Notebook Review
ASUS VivoBook F420FA Review: A Practical 14-inch Everyday Ultrabook
Editor note: This article is an original English adaptation prepared by Notebook Center from the Notebook-Center.ru review.
Overview
ASUS VivoBook F420FA is a budget 14-inch ultrabook aimed at users who need a compact laptop for office tasks, web use, media playback, and study. This configuration includes an Intel Core i3-8145U processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, 4 GB LPDDR3 memory, and a 256 GB SSD. At 1.4 kg, it is easy to carry for daily commuting and travel.
Technical Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-8145U (2.1 GHz) |
| Memory | 4 GB LPDDR3 2133 MHz |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch, 1920x1080, Full HD, LED IPS, matte |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Audio | SonicMaster, 2 speakers |
| Ports | USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB Type-C, HDMI, microSD card reader, combo audio jack |
| Webcam | 720p |
| Battery | 2-cell lithium-ion, 38 Wh |
| Size and Weight | 322 x 210 x 17.7 mm, 1.4 kg |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home (64-bit) |
| Tested Configuration | ASUS VivoBook F420FA-EB215T |
Design and Portability
The laptop uses a silver plastic chassis with a matte finish that helps hide fingerprints in normal use. Build quality is serviceable for its class, though the lid and keyboard area are not very rigid. The compact footprint and low weight are strong points for users who carry a laptop every day.
Display, Sound, and Webcam
The 14-inch IPS panel with Full HD resolution delivers clear text and enough detail for office tasks and video. The review notes peak brightness around 250 nits, so indoor use is more comfortable than bright outdoor use. Audio quality is better than expected for this segment, with good loudness and clear playback through SonicMaster speakers. The 720p webcam is suitable for basic video calls.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Daily Use
The island-style keyboard has generally comfortable keys and a familiar layout, but there is no backlight. Arrow keys are vertically compressed, which may require adjustment for frequent navigation work. The large touchpad is responsive and supports multitouch gestures, making everyday navigation simple without an external mouse.
Performance for Everyday Tasks
With a dual-core Intel Core i3-8145U and integrated graphics, this VivoBook is intended for routine workloads: browser tabs, documents, online meetings, and media streaming. The 4 GB of RAM is a clear limitation for heavier multitasking, but the 256 GB SSD keeps boot and app launch times reasonably quick for an entry-level system.
Ports, Wireless, and Battery
The port selection covers common needs, including HDMI, USB Type-C, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, microSD, and a combined audio jack. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. Battery capacity is 38 Wh; in the source test it handled roughly seven hours of web browsing at medium brightness, while intensive workloads depleted it much faster.
Verdict
ASUS VivoBook F420FA is a straightforward, no-surprises budget ultrabook. Its key advantages are portability, a practical Full HD IPS display, decent speakers, and usable battery life for light office routines. The main compromise is modest performance headroom due to 4 GB RAM and entry-level CPU/GPU capability. For undemanding users who prioritize mobility and basic productivity, it remains a practical option.