This 16-Inch Laptop Is Surprisingly Lightweight
▼ Summary
– Asus has announced a new 16-inch Zenbook A16 alongside a refreshed 14-inch Zenbook A14, both featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite processors.
– The Zenbook A16 distinguishes itself with a superior 120Hz OLED display and a built-in SD card slot, unlike the A14.
– Both laptops are exceptionally lightweight, with the A14 under 2.2 pounds and the A16 just under 2.65 pounds.
– The author suggests the A16 aims to be an alternative to the 15-inch MacBook Air, with the SD card slot being a key feature for photographers.
– The new Zenbook A14 and A16 models are scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026, with pricing not yet announced.
Finding a large-screen laptop that doesn’t feel like a brick is a challenge many professionals face. The newly announced Asus Zenbook A16 aims to solve that, offering a spacious 16-inch display in a chassis that’s surprisingly easy to carry. This model expands the lineup alongside a refreshed Zenbook A14, with both devices powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite processors.
These two Zenbooks share a core set of features, including vibrant OLED screens, a mix of USB 4 and USB-A ports, substantial 70Whr batteries, and a distinctive Ceraluminum finish available in beige and gray. Where the larger model truly distinguishes itself is with its superior display and a built-in SD card reader. The A16 boasts a sharp 2880 x 1800 resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, a significant step up from the A14’s 1920 x 1200 / 60Hz panel. It also achieves a much brighter peak of 1,100 nits compared to the smaller model’s 600 nits.
The most impressive feat, however, is the weight, or lack thereof. Certain configurations of the 14-inch model tip the scales at under 2.2 pounds, while the 16-inch version comes in at just under 2.65 pounds. This makes the A16 competitive with other ultra-light champions like the LG Gram 16, but with the added utility of that integrated SD card slot, a boon for photographers and content creators.
While the design of the refreshed A14 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, the new A16 presents itself as a compelling alternative to larger ultraportables like the 15-inch MacBook Air, especially for users who value expandable storage. Both laptops are scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2026, with specific pricing to be announced closer to launch.
(Source: The Verge)
