What are the differences between the various XMG and SCHENKER laptop series?

Introduction

Our own brands, XMG and SCHENKER, together form a comprehensive notebook portfolio ranging from price-conscious everyday devices to powerful gaming systems and highly specialised workstations. This allows us to cover a wide range of uses - from consumer gaming and creative work to demanding business and engineering applications. While XMG traditionally stands for maximum performance, overclocking and enthusiast features, SCHENKER offers reliable, no-frills solutions for productive work in the office or on the go.

Together, our brands cover a wide range of use-cases - from consumer gaming and creative work to professional business applications. While XMG typically stands for powerful gaming laptops and mobile workstations, SCHENKER focuses on straightforward office and workstation solutions for professional use.

Below, we explain the specific features, similarities and differences between the various product series. In a second article, we will then focus on typical use cases and give specific recommendations on which laptop is best suited for which purpose.

SCHENKER WORK: Reliable office & all-round laptops

SCHENKER WORK series is primarily aimed at the office and business sector. These laptops combine high reliability with solid application performance and good value for money.

SCHENKER WORK 14/15 "Base" models rely on energy-efficient Intel U-series processors and thus offer long battery life ("Base" here stands for basic equipment with a focus on efficiency). Despite their affordable price, they provide all the important features for everyday professional use. These include a robust aluminium chassis, extensive connectivity (including a LAN port), LTE support (WORK 15 Base) and security features such as a fingerprint reader and a webcam with Windows Hello support.

The SCHENKER WORK 15/17 models (without "Base") are equipped with more powerful Intel P-series CPUs, delivering more computing power while remaining slim and mobile.

Up to 64 GB of RAM and dual SSD slots (on the 15/17-inch models) allow for good upgradeability. The integrated graphics units are sufficient for typical office tasks and also support high-resolution displays, especially via DisplayPort over USB-C.

If you are looking for a reliable tool for office, web, multimedia and light all-round tasks, the SCHENKER WORK series is a robust companion.

XMG EVO: Ultrabook without compromise

The XMG EVO series bridges the gap between business notebooks and high-performance laptops – ultra-mobile premium ultrabooks for demanding users who don't want to compromise on performance when on the move. They are currently available in 14-inch and 15.3-inch versions.

The EVO laptops feature a slim, lightweight all-metal chassis and high-resolution 16:10 displays. Despite their compact format, they offer exceptional power: a choice of the latest AMD Ryzen AI processors or Intel Core H-series processors (depending on the model year) provide powerful CPUs, while dedicated graphics cards are omitted - instead, very powerful integrated GPUs (for example AMD Radeon 890M) are used. This makes XMG EVO laptops ideal for creative professionals and developers who work with applications such as image and video editing but do not want a classic gaming notebook.

Despite the lack of a dGPU, there is hardly any need to compromise: in many respects, the features are unique for an ultrabook. XMG EVO supports up to 128 GB of RAM (not soldered, pluggable via SO-DIMM) and two fast M.2 SSDs - a unique selling point, as many slim notebooks have permanently soldered memory.

Connectivity is also generous: even the AMD-based EVO 14 offers Thunderbolt/USB4 support, full-size USB Type-A and Type-C ports, HDMI/DisplayPort for multi-monitor setups, and a fast SD card reader - the latter being particularly valuable for photographers and videographers.

The high-resolution displays (for example 2880×1800 pixels on the 14") are factory colour-calibrated, very bright (up to 500 nits) and, thanks to high refresh rates with VRR support, also suitable for smooth video playback and occasional gaming.

Strengths:

Extremely portable (approximately 1.4–1.8 kg), high-quality workmanship, long battery life and yet very powerful for an ultrabook.
Ideal for mobile work, study, content creation and programmers (keyboard layouts also available in ANSI, which is interesting for developers and international users).
EVO also offers security features such as biometrical login (via Windows Hello) and a webcam shutter, combining business suitability with performance.

Caveats:

The XMG EVO models do not have a dedicated GPU, which limits their suitability for hardcore gaming or professional 3D workflows – however, thanks to the powerful iGPU, older or less demanding games are quite playable.

XMG CORE & FUSION: Elegant, upper mid-range gaming all-rounders

XMG CORE

The XMG CORE series (15 and 16 inches) forms the core of the gaming portfolio and is aimed at users who are looking for high performance in an elegant, unobtrusive design. Here, top-of-the-range technology meets mid-range pricing.

The current models, CORE 15 (15.3") and CORE 16 (16"), feature powerful AMD Ryzen AI mobile processors (up to the 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in the 2025 model) in combination with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 GPUs up to RTX 5070. This provides ample performance for gaming and content creation tasks.

It is particularly noteworthy that XMG CORE incorporates many high-end features: both sizes have brilliant 2560×1600 pixel displays (WQXGA) in 16:10 format with a 300 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness for razor-sharp, smooth gameplay. At the same time, the devices are slim, surprisingly light (the 15-inch model weighs only approximately 1.95 kg) and feature high-quality aluminium chassis.

This understated design - we call it "undercover gaming" - makes XMG CORE series suitable for professional environments or university, as it does not look like a classic bulky gaming laptop.

Under the hood, the XMG CORE 15 and CORE 16 offer top-of-the-line features: a large 99 Wh battery for excellent battery life, extensive I/O ports (all common USB ports, HDMI/DP, LAN, audio - many of which are modern, such as DisplayPort 2.1 via USB4); up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM and 2 M.2 SSD slots (PCIe 4.0) allow for maximum memory upgrades.

Both models feature a high-quality keyboard with concave keycaps, RGB per-key illumination and a full-size numeric keypad. The CORE 15 comes with an edge-to-edge keyboard, without omitting any keys or functions compared to the CORE 16.

In terms of graphics cards, the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 are available - sufficient for current AAA games at high settings (the 1600p display is perfectly powered by an RTX 5070). The CORE laptops make full use of the TGP power budgets allowed by the cooling system, enabling stable high FPS.

There is also the Value Edition of the XMG CORE 16: It complements the regular CORE 16 with a more affordable entry-level version featuring less expensive components. The Value Edition uses an AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 alongside an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 and an 80 Wh battery. The display still has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels and is 500 nits bright, but the refresh rate is only 180 Hz. However, up to 128 GB of RAM and 16 TB of SSD storage are also possible in the Value Edition – the chassis, cooling system and I/O ports are also identical to the regular XMG CORE 16.

XMG FUSION

We use the designation XMG FUSION for variants with special features. For example, there is an XMG FUSION 16, which is technically based on the CORE 16, but also offers an OLED display option and uses Intel's Core Ultra HX processors (in the M25 model, for example a Core Ultra 9 275HX), which are otherwise only found in the top-end segment.

The FUSION 16 can be thought of as the Intel-based counterpart to the AMD-based CORE 16 - or as an "XMG NEO in slim fit".

The OLED option is aimed at creators who value the highest contrast and colour reproduction.

Summary

Overall, XMG CORE and FUSION stand for powerful all-rounders that master gaming and productive work alike and offer many high-end features (display, connectivity, battery) at a comparatively affordable price. No wonder, then, that XMG CORE and FUSION are often mentioned as alternatives to mainstream gaming laptops (for example Legion 5, ROG Strix) - "undercover gaming from Germany" with a focus on quality and upgradeability.

Strengths:

Very balanced package of performance, mobility and price.
High-quality workmanship, slim design, yet very high CPU performance and powerful GPUs up to the upper mid-range.
Bright, fast display and large battery make CORE/FUSION ideal for gaming on the go as well as demanding university or office work (for example programming, graphics editing).
Thanks to efficient cooling systems, the notebooks remain relatively cool and quiet, and all components can be configured and upgraded (easy RAM and SSD access).

Caveats:

Compared to the top models, the RTX 5070 GPU is the limit - if you want the absolute highest graphics class, you will have to go for XMG FOCUS, PRO, NEO or SCHENKER KEY.
Overall, there are hardly any real weaknesses; at most, the CORE models in the 15/16-inch segment face strong competition, but this rarely offers the same level of premium features in this price range.

XMG PRO & APEX: High-end gaming with top value for money

For those who want superior gaming and creator performance but still care about value for money, XMG offers the PRO and APEX series. Both series are positioned just below the flagship NEO and offer high-end specifications with slight compromises in luxury features - this allows them to be offered at a significantly lower price, yet they deliver similar performance.

XMG PRO 16: Gaming workstation for demanding users

XMG PRO 16 is positioned as a versatile high-end laptop for gaming, content creation and professional applications – technically similar to the NEO 16, but with a stronger focus on value for money.

At its core is either Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX with up to 24 cores or, in the XMG PRO 16 Value Edition (VE), the Core i9-14900HX. The latter is available in combination with a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5070 or RTX 5060, offering a significantly wider range of options for different budgets and performance requirements.

The XMG PRO 16 combines high computing power with a sturdy construction (aluminium display lid) and a discreet, premium design. Both versions share the same chassis with a 99.8 Wh battery, extensive connectivity and a display featuring 2560×1600 px resolution, 300 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness and full 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage.

In addition, the regular PRO 16 (i.e. not the Value Edition) offers an optional Mini LED display with up to 1000 nits brightness and HDR support - ideal for gaming, HDR content and working in particularly bright environments. In terms of I/O ports, XMG PRO features a well-thought-out rear placement of key connections, ensuring that cables stay out of the way during stationary use. The regular version with Core Ultra 9 provides Thunderbolt 4, while the Value Edition with i9-14900HX instead features USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery – perfectly sufficient for most setups in practice.

The keyboard, with concave keycaps, RGB per-key lighting, N-key rollover, anti-ghosting and a full-size numeric keypad, is directly derived from the XMG NEO layout. The cooling system and power limits for configurations with RTX 5070 Ti are identical between the Value Edition and the regular version of the XMG PRO.

Overall, the PRO 16 - particularly in the Value Edition - offers a well-balanced combination of performance, features and price. For those seeking exceptional performance at a reasonable cost, it represents an excellent alternative to the NEO 16 - sharing an almost identical foundation but coming in at a significantly lower entry price.

XMG APEX 16 MAX: The counterpart to the XMG PRO with AMD Ryzen

XMG APEX 16 MAX offers performance almost identical to that of the PRO 16 but is based on AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX (Fire Range) or Ryzen 9 8945HX (Dragon Range Refresh). Both deliver outstanding multi-core performance, with the Dragon Range model in particular regarded as the price-performance champion within the XMG portfolio.

The XMG APEX 16 MAX relies exclusively on the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. The Mini LED display from XMG PRO and XMG NEO is also available. Instead of Thunderbolt 4, the laptop features USB-C 3.2 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, which is more than sufficient for most users in practice.

XMG APEX 17

As one of the last remaining 17.3-inch gaming laptops, XMG APEX 17 offers a particularly large screen area in the classic 16:9 format. While CPU performance is high with the latest Ryzen HX processors, the GPU selection is limited to the RTX 5060, which is clearly below the XMG PRO 16 or APEX 16 MAX.

Nevertheless, the model remains important in the portfolio because 17.3-inch devices have become rare on the market. For users who prefer a large screen and do not prioritise mobility, the XMG APEX 17 is therefore an attractive niche solution with a solid price-performance ratio.

Summary

XMG PRO 16 is recommended if maximum compatibility and a professional look are required, especially with regard to Thunderbolt and the well-thought-out port arrangement. The APEX 16 MAX, on the other hand, is the right choice for price-conscious buyers who want to take advantage of AMD's multi-core strength and expect maximum performance for their money.

Strengths:

Very high CPU and GPU performance just below the NEO flagship, excellent value for money.
High-quality, rather simple design - also suitable for professional environments.
Optional features such as a mini-LED display.
Large battery capacity and plenty of I/O ports.
Ideal for high FPS gaming, streaming, video editing and high-quality 3D rendering.

Caveats:

No GPU upgrades are possible above the RTX 5070 Ti (no RTX 5080/5090).
Thunderbolt support is only available in the XMG PRO with Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.

Otherwise, there are no serious weaknesses - it is more of a strategic compromise: those who really want the maximum (5090 GPU, water cooling) should go for the NEO; everyone else is better off with the more price-conscious PRO.

XMG FOCUS 17: Large 17" display and powerful gaming performance

With the XMG FOCUS 17, XMG closes a gap in its portfolio: it is the only current 17-inch XMG laptop and combines a large display with the latest high-end graphics at a comparatively affordable price.

In fact, the FOCUS 17 is based on the chassis of the APEX 17 mentioned above, but has been upgraded in terms of hardware: instead of an AMD CPU, it features an Intel Core i9 HX processor (24 cores) and even an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU - one class higher than in the XMG APEX 17. This all-inclusive package focuses on all the core elements of a well-equipped gaming laptop and delivers top-class performance in a generous 17.3" format.

For gamers, this means that demanding AAA titles run absolutely smoothly at high settings, even in WQHD resolution (2560×1440 at 240 Hz), thanks to the powerful combination of a 24-core CPU and RTX 5070 Ti. A MUX switch ensures that the NVIDIA GPU is connected directly to the display, achieving maximum FPS without an Optimus limitation.

Beyond pure performance, the FOCUS 17 offers everything you would expect from a desktop replacement: a large, well-designed full-size keyboard with a clearly defined pressure point, including a number pad, a wide range of I/O ports (2x USB-C with DisplayPort, HDMI, 2x USB-A, LAN, Wi-Fi 7, audio combo) and the latest technology such as a webcam with privacy shutter.

It is also upgradeable: two SO-DIMM slots for up to 96 GB of RAM and two M.2 SSD slots (PCIe 4.0) allow for ample memory and fast SSDs.

Despite its immensely powerful components, the price of the FOCUS 17 remains comparatively moderate - we advertise it as the price-performance champion in the 17-inch segment. So if you are looking for a large gaming laptop with the latest GPU power, this is a great choice.

Strengths:

Immersive 17.3" display with high resolution and frame rate, ideal for gaming and creative work on a large screen.
Plenty of power thanks to the 24-core Intel HX CPU and RTX 5070 Ti - making it future-proof (12 GB VRAM of the 5070 Ti offers reserves for new generations of games).
You get virtually NEO-level graphics (the 5070 Ti is the enthusiast-class GPU with the best price-to-performance ratio) in a larger format at a lower price. Plus, it comes fully equipped with many I/O ports and strong upgradeability.

Caveats:

The XMG FOCUS 17 is based on Intel's 14th generation HX, while other 2025 XMG models already use the newer Intel Core Ultra series. However, the difference is negligible in practice (the HX CPUs are based on desktop technology anyway).
Thunderbolt is also missing here, but USB-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery are available.
In addition, the device is quite large and heavy (approximately 3 kg) due to its form factor and cooling system; mobility is less of a priority here.

XMG NEO 16: The enthusiast flagship with water cooling

At the top of the XMG gaming laptop range sits the XMG NEO 16 - our 16-inch flagship model uncompromisingly designed for performance, aimed at enthusiasts, gamers and creative professionals who accept only the best of the best.

A glance at the specs underscores this claim: it features the most powerful components in its class - from NVIDIA graphics cards up to the GeForce RTX 5090 (24 GB GDDR7) to Intel's most powerful Core Ultra 9 275HX processor (24 cores based on desktop architecture) and AMD's Ryzen 9 9955HX3D with 3D V-Cache. For years, AMD's CPUs with the "X3D" suffix have been known in the desktop sector as the absolute top gaming CPUs.

The XMG NEO 16 is therefore available in two platform variants: as the A25 with AMD Ryzen and as the E25 with Intel Core Ultra. The configuration options for GPU, display, battery, RAM and SSD remain largely identical between the two versions, ensuring a high degree of parity.

Accordingly, XMG NEO 16 is the undisputed benchmark in the premium segment and offers a "fireworks display of innovations": these include support for the latest RAM and SSD standards, an optional mini-LED display with 16:10 format, 2560×1600 px resolution at 300 Hz, 1000 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 colour space coverage, and, of course, compatibility with the XMG OASIS external water cooling system. In addition, there is up to 128 GB RAM and 16 TB SSD storage (including Gen5 SSD), manual CPU and RAM tuning options in the BIOS, and much more.

Despite its brute power, the NEO 16's chassis is compact and surprisingly portable: A high-quality, completely redesigned aluminium chassis ensures stability and an elegant appearance, while the hybrid cooling system inside combines classic air cooling with an integrated liquid circuit. The massive composite cooling system with copper heat pipes, water block and an additional third fan for RAM cooling ensures that the high TDP and TGP values of the CPU/GPU can be maintained even under continuous load. This allows the NEO to reach its full potential - it runs quietly during simple tasks and maintains maximum power limits even under full load, even without the support of the optional XMG OASIS water cooling.

With water cooling, the NEO 16 can be operated with virtually no thermal limitations - for enthusiasts, this means permanently high boost clock speeds with drastically reduced fan noise and temperatures.

Despite all these high-end components, the device remains relatively slim and weighs only 2.65 kg or 2.8 kg with Mini LED - still remarkably light for a mobile machine with this level of performance.

Strengths:

Simply everything that is technically feasible: maximum gaming performance (RTX 5090 + Core Ultra HX or Ryzen X3D) at desktop level, yet still expandable thanks to water cooling - a unique selling point.
State-of-the-art I/O ports, display options (300 Hz Mini LED) and top-quality workmanship.
For overclocking, VR, AI training, 4K video editing, and more, there is currently hardly anything better in the laptop sector.

Caveats:

The NEO is naturally not the right choice for every user: it is in the upper price range, and the enormous performance with RTX 5080/5090 is accompanied by higher waste heat - so it requires the use of OASIS if you want absolute silence at all times.
Thunderbolt is only available with the Intel version (E25).
It is also limited to 16 inches; if you want a larger display, you will have to opt for the SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro workstation series.

Otherwise, XMG NEO has no real weaknesses in terms of compromises - it is our brand’s technology flagship, delivering uncompromising top performance even on air cooling – with the optional OASIS liquid cooling system available as an extra boost.

SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro: The ultimate mobile workstation

SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro is the largest and most powerful workstation in our portfolio - an 18-inch laptop that reaches desktop level in almost all areas. With Intel's Core Ultra 9 275HX (24 cores) and NVIDIA graphics up to RTX 5090, it delivers enormous computing power for CAD, 3D rendering and AI workloads.

laptop-series-comparison_2025_schenker-key-18-pro_en.jpg

A unique selling point is its maximum expandability: four RAM banks for up to 256 GB DDR5 and four M.2 slots for up to 32 TB SSD storage - values that even surpass tower PCs. In addition, there are two Thunderbolt 5 ports, dual LAN (1G + 2.5G) and a high-resolution 18-inch display (WQXGA or optional 4K).

Weighing just under 4 kg, the KEY 18 Pro is clearly positioned as a desktop replacement. It is the first choice for anyone seeking maximum performance and connectivity in a notebook - from engineers and content professionals to data scientists.

Strengths:

For CAD, 3D modelling, VR, machine learning, video rendering and similar professional use cases, there are few alternatives to the SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro. It combines maximum CPU/GPU performance, enormous RAM and SSD capacities and unbeatable connectivity in one device.

Caveats:

The size and weight are the obvious compromise - you have to be prepared to carry around an 18" notebook the size of a smaller gaming PC.
In terms of gaming performance, it is interesting to note that due to the 4-RAM-slot architecture, the KEY 18 may have slightly lower FPS in some games than a 2-slot system such as the NEO. However, this is a very specific point and hardly noticeable in everyday use.
Battery life is shorter than on the XMG NEO 16 due to the larger display and more complex motherboard layout.

Otherwise, there are no real disadvantages - if you can accept the size, weight and price, you get an unrivalled package.

Technical overview of the range

For a complete overview of the technical features, we offer these comparison tables:

Behind the links you will find large overview tables for both brands as well as additional tabs with detailed information on the respective series. The tables deliberately focus on the most important similarities and differences - they do not replace a complete spec sheet, but serve as an introduction. Links to the detailed product pages can be found at the bottom of each table.

Individual consultation

In addition to these resources, we also offer individual advice - via email, telephone hotline or in our community forums. To enable us to help you quickly and specifically, please provide us with some key information in your enquiry, such as intended use, budget, desired display size, mobility requirements or special requirements (for example Thunderbolt, RAM/SSD capacity). See also: What information does XMG need to help me make an informed laptop purchase decision?

What are the differences between the various XMG and SCHENKER laptop series?

Introduction

SCHENKER WORK: Reliable office & all-round laptops

XMG EVO: Ultrabook without compromise