A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a laptop with higher storage capacity, more RAM, and a dedicated graphics card for better 3D, machine learning, or gaming performance, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X stands out, but it is heavier and has a shorter battery life. Conversely, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) offers a midrange price point, excellent screen quality, lighter weight, and longer battery life, suitable for general use and portability, but with less RAM and storage, and shared graphics which may not be optimal for intensive engineering tasks or high-end gaming. 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 Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023)
- Excellent overall display quality
- Best in class overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Excellent battery life
- Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.7
7.5
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.6/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is equipped with a high refresh rate screen and a strong GPU tailored for 3D applications, making it suitable for such tasks on MacOS, but it's important to note that many popular games do not run on this operating system. The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X features a powerful Nvidia RTX GPU which is better for gaming due to its strong gaming performance and compatibility with a wide range of games on Windows, while also being capable of handling 3D work.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.6
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X's superior CPU, double the RAM, and more powerful dedicated GPU provide enhanced performance for engineering and design tasks compared to the Apple MacBook Pro 14's efficient CPU and integrated GPU. However, the MacBook Pro boasts a better screen quality and longer battery life, offering a trade-off between performance and visual/work experience, while its lighter weight and smaller form factor contribute to greater portability.
Screen Quality
9.2
8.3
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
489.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
354.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X for general use, AI, and engineering and design.
If you value a vivid display for everyday tasks like browsing, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 provides excellent resolution and brightness. For engineering and design work, its wide color gamuts ensure precise color representation, crucial for detail-oriented projects. However, for 3D applications and gaming, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X might not be ideal, as neither of these laptops offer high refresh rates which are key for smooth and responsive visuals in fast-moving scenarios.
Battery
17.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 17 hours of battery life. The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has 7 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
Very Good
Good
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) has very good portability, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0
7.6
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) has best in class build quality, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,499
$1,300
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) has a price of $1,499 and the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X costs $1,300.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
8.2
8.3
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
489.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
354.0 nits
17.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) suits general use well due to its longer battery life and high screen quality, prioritizing portability with less weight, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X delivers superior CPU and RAM performance for more demanding tasks, but sacrifices some portability and battery life. The MacBook excels in battery life and portability which are crucial for everyday tasks, whereas the Zenbook, while heavier and with shorter battery life, offers a substantial boost in power and a better screen which enhance intense workloads and multimedia experience.
Content Creation
8.4
8.5
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 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
8.2
8.2
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) and the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) | ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,499 | $1,300 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2023 | October 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.3'' x 8.7'' x 0.61'' | 14'' x 9.9'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 5.29 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.31" | 13.98" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.71" | 9.88" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M3 | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 17 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 69.6 Wh | 96 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.2" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | OLED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 489 nits | 354 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 3 | 4 | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | January 2023
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marc Herter, Alex Wätzel | November 2023
"The new Zenbook Pro 16X is more powerful, quieter and doesn't need to shy away from dedicated workstations and gamers. It is also comparatively compact, and our test device is the best Zenbook that we've reviewed so far. It seems equally suitable for content creators and gamers or anyone looking for a very powerful laptop that is still slim."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) or the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) vs. Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
VS
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) vs. Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022)
VS
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) vs. Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023)
VS
Compare ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X vs. Acer Nitro 5 15
VS
Compare ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X vs. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i
VS
Compare ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X vs. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
102,795
Recommendations made
22,273
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
