ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) review: More Than Just a Gaming Powerhouse
Introduction
ASUS’ most recent 14-inch gaming laptop offers a remarkable blend of versatility and style. However, for those seeking even more power, ASUS presents the ROG Zephyrus G16. Boasting a robust Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and support for NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics cards, this model packs a punch. Going beyond, its OLED screen with a speedy 240Hz refresh rate, impressive speakers, and a full-size SD card reader for swift file transfers from cameras add to its appeal. While targeted at gamers, the G16’s capabilities extend to serving as a portable editing workstation, making it a top choice even for individuals uninterested in gaming pursuits.
DESIGN
The new all-aluminum chassis of the G16 is truly outstanding. Not only is it slightly lighter (around 0.1 pounds) and thinner (approximately 0.2 inches) compared to its predecessor, but it also exudes a heightened sense of durability. In 2024, ASUS opted for a sleek design on the lid, replacing the dot matrix display with a single diagonal slash illuminated by white LEDs (instead of RGB). This alteration lends the laptop a more refined appearance without sacrificing its visual appeal. It’s akin to a teenager who has matured and refined their style while still retaining their gaming origins.
Internally, the G16 features a backlit keyboard with rainbow lighting (albeit single-zone, not per-key), complemented by remarkably robust speakers and an exceptionally large touchpad below. Altogether, it’s a meticulously crafted system that not only looks striking but also offers a premium tactile experience.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 shines as a versatile multimedia laptop, catering to both gamers and editors alike. With a vibrant display, streamlined design, enhanced connectivity, and extended battery life, it offers a comprehensive package for users seeking a top-tier experience.
Pros:
- Vivid 240Hz OLED display
- Sleek and modern design
- Impressive speaker quality
- Strong overall performance
Cons:
- Soldered memory limits upgrade options
- Relatively high price point
- Reduced wattage on CPU and GPU
- Armoury Crate app usability issues
This laptop stands out for its exceptional display, elegant design, and robust audio capabilities, making it a compelling choice for those in search of a high-performance multimedia device that excels in both gaming and content creation tasks.
ASUS has thoughtfully integrated a well-rounded selection of connectivity options into the G16 model. The laptop comes equipped with two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB-C ports (with one supporting Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, a full-size SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This comprehensive array of ports ensures that users can travel unencumbered, without the need for additional dongles or adapters. Additionally, ASUS’ innovative Slim Power Jack design eliminates the need to monopolize other ports while charging the device. In situations where immediate charging is required, the G16 can also be powered up via USB-C, albeit at a slower rate (up to approximately 100 watts) compared to the included 240-watt power brick.
Display
The standout feature of the G16 is undoubtedly its 2.5K (2,560 x 1,600) OLED display. Boasting vibrant colors and supporting an extensive color gamut (100% of DCI-P3), this screen is a visual treat. Moreover, its impressive 240Hz refresh rate caters to gamers seeking a competitive edge. While the brightness levels are average, hovering around 400 nits in standard mode and 450 nits in HDR, screen visibility remains excellent in most conditions, barring direct sunlight.
For photo and video editors, ASUS goes the extra mile by providing calibrated viewing modes within the Armory Crate app for sRGB, D65 P3, and DCI-P3. These modes enable users to fine-tune hues and color grade footage with greater accuracy, enhancing the display’s utility for creative tasks.
Performance
The G16 impresses with its solid performance driven by an Intel Core Ultra 9 195H CPU, up to 32GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, and NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics. However, the G16’s slim design necessitates some compromises. In comparison to competitors like the Razer Blade 16, the G16 features a lower total device power (TDP), impacting its overall capabilities despite similar listed components. For instance, our review unit with an RTX 4080 tops out at 115 watts to the GPU, while the Razer reaches 175 watts. Additionally, the G16’s RAM is soldered in, precluding post-purchase upgrades.
When tested on Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p with ultra graphics and ray tracing enabled, the G16 achieved 68 fps, marginally surpassing the smaller Razer Blade 14’s performance at 66 fps. Despite the Razer model sporting a lower-tier RTX 4070, the performance gap can be attributed to similar wattage. These frame rates are more than ample for seamless gameplay in AAA titles. Notably, the Blade 14, priced at $2,700, provides a valid comparison to our G16 review unit, despite its smaller form factor, underscoring the G16’s competitive positioning within the market.
Battery life
The G16 benefits from a larger chassis, affording space for a bigger battery. In PCMark 10’s Open Office rundown test, the G16 endured for an impressive 9 hours and 17 minutes, surpassing the G14’s 5 hours and 12 minutes and outperforming the XPS 16 (8 hours and 31 minutes) in our review. This endurance is commendable, particularly for a laptop of its caliber.
However, battery life is contingent on your usage patterns. In a subsequent test solely utilizing the GPU without leveraging NVIDIA’s Optimus graphic switching feature, the G16’s longevity dropped to a mere 3 hours and 8 minutes. Consequently, while the laptop can last throughout a day with basic productivity tasks, activities like gaming or video editing will necessitate proximity to ASUS’ 240-watt power brick for sustained performance.
Conclusion
Much like its smaller counterpart, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 emerges as an exemplary thin-and-light gaming laptop. Boasting a sleek all-aluminum chassis, a stunning 240Hz OLED display, and extended battery life, it combines style with functionality. While it may not wield as much raw power as certain competitors due to its lower-wattage components, the G16 still possesses sufficient strength to handle a wide array of tasks effortlessly.
Moreover, the inclusion of a full-size SD card reader enhances its utility as a portable editing workstation. With a starting price of $1,750, the G16 is more accessible than many premium and bulkier alternatives, making it an attractive option for users seeking a larger system without compromising on performance or portability.