2021 Asus VivoBook 15 sets a new display standard for budget laptops with its outstanding 1080p OLED panel

When deciding between lower-end and higher-end laptops, a few features have always been associated with higher-end models. OLED displays in particular are usually marked up by several hundred dollars more than their IPS alternatives making them out of reach for shoppers on tighter budgets. Fast forward to 2021 and affordable laptops with OLED for well under $1000 USD are now popping up to offer all the inherent benefits of OLED without the sticker shock.

The budget 15.6-inch Asus VivoBook 15 K513 series is one of the first in its size category and price range to offer 1080p OLED options. Much like the typical 4K OLED panels on the much pricier ZenBook Pro series, this 1080p option comes with extremely fast response times, full DCI-P3 color coverage, and a much greater contrast ratio than any IPS option especially for the price. Brightness is also higher than average to help colors pop and improve outdoor visibility. These four advantages offer a visual experience that you just can't find on other budget or mid-range IPS laptops.

There are a few limitations about the affordable 1080p OLED VivoBook to keep in mind. Touchscreen, for example, is not supported while power consumption is generally greater leading to shorter battery life overall. The maximum native refresh rate is also fixed at 60 Hz whereas IPS panels with smoother >60 Hz refresh rates are starting to become more common. Nonetheless, seeing OLED on cheaper models like the VivoBook will ultimately lead to more desirable options for end-users.