Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 vs Microsoft Surface Book 2 15"

Comparing the performance of the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 15" equipped with Intel Core i7-8650U processors, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB storage allows us to assess their real-world capabilities. Let's explore how the hardware specifications of these laptops influence their performance across different applications.

Processing Power:

• Geekbench 5 (Single-Core):
• ZenBook Pro UX550: 852
• Surface Book 2: 927
• The higher single-core score on the Surface Book 2 suggests improved performance for tasks heavily dependent on single-core processing, like web browsing and general office applications.
• Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core):
• ZenBook Pro UX550: 3207
• Surface Book 2: 2712
• The ZenBook Pro stands out in multitasking scenarios such as video editing or running multiple applications at once, thanks to its superior multi-core score.

Graphics and Rendering:

• Cinebench R20 (Single-Core/Multi-Core):
• ZenBook Pro UX550: Single-Core 390, Multi-Core 1701
• Surface Book 2: Single-Core 365, Multi-Core 1299
• The ZenBook Pro demonstrates better rendering capabilities due to its higher scores in both single and multi-core scenarios. This makes it more suitable for tasks like graphic design or video editing.

• Blender Benchmark:
• ZenBook Pro UX550: 506.78
• Surface Book 2: 702.11
• The Surface Book's higher Blender benchmark score indicates superior performance in rendering complex graphics or animations efficiently.

Overall Performance:

• Passmark Score (Single-Core/Multi-Core):
• ZenBook Pro UX550: Single-Core 2069, Multi-Core 6953
• Surface Book 2: Single-Core 2175, Multi-Core 6417
• The ZenBook Pro surpasses the Surface Book in overall system performance according to Passmark scores, positioning it as a top choice for power users with demanding computing needs.

In summary, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 demonstrates superior single-core processing power and graphics rendering capabilities with a higher Blender benchmark score. On the other hand, the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 excels in multi-core processing tasks and overall system performance based on Passmark scores. Users seeking enhanced multitasking abilities and efficient system performance may lean towards the ZenBook Pro, whereas those prioritizing single-core tasks or graphic-intensive work may gravitate towards the Surface Book.

Comparing the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 15" Intel Core i7-8650U / 16GB / 1TB in terms of design elements that improve user experience, we'll explore how these features impact usability and aesthetics to meet diverse user requirements.

Ergonomics:

• Both laptops come with backlit keyboards that improve typing in low-light settings.The Surface Book 2 weighs 3.4 pounds, slightly lighter than the ZenBook Pro at 4 pounds. This makes it more portable and ideal for users who value mobility.

Materials & Build Quality:

• The ZenBook Pro has a stylish aluminum body that feels high-end and ensures resilience to everyday use.
• The Microsoft Surface Book 2 boasts a build with magnesium alloy that blends durability with a lightweight design.

Portability:

• The Surface Book 2, measuring 13.5 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches, boasts a slightly more compact design compared to the ZenBook Pro (14.4 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches), facilitating effortless portability for professionals and students who are constantly on the move.

Unique Design Features:

• The Surface Book 2 offers a detachable display with a dynamic fulcrum hinge, providing versatility for creative professionals and artists who can switch between tablet and studio modes for drawing or note-taking.
• On the other hand, the ZenBook Pro's touch screen capabilities provide intuitive interaction options such as drawing, zooming, or navigating through content seamlessly.

Practical Usability:

• Both laptops have touch screens that make it easy to navigate and interact with applications.The models come equipped with USB Type-C ports, guaranteeing compatibility with current peripherals and rapid data transfer rates.

Aesthetic Appeal:

• The ZenBook Pro features a sleek design with thin profile and slim bezels surrounding its 15.6-inch screen, catering to users who appreciate modern aesthetics.
• The Microsoft Surface Book 2 features a unique design with a detachable display, positioning it as a versatile device that combines functionality and style.

In conclusion, both laptops feature design elements that enhance the user experience, catering to slightly different user preferences. The Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 impresses with its premium aluminum build and spacious touch screen, ideal for modern multitasking demands. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 distinguishes itself with an innovative detachable display design that transitions into different modes tailored for creatives and professionals who are always on-the-go.

Comparing the laptop screens of the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 15 reveals crucial factors that greatly influence user experience, particularly for activities such as gaming or professional graphic design. Understanding these factors can assist you in making a well-informed decision aligned with your preferences and requirements.

Screen Size:

• Asus ZenBook Pro UX550: Comes with a 15.6-inch display.
• Microsoft Surface Book 2: Features a more compact 15-inch display size.

User Experience Impact: The larger screen size of devices like the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 offers increased space for multitasking, immersive gaming, and detailed graphic design. Conversely, others may favor the more compact feel of the Microsoft Surface Book 2.

Screen Resolution:

• Asus ZenBook Pro UX550: Features a high resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and a pixel density of 188.3 ppi.Microsoft Surface Book 2: Features a resolution of 3240 x 1080 pixels and a pixel density of 260 ppi.

Impact on User Experience: Opting for higher resolutions can significantly enhance visual clarity, making it imperative for detailed design tasks or indulging in visually captivating games. The Microsoft Surface Book 2 boasts a higher pixel density that translates to sharper details and superior image fidelity. Nevertheless, the resolution of the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 remains commendable and suitable for a wide range of activities.

Display Technology:

• Both laptops have an IPS LCD panel with LED backlighting that provides vivid colors and broad viewing angles, guaranteeing precise color representation. This feature is perfect for creative professionals who depend on color accuracy in their work.

Touch Screen Capability:

• The laptops have touch screen functionality, enabling users to interact directly with the display through touch gestures. This feature boosts productivity by facilitating intuitive navigation and drawing for creative tasks such as digital art or photo editing.

Contrast Ratio:

• The Microsoft Surface Book 2 features a contrast ratio of 1600:1, which enhances the difference between light and dark areas on the screen. This contributes to producing more vibrant images and videos with deeper blacks and brighter whites.

Supported Displays:

• Both laptops can connect with up to three external displays, giving you the flexibility to expand your workspace or create multi-monitor setups for increased productivity.

In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 shines in resolution and contrast ratio, whereas the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 provides a larger screen size, which can be advantageous for users needing extra screen space. When deciding between these two laptops for activities such as gaming or professional graphic design, it's essential to weigh your preferences for image quality against display size.

If you value high pixel density and contrast ratio, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 could be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a larger screen size for immersive experiences or multitasking, the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 might better suit your needs.

Hardware Comparison: Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 vs. Microsoft Surface Book 2 15"

CPU

• The Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 features an Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor with 8 threads and a CPU speed of 4 GHz.
• Microsoft Surface Book 2: Powered by an Intel Core i7-8650U processor, featuring 8 threads and a CPU speed of 4 GHz.

Performance Impact: The laptops come equipped with robust CPUs that can handle demanding tasks such as video editing, rendering, and multitasking.

GPU

• *Asus ZenBook Pro UX550:* Integrated graphics.
• *Microsoft Surface Book 2:* Integrated graphics.

Performance Impact: While both laptops lack dedicated GPUs, they can handle moderate graphic-intensive tasks but may struggle with high-end gaming or professional design software.

RAM

• Both laptops come with 16GB of RAM operating at a speed of 2400 MHz.

Performance Impact: With sufficient RAM, multitasking is smooth and memory-intensive applications are handled efficiently.

Storage

• The laptops both come with a 1000GB internal flash storage capacity.

Performance Impact: Flash storage boosts data access speeds, improving system performance and cutting load times for applications and files.

Thermal Design Power (TDP)

• *Asus ZenBook Pro UX550* features a TDP of 45W.
• *Microsoft Surface Book 2:* TDP of 15W.

Performance Impact: The higher TDP in the Asus model may result in better sustained performance under heavy workloads compared to the Microsoft Surface Book 2.

Practical Application

The Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 is ideal for tasks demanding sustained processing power, while the Microsoft Surface Book 2 prioritizes mobility, making it perfect for professionals on the move. Both laptops excel in daily productivity, multimedia consumption, and light to moderate content creation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 come with similar hardware features like CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage capacity. However, the selection between these two depends on personal preference related to performance needs against portability requirements. The Asus model might be a better choice for users who need high processing power for heavy tasks. On the other hand, if portability and versatility are your priorities, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 could be a more suitable option.

When it comes to battery life, the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 15" Intel Core i7-8650U / 16GB / 1TB both offer impressive durations, but there are some differences worth noting:

Asus ZenBook Pro UX550

• Battery Life: 14 hours
• Sleep And Charge Usb Ports: true

Microsoft Surface Book 2 15" Intel Core i7-8650U / 16GB / 1TB- Battery Life: 17 hours

Comparison:

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 surpasses the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 with a longer battery life of up to 17 hours, making it ideal for users needing extended productivity or entertainment without frequent recharging. Yet, the Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 still provides a solid 14-hour battery life, ideal for everyday use and allowing you to remain mobile for a considerable portion of the day worry-free about battery depletion. The Asus ZenBook Pro UX550 stands out with its Sleep And Charge USB ports, enabling you to charge your devices while the laptop is in sleep mode, providing added convenience and flexibility to your charging choices.