The Asus Vivobook Go 14 E1404FA-NK322WS Review positions this laptop in the competitive ₹30,000-₹35,000 budget segment in 2026. How does it compare to similarly-priced alternatives?
Unique Advantages
Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity: Most budget laptops in early 2026 still offer Wi-Fi 5 or basic Wi-Fi 6. The triple-band Wi-Fi 6E support (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) future-proofs your wireless connectivity. The 6GHz band provides cleaner airwaves in congested environments like dorms and apartments.
Military-Grade Durability: The US MIL-STD 810H certification distinguishes this laptop from typical budget models. Competitors usually skip durability testing to cut costs. This certification means ASUS tested the laptop for drops, vibrations, temperature extremes, and dust – providing confidence in long-term reliability.
Fast Charging: Reaching 60% battery in 49 minutes beats most competitors that need 90+ minutes for similar charge levels. This quick charging proves valuable for students with limited time between classes.
Included Software Value: The Microsoft Office 2024 lifetime license adds approximately ₹6,000-7,000 in value. Many competing laptops include only trial versions requiring paid subscriptions. This inclusion represents significant savings over the laptop’s lifespan.
Exceptional Portability: At 1.38 kg, this laptop is lighter than most budget alternatives that typically weigh 1.6-1.8 kg. The 200-400 gram difference matters when carrying the laptop daily.
Competitive Disadvantages
Non-Upgradeable RAM: Many laptops in this price range offer SO-DIMM slots for RAM expansion to 16GB or even 32GB. The soldered 8GB cannot be upgraded, limiting future capabilities as software becomes more demanding. This is a significant long-term disadvantage.
Graphics Performance: Competing Intel-based laptops with Iris Xe integrated graphics typically deliver 20-30% better graphics performance than the AMD Radeon 610M. This affects light gaming and creative application performance.
Limited Ports: The single M.2 slot and absence of an SD card reader restrict expansion compared to competitors offering dual storage slots or SD readers. This matters to photographers and anyone needing additional storage flexibility.
Display Brightness: The 250 nits brightness falls behind competitors offering 300+ nit panels. Brighter displays improve outdoor usability and provide better viewing experiences in various lighting conditions.
USB-C Limitations: The USB-C port handles only data transfer, lacking DisplayPort video output or Power Delivery charging found on some competitors. More versatile USB-C ports add functionality.
Price-to-Performance Analysis
At ₹33,990, the Ryzen 3 7320U processor delivers performance comparable to Intel Core i3 12th generation chips in similar-priced alternatives. The 512GB NVMe SSD and LPDDR5 RAM provide modern component specifications competitive with the segment.
The build quality, portability, and included Office license justify the pricing for students prioritizing lightweight design and durability. However, users requiring gaming capability or content creation power find better value in slightly higher-priced ₹40,000-45,000 alternatives with dedicated graphics.
In the budget segment, this laptop competes primarily on portability, battery life, and overall reliability rather than raw performance. The military certification, Wi-Fi 6E, and light weight differentiate it from cheaper options focused solely on specifications.