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| The Snapdragon X-powered Zenbook A16 is considerably cheaper than its Snapdragon X2-powered sibling. |
The popular premium laptop now offers a more affordable entry point—but with significant trade-offs
Just a few months after wowing tech enthusiasts with its powerful Snapdragon X2 Elite performance, Asus has quietly launched a more budget-friendly version of its acclaimed Zenbook A16. The new UX3607QA variant, initially spotted in Italian markets, has now expanded to the UK and Australia, offering consumers a significantly cheaper entry point into the Zenbook ecosystem—albeit with some notable compromises.
Premium Performance Meets Budget Reality
When Asus first unveiled the Zenbook A16 in April, it made headlines for leveraging Qualcomm's second-fastest Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chipset (X2E-94-100). Our comprehensive review found that this processor helped the Zenbook A16 not only outperform its x86 rivals but also match the performance of Apple's M4-powered MacBooks—a remarkable achievement for a Windows-based Copilot+ PC.
However, the newly released UX3607QA variant trades that flagship performance for a more modest Snapdragon X X1-26-100 processor. This is the same 8-core chip that powers the entry-level Zenbook A14, and according to our benchmark tests, it's nearly twice as slow as the high-end X2E-94-100 variant. While still capable for everyday computing tasks, power users and content creators will notice the difference immediately.
What You Gain—and Lose—with the Cheaper Model
For consumers eyeing the more affordable Zenbook A16, it's essential to understand the full picture of what you're getting. The budget variant comes with 16 GB of RAM—a third of the 48 GB found in the premium model we reviewed earlier this year. This reduction alone could significantly impact multitasking capabilities and future-proofing for demanding applications.
Perhaps the most noticeable downgrade comes in the display department. The cheaper Zenbook A16 features a dimmer, lower-resolution OLED panel compared to the 500-nit, 2.8K, 120 Hz screen on the premium version. For creative professionals or anyone who values display quality, this is a substantial compromise.
Connectivity has also taken a hit, with the UX3607QA trading Wi-Fi 7 for Wi-Fi 6E. While still respectable, this represents a step backward in terms of future-proofing your wireless experience.
Interestingly, the cheaper variant is approximately 100 grams lighter than its pricier sibling—a small silver lining for portability-conscious users.
Global Availability and Pricing
The expanded availability of the cheaper Zenbook A16 comes as welcome news for budget-conscious consumers outside Italy. UK shoppers can find the UX3607QA at retailers like Currys, where it's priced at £1,299 (including taxes). Meanwhile, Australian customers can pick it up from PBTech for AU$2,074.
For comparison, the premium X2E-94-100 powered version retails for £2,099 in the UK, meaning the cheaper variant offers a 38% saving—a substantial discount that might make the compromises worthwhile for many users.
The Bigger Picture
North American consumers, however, will need to exercise patience. We couldn't find any reference to the UX3607QA variant on US retail sites at the time of writing. It remains unclear whether Asus plans to bring this budget-friendly option to the American market or if it will remain a Europe and APAC exclusive.
The launch of this more affordable Zenbook A16 comes as Asus continues to expand its Snapdragon-powered lineup. For those interested in the broader ecosystem, our coverage of the Zenbook A14's global rollout provides additional context on Asus' strategy with Qualcomm's ARM-based processors.
Interestingly, the Zenbook A16's flagship variant with 48 GB of RAM remains a true powerhouse, as detailed in our comprehensive review of that model. That version continues to set the standard for what Windows-on-ARM laptops can achieve, particularly in creative workflows and intensive multitasking scenarios.
Should You Consider the Cheaper Zenbook A16?
The answer largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're a student, casual user, or business professional who primarily works with documents, web applications, and light media consumption, the cheaper Zenbook A16 offers excellent value for the £1,299 price point. The Snapdragon X X1-26-100, while significantly slower than its premium sibling, still provides solid performance for everyday tasks with impressive battery efficiency typical of ARM-based Windows laptops.
However, if you're a content creator, developer, or power user who needs that extra performance headroom, the compromises—particularly in display quality and RAM—might be too significant to justify the savings. The premium model's superior OLED panel alone could be worth the extra investment for anyone who spends hours staring at their screen.
Looking Forward
Asus appears committed to expanding its ARM-based laptop lineup, offering options at various price points. The cheaper Zenbook A16 represents an interesting middle ground—providing access to the Copilot+ PC ecosystem with Windows on ARM's advantages, including AI capabilities and excellent battery life, at a more accessible price point.
The question now is whether this budget-friendly variant will eventually make its way to North American shores. For those interested in the latest developments, our ongoing coverage of the Zenbook A16's global expansion will keep you updated on new market releases and pricing changes.
In the meantime, UK and Australian consumers have a genuine choice to make: the full premium experience with the X2E-94-100, or a more accessible entry point with the new UX3607QA variant. Either way, Asus continues to demonstrate that Windows on ARM is no longer a compromise—it's a viable, and sometimes superior, alternative to traditional x86 laptops.
Source : Currys UK & PB Tech Australia
