Asus Vivobook 14 Gets New Core Ultra 5 325 Model With 2.5K 144Hz Display and 24GB RAM
Asus has introduced a new configuration of its Vivobook 14 in China, bringing a strong mix of portability, display quality, AI-ready performance, and long battery life. The 2026 model, sold locally as the Fearless 14, is now available with Intel’s Core Ultra 5 325 processor, 24GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a high-resolution 14-inch 2.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
The new Asus Vivobook 14 configuration is priced at CNY 6,499, which is roughly $968. Its regular listed price is CNY 6,999, or about $1,043, making the launch offer more attractive for buyers looking for a lightweight productivity laptop with modern hardware.
At the center of this model is Intel’s third-generation Core Ultra 5 325 processor. This Panther Lake chip features 8 cores and 8 threads, split between four performance cores and four efficiency cores. It can boost up to 4.5GHz and includes Intel Graphics based on the Xe3 architecture. The processor also includes an NPU rated at up to 47 TOPS, which should help with AI-assisted workloads, background enhancement features, and future Windows AI capabilities.
While the Core Ultra 5 325 is not the most powerful chip in Asus’ latest laptop range, it is designed to balance performance and efficiency. The higher-end Core Ultra 7 356H used in the Vivobook Pro 14 is faster overall, especially in demanding multi-core workloads, but it also runs at a higher power level. In comparison, the Core Ultra 5 325 is better suited for users who want a slim laptop for productivity, study, entertainment, browsing, office work, and everyday creative tasks.
To keep performance stable, Asus has equipped the new Vivobook 14 with its IceCool cooling system. The laptop supports up to 40W in performance mode, and users can switch between quiet, standard, and performance profiles depending on whether they prefer lower fan noise, balanced use, or stronger sustained performance.
One of the biggest upgrades in this configuration is the display. The Vivobook 14 features a 14-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a variable refresh rate ranging from 30Hz to 144Hz. This gives the laptop a sharper and smoother visual experience than many standard productivity notebooks. The screen also covers 100% of the sRGB color space and reaches up to 400 nits of brightness, making it suitable for web browsing, streaming, document work, and light photo editing.
Asus has also added eye-comfort features, including low blue light and flicker-free certifications. There is also a black-and-white e-book mode, which could be useful for users who spend long hours reading documents, PDFs, or online articles.
Compared with some international Vivobook 14 variants, this China-only configuration offers a more premium display experience. Some global models use a 1920 x 1200 60Hz panel, while others feature a 2560 x 1600 screen limited to 60Hz. The new 144Hz panel gives this version an advantage for users who value smoother scrolling, sharper motion, and a more responsive feel.
The laptop comes with 24GB of RAM, which is generous for a compact 14-inch notebook. It should be enough for heavy multitasking, large browser sessions, productivity software, online meetings, and moderate creative workloads. Storage is handled by a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and Asus includes two M.2 slots with support for up to 4TB of total storage. That makes the machine more flexible for users who may want to expand storage later.
The Vivobook 14 also stands out for its portability. It uses a full-metal body, measures just 15.9mm thick, and weighs around 1.25kg. That makes it easy to carry for students, office workers, and frequent travelers. Asus also says the chassis meets MIL-STD 810H durability standards, giving it extra credibility as a daily-use laptop.
Another practical design feature is the 180-degree hinge. This allows the screen to lay flat, which can be helpful when sharing content during meetings, group projects, or classroom use.
Battery life is another major selling point. The laptop includes a 70Wh battery, and Asus rates it for up to 22.9 hours of video playback or 20.1 hours of simulated office work. Real-world battery life will depend on brightness, workload, refresh rate, and performance mode, but the large battery should make this one of the more travel-friendly Vivobook 14 options. Charging is handled through USB-C, with support for a 5V to 20V input range.
Connectivity is well covered for a slim 14-inch laptop. The new Vivobook 14 includes two USB-A 3.2 ports, one full-featured USB-C 3.2 port, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This gives users enough flexibility for external monitors, accessories, storage drives, docks, and wired audio devices.
The laptop also includes an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, making login faster and more convenient. A backlit keyboard is included as well, which is useful for typing in dim rooms, classrooms, airplanes, or late-night work sessions.
For now, this exact Asus Vivobook 14 S3450A configuration is available through Asus’ official store in China. Asus has not confirmed whether the same model with the Core Ultra 5 325, 24GB RAM, and 2.5K 144Hz display will launch in global markets.
Overall, the new Asus Vivobook 14 looks like a well-balanced 14-inch laptop for users who want a lightweight metal chassis, a smooth high-resolution display, modern Intel Core Ultra performance, strong battery life, and upgradeable storage. If Asus brings this configuration to more regions, it could become an appealing option in the premium everyday laptop category.
