ASUS Vivobook 16 vs Gateway 15.6"

The ASUS Vivobook 16 offers a high-performing AMD Ryzen CPU and ample RAM for smooth multitasking, which is ideal for general use, further complemented by its high-resolution IPS display for clear visuals. The Gateway 15.6", while slightly less portable due to a bit more weight, also provides a competent Intel CPU and equivalent RAM, paired with an IPS display, ensuring good performance and screen quality for everyday tasks. Both laptops provide a balance between performance and portability, with battery life suited for typical use and keyboards that prioritize comfort, making them suitable options for general users.

The ASUS Vivobook 16 is equipped with an AMD processor that offers strong performance in engineering and design software, and it has a larger, high-quality IPS screen which is beneficial for detailed work; while the Gateway 15.6" laptop's Intel processor performs decently, it has a smaller screen and lower color coverage, which may affect the visual precision required for such tasks. Moreover, the Vivobook's inclusion of additional features like a backlit keyboard and a larger storage capacity enhances its suitability for engineering and design use, as opposed to the Gateway's which has a lower build and heat management quality, affecting prolonged intensive use.

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.

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.

When considering a laptop for general use, the screen's type, resolution, and brightness are key factors to ensure a comfortable viewing experience; both ASUS Vivobook 16 and Gateway 15.6" offer adequate quality in these aspects but don't excel in any, making them suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. For engineering and design work, where accurate color representation matters, the limited color gamut coverage in these models means they're not ideal for professionals who require precise color fidelity for tasks such as photo editing or CAD work. With regards to 3D and gaming, the refresh rate significantly impacts the smoothness of motion and response times; as both laptops have less focus on high refresh rates and only moderate attention to resolution and panel type, they are not recommended for high-end gaming or intensive 3D modeling where fluidity and sharp visuals are essential.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.

The ASUS Vivobook 16 offers a slightly higher screen resolution and brightness, but both the ASUS Vivobook and the Gateway 15.6" come with integrated graphics that only provide basic gaming and 3D performance and support a 60Hz screen refresh rate, which is standard but not ideal for fast-paced gaming where higher refresh rates are preferred. Additionally, the ASUS's AMD Ryzen CPU with Radeon graphics and the Gateway's Intel i5 with Iris Xe graphics are capable but not dedicated high-end gaming GPUs, meaning they can handle some gaming activities but won't provide the smooth, detailed experience of more powerful gaming laptops.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.