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Updated March 22, 2024·
If you're looking for a laptop primarily for everyday tasks and prefer something more affordable and portable, the ASUS Zenbook 13 is a good choice, with its compact size and longer battery life suitable for on-the-go use. However, if you need a laptop for more demanding work like engineering, 3D modeling, or gaming, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers better performance at a higher price, along with the option to upgrade parts in the future, which could save money and reduce waste over time. 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 Zenbook 13
- Excellent portability
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.4
8.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
378.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
9.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the ASUS Zenbook 13 is good.
The ASUS Zenbook 13, with its lightweight design and strong battery life, is well-suited for everyday tasks, while its screen and speakers are fine for general use. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers a larger, higher-quality screen and superior performance due to better CPU and RAM, making it excellent for more demanding applications and multimedia consumption, albeit with a slight compromise on portability due to its size.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.8
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.3/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook 13, while having a competent GPU, is limited by its standard refresh rate, making it less ideal for high-paced gaming and smooth 3D rendering. The Framework Laptop 16 offers a decent GPU and a better screen refresh rate, providing smoother visuals, but its CPU and screen quality, while good, do not make it a top choice for intense gaming and advanced 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.1
8.1
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the ASUS Zenbook 13 is good.
The ASUS Zenbook 13, with its solid CPU, ample RAM, and quality GPU, ensures smooth performance for engineering software and a crisp display that benefits design tasks, but its more compact size might reduce keyboard and screen size which could affect user comfort during prolonged use. Meanwhile, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) provides top-tier CPU and GPU capabilities along with high RAM, making it robust for computational work and offering a larger, high-quality screen for detailed design work, yet its larger form factor can make it less portable and potentially louder under heavy load.
Content Creation
7.6
8.1
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the ASUS Zenbook 13 is good.
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
8.0
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the ASUS Zenbook 13 is good.
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
7.8
8.4
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
378.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the ASUS Zenbook 13 for gaming and AI, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the ASUS Zenbook 13 and the Framework Laptop 16 offer panels with high resolution and brightness, providing crisp, clear images and good visibility even in well-lit environments. Engineering and design tasks benefit from their wide color gamuts, ensuring accurate color reproduction crucial for precise work. However, their lower refresh rates, which are less of a concern for general and professional applications, make them less ideal for gaming and 3D where smoother motion is key.
Portability
Excellent
Good
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The ASUS Zenbook 13 has excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
8.0
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the ASUS Zenbook 13 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$890
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS Zenbook 13 has a price of $890 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
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Key similarities
Battery
9.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 13 has 9 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 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.
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How the ASUS Zenbook 13 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS Zenbook 13 | Framework Laptop 16 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$890 | $1,699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2021 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12'' x 8'' x 0.55'' | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.55 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.97" | 14.04" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.99" | 10.63" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 5700U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 67 Wh | 85 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.3" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | OLED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 378 nits | 490 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
ASUS Zenbook 13
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sebastian Bade | May 2021
"The Asus ZenBook 13 is a compact 13-inch laptop with a fast Ryzen 7 5800U and OLED display. The subnotebook is also light and the modern design is convincing. The selection of high-quality materials make the device not only light, but also very stable. In addition, the visuals and haptics of the device offers a high-quality impression. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800U is a very good fit for the ZenBook 13, ensuring a high performance in the test. However, in terms of the 3D performance, we also notice that the Vega architecture is beginning to hit its limits."
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook 13 or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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 Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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