"Asus ROG Strix G16 Review: Power-Packed Performance and Cyberpunk Flair"



At a Glance


Pros


Captivating cyberpunk aesthetics

Impressive utilization of high-performance hardware

Brilliant display with excellent motion handling


Cons


Cluster of left-side ports may not suit left-handed users

Average battery life

Slightly more plastic in chassis compared to competitors


Our Verdict


The Asus ROG Strix G16 stands out as a powerful 16-inch gaming laptop, boasting exceptional performance, striking aesthetics, and a range of useful features.


Price When Reviewed


$1,399.00


Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Strix G16 on Amazon


-21% $1,099.99
List Price: $1,399.99 


Asus's ROG Strix G16 embodies both power and personality. Not only does it boast a robust CPU-GPU combo, but it also boasts a captivating, gamer-centric cyberpunk design that ticks all the right boxes. Alongside these appealing traits, the G16 excels in connectivity, sports a spacious keyboard with convenient shortcuts, and flaunts a portable build perfect for on-the-go gamers. Its price is also a standout compared to competitors. Let’s delve into the standout features of this 16-inch powerhouse.


Looking for alternatives? Check out PCWorld’s selection of the best gaming laptops available today.


Asus ROG Strix G16: Specifications and Features


The Strix G16 offers configurations with an Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU, various RTX 40 Series GPUs, and either a QHD+ 240Hz or FHD 165Hz display. Asus’s e-store showcases models featuring the Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU, starting at $1,599.99 for the basic configuration featuring a GeForce RTX 4050 GPU.


On Amazon, you can find Asus ROG Strix G16 models with the Intel Core i7-13650HX processor starting at $1,399, equipped with an RTX 4060 GPU. Compare this to Razer’s entry-level Razer Blade 16 priced at $2,699.99. Here are the specifications for our review unit:


CPU: Core i7-13650HX

RAM: 16GB DDR5 / 4800 MHz

GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

Display: 16-inch, QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 240 Hz refresh rate, IPS-level, anti-glare, 16:10 aspect ratio, DCI-P3 color, 3ms response time, G-Sync

Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort, power delivery and G-Sync), HDMI 2.1, RJ45 Ethernet port, 3.5mm audio jack

Networking: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3

Weight: 5.51lbs (2.50kg)

Dimensions: 13.94 x 10.39 x 0.89 inches

Battery: 90WHr

Price: Starting at $1,399 on Amazon


Asus ROG Strix G16: Design and Build


Transitioning from Asus’s Zephyrus M16 to the Strix G16 feels like swapping a sleek Mercedes Benz for a bold, gamer-centric Dodge Viper. While both are powerful, the G16 stands out with its cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic, notably the transparent ASDF, QWER keys, and spacebar, illuminated with vibrant RGB.


The RGB lightbar along the bottom emits a captivating under glow, adding to the laptop’s overall visual appeal. The design features sharp cutlines, prominent ROG branding, and comes in two color variants: grey and green. The grey variant, however, exudes sophistication, resembling a darker hue that deviates from the typical metallic greys seen in productivity-focused laptops.


Despite its power, the G16 maintains portability, measuring 13.94 x 10.39 x 0.89 inches—a notable advantage over larger gaming laptops like the Asus ROG Strix G18. The laptop's 16-inch ROG Nebula display, boasting a 90% screen-to-body ratio, impresses with ultra-thin bezels, offering a spacious viewing experience.


Under the hood, Asus's engineering enhancements optimize airflow and heat dissipation, featuring a redesigned chassis and a robust heatsink system, albeit with a slightly higher plastic composition in the base compared to competitors.


Asus ROG Strix G16: Keyboard and Trackpad


The Strix G16’s full-sized keyboard with programmable hotkeys and per-key RGB backlighting caters to competitive gaming needs. The absence of a numpad (available as an illuminated trackpad option) might inconvenience some users, but the keys offer a satisfying 2mm travel and a visually striking presence, especially in dimly lit environments.


The spacious trackpad, though not the quickest or smoothest, adequately serves gaming needs without being the primary input method.



Asus ROG Strix G16: Display and Webcam


The ROG Nebula QHD+ display, with its 240Hz refresh rate and three-millisecond response time, provides a premium visual experience, delivering detailed images without glitches or tearing. A high 500-nit peak brightness showcases vivid colors and strong contrasts, rendering gaming landscapes with depth and vibrancy. While Pantone Validated, the panel might not match the precision of Asus’s ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 for creators.


The 720p webcam, nestled in the top bezel, offers passable video quality but falls short of higher standards for critical video calls.


Asus ROG Strix G16: Connectivity and Audio


The majority of ports situated on the left side might clutter space, especially for left-handed users. However, the generous array of ports—multiple USB-A ports, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, and display-capable ports—provides ample connectivity options for various peripherals and streaming needs.


The bottom-facing speakers deliver a rich tonal landscape but may render lower-toned vocals hollow in certain scenarios due to acoustic bounce-off from tabletops. Dolby Atmos support enhances the audio experience, particularly in immersive settings.


Asus ROG Strix G16: CPU Performance


Powered by the Intel Core i7-13650HX CPU, the G16 excels in CPU-intensive tasks, showcasing superiority in benchmarks like Cinebench R20 Multi-threaded and Handbrake encoding. The laptop's thermal management impresses, maintaining performance levels without throttling under heavy loads.


Intel’s 13th generation HX Series CPUs ensure top-tier performance, positioning the G16 as a robust gaming and multitasking machine.


Asus ROG Strix G16: Gaming Performance


Equipped with an RTX 4060 GPU, the Strix G16 exhibits commendable graphics performance. Benchmark results from 3DMark Time Spy and game benchmarks for Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider place it competitively against laptops with more powerful GPUs, showcasing robust gaming capabilities even with a more affordable configuration.


The GPU’s ray-tracing capabilities and DirectX 12 Ultimate support ensure future-proofing and enhanced visual experiences in gaming and 3D applications.


Asus ROG Strix G16: Battery Life


Despite excelling in performance,