When choosing between the ASUS Zenbook Pro and the Framework Laptop, consider their distinct advantages. The ASUS is known for powerful hardware suited for tasks like video editing and gaming, but this can mean it's heavier and with shorter battery life, affecting its portability. On the other hand, the Framework is designed to be modular and repairable, making it a more sustainable choice with its ability to upgrade components. It's generally lighter and has longer battery life, making it better for on-the-go use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether performance or upgradeability and portability align better with your computing needs. 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 Pro 15
Excellent battery life
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
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
8.1/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 is good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15, with its high-performance CPU, ample RAM, and dedicated GPU, excels in handling demanding engineering software and offers a high-quality screen for precise design work, though it may be less portable due to its robust build. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also supports intensive tasks with a capable CPU, sufficient RAM, and a quality GPU while providing a high-resolution screen, and it tends to be more portable with a focus on repairability and upgrades, which might result in a trade-off in speaker and build quality compared to the ASUS.
Screen Quality
7.6/10
8.4/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
346.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
When considering general use, both the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 and the Framework Laptop 16 excel due to high-resolution displays that offer crisp and clear visuals, complemented by panels that provide bright, vivid images. For engineering and design tasks, these laptops are equipped with displays that cover wide color gamuts, ensuring accurate color representation crucial for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is key, their screens may fall short because they do not prioritize high refresh rates, which are essential for fluid gameplay and responsive graphics.
Battery
12.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 has 12.5 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.
Cost
$1,109
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 has a price of $1,109 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 is good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 offers powerful CPU and ample RAM which ensures smooth multitasking and performance for general use, along with a high-quality screen, but it is less portable and has shorter battery life compared to other options. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16, while also providing strong CPU performance and plenty of RAM, stands out with its impressive screen, better portability, and longer-lasting battery life, making it a more versatile choice for everyday tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.7/10
6.8/10
4.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 offers a high-quality GPU and a decent screen refresh rate, making it suitable for gaming and 3D applications; however, its CPU and screen quality, while good, are not the sole factors for high-end gaming performance. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also has a capable GPU and a screen that supports moderate refresh rates, which means it can handle games and 3D tasks well, but for the very best visual experience and performance, other models might be preferable.
Content Creation
7.7/10
8.1/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 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
7.5/10
8.0/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
4.4 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 has 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 Pro 15 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 offers a strong CPU, chassis, and display. One of the most popular 15.6-inch prosumer or multimedia laptops out there is the Dell XPS 15. Thus, comparisons between it and the Asus Zenbook Pro 15 are inevitable. Asus has a couple of tricks up its sleeve that XPS users are still missing out on including 1080p OLED and an AMD Ryzen CPU which help separate the Zenbook Pro 15 from the XPS 15. It also integrates a numpad and a few more port options albeit at the cost of a larger chassis size."
"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 Pro 15 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.
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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