If you prioritize affordability and a lightweight design for easier carrying, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 could suit you well, but keep in mind it may not handle heavy tasks such as 3D modeling or intensive gaming as efficiently as the Framework Laptop 16. On the other hand, if you're seeking a laptop designed for performance-driven tasks and future upgrades, the Framework Laptop 16 offers powerful capabilities and customization at a higher cost. However, it is generally less portable due to its larger size and potentially shorter battery life compared to the ASUS Zenbook S 13. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook S 13
Best in class portability
Very good battery life
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Key differences
General Use
8.6/10
8.0/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
365.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
11.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
9.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use, though the ASUS Zenbook S 13 is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 offers a strong balance of portability and performance, with a high-quality screen, long battery life, and sufficient CPU and RAM for smooth operation in a variety of tasks, making it ideal for those on the go. Conversely, the Framework Laptop provides versatility through its modular design, allowing for upgrades in storage and easy repairs, coupled with a high-quality keyboard and good thermal management, targeting users who prioritize customization and longevity alongside good general performance.
Screen Quality
8.1/10
8.4/10
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
365.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for engineering and design, software development, and content creation, while the Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
For general use, a laptop with a high-resolution screen and good brightness levels provides clear and vibrant visuals, making both the ASUS Zenbook S 13 and the Framework Laptop 16 appealing due to their crisp displays and adequate illumination. In engineering and design, color accuracy is crucial for precision work; both laptops offer wide color gamuts to ensure that the colors you see on screen are as true to life as possible. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is key, a high refresh rate is essential to avoid screen tearing and stutter; in this regard, both laptops may not suffice as their screens prioritize resolution and color over fast refresh rates.
Battery
11.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has 11 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Best in Class
Good
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
2.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.4in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has best in class portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,400
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has a price of $1,400 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook S 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 and Framework Laptop 16 both offer mid-level integrated or dedicated GPUs that support casual gaming and basic 3D tasks, but they might struggle with high-end gaming at maximum settings due to their limitations compared to more powerful gaming-specific GPUs. Although their screens provide good quality for everyday use, the refresh rates are not as high as gaming-dedicated laptops, meaning motion might not look as smooth during fast-paced games, with the Framework's larger screen size offering a more immersive experience but potentially at the cost of reduced portability compared to the more compact ASUS.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.1/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, and high-quality screen, is well-suited for demanding engineering tasks, though its weaker GPU limits intensive 3D work; it's also lightweight, making it easy to carry around. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers strong CPU and GPU performance, essential for both engineering simulations and design, and while it has a good screen and keyboard, it's less portable due to its larger size and potentially noisier under load.
Content Creation
8.5/10
8.1/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.3/10
8.0/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the ASUS Zenbook S 13 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS Zenbook S 13 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Asus Zenbook S 13 is the slimmest OLED ultrabook worldwide struggles with annoying fans. The new Zenbook S 13 leaves us with mixed feelings, particularly since last year's model was so good. Asus has completely reworked the device, making the laptop noticeably slimmer. The result also looks good and the case makes a great impression, particularly also in terms of the stability. The new plasma ceramic surface feels great, and there are no problems with fingerprints. In addition, it now includes some of the known connections such as an HDMI port and a regular USB-A connection, which is a good achievement in such a slim device."
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook S 13 or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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