Asus ROG Strix G16 review: A powerful laptop with cyberpunk styling
Asus ROG Strix G16 review: A powerful laptop with cyberpunk styling
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Asus ROG Strix G16 review: A powerful laptop with cyberpunk styling
Asus’s ROG Strix G16 packs both power and style, making it a standout gaming laptop. Equipped with a robust CPU and GPU, it delivers high performance for gamers, while its sleek cyberpunk-inspired design gives it a distinct visual edge. Along with its impressive specs, the G16 offers excellent connectivity options, a roomy keyboard complete with handy shortcut keys, and a portable, backpack-friendly build. It also competes well on price compared to similar models. Let’s dive into the top features of this 16-inch powerhouse.
Pros
- The cyberpunk styling looks very appealing
- The laptop makes excellent use of its performance hardware
- The display looks brilliant and handles motion well
Cons
- A cluster of left side ports won’t suit left handers
- Battery life is middling
- There’s more plastic in the chassis than some rivals
Asus ROG Strix G16: Specs and Features Overview
The ROG Strix G16 comes with various high-performance configurations, including options with up to an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and different RTX 40 Series GPUs. Buyers can also choose between a QHD+ 240Hz display or a FHD 165Hz display, depending on their needs. For those looking to snag a model featuring Intel’s Core i9-13980HX, Asus’s official store is the place to go, with pricing starting at $1,599.99 for the entry-level configuration, which includes a GeForce RTX 4050 GPU.
Alternatively, you can find a range of Asus ROG Strix G16 models on Amazon, featuring the Intel Core i7-13650HX processor. The most budget-friendly option, equipped with an RTX 4060 GPU, is priced at $1,379. For comparison, Razer’s entry-level Blade 16 model starts at a significantly higher price of $2,699.99.
The specifications of the review unit are as follows:
- CPU: Intel 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: 5.51 lbs (2.50 kg)
- Dimensions: 13.94 x 10.39 x 0.89 inches
- Battery: 90WHr
- Price: Starting at $1,379 on Amazon.
Asus ROG Strix G16: Design and Build
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of testing Asus’s Zephyrus M16, a sleek and powerful machine. However, when it comes to gaming, there’s something special about using a laptop that embraces its gamer identity wholeheartedly. Swapping the M16 for the Strix G16 was like trading a refined Mercedes-Benz for a souped-up Dodge Viper. While both laptops offer impressive performance and stunning visuals, the G16’s bold, gamer-focused design truly sets it apart.
What immediately hooked me was the cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic. The standout feature for me was the transparent ASDF, QWER keys, and spacebar, all beautifully lit by customizable RGB lighting. This detail added a striking visual element while also enhancing the gaming experience. The RGB lightbar along the front base of the laptop creates a stunning underglow, illuminating the surface beneath with a soft, colorful hue. Combine that with the sharp cutlines, the bold ROG branding, and the large Asus logo on the lid, and the G16 exudes style from every angle. The large ROG lettering on the right side of the keyboard adds even more flair.
Available in two color options—grey and green—the G16 offers more personality than your standard gaming laptop. While I usually shy away from grey laptops for fear of them looking too “business casual,” this one is different. The grey has a hint of black to it, giving it a sophisticated yet edgy feel that never feels dull or uninspired.
