The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is a more expensive option with a larger 16-inch display and a high refresh rate, ideal for gaming and intensive tasks; it offers more robust graphics and processing power, comes with Windows 11 Home, and boasts superior battery capacity. In contrast, the Gateway 15.6" is less expensive, lighter, and thinner, with an Intel i5 processor suitable for general use; however, it operates on an older version of Windows and may not handle heavy-duty tasks as smoothly due to its less powerful graphics. If portability and cost are key factors, go for the Gateway, but if you need performance for gaming or demanding applications, choose the ASUS. 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 engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Good speakers
Good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 15.6"
The Gateway 15.6" has no clear advantages over the ASUS TUF Gaming A16.
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
7.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
294.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
12.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for general use, though the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is somewhat better.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers robust performance for general use with a powerful AMD processor, ample RAM, and better screen quality, but it is less portable due to a heavier build and lower portability score, although it has a longer battery life
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
6.0/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
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 Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
6.2/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 boasts a better CPU and GPU combination suited for demanding engineering and design applications, along with a superior screen in terms of color accuracy and refresh rate, which is crucial for detailed work. On the other hand, the Gateway 15.6" has components that may not handle intensive tasks as smoothly, and its screen offers lower color fidelity and refresh rate, which could affect the precision of visual outputs.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.0/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for content creation, though the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is somewhat better.
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
6.7/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for software development, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
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
6.1/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 likely offers a higher resolution and brightness, which makes for a clearer and more vibrant display, while the Gateway’s fair screen quality suggests it has functional but less impressive display features. When it comes to engineering and design, the ASUS likely covers a wider range of color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, key for precision in color work, whereas the Gateway’s adequate gamut coverage provides serviceable but not exceptional color accuracy. For gaming and 3D applications, the poor rating for both laptops may stem from lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid motion, although the ASUS's screen quality would be less of an issue here due to its better resolution and panel type that still benefit image clarity and detail.
Battery
12.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 hours of battery life. The Gateway 15.6" has 8 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.
Build Quality
7.2/10
5.1/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has good build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$838
$380
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $838 and the Gateway 15.6" costs $380.
"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."
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
Get a great deal on the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 or the Gateway 15.6"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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
100,695
Recommendations made
21,818
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.