Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) review

Aiming to safe the 16-inch gaming laptop computer crown, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) has the stable construct high quality, beauty, and implausible display screen that you just anticipate from a champion. Frustratingly, its constructive qualities include a number of caveats that may change into substantial, relying on which configuration you purchase, however this good gaming laptop computer is nonetheless a reduce above its rivals for probably the most half.

Having spent weeks with the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024), I can confidently say that it simply ranks among the many finest gaming laptops in the marketplace. Sharing a lot in widespread with its smaller, implausible sibling, the ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024), together with its attractive, well-built design and OLED display screen, it naturally has a lot going for it. It does have a number of unlucky shortfalls, nonetheless.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) design

As with the smaller Zephyrus G14 (2024), Asus has made a number of notable modifications to the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)’s design in comparison with final yr’s mannequin. It’s each thinner and lighter, enhancing its portability, and this discount in dimension and weight fortunately hasn’t come on the expense of options or efficiency.

At first look, the obvious however inconsequential distinction is the alternative of the ‘Prismatic Shine’ dot matrix impact on the lid, which has been swapped for Asus’ new ‘Slash Lighting’ design, with a diagonal line of RGB lighting on the lid. Personally, I’d like Asus to easily scrap the thought of getting LEDs on the lid to create a clear end, however your aesthetic preferences could range. Taking a more in-depth have a look at the laptop computer, although, it’s clear that the Zephyrus G16 (2024) is markedly completely different from its 2023 predecessor.

Its aluminum CNC-machined chassis is a welcome improve from the plastic base discovered on final yr’s mannequin, firmly establishing the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) as an entirely premium gadget. Its costly look isn’t skin-deep both, with the texture of the improved supplies combining with higher ergonomics.

Asus has enlarged the keycaps from 2023 by 12% and the big touchpad now runs all the best way from the underside of the keyboard to the sting of the chassis, each of which contribute enormously to a snug consumer expertise, each usually and whereas gaming.

Visible and efficiency enhancements have additionally been made to the speaker array within the Zephyrus G16 (2024). The system now sports activities a extra conventional speaker grille instead of the garish, angular cutouts on final yr’s mannequin, however the largest distinction between the 2 is in quantity.

This laptop computer can get loud, to the purpose the place I spent most of my time with the quantity set between 20-40% and was greater than glad. This loudness doesn’t compromise constancy both, because the array of tweeters and woofers delivers satisfyingly detailed and punchy tones.

The design of the ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is troublesome to fault, however there’s one downside that stops it wanting a clear sweep. Sadly, Asus has opted for soldered RAM modules instead of the modular kits present in earlier variations of the laptop computer. Whereas the gadget isn’t alone in making this change, it does hurt its longevity when it comes to repairability and upgradability, making the 32GB configurations a way more smart purchase for future proofing than the cheaper 16GB options.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) specs

Alongside its contemporary, new exterior, the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) specs are additionally markedly completely different in comparison with final yr. The laptop computer now sports activities a single processor mannequin and show throughout all configurations, whereas graphics choices have been rejigged to incorporate higher-end GPUs. RAM capacities and speeds have additionally been upgraded, with Asus additionally lastly swapping to a 1080p webcam.

No matter which ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) you choose up, will probably be geared up with an Intel Core Extremely 9 185H CPU. That is the most recent, and strongest processor in Intel’s Meteor Lake sequence of processors, in addition to the primary to sport a Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

Whereas it’s not as {powerful} because the Core i9 14900HX, as discovered within the likes of the Razer Blade 16 (2024), it’s way more environment friendly, requiring much less energy and working far cooler, which is a boon relating to battery life and fan noise. Comparisons apart, its 16 cores, 22 threads, and most clock pace of 5.1GHz are a lot {powerful} for gaming and different CPU-intensive duties.

Beforehand topping out at a GeForce RTX 4070, the Zephyrus G16 (2024) can be now out there with GeForce RTX 4080 or 4090 Laptop computer graphics. Whereas GeForce RTX 4060 and 4050 variations do exist, their availability is annoyingly dependent in your area. Whereas I welcome the addition of a GeForce RTX 4080, the inclusion of the GeForce RTX 4090 is puzzling on condition that Asus has restricted its TDP to 115W, leaving it power-starved and falling behind in its efficiency potential.

Whereas the RAM is now soldered on the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024), the reminiscence does have some advantages over the RAM in older fashions of this laptop computer. This time, you get 7,467MHz LPDDR5X RAM, instead of the older, slower, albeit upgradable, LPDDR4 sticks in final yr’s mannequin, with most capacities doubling from 16GB to 32GB.

Nevertheless, configurations with 32GB of reminiscence are solely out there with GeForce RTX 4080 and 4090 GPUs, as less-powerful choices are caught with 16GB. Each capacities are sufficient for video games at the moment, however 32GB will serve you higher in the long term for future proofing, and dealing with a number of browser tabs and functions open on the similar time.

There are some specs of the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) that stay the identical throughout all configurations, although, as Asus does away with a number of show sorts, because it did processors, in favor of a single OLED panel throughout all configurations.

It affords the identical 1440p decision and 240Hz refresh charge as final yr’s top-end possibility, however with markedly improved response instances (rated at 0.2ms), distinction, and HDR capabilities. Higher nonetheless, this is without doubt one of the solely OLED laptop computer screens to assist Nvidia G-Sync, netting you a stellar, stutter-free viewing expertise.

The port choice stays unchanged on the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024), save for the brand new charging port. Connecting to one of the best gaming screens is a breeze, with a alternative of HDMI 2.1 or DP-Alt by way of both of the laptop computer’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-C ports, and one of many two additionally offers Thunderbolt 4 assist.

Naturally, a number of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-A ports are within the combine too, with a 3.5mm combo audio jack and SD card reader as properly. You’ll want to make use of the proprietary energy connector to get probably the most efficiency out of the laptop computer, however 100W charging is feasible by way of the USB Sort-C ports as properly.

Regardless of Asus shaving a number of centimeters off the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) chassis, it’s additionally managed to cram the identical 90WHrs battery from final yr’s mannequin into this one. This isn’t the biggest battery on the market, with the Razer Blade 16 (2024) sporting a 95.2WHr battery, however it’s a match for rivals such because the Alienware m16 R2 and x16 R2.

SSD capacities have additionally been given a welcome bump on the Zephyrus G16 (2024). Now, you possibly can anticipate to get at the very least 1TB of PCIe NVMe 4.0 storage with all configurations, however these with a GeForce RTX 4090 GPU get double the area at 2TB. Lastly, Asus has ditched the 720p webcam it’s been utilizing for years now, with a a lot sharper 1080p alternative that retains Home windows Hiya assist.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) benchmarks

For our ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) benchmarks, we’ve a top-of-the-line configuration at our disposal, with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. Whereas these specs impress on paper, although, the ability limits shortly result in stable however disappointing outcomes.

Utilizing 3DMark, we will draw some parallels between the capabilities of the Zephyrus G16 (2024) and desktop parts. In doing so, we reveal that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU and Core Extremely 9 185H combo on provide right here performs equally to a Radeon RX 7800 XT paired with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D. This isn’t a nasty end in isolation, but it surely loses its luster when comparisons are made to the Razer Blade 16 (2024) or the bigger ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024), which take pleasure in higher efficiency as a consequence of increased GPU TDPs.

Outcomes from gaming benchmarks paint the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) in a middling mild, with playable body charges that fall properly wanting what its specs sheet and value level point out.

Probably the most damning end in our assessments is Cyberpunk 2077, which turns right into a slideshow utilizing the sport’s RT Extremely preset in the event you don’t use any upscaling options to spice up efficiency. Nevertheless, enabling each DLSS Body Era and Tremendous Decision (in Balanced mode) sees CD Projekt Crimson’s RPG change into playable on the laptop computer, with a median body charge of 77fps, massively up from the woeful 17fps consequence.

Each F1 23 and Complete Warfare: Warhammer 3 take pleasure in common body charges of 49fps and 46fps, respectively, which might little question enhance if we dropped the decision to 1440p or employed DLSS Tremendous Decision. Their minimal body charges move the 30fps threshold too however, once more, we’ve seen higher graphics efficiency on different laptops.

Turning to Cinebench 2024 sheds some mild on the boundaries of the Intel Core Extremely 9 185H compared to the Core i9 14900HX, with markedly decrease multi-core and single-core scores. That is to be considerably anticipated, given the numerous distinction in core and thread rely between the 2 CPUs, but it surely’s arduous to not surprise how the Zephyrus G14 (2024) would carry out if geared up with the Core i9 14900HX Raptor Lake chip discovered within the Razer Blade 16 (2024). On the plus aspect, the Meteor Lake CPU runs cooler and is extra power-efficient, which means it runs a bit quieter than the Blade 16 at full load.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) battery

Utilizing the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) as my major system for work, I used to be capable of comfortably get by most, if not all, of my day earlier than needing to achieve for the charger. To quantify this, we’re speaking within the area of 7-8 hours of normal use, with the display screen brightness set pretty excessive, whereas additionally listening to music by the interior audio system or by way of Bluetooth headphones.

Nevertheless, battery life is decidedly much less long-lasting relating to gaming. The ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) was solely capable of endure PCMark 10’s Gaming benchmark for a mere 55 minutes, with the laptop computer enduring real-world gaming in system-intensive titles like Alan Wake 2 for about as lengthy too.

I believe that ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) configurations with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or decrease GPUs will fare higher on this regard, given their decrease energy draw. Regardless, I wouldn’t significantly entertain taking part in on any gaming laptop computer with out the charger in tow.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) value

Beginning at $2,000, the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) affords surprisingly sturdy worth for cash. There’s no escaping the truth that that is an costly gadget however, relative to competing gaming laptops, it emerges as probably the most cheap 16-inch possibility.

Its largest rivals are the Alienware m16 R2 and x16 R2, which usually value $100-400 greater than a equally specced ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024). Whereas each of those laptops may be particularly configured to your liking by way of Dell’s storefront, neither can be found with OLED shows and are as an alternative restricted to IPS panels.

Some could choose the piece of thoughts provided by the m16 R2 and x16 R2, in that the screens received’t be susceptible to burn-in, however the enchancment in picture high quality from the Asus’ OLED display screen can’t be overstated – its coloration vibrancy, distinction, and responsiveness are approach higher than what you get from an ordinary IPS panel.

Nevertheless, the Alienware m16 R2 may be purchased for as little as $1,600, geared up with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU and a Core Extremely 7 155H processor. Whereas this mixture will present slower efficiency than the bottom ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024), Asus doesn’t have a equally specced or priced 16-inch gaming laptop computer within the US and different areas for extra budget-oriented avid gamers. In the meantime, the Alienware x16 R2 pumps the GPU wattage in its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 and 4090 configurations as much as 175W, to maximise efficiency, which leaves the ROG Zephyrus G16’s 115W feeling paltry by comparability.

The opposite main various to the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) is the Razer Blade 16 (2024) however this would-be competitor is shockingly costly. Worth variations between the 2 laptops vary between $900-1,000, with the one notable benefits provided by the Blade 16 (2024) being its Core i9 14900HX processor and better GPU TDPs, which supply increased ranges of efficiency. The Blade 16 (2024) can be very well constructed, and has a really premium design, however there’s little question that the ROG Zephyrus (2024) affords massively higher worth for cash.

With all this in thoughts, ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) fashions geared up with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or 4080 graphics are a no brainer at their MSRP. The identical, sadly, can’t be stated for these with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics, as Asus’ TDP limits are just too drastic to justify the additional value.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) conclusion

Greater isn’t at all times higher, because the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) isn’t as a lot of a slam dunk as its related, albeit smaller sibling, the ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024), but it surely’s nonetheless an excellent machine in the event you purchase the correct spec configuration. The design and construct high quality are very good, it appears to be like beautiful, the value affords nice worth for cash, and the OLED display screen is attractive.

Both the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or 4080 GPU choices are finest suited to the ROG Zephyrus G16, given the 115W restrict Asus locations on GPUs on this laptop computer. Extra efficiency may be had from the likes of the Razer Blade 16 (2024), in fact, however provided that you’re prepared to pay the extraordinarily excessive asking value, and most of the people could be higher off saving that cash and going for the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) as an alternative.

With all this in thoughts, the Zephyrus G16 (2024) edges out the competitors when it comes to worth, and leads the best way when it comes to construct and show high quality. Nevertheless, Asus would do properly to maneuver away from soldered reminiscence sooner or later, and likewise accommodate extra {powerful} graphics choices in future successors, whereas specializing in nailing a midrange spec.

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) options

If the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) isn’t the correct gaming laptop computer for you, try these options:

Alienware M16 R2

With increased GPU TDPs, the Alienware M16 R2 can outperform the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) in spec-for-spec comparisons. Whereas its display screen does sport the identical decision and refresh charge because the Asus laptop computer, it makes use of an IPS panel instead of OLED display screen, and it additionally prices extra money.

Razer Blade 16 (2024)

Efficiency throughout the board is quicker on the Razer Blade 16 (2024) than on the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024), and the OLED display screen on this Razer laptop computer can be attractive (if overly reflective). Razer’s newest Blade 16 additionally affords upgradable RAM for improved repairability and longevity, however this premium laptop computer additionally carries a a lot increased price ticket than the Asus for the equal spec.