When considering the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 versus the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13", you are looking at two different use cases. The ASUS model is tailored for gaming with its AMD Ryzen processor and dedicated AMD graphics, which deliver stronger performance for intensive tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing. It also has a larger and higher capacity battery, making it last longer between charges, but it is heavier and bulkier, reducing its portability. Despite being less expensive, the ASUS is less suitable for carrying around frequently.
On the other hand, the Surface Laptop 5 is smaller, lighter, and ideal for general use with excellent display quality and better portability, making it a convenient choice if you travel often or need a laptop for daily productivity tasks. It has an Intel processor and integrated graphics, which are less powerful for demanding applications but still sufficient for everyday work and media consumption. It tends to be more expensive, and the battery life is not as long as the ASUS's, but it offers a balance of performance and portability that might be more aligned with professional use than 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 ASUS TUF Gaming A16
Good for gaming and AI
Very good battery life
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
Excellent portability
Very good speakers
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
6.1/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers a higher screen refresh rate and a more powerful dedicated AMD GPU, which are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D rendering, making it a good choice for such tasks. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a significantly lower refresh rate and uses an integrated Intel GPU, making it only fair for gaming and 3D applications, as it may not handle intensive graphics quite as well.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
7.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for engineering and design, though the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is somewhat better.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and AMD RX 7600S GPU, making it suitable for demanding engineering and design tasks that require strong CPU and GPU capabilities, while its 16-inch IPS display provides good screen quality. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13", while more portable and with a higher-resolution touchscreen, uses an Intel i7 processor with integrated Iris Xe graphics, which is capable for engineering and design but might not handle intensive graphics tasks as well as the ASUS; however, it offers a superior portability and build quality.
Screen Quality
7.5/10
7.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" for gaming and AI.
Certain laptops like the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 may have screens with great resolution and brightness, providing clear and vivid displays for browsing and productivity, which is essential for general use and engineering tasks that require attention to detail. For professionals working in engineering and design, accurate color representation is critical, and both the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 deliver high-quality color ranges, ensuring designs are seen as intended. However, gamers and those working with 3D applications may find these laptops less ideal, as they likely do not offer the high refresh rates that are crucial for smooth motion and fast-paced visuals.
Battery
12.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has 7.5 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
13.5in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" 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
7.8/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 both have good build quality, though the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$838
$1,200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $838 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for general use.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers a larger screen and higher-refresh-rate display, suitable for an immersive experience and gaming, with a robust CPU and sufficient RAM for multitasking, though it is heavier and has less portable design. Conversely, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" boasts a high-resolution display with touchscreen and a lighter, more portable build, alongside a capable CPU and RAM for general use, but it has a shorter battery life and may not be as suitable for intensive gaming or tasks.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.4/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both 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
7.3/10
7.2/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both 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.
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How the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" compare to other laptops
"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."
"The Surface Laptop 5 remains afloat as a solid machine. It's just not one that stands out in any particular way. Just like the last one. The biggest upgrade were some new components, but they perform in the same range as other laptops with them, and frequently at the bottom of that range. I suspect Microsoft's settings are very conservative to help keep cooling and battery life within reason in the older chassis design."
Get a great deal on the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
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 Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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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