Mark 2, 2024 8 min to read

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 Review - It's Amazing!

Original video published on Feb 23, 2024

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 has undergone a significant transformation in its latest iteration for 2024. Departing from the chassis used for the previous G16, which was essentially a carryover from the 2022 M16 model limited to NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070 configurations, the new Zephyrus G16 breaks the mold by offering configurations up to the formidable RTX 4090. This leap not only marks a significant upgrade in potential graphical prowess but also showcases ASUS’s commitment to pushing the envelope in gaming laptop design and performance.

Design and Build

ASUS has taken a bold step in reimagining the design of the Zephyrus G16, focusing on leveraging the advantages of Intel’s Meteor Lake processors. While the performance leap in terms of raw speed from last year’s models might not be groundbreaking, the introduction of these processors allows for thinner chassis designs, improved battery efficiency, and, importantly, the freedom for manufacturers to experiment with innovative designs. The result is a laptop that not only looks fantastic but also feels premium with its aluminum chassis. Despite its powerful RTX 4080 configuration, the laptop remains relatively light at 4.3 lbs, making it a contender against the heavier MacBook Pro 16.

Color choices play a significant role in the aesthetic appeal of the Zephyrus G16, with the Eclipse Gray model being prone to fingerprints. Those opting for the cleaner look of the white version will need to consider the additional $200 premium, even for identical specifications.

2023 G14 vs 2024 G16

The laptop features an intriguing slash design on its lid, a subtle yet stylish departure from the more flamboyant AniMe Matrix back found on the G14. This design choice not only adds to the laptop’s premium feel but also integrates functionality, as it lights up with customizable logos or acts as a notification indicator.

Ports and Connectivity

On the functionality front, ASUS has equipped the Zephyrus G16 with a comprehensive selection of ports. On the left side we have:

• Proprietary power connector
• HDMI port
• Thunderbolt 4 port
• USB-A port
• Combo audio jack

Meanwhile, the right side offers:

• USB Type-C Gen 2 port
• Another USB-A port
• UHS-II SD card slot

A notable improvement is the downsized power brick, maintaining a 240-watt output but in a more compact and portable form factor compared to its predecessor.

2023 M16 vs 2024 G16

Keyboard and Touchpad

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 showcases a meticulously crafted keyboard deck, promoting a seamless typing experience with keys that offer a pleasing tactile response and 1.7 mm of travel. Enhanced with vibrant RGB lighting, the keyboard stands out against its dark chassis, adding a visually striking element.

The touchpad, now 37% larger, significantly improves user navigation with its expanded surface area. Despite retaining a traditional glass finish, its precision and responsiveness remain impressive, underscoring ASUS’s dedication to combining form and function in its design approach.

While the absence of a fingerprint scanner is noted, ASUS integrates Windows Hello facial recognition, ensuring convenient and secure access.

Display and Audio Experience

One of the highlights of the Zephyrus G16 is its OLED display, boasting a 240 Hz refresh rate and being among the first laptops to support G-Sync.It also features VRR, a staggering 960 Hz pixel refresh rate, and HDR support, with a peak brightness of 500 nits.

This display is not just about the specs; it’s about the quality of the visual experience it delivers, making it a dream come true for gamers and creators alike.

The audio experience has seen significant improvements as well, with a six-speaker system that rivals the audio quality of the MacBook Pro 16. This enhancement underscores ASUS’s commitment to providing a holistic high-quality gaming and multimedia experience.

Webcam

The Zephyrus G16 boasts a 1080p webcam, offering crisp, clear video quality under optimal lighting conditions.

This enhancement is particularly relevant in an era where remote work and virtual meetings have become commonplace, emphasizing the laptop’s utility beyond gaming. The inclusion of studio-quality microphones complements the webcam, ensuring clear audio pickup for both streaming and conferencing.

Performance Insights

At the heart of the G16 lies an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, coupled with 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 1 TB NVMe SSD, and the powerhouse Nvidia RTX 4080.

This configuration offers a nuanced performance profile; while it doesn’t significantly outpace the previous generation’s i9-13900H in single-core tasks, it shows its strength in multi-core applications.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 excels in demanding tasks, outshining the G14 in browser tasks and Premiere Pro editing due to its Intel codecs and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU. This performance surpasses even the MacBook Pro 16 with M2 Max, marking the G16 as a top choice for high-intensity workloads.

The RTX 4080, in particular, delivers a performance edge in creative applications and gaming, supported by its 12 GB of VRAM over the 8 GB found in the 4070 and lower models.

Gaming performance is robust, with the G16 handling most titles at 2560x1600 resolution smoothly, benefiting from the RTX 4080’s additional horsepower.

The inclusion of an MUX switch enhances gaming experiences by optimizing the laptop’s graphics routing, although it requires a restart to toggle between dedicated and hybrid GPU modes.

Thermal Management and Noise Levels

ASUS has refined the Zephyrus G16’s cooling system, achieving a balance between effective heat management and noise reduction. Making it clear this is not the quietest laptop in the room. When stacked against the M16 under full load, the G16 pulls ahead with significantly less noise - reaching around 53 to 54 dB, compared to the M16’s over 60 dB. Albeit, in silent mode, it is a notch louder than most other laptops.

In terms of heat management, this laptop cruises around a comfortable 86-87 degrees Celsius, slightly cooler than the M16 which sometimes hits 90 degrees Celsius. However, in terms of core clock speeds, the improvements are only marginal when pitted against the i9-13900H and notably lower compared to the Ryzen 9 8945 HS. Even during the 3D Mark Time Spy test, the max TGP of the G16 tops out at 115, visibly lower than the 4070-enhanced M16’s TGP of around 120 to 125.

Internal Configuration and Battery Life

Internally, the Zephyrus G16 varies based on the GPU configuration chosen. Models equipped with the RTX 4080 or 4090 feature a vapor chamber cooling system, whereas the 4060 or 4070 variants include a third fan for additional airflow. Despite the potential for increased noise from the additional fan, the vapor chamber models offer a quieter and more efficient cooling solution.

Storage expansion is user-friendly, with two NVMe SSD slots available, one of which comes pre-populated. The laptop also features a swappable Wi-Fi 6E card, although it does not support the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard.

Battery life is impressive, with the G16’s 90 Wh battery providing over 9 hours of usage on a single charge, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks away from a power source.

Conclusion: A Refined Gaming Powerhouse

The 2024 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 distinguishes itself not through raw performance leaps but through thoughtful design and quality-of-life improvements. With its exceptional OLED display, enhanced audio system, comprehensive port selection, and refined aesthetics, it represents a compelling upgrade for those coming from older models or other brands. While not a mandatory upgrade for owners of the previous year’s model, the G16 stands out as a top-tier option for gamers and creatives seeking a blend of performance, portability, and premium features.