If you need high performance for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, the ASUS Zenbook 14X is a solid choice, however, it's less portable and generally costs more. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offers greater portability and is more budget-friendly but doesn't match the ASUS in power and is less suited for intensive tasks. If long battery life is crucial for you, carefully compare these specs, as it can significantly affect your experience during prolonged use away from power outlets. Choose based on your primary needs: performance and advanced work (ASUS), or portability and casual use (Microsoft). 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 14X
Good for engineering and design
Very good overall display quality
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Excellent portability
Good battery life
Very good speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
7.0/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
339.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
5.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for general use, though the ASUS Zenbook 14X is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X offers better performance suitable for more demanding tasks thanks to its higher RAM, more capable processor, and dedicated graphics card, alongside a high-quality OLED screen with a higher resolution. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 gains the upper hand in portability and battery life, benefiting those who prioritize mobility and longer usage on the go, despite its lower RAM, less powerful processor, and lower resolution screen.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
6.5/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook 14X is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X is better suited for engineering and design use because it comes with a more powerful CPU, more RAM, and a dedicated GPU, which are crucial for handling complex tasks and running intensive software commonly used in these fields. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, with its less powerful CPU and integrated graphics, along with lower RAM, offers less power and is more appropriate for less demanding tasks.
Screen Quality
8.3/10
6.9/10
14.0in
SIZE
12.4in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
90Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
339.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS Zenbook 14X offers superior screen resolution and brightness, enhancing clarity and visibility, whereas, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 provides ample screen quality, yet with slightly less sharpness and lower brightness. When it comes to engineering and design, the Zenbook 14X excels with a wider color gamut, ensuring more accurate color representation which is critical for professionals, in contrast to the still respectable but more limited color range of the Surface Laptop Go 2. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short as they have lower refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth motion and rendering, although the Zenbook 14X may offer a little better resolution and panel type that could slightly improve the experience.
Battery
5.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
12.4in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has excellent portability, while the ASUS Zenbook 14X has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X, with its dedicated GPU and higher screen refresh rate, stands out for gaming and 3D applications but may come at a higher price, whereas the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, despite its suitable CPU and screen quality, might not handle graphically demanding tasks as smoothly due to its lack of a dedicated GPU and lower refresh rate, making it more budget-friendly but less powerful for those specific uses.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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
7.4/10
7.0/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.8/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$777
$774
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has a price of $777 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 costs $774.
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How the ASUS Zenbook 14X and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 compare to other laptops
"With the Zenbook 14X, Asus has a 14-incher in its range that is - mostly - a joy to use. First, there is the colorful OLED panel with 3K resolution that displays the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. The Zenbook is also at the forefront in terms of workmanship, input devices and connections with 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports and a generous keyboard layout. A pleasure to use, the Zenbook 14X is a solid, very well-built subnotebook that sits well on the table. A runtime of five hours, however, is below average for a high-end subnotebook nowadays. The OLED screensaver causes increased power consumption when in idle mode."
"The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review is a compact companion with old hardware. The Surface Laptop Go 2 shows some weaknesses. Microsoft didn't really develop the second generation of the Surface Laptop Go 2 any further but has only equipped it with a slightly more powerful Core i5 processor. However, the performance still remains at a fairly low level overall, but for many users, it definitely should still be sufficient for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook 14X or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
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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