ASUS Faces Backlash for Price Hikes on Snapdragon X2 Elite Laptops Following Review Releases

Just yesterday, we commended ASUS for effectively pricing its Zenbook A16 at $1, 599.99, which boasts premium features such as the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, 48GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, thereby offering a competitive alternative to Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup. However, shortly after the tech community published their reviews, ASUS seemingly capitalized on the heightened attention to adjust the pricing of its laptops. This sudden price hike has drawn criticism from consumers who feel deceived by the company’s abrupt change in strategy, which could have repercussions for its reputation.

Zenbook A16: Value Proposition Despite Price Increase

Several content creators on platforms like YouTube shared positive evaluations of the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme featured in the Zenbook A16 and the standard Snapdragon X2 Elite in the Zenbook A14. Hardware Canucks, in particular, was quick to highlight a price surge following the release of their reviews. The MSRP for the Zenbook A16 increased by $100, raising it to $1, 699.99 despite its status as a strong value proposition in its category.

This is BAD for our Snapdragon X2E conclusion. Best Buy & ASUS issued the wrong prices.

— Hardware Canucks (@hardwarecanucks) April 7, 2026

Other models also experienced similar price adjustments, notably the Zenbook A14, which, while offering slightly less impressive specifications, saw its price rise by $200, moving from a previously more appealing $1, 149.99 to $1, 349.99. As highlighted by Hardware Canucks, their review was conducted based on the earlier price point of $1, 599.99, casting shadows on the reliability of ASUS’s pricing strategy.

ASUS raises the prices of its Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops right after the reviews go out

While these pricing changes may reflect poorly on ASUS, they also bring Qualcomm into a negative light. Until we receive further clarification on the origins of these price increases, it’s difficult to assign blame definitively. Nevertheless, rational analysis of the products reveals that despite these hikes, the ASUS Zenbook A16 remains an excellent value at $1, 699.99, particularly in a market where RAM and storage costs are escalating rapidly.

In light of the new $1, 349.99 price for the Zenbook A14, potential buyers might consider waiting for a price drop or exploring alternatives such as the MacBook Pro, equipped with either the M5 Pro or M5 Max, starting from $2, 049 on Amazon. While we acknowledge the price difference, investing in a higher-quality product often yields better long-term satisfaction, as exemplified by Apple’s offerings.

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