When choosing between the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and the Framework Laptop 16, consider that the Zenbook Pro typically offers high performance for tasks like video editing and gaming but is less portable due to its weight and size. In contrast, the Framework Laptop emphasizes repairability and upgradability, which can be more cost-effective in the long term, and it's also likely to be more lightweight and thus easier to carry around. Balance your need for portability and future-proofing against the upfront cost and immediate performance requirements of your computing tasks. 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
Good for gaming and AI
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.5/10
6.8/10
6.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
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 16 (2023) is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is equipped with a high-end GPU and a high screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D performance, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a more modest GPU and lower screen refresh rate, making it less optimal for such tasks, even though it might have a competent CPU and a good quality screen.
Engineering and Design
8.6/10
8.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
6.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X boasts a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a high-end GPU, coupled with exceptional screen quality, making it ideal for demanding engineering tasks and design work where performance is crucial. While the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also offers solid performance and a high-quality display, its focus on modularity and repairability, as well as decent portability, keyboard, and speaker quality, make it a good option for engineering and design professionals who prioritize flexibility and sustainability.
Screen Quality
8.3/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
354.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation, while the Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X offers a high-resolution display with excellent brightness, making text and images sharp and easy to view for general use; its wide color coverage satisfies the precision needed in engineering and design tasks. The Framework Laptop 16 showcases similar qualities with its high-resolution panel ensuring clarity and sufficient brightness for everyday tasks, along with rich color accuracy for professional creative work. However, both laptops have screens with lower refresh rates, which are less ideal for smooth 3D rendering and fast-paced gaming where quick screen refreshes are essential.
Battery
7.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has 7 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
$1,300
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has a price of $1,300 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X offers a strong CPU and abundant RAM, ensuring smooth performance for demanding applications, along with a high-quality screen for vivid visuals, though it is heavier and has a shorter battery life which affects portability. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023), while also providing solid performance and screen quality, emphasizes repairability and modularity with easier upgrades and replacements, potentially offering a longer lifespan and cost savings over time, but it may not match the Zenbook's raw performance.
Content Creation
8.5/10
8.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very 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
8.2/10
8.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X 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 16X 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 16X and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"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."
"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 16X 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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