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Oh Snap, Snapdragon Can Game Now - ASUS Zenbook A16

ShortCircuit@ShortCircuit157.2K viewsApr 7, 202610:37
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Thanks to ASUS for sponsoring this video!

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Check out their new Zenbook A14 and A16 Laptops powered by Snapdragon X2 using the links below: ASUS Zenbook A16 (UX3607), starting at $1,699.99 Best Buy: lmg.gg ($1,699.99) ASUS Store: lmg.gg ($1,999.99), will be available for purchase during mid Q2 2026 ASUS Zenbook A14 (UX3407), starting at $1,349.99 Best Buy: lmg.gg ($1,349.99) ASUS Store: lmg.gg ($1,799.99) Zenbook A16: asus.click Zenbook A14: asus.click The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is finally here, and ASUS put it inside one of the lightest 16-inch laptops ever made. In this video, Adam unboxes the ASUS Zenbook A16 (UX3607) to find out if Qualcomm's most powerful chip yet can actually deliver on its promise — faster performance, better gaming, and insane battery life in an ultra-thin package. Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg Thanks to our channel partner Secretlab! - Grab a TITAN Evo ergonomic gaming chair: lmg.gg - Grab a MAGNUS Pro sit/stand gaming table: lmg.gg ► SHOP OUR PRODUCTS: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► DIVE DEEPER ON THE LTT LABS WEBSITE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Affiliate links powered in part by affilimate.com Studio lighting by Aputure: aputure.com Linus Sebastian is an investor in Framework Computer, Inc and HexOS by Eshtek. CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:35 Unboxing 1:24 IO 2:48 Screen 3:15 Specs 4:15 Battery Life 5:38 Speakers 5:57 Webcam 6:27 Gaming 7:10 Gaming Benchmarks 7:55 Productivity Benchmarks 8:20 Compatibility 9:45 Overall Thoughts and Price 10:27 Outro

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The video opens by framing the ASUS Zenbook A16 as a new kind of thin and light gaming-capable laptop powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. The host highlights the weight and build materials, noting the Ceralluminum with magnesium construction that keeps the chassis light yet durable, and compares it with traditional aluminum laptops. We get a detailed look at the unboxing and physical port layout, including HDMI 2.1, two USB 4 ports, a USB-A, SD card reader, and a 3.5 mm combo jack, with emphasis on the single USB-C charger port and the surprisingly compact power brick. The display is introduced as a 16-inch Lumina OLED with HDR capability, 1100 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and a 120 Hz refresh rate, with factory calibration mentioned as a boon for color accuracy. The host moves into performance claims from Qualcomm, detailing the X2 Elite Extreme’s 18 CPU cores, the promise of up to 64% faster creative performance, and 2.3% higher gaming performance over the previous gen, while stressing efficiency improvements. Battery life is a central topic, with ASUS claiming 21+ hours of offline video and 12+ hours of web browsing; real-world tests show 13.5 hours of Plex playback and 1 hour 15 minutes in a Cinebench stress test, pointing to adaptive power use and the potential for sustained performance. In terms of software and compatibility, the host notes AVX2 emulation improvements via Windows collaboration, ongoing driver improvements, and some compatibility caveats with certain applications, while praising the overall smoothness of day-to-day use on Snapdragon. The gaming section demonstrates Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with playable 50 fps on the A16, alongside other benchmarks like Dota 2 and Rocket League, underscoring the device’s ability to handle modern titles in a portable chassis. The video concludes with a balanced view: while not the lightest or most rigid build at this price point, the Zenbook A16 delivers noteworthy gaming performance, strong battery life, and a premium OLED display for creators and enthusiasts alike, with a final note on the price and the option to opt for a nearly identical configuration at a lower price point. The host invites viewers to comment on whether the device justifies its premium and teases future coverage of related ASUS models, ending with a nod to ongoing comparisons and potential improvements as Snapdragon-based laptops mature.

Topics · technology · hardware · laptops · gaming · reviews

Questions answered

What processor is inside the ASUS Zenbook A16 and how does it differ from traditional laptop CPUs?
The Zenbook A16 uses the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, a Snapdragon-based SoC with 18 CPU cores and a design aimed at high efficiency and strong integrated GPU performance, distinguishing it from typical x86 laptop CPUs in terms of power efficiency and driver ecosystem.
How does the Zenbook A16 perform in battery life and what are the notable endurance results?
ASUS and the video host report 21+ hours of offline video playback as the official claim, with their own test showing around 13.5 hours of Plex 1080p playback and about 1 hour 15 minutes in a Cinebench stress test, indicating solid real-world endurance for a 70 watt-hour battery.
Can the Zenbook A16 handle modern gaming, and what are some benchmark takeaways?
Yes, it can run modern games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with roughly 50 FPS on average, plus solid scores on Dota 2 and Rocket League. The results show playable performance for a thin and light laptop, though not at maximum settings or frame rates, highlighting the device as a portable gaming option rather than a desktop-class gamer.