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Updated January 10, 2024·
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has a larger, higher resolution OLED screen which is great for better color accuracy and visuals, making it better suited for photo/video editing and content consumption. It features more ports and a backlit keyboard but is heavier, affecting portability. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is lighter and therefore more portable, with better battery life, though it has less storage capacity and a smaller, lower-resolution IPS screen. The Surface Laptop Go 3 could be a better fit for those prioritizing portability and battery life over screen quality and performance. 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 OLED
- Good for engineering and design
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
- Excellent portability
- Very good speakers
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.7
6.8
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is preferred for engineering and design because it has a more powerful CPU, higher RAM capabilities, and superior screen quality, which includes an OLED display with higher resolution and more accurate color reproduction. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 offers better portability due to its lighter weight and smaller size but falls short in performance and screen quality, which are very important for such tasks.
Screen Quality
8.6
6.8
14.0in
SIZE
12.4in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
376.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED offers an excellent combination of high resolution and vibrant colors due to its OLED technology, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 offers decent resolution and brightness but lacks the OLED's contrast and color depth. When it comes to engineering and design, the Zenbook's wider color gamuts ensure more precise color representation which is crucial for detailed work, whereas the Laptop Go 3, while adequate, doesn’t quite match the color fidelity of the Zenbook. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the ASUS's OLED panel falls short as it typically has a lower refresh rate compared to dedicated gaming laptops, while the Surface Laptop also isn't designed for such tasks, as both prioritize different screen aspects over refresh rate.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has 6 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$999
$789
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has a price of $999 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 costs $789.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.2
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
376.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is better for general use because it has a more powerful CPU, more storage, and a higher quality OLED screen with better resolution and color coverage, making for an improved visual experience. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, while more portable due to its lighter weight and smaller size, has a less powerful CPU, half the storage, and an IPS screen with lower resolution and less color accuracy, but it does offer a longer battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.5
6.1
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED offers a better gaming and 3D experience due to its higher screen refresh rate and superior graphics integrated into the processor. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, although more portable, has a lower screen refresh rate and less powerful GPU, which limits its performance for gaming and 3D applications.
Content Creation
7.6
7.3
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
7.5
7.1
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
8.0 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 OLED and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
7.8
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$999 | $789 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | October 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 8.9'' x 0.67'' | 11'' x 8.1'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.44 lbs | 2.49 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.67" | 10.95" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.88" | 8.12" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-13500H | Intel i5-1235U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 70 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 12.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | OLED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2880 x 1800 | 1536 x 1024 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 376 nits | 337 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | September 2023
"While one of the more budget-friendly configurations of the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED may make a compelling case as a top value pick, it’s difficult to be disappointed with the more expensive model we reviewed here. At its core, for all models, it’s a luxury-built laptop with extreme portability and a gorgeous OLED display. Our unit rocks with a snappy Core i9 processor for getting real work done, and the discrete GPU—even if it has a clear power ceiling—is a bonus for creative pros."
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Joe Osborne | October 2023
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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.
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