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ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop Review: Features, Performance, and Price
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop is a well-rounded mid-range option. While its price seems steep for an RTX 4060 configuration, this laptop offers excellent build quality, solid performance, and useful features. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes the ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop worth considering, along with the minor issues you need to know.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop features an eclipse gray finish, offering a muted aesthetic compared to the volt green option with its bright green accents. Despite its muted design, the RGB light bar along the front ensures it doesn’t go unnoticed. The plastic interior feels smooth and sturdy, with minimal flex under pressure.
Build Features
- Weight and Size:
- Laptop: 5.2lb (2.4kg).
- With charger: 7.1lb (3.2kg).
- Hinge Quality: The hinge felt strong, though one unit showed a slight noise when opening and closing.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop is slightly thicker than many 15-inch gaming laptops, but the overall design ensures usability and durability.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Keyboard Features
- RGB Backlighting:
- 4-zone RGB with customizable lighting effects via Aura Creator.
- Secondary key lighting is slightly patchy.
- Key Travel: 1.9mm, with a clicky feel.
- Additional Keys: Volume control, mic mute, performance mode, and Armory Crate shortcut.
Touchpad Features
The touchpad is 10% larger this year, offering a comfortable click feel. However, some configurations lack the touchpad-integrated numpad feature.
Ports and Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop provides versatile port options, primarily on the left side.
| Port | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Power Input | For charging the laptop. |
| Ethernet | Gigabit connectivity. |
| HDMI 2.1 | Connects directly to Nvidia graphics for 4K 120Hz output. |
| USB Type-C (x2) | One Thunderbolt 4, one USB 3.2 Gen 2. |
| USB Type-A (x2) | Located on the right side. |
| Audio Jack | 3.5mm combo for headphones/mic. |
The Thunderbolt 4 port connects to Intel graphics, while other display ports connect directly to Nvidia graphics.
Internal Components and Upgradeability
Opening the ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop is straightforward, requiring the removal of 11 screws. Internally, it offers excellent upgradeability.
| Component | Upgrade Options |
|---|---|
| Memory Slots | Two replaceable slots. |
| SSD Slots | Two M.2 slots, compatible with up to 4TB drives. |
| Wi-Fi Card | Replaceable, with Wi-Fi 6E support. |
The internal design eliminates fragile RGB ribbon cables, simplifying maintenance.
Display and Visual Experience
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop features a 16-inch, 16:10 Nebula display with a 2560×1600 resolution.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz with 3.7ms response time. |
| Color Accuracy | Excellent for gaming and content creation. |
| Brightness | Decent but falls slightly short of the claimed 500 nits. |
The screen supports panel overdrive for reduced response time and G-Sync for tear-free gaming.
Performance and Benchmarks
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics. It handles modern games and creative applications effectively.
Gaming Performance
| Game | 1080p (FPS) | 1440p (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Smooth with minimal performance dips. | Competitive performance with other RTX 4060 laptops. |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Comparable to Helios Neo 16. | Performs well but trails Radeon graphics laptops. |
Content Creation Benchmarks
| Software | Performance |
|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Comparable to higher-end models like MSI GP77. |
| DaVinci Resolve | Performs well, with small gains for 4070 models. |
Thermals and Noise
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop features an advanced cooling system with three fans and seven heatpipes.
| Thermal Mode | Temperature | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|
| Silent Mode | Moderate. | Quiet operation. |
| Turbo Mode | Efficient cooling. | Noticeably louder but manageable. |
| Manual Mode | Coolest temps. | Very loud; headphones recommended. |
The cooling pad further optimizes temperatures without significant performance loss.
Battery Life
The laptop includes a 90Wh battery and supports features like Battery Care Mode for longevity.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| YouTube Playback | 5 hours. |
| Gaming on Battery | 1 hour and 50 minutes. |
Battery performance is above average for a gaming laptop, but not extraordinary.
Pricing and Competitor Comparison
At launch, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop is priced higher than competitors.
| Model | Price (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS Strix G16 (4060) | $1600 | Excellent build, but expensive for its specs. |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 5 | $1200-$1400 | Competitive features, no RGB light bar. |
The price gap between RTX 4060 and 4070 configurations is significant, with better deals available for 4080 laptops.
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 best Gaming Laptop is a solid performer with excellent build quality, vibrant display, and reliable cooling. However, its higher price makes it less competitive compared to other gaming laptops. If the price aligns with your budget, this laptop is worth considering for gaming and content creation.
