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Short answer: HotHardware’s April 7, 2026 review found the ASUS Zenbook A16 with Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme especially strong in several CPU comparisons and in its battery-powered web and Cinebench tests. The HP EliteBook X G2q in the review was a prototype with the standard Snapdragon X2 Elite—not the Extreme chip. Results varied by benchmark, power state and laptop, so neither result should be treated as a universal measure of every X2 laptop.
Which ASUS and HP laptops did HotHardware test?
The two Snapdragon systems in HotHardware’s comparison were not equipped with the same processor:
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- ASUS Zenbook A16: Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. This is the Extreme-powered laptop in the review.
- HP EliteBook X G2q: a prototype using the standard Snapdragon X2 Elite. Its results do not represent the Extreme chip.
Qualcomm’s later lineup page names the HP OmniBook Ultra with standard X2 Elite. That is a different HP product from the EliteBook prototype HotHardware tested.
For configuration context, Notebookcheck’s reviewed Zenbook A16 had the X2E-94-100, 18 CPU cores, 48GB of onboard LPDDR5x memory, a 1TB SSD and a 16-inch 2880×1800 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Notebookcheck listed $1,599 for that configuration in its 2026 review; that is historical listing information, not a current or universal price. Notebookcheck’s Zenbook A16 review
#1 Best Overall
- High-Performance DUO Take your productivity further in Windows 11 with the 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 386H, delivering responsive multitasking and enhanced graphics performance. Paired with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage, demanding workloads stay smooth and efficient.
- AI That Works Supercharge your productivity with 50 TOPS on Copilot, giving you instant file retrieval, quick summaries, faster searches, and more without the waits that break your flow.
- Transforms in Seconds Switch modes fast with a magnetic keyboard and integrated kickstand. Move from dual-screen productivity to laptop or sharing mode in just a few seconds, keeping your workflow fluid wherever you are.
- Immerse Your Senses Dual 3K 144 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreens with 100% DCI-P3 color deliver vivid clarity and up to 1000 nits HDR brightness, while the anti reflection coating and E Reading mode help reduce eye strain during extended use. Six speakers with Dolby Atmos support add rich, spacious sound.
- All-Day Power A 99Wh battery setup keeps you moving through busy days, and fast-charge technology brings you to 60% in just 49 minutes.
How did the ASUS Zenbook A16 perform?
HotHardware tested refreshed laptops after firmware, UEFI and Windows updates, across browser, productivity, creative, AI, graphics and battery workloads. The ASUS led some charts, but the size of its advantage depended on the test and operating state.
CPU benchmarks
In Cinebench 2026, the Zenbook A16 recorded the comparison group’s best single-core result and a multi-core score ahead of the thin-and-light systems. Only the higher-power gaming laptop scored higher in multi-core. The HP prototype also showed strong multi-core performance, placing just behind Intel’s top-end Panther Lake system.
Rank #2
- DISCLOSURE — Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade SSD. 1 Year warranty by Issaquash Highlands Tech
- PREMIUM PORTABILITY - The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED features a slim, lightweight build paired with a long-lasting battery to support business trips, campus schedules, and remote workdays. The ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen and immersive audio enhance both productivity and entertainment, making it a strong fit for professionals, students, and digital nomads
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 processor (10 cores, up to 5.0GHz), Configurable with storage options from 256GB to 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIE SSD, enabling smooth multitasking and fast loading across a wide range of applications. Ideal for programmers, designers, and office users handling demanding applications or parallel workloads
- CRISP DISPLAY & PRIVACY - The 14-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED touchscreen with 500nits brightness delivers accurate color output for design, media editing, and streaming. An FHD camera with a physical shutter supports clear video calls, making it suitable for remote meetings, online classes, and professional conferencing. Supports expanding the workspace with 3 external monitors via HDMI and USB-C ports, with resolution up to 4K@60Hz without a docking station
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - With USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI 2.1, you can easily connect external displays, storage devices, and essential peripherals. Stay fast and reliable on the go with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, perfect for video calls, cloud work, and wireless devices without lag. Plus, the backlit keyboard enables effortless work in dim conditions
HotHardware also placed the ASUS first in both single- and multi-core Geekbench 6.5 results within its group. Those are benchmark-specific rankings, not a guarantee that every X2 Elite Extreme laptop will outperform every competing processor in every application.
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Web and office work
In Speedometer 3.1, run with Chrome, the ASUS and HP Snapdragon systems outpaced the other tested thin-and-light laptops on AC power; only a higher-power discrete-GPU gaming laptop was faster. On battery, the two Snapdragon systems occupied the top positions in that comparison.
Rank #3
- PORTABLE POWER FOR CREATIVITY - The ASUS Vivobook 16 Flip elevates your laptop experience by combining advanced technology with a slim profile and clean design. Powered by a high‑capacity 75Wh battery delivering up to 36 hours of use and tested to MIL‑STD‑810H military‑grade durability, its built for reliable everyday productivity.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Processor (8 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) and a integrated NPU capable of delivering up to 47 TOPS of AI performance, this laptop handles demanding tasks, AI-powered applications, and seamless multitasking with ease. Equipped with 32GB LPDDR5x memory and 1TB PCIe SSD, it ensures swift application loading and ample storage for professional workloads
- IMMERSIVE DISPLAY — Features a 16-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED display with narrow borders and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coating to maximize screen real estate. Supports expanding the workspace with 2 external monitors via HDMI and Thunderbolt 4 ports, with resolution up to 4K@60Hz without a docking station
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY - With Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI 2.1, you can easily connect external displays, storage devices, and essential peripherals. Stay fast and reliable on the go with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, perfect for video calls, cloud work, and wireless devices without lag. The 5MP camera with privacy shutter ensures crisp video calls in various lighting conditions. Plus, the backlit keyboard enables precise typing in low-light environments
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Preinstalled with Windows 11 Home 64‑bit and AI‑powered Copilot, delivering a modern, intuitive experience with built‑in security and smart assistance. Designed for everyday use, it provides smooth performance and seamless access to productivity, creativity, and collaboration tools for work, communication, and entertainment
PCMark 10 Applications, which used Microsoft Office applications and Edge, gave a more restrained picture: both Snapdragon systems finished in the lower half of the chart, while remaining competitive with stronger Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and AMD Ryzen AI systems. HotHardware considered all the tested laptops capable of everyday office work.
Creative applications and graphics
In PugetBench for DaVinci Resolve, the ASUS trailed only the more expensive Strix Halo and high-end Intel systems in HotHardware’s comparison. The HP prototype finished slightly ahead of a mainstream Panther Lake Core Ultra 7 system.
Rank #4
- Configuration Note: This computer has been professionally upgraded with RAM and/or storage. Each component has undergone rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance. Please note that the upgraded RAM and hard drive are covered by a one-year warranty from Cardinal Pro Electronics, while all other original components are backed by the standard one-year manufacturer warranty.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Processor: An 8-core powerhouse designed for the future. Experience lightning-fast responsiveness and intelligent efficiency with speeds up to 3.2GHz, perfect for seamless multitasking and heavy workloads.
- Vivid 14"2K OLED Non-Touch: Immerse yourself in a stunning WUXGA visual feast. With 600-nit HDR brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color, and VESA True Black 600 certification, every image pops with breathtaking clarity and contrast.
- Versatile High-Speed Ports: Stay connected and productive with 2x USB-C 4.0, 1x USB-A 3.2, and 1x HDMI 2.1—ready for monitors, storage, and all your essential peripherals in an instant.
- Complete Windows 11 Ecosystem: Enjoy a premium, intuitive experience with the FHD IR camera for crystal-clear calls, a backlit keyboard for any lighting, immersive Smart Amp audio, and ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6E for uninterrupted streaming and collaboration.
The systems were mid-pack in the review’s CPU Profile results, while performing comparatively well in Steel Nomad Lite against several mainstream thin-and-light laptops. That graphics result is not evidence that these machines are gaming laptops or that they will lead in other games and graphics workloads.
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AI performance was not a single, consistent win. HotHardware reported uneven Geekbench AI CPU comparisons, while the standard X2 Elite showed stronger relative results for quantized NPU work with the review’s preferred framework and backend. A claim about “best AI performance” would need to specify the processor, precision, backend and workload.
Best Value
- 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD.
- Equipped With The Most Powerful and Fast Intel 16-core Ultra 7 255H Processor.
- 14" WUXGA 1920x1200 OLED Touch (500nits HDR Brightness DisplayHDR True Black 500 100% DCI-P3 Glossy), Intel Arc 140T GPU.
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS
- Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard, Smart Amp, Wi-Fi 7, FHD IR Privacy Camera, Auth USB-C Hub
What did the battery test show?
HotHardware reported that its Zenbook A16 ran for nearly 20 hours with the display on during the publication’s battery test. This is a result for that tested unit and protocol, not a guaranteed runtime for all Zenbook A16 configurations or everyday use. The review characterized battery life as good but not exceptional overall and did not emphasize the HP prototype’s battery result.
Why results can differ between X2 laptops
A processor name alone does not determine a laptop’s performance. Notebookcheck notes that X2 performance varies with a laptop’s power limits, and its own tests used different power modes. Cooling, firmware, drivers, whether the laptop is plugged in, and the benchmark’s workload can all change the outcome.
HotHardware’s methods also varied by workload: Cinebench 2026 measured CPU performance; the Geekbench AI discussion separated CPU and NPU results; and the PCMark application test used Office applications and Edge. To compare results fairly, match the full setup rather than just the chip family:
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- Power mode and whether the system is on AC or battery
- Benchmark version, workload and AI backend or precision, where applicable
- Device configuration and test protocol, especially for battery runtime
What does “X2 Elite Extreme” mean for memory?
HotHardware’s first-page overview describes three initial high-end X2 variants: an 18-core Extreme, an 18-core standard Elite and a 12-core standard Elite. It attributes support for up to 128GB of on-package memory through a 192-bit interface rated up to 9,533 MT/s to the Extreme platform. Those are platform-level maximum specifications, not the RAM capacity or speed of the reviewed Zenbook A16, which Notebookcheck lists with 48GB of onboard memory.
Qualcomm also publishes its own benchmark comparisons and footnotes, including results based on reference designs and dated benchmark runs. Treat those as Qualcomm’s claims and keep their stated test conditions attached; they are not interchangeable with measurements of a specific retail laptop.
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