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| Asus' new 16-inch laptop lacks its most powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 variant for now. |
Asus hasn’t forgotten about power users. A Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 variant is shown on the company’s U.S. website, but Asus has not confirmed a release date for this more potent configuration. Given that the HX 370 already outperforms the current Gorgon Point chips, the HX 470 could be a genuine performance king—assuming it ever ships.
If you don’t need a new laptop today, waiting for the HX 470 model (or even hunting down a last-gen Zenbook S16 with the HX 370) might be the smarter play. However, if you value battery life and AI acceleration (the Gorgon Point chips have an updated NPU), the current models still hold their own.
For a deep dive into real-world performance, thermals, and fan noise, check out our full Zenbook S16 review (linked below), where we put the Ryzen AI 9 465 version through its paces.
Where to Buy: Links & Availability
The Asus Zenbook S16 is now available directly from Asus and at Best Buy in the United States. Both retailers carry the two initial SKUs. For the best price, keep an eye on Amazon as well—third-party sellers may offer competitive deals.
You can grab yours here:
- Shop directly at Asus US – Official store, often has the widest configuration options.
- Best Buy listing (Ryzen AI 9 465 model) – Great for in-store pickup or quick shipping.
- Check current price on Amazon – Amazon’s pricing fluctuates, so you might snag a deal.
Note: The Amazon link is an affiliate link that helps support our independent testing at no extra cost to you.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2026 Zenbook S16?
The new Zenbook S16 is a solid, if slightly confusing, update. The larger battery and gorgeous AMOLED display remain compelling reasons to buy, and the Ryzen AI 9 465 model offers strong performance for creative professionals and everyday users alike. But the pricing inversion between the two Gorgon Point SKUs is hard to ignore, and the fact that last year’s HX 370 still outperforms them raises questions about AMD’s generational naming scheme.
Buy it if: You want a premium 16-inch OLED laptop with long battery life, 32GB of RAM, and a modern AI-ready platform—and you’re willing to ignore the weird pricing.
Wait if: You need maximum CPU/GPU power; hunt for a clearance deal on the previous Zenbook S16 with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, or hold out for the unreleased HX 470 model.
For now, Asus has delivered a capable machine that’s marred only by its own family drama. We’ll update this article when the HX 470 variant finally appears—and when Asus fixes that bizarre $1,999 price tag on the slower model.
Sources: Asus United States, Best Buy United States. Benchmarks and comparisons based on internal testing and publicly available data.
