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| The Vivobook 16SE (pictured) is one of the two new Wildcat Lake laptops from the company. |
The 2026 Vivobook 14SE and 16SE are here — and the larger model comes with a screen that puts Apple’s offering to shame.
Asus has quietly launched two new budget-friendly laptops in China, and while they share almost all the same internals, the 2026 Vivobook 16SE is turning heads for one very specific reason: its display. According to listings on JD.com, the 16SE is available with a high-end screen option that technically outperforms the Liquid Retina display found on Apple’s MacBook Neo.
Let’s break down what’s actually new here, because there’s more going on than just another spec sheet refresh.
Two Sizes, Two Screens — But One Clear Winner
The 2026 Vivobook 14SE and 16SE are both powered by Intel’s new Wildcat Lake platform, specifically the mid-range Core 5 320 processor. That chip is paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of PCIe 4.0 storage across both models. So far, so identical.
But here’s where things get interesting. Asus is offering two display options for the 16-inch version, and the pricier one is genuinely impressive:
- Base screen: 16-inch IPS, 1920 x 1200 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate
- Upgraded screen: 16-inch IPS, 2560 x 1600 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate (VRR), and a brightness rating of 400 nits
That upgraded panel is where the MacBook Neo comparison comes in. For context, Apple’s MacBook Neo — which we reviewed recently and called a solid value play — maxes out at around 350 nits with a standard 60Hz refresh rate on its Liquid Retina display. The Vivobook 16SE’s top-tier option is brighter, smoother (thanks to VRR and 144Hz), and sharper at 2560 x 1600.
To be fair, as we noted in our MacBook Neo review, that Apple laptop’s display isn’t bad for its $599 price bracket. But on paper? Asus has clearly swung for the fences here.
Same Chassis, Same Ports, Same Battery
Both the 14SE and 16SE share an identical chassis design. Asus says the laptops measure as thin as 15.9mm and weigh just 1.29kg — that’s impressively light for a 16-inch machine, and downright featherweight for the 14-inch variant.
The port selection is generous for budget-oriented laptops:
- Two USB-C 3.2 ports with Power Delivery (pair them with a Baseus 100W PD cable, currently $6.39 on Amazon, and you’re good to go)
- Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- One 3.5mm audio jack
- One HDMI 2.1 port
Under the hood, both laptops pack a 52.5Wh battery. Asus is claiming better runtime than the MacBook Neo, though real-world battery life will ultimately depend on how efficient that Wildcat Lake processor turns out to be. Early signs are promising, but we’ll need to get these on the test bench before making any definitive claims.
Pricing and Availability
Here’s where things get really interesting for budget shoppers. The base configuration of the Vivobook 14SE and 16SE — with the 1920 x 1200 display — starts at CNY 4,599, which works out to roughly $675.
If you want the better 2560 x 1600 screen on the 16SE, you’re looking at CNY 4,999 (about **60 premium for a significantly better display, VRR support, and extra brightness. For context, the base model 16SE with the standard screen is listed here, while the upgraded version has its own separate listing.
That 599-$799 range. And on display quality alone, Asus has a real argument.
Asus hasn’t announced global availability yet, but the company is expected to share details on a wider launch soon. Given the aggressive pricing and solid specs, these could become popular options in the US and European markets if Asus keeps the price translation fair.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Vivobook 14SE and 16SE aren’t revolutionary laptops. They’re sensible, well-specced budget machines with one standout feature: a genuinely excellent display option on the 16-inch model that outclasses Apple’s offering at a similar price.
If you’re shopping in the $700 range and care about screen quality for media consumption, light creative work, or just everyday sharpness, the Vivobook 16SE with the upgraded panel is suddenly a very compelling alternative to the MacBook Neo. We’ll be watching for global pricing and hands-on reviews in the coming weeks.
Sources: JD.com listings for Asus Vivobook 2026 series
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| The configuration of the Vivobook 16SE with the base screen |
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| The configuration of the Vivobook 16SE with better screen |