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| The new Zenbook A16 comes in an Iceland Grey finish. |
Computex 2026 has been a whirlwind of announcements in Taipei this week, and Asus certainly didn’t hold back. The company unveiled four new Zenbook 14 laptops featuring OLED displays and its signature Ceraluminum covers — but that’s not all. In a quieter move, Asus has also started selling more affordable versions of the Zenbook A16 in Europe, giving budget-conscious shoppers a tempting alternative to the high-end Snapdragon X2 Elite model.
Lower Price, Same Sleek Design – With Some Trade-Offs
At the moment, these cheaper Zenbook A16 configurations appear to be exclusive to Europe, with Italy taking the lead. Both Amazon Italy and Asus Italy are now listing a version powered by the Snapdragon X X1-26-100 chipset, paired with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, for €1,399 (roughly $1,335). That’s a massive €700 discount — a 33% reduction — compared to the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme X2E-94-100 variant currently selling in the same region.
If you need more storage, Asus is also offering the same Snapdragon X chip and 16 GB of RAM with a 1 TB SSD for €1,499 (~$1,429). For those keeping score, that’s still hundreds less than the top-tier model.
What You Lose (And Gain) With the Entry-Level Zenbook A16
So, where did Asus cut corners to hit that lower price point? According to the official tech specs page, the cheaper Zenbook A16 comes with a few notable downgrades:
- Wi-Fi 6E instead of the newer Wi-Fi 7 found on pricier models
- A 1200p OLED display with 300 nits peak brightness and a 60 Hz refresh rate (the high-end version boasts a sharper, brighter, higher-refresh panel)
- A slightly lighter chassis at 1.1 kg — that’s actually 100 grams less than the Snapdragon X2 Elite sibling
Yes, you read that right: the budget model is lighter. While the display is clearly a step down for creators or media enthusiasts who crave vivid HDR and silky-smooth scrolling, the core OLED technology still delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors. For everyday productivity, web browsing, and light media consumption, it’s perfectly serviceable.
More Snapdragon X Variants on the Horizon
Asus isn’t stopping here. The company’s global website hints that Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 versions will join the lineup later in 2026. That means even more choice for buyers who want a balance between battery life, thermals, and raw performance — without paying flagship prices.
For now, a full global release date remains unconfirmed. But given that Asus Italy is already shipping these units, it’s likely only a matter of time before other European countries and possibly North America follow suit.
Backstory: The Zenbook A16’s Global Debut and Our Take
For context, Asus originally launched the Zenbook A16 globally back in April 2026 with the beefy Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme X2E-94-100 chipset. We’ve had hands-on time with both the 16-inch model and its 14-inch sibling — you can read our detailed coverage in these previous reports:
- Asus unleashes four 2026 Zenbook 14 models at Computex
- Asus Zenbook A16 launches globally – but here’s what’s different
- Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon X2 Elite reviewed
- The 48 GB RAM beast: Asus Zenbook A16 ultimate configuration
We’ve also put together a video review of the original Zenbook A16 (see below) breaking down its performance, battery life, and build quality.
Should You Buy the Cheaper Zenbook A16?
If you’ve been eyeing a premium 16-inch OLED laptop but couldn’t justify spending over €2,000, this new €1,399 version is a compelling entry point. The Snapdragon X X1-26-100 won’t win any speed contests against the Elite variant, but for web apps, office work, and streaming, it’s more than capable. The downgraded display and Wi-Fi 6E are noticeable on paper, but in daily use, many users won’t mind — especially at 33% off.
Just keep in mind that this model is currently only confirmed in Italy. If you’re elsewhere in Europe, you might need to wait a few weeks or use a forwarding service. And for those who want the absolute best performance, the original Snapdragon X2 Elite version remains available — you can check current pricing on Amazon for the 14-inch sibling as a reference.
Stay tuned for more Computex 2026 coverage as we continue testing Asus’s new lineup. One thing’s for sure: the era of affordable Snapdragon-powered OLED laptops is finally here.
