual users. Its battery can last up to 6 hours. However, for more demanding tasks or longer periods of use without access to a power source, you may want to consider laptops with longer battery life.

Q: Does the Asus VivoBook 15 have a USB-C port?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 includes a USB-C port, along with several other useful ports.

Q: Is there a headphone jack on the Asus VivoBook 15?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 features a headphone jack for audio output.

Q: How does the Asus VivoBook 15 compare to gaming laptops?

A: The VivoBook 15 is not designed for gaming, as it lacks the powerful hardware typically found in gaming laptops.

Q: Does the Asus VivoBook 15 have plenty of ports?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 offers a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card slot.

Q: What is the colour profile of the Asus VivoBook 15’s display?

A: The VivoBook 15 has a dim colour profile, which might not be ideal for those who prefer vibrant colours.

Q: Can the Asus VivoBook 15 handle daily tasks smoothly?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 is capable of handling simple daily tasks with its Intel Core i7 processor.

Q: What is the storage capacity of the Asus VivoBook 15?

A: The VivoBook 15 comes with a 512 GB SSD, which can be upgraded to 1TB.

Q: Does the Asus VivoBook 15 have a comfortable keyboard?

A: The VivoBook 15 has a backlit chiclet keyboard, but some users find it feels cheap and not as comfortable as other laptops.

Q: Is the Asus VivoBook 15 suitable for gaming experiences?

A: The VivoBook 15 is not designed for gaming and may struggle to deliver a satisfactory gaming experience.

Q: How is the picture quality on the Asus VivoBook 15?

A: The VivoBook 15 features a Full HD display, but its dim colour profile might not provide the best picture quality.

Q: Can the Asus VivoBook 15 handle video playback smoothly?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 can handle video playback, but some users have reported issues with buffering and poor audio quality.

Q: Is there a microphone jack on the Asus VivoBook 15?

A: The VivoBook 15 has a combined headphone/microphone jack for audio input and output.

Q: How is the Asus VivoBook 15’s performance with its Turbo Speed?

A: The VivoBook 15 features a Turbo Speed of up to 3.9 GHz, providing decent performance for daily tasks.

Q: Can the Asus VivoBook 15 handle lighter tasks?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 is suitable for lighter tasks like web browsing, word processing, and video streaming.

Q: Does the Asus VivoBook 15 have an anti-glare screen?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 has an anti-glare screen, making it easier to use in bright environments.

Q: How is the sound quality of the Asus VivoBook 15?

A: The VivoBook 15 has built-in speakers, but users report that the sound quality is not very impressive.

Q: What is the maximum brightness level of the Asus VivoBook 15’s display?

A: The VivoBook 15 has a maximum brightness of 250 nits.

Q: Does the Asus VivoBook 15 have a lightweight design?

A: Yes, the VivoBook 15 weighs only 1.80 kg (3.97 lbs), making it relatively lightweight for a 15-inch laptop.

Q: How does the Asus VivoBook 15 perform in terms of graphical settings?

A: The VivoBook 15 features integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics, which may not provide the best performance in terms of graphical settings, especially for gaming.

Q: What is the average frame rate on the Asus VivoBook 15 during gameplay?

A: The VivoBook 15 is not a gaming laptop and may struggle to achieve playable frame rates in modern games, especially with higher graphical settings.

Product Image Gallery – ASUS VivoBook X515JA Laptop Review

References: Asus, Asus VivoBook X Series.