Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) vs ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406)
The real choice here is the system: the Apple MacBook Pro 16 runs macOS and the ASUS Zenbook DUO runs Windows. Beyond that, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 lasts longer on a charge and has a bigger screen, while the ASUS Zenbook DUO is more compact and has more storage.
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Key differences
- Operating system Depends on you
They run different systems: the Apple MacBook Pro 16 runs macOS and the ASUS Zenbook DUO runs Windows. Pick the one that runs the apps you rely on.
- Battery life Apple MacBook Pro 16 wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 should last longer on a charge: it has a 100 Wh battery against 75 Wh.
- Screen size Depends on you
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has the bigger screen (16.2" against 14"), while the ASUS Zenbook DUO is more compact.
- Storage ASUS Zenbook DUO wins
The ASUS Zenbook DUO has twice the storage: 2 TB against 1 TB.
- OLED screen ASUS Zenbook DUO wins
The ASUS Zenbook DUO has an OLED screen, with true blacks and richer colour than the Apple MacBook Pro 16's LCD.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 16 if…
- You own an iPhone or prefer a Mac: it runs macOS and works smoothly with Apple devices.
- You work away from a plug: it should last longer on a charge (its maker claims up to 24 hours).
- You want more room to work: its 16.2-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
Choose the ASUS Zenbook DUO if…
- You need Windows programs or want to play PC games: it runs Windows 11, which runs almost anything.
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 14-inch screen.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 2 TB of storage.
- You watch a lot of films and video, or edit photos: its OLED screen has true blacks and rich colour.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe ASUS Zenbook DUO leads on the screen and performance; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The ASUS Zenbook DUO is ahead on performance.
It has more storage and has more memory, and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) | ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M5 Pro (18-core CPU) | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H |
| Graphics | Apple M5 Pro 20-core GPU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| AI engine (NPU) | — | 13 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 24 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | unified memory (307 GB/s bandwidth) | LPDDR5X-6400 |
| Maximum memory | 24 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB | 2 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | — | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 |
| Storage slots | — | 1 |
Screen
Each laptop has its strengths on the screen.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has the bigger screen (16.2" against 14"), while the ASUS Zenbook DUO is more compact. The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has a bigger screen and has a brighter screen, while the ASUS Zenbook DUO is more compact, has an OLED screen and has a touchscreen.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) | ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 16.2" | 14" |
| Resolution | 3K (3456 x 2234) | 3K (2880 x 1800) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Panel | Mini-LED | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | Yes | — |
| Brightness | 1,000 nits | 400 nits |
| Colour range | Wide colour (P3) | 100% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | XDR; Dolby Vision, HDR10+/HDR10 and HLG | VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 |
| Finish | — | Anti-reflective |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Pen standard | — | MPP 2.0 |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 lasts longer on a charge, while the ASUS Zenbook DUO is lighter.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) | ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 24 hours | — |
| Battery capacity | 100 Wh | 75 Wh |
| Charger | 140 W | 65 W |
| Charges via | MagSafe 3 or USB-C | USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) |
| Fast charging | Fast-charge capable with 140W or higher USB PD power source | 60% in 49 min |
| Weight | 2.14 kg | 1.65 kg |
| Dimensions | 355.7 x 248.1 x 16.8 mm | 313.5 x 217.9 x 14.6-19.9 mm |
| Materials | 100% recycled aluminium enclosure | Aluminium, Magnesium |
| Durability | — | MIL-STD-810H |
| Hinge | — | detachable keyboard with built-in kickstand |
| Colour | Space Black | Inkwell Gray |
| Colours available | Space Black, Silver | Inkwell Gray |
Ports and wireless
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 is ahead on ports and wireless.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has an SD card reader, while the ASUS Zenbook DUO has USB-A.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) | ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C, charging, DisplayPort, USB4 up to 120Gb/s), 1x HDMI, 1x SDXC card slot, 1x MagSafe 3, 1x 3.5 mm headphone | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, charging, DisplayPort, 40Gbps), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS), 1x 3.5 mm combo audio |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt 5 / USB4 up to 120Gb/s | Thunderbolt 4 |
| External displays (max) | 3 | 2 |
| Card reader | SDXC | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wi-Fi card | Apple N1 | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) | ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 12MP Center Stage; 1080p video | 1080p + IR |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | — |
| Keyboard | Backlit Magic Keyboard; 79-key ISO layout; 12 full-height function keys; ambient light sensor | Detachable soft keyboard, 1.4 mm key travel, Copilot key |
| Login | Fingerprint | Face |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | Force Touch trackpad | Precision touchpad, anti-fingerprint coating |
| Speakers | high-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers | Smart Amp |
| Microphones | studio-quality three-mic array with directional beamforming | array microphone |
| Pen | No | Supported (sold separately) |
| Security | Touch ID | TPM (firmware), IR webcam with Windows Hello |
Software and model
They run different systems, so this comes down to the apps you use.
It is newer, and the ASUS Zenbook DUO doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) | ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | macOS | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | — | UX8406CA-PZ134W |
| Released | 2026 | 2024 |