Choosing between the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) largely depends on your needs. The Zenbook Pro 16X is significantly more expensive and provides a high-performance experience suitable for intensive tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering software, thanks to its robust processor and dedicated graphics card. It also offers a larger, high-resolution OLED touchscreen, but this comes with the trade-off of heavier weight, reducing portability. Conversely, the Framework Laptop is more affordable and much lighter, making it highly portable, with modular components for easier upgrades and repair. However, its integrated graphics and lower performance processor make it less suitable for demanding applications but still very capable for general use, such as office applications, web browsing, and media consumption. Both laptops offer good battery life, but you'll need to decide whether performance or portability and upgradability is your priority. 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 16X
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.3/10
7.5/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
354.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
7.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X stands out for general use with its higher-powered CPU, larger amount of RAM, and superior OLED screen, which results in smoother multitasking and better visual experience; however, the size and weight reduce its portability compared to the Framework Laptop 13, which is lighter and offers ease of repairs and customization but has less power and storage capacity, potentially making it slower in demanding tasks. While both have good battery life and build quality, the Framework's higher portability may appeal to users who prioritize mobility over top-tier performance.
Gaming and AI
7.5/10
6.3/10
6.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X outperforms the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) for gaming and 3D applications primarily due to its more powerful Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, while the Framework Laptop relies on the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. The Zenbook also benefits from an OLED screen that offers superior contrast and color depth compared to the Framework's IPS display, enhancing visual experiences despite both having the same screen refresh rate.
Engineering and Design
8.6/10
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
6.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X outshines in engineering and design due to its superior CPU, GPU, higher RAM, and a premium screen, crucial for demanding tasks and detailed visuals, while the lighter Framework Laptop 13 keeps up moderately with a capable but less powerful CPU and GPU, and decent screen quality, with added benefits of portability and customizability.
Content Creation
8.5/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
8.2/10
7.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
8.3/10
7.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
354.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X offers a high-resolution display with excellent color accuracy and brightness, providing a visually pleasing and readable experience. In the realm of engineering and design, the same laptop shines with its wide color gamuts, ensuring professionals can see accurate colors for precise work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, its lower refresh rate makes it less ideal compared to other laptops with screens that support higher refresh rates for smoother motion.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
5.2 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,300
$1,079
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has a price of $1,300 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
"The new Zenbook Pro 16X is more powerful, quieter and doesn't need to shy away from dedicated workstations and gamers. It is also comparatively compact, and our test device is the best Zenbook that we've reviewed so far. It seems equally suitable for content creators and gamers or anyone looking for a very powerful laptop that is still slim."
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X or the Framework Laptop 13 (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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