Here's the potential tradeoff, depending on what kind of laptop user you are: Both the SX12 and SX14 roll with LED FHD (1920x1080) IPS touch displays. That may be a dealbreaker for you given the era we're in of 4K laptops, but it's part of the sacrifice for VAIO's emphasis on battery life.
Interestingly, although the laptops are not convertibles (they lay flat, however), they support inking with Wacom AES 2.0. You even get a nifty pen, although there is nowhere actually to store it during travel.
VAIO is also adding Windows Hello infrared (IR) to the mix whereas the company usually opts for a fingerprint reader (which is still available).
And, like all VAIO laptops, these are torture-tested for drops, falls, and even water resistance (for the keyboard).
Both machines are out right now, and can be bought directly at VAIO's website. Alternatively, check out the best Windows laptops for other options.
Look for our review in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out our flagship VAIO Z review from earlier this year if you want to see the power and potential behind VAIO's design and component choice.