When deciding between the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and the ASUS Vivobook Go 12, consider your primary use. The TUF Gaming A16, while more expensive, offers higher performance, making it suitable for 3D applications, machine learning, gaming, and demanding engineering tasks. It usually also comes with a better display for immersive gameplay or video work. On the other hand, the Vivobook Go 12 is more budget-friendly and extremely portable, well-suited for general use like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The more portable option will likely have lower performance capabilities and a more modest display but will be easier to carry and may have longer battery life due to less demanding components. If you don't require intensive computing power and prioritize affordability and portability over raw performance, the Vivobook Go 12 would be more appropriate. 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 TUF Gaming A16
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Good speakers
Good keyboard
Advantages of the ASUS Vivobook Go 12
Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
5.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
294.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
12.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for general use, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
5.4/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for gaming and AI, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 excels in gaming and 3D tasks due to its higher-end GPU and a screen refresh rate suitable for fast-paced visuals, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has a less capable GPU and a lower screen refresh rate that won't keep up with demanding games or 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
5.3/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for engineering and design, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.6/10
5.7/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for content creation, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
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
7.3/10
5.7/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for software development, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
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.
Screen Quality
7.5/10
5.1/10
16.0in
SIZE
11.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a better screen than the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you're looking for a laptop for everyday tasks, the ASUS TUF Gaming A16's display offers sharp images and bright visuals, but the Vivobook Go 12 may appear less crisp and dim, making it less suitable for frequent use. For engineering and design work, the A16 provides a range of colors to work with, which ensures that designs are accurately represented, while the Vivobook's limited color range might not be sufficient for professional design work. Meanwhile, gamers and 3D designers seeking smooth motion will appreciate the A16's higher refresh rate, whereas the Vivobook Go 12, with its lower refresh rate, won't be as fluid or responsive for fast-paced visuals.
Battery
12.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 hours of battery life. The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has 10 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
Good
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
11.6in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.3 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has excellent portability, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
5.1/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has good build quality, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$838
$199
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $838 and the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 costs $199.
"The A16 makes an excellent case against more expensive laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and the MSI Katana GF76, especially if you’re into 1080p gaming. However, although its affordable, it doesn’t skimp on performance or a robust chassis. But for me, the biggest factor that sets it apart from these options is its incredible battery life. In my time reviewing laptops, I can’t remember when I last saw a gaming laptop lasted 11 and a half hours on a single charge, which makes the A16, in my book, truly outstanding."
Get a great deal on the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 or the ASUS Vivobook Go 12
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.
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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About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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