When choosing between the Asus ZenBook Pro 17 and the Framework Laptop 16, consider that the Asus offers strong performance and a large screen for tasks like video editing, but is heavier and might not be as portable as the Framework. The Framework is designed for customization and repairability, allowing for easier upgrades and maintenance over time, and it has a unique approach to sustainability. If portability and the ability to upgrade components are important to you, the Framework could be a better fit, despite being a bit more expensive. If you prioritize screen real estate and potentially save money upfront, the Asus might suit you better. 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 17
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good for software development
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.2/10
8.4/10
17.3in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
400.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16's higher resolution and brightness offer sharper images and better visibility in various lighting conditions compared to the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17. In engineering and design tasks, the Framework's wider color gamut ensures more accurate color representation, which is critical for detailed work. However, both laptops have lower refresh rates, which makes them less suitable for gaming and 3D applications where smoother visuals during fast action are key.
Build Quality
7.2/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,500
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has a price of $1,500 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 boasts a powerful CPU and ample RAM that ensure smooth performance for a variety of tasks, with a high-quality screen that enhances user experience, although it's less portable and has a shorter battery life. Meanwhile, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also has a capable CPU and sufficient RAM for seamless general use, with a focus on portability and longer battery life, but it trades off with a slightly lesser screen quality.
Gaming and AI
6.9/10
6.8/10
5.1/10
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
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 delivers higher gaming and 3D performance due to its more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth visuals and responsiveness in these tasks. The Framework Laptop 16, while having a decent CPU and screen quality, falls short in gaming and 3D applications because its GPU and refresh rate do not match the capabilities of the ASUS, making it less optimal for those specific uses.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
5.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 offers a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality GPU which is crucial for running demanding engineering software smoothly, and it has a superior screen for precise design work, but it's heavier and less portable. The Framework Laptop 16, while also equipped with a robust CPU, substantial RAM, and a capable GPU, provides the added benefit of a good quality keyboard and quieter operation, making it suitable for long hours of engineering tasks without causing much disturbance.
Content Creation
8.2/10
8.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 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
7.9/10
8.0/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.7/10
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 17 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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has 9 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.
Portability
Good
Good
17.3in
SIZE
16.0in
5.1 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"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 17 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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