The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 for 2024 raises the bar in gaming laptops by incorporating AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, tailored for demanding gamers and creators alike. This high-end machine, priced at $2,300, packs 32GB of memory, an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, a stunning 240Hz OLED display, and a spacious 2TB SSD. There’s also a more accessible variant featuring 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD at $1,900. This review covers its design, performance benchmarks, gaming experience, and overall value.
Build and Design
The Zephyrus G16 impresses with a sleek, durable build. Constructed from full-metal chassis, it’s available in two finishes: Platinum White and Eclipse Gray for the premium models. With a weight of just over 4 pounds and a thickness of 0.59 inches, it’s notably portable for a gaming laptop. The design manages a subtle balance, combining gamer-centric RGB lighting and ROG branding without looking overly flashy, making it suitable for both work and play.
Ports and Connectivity
ASUS has equipped the G16 with a versatile selection of ports, catering to a range of peripherals and external devices. On the right, there’s an SD card reader, a USB-A port, and a high-speed USB-C port, useful for data transfers and external displays. The left side houses an HDMI 2.1 port, charging port, two additional USB-A and USB-C ports, and a combo audio jack, making it ready for gaming setups, multiple monitors, and other accessories. Connectivity is top-notch, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for stable and fast connections.
Display and Keyboard
The 16-inch, 2560×1600 OLED display delivers an impressive 240Hz refresh rate, perfect for fluid, immersive gameplay. With 100% DCI-P3 color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR certification, the display excels in color accuracy and vibrancy, enhancing both gaming and creative tasks. Its 16:10 aspect ratio offers extra vertical space for productivity, while the RGB backlit keyboard is fully customizable through ASUS’s Armory Crate software. The expansive trackpad is smooth and responsive, giving a premium feel similar to Apple’s MacBook line.
Performance Benchmarks
Equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and NVIDIA’s RTX 4060, the G16 shines in various gaming titles, delivering impressive frame rates at high settings.
- Counter-Strike 2: Reaches up to 200 FPS at 1080p, with a slight drop to 141 FPS at the native resolution.
- GTA V: Achieves a solid 137 FPS at 1080p and maintains over 100 FPS at native resolution.
- Baldur’s Gate 3: Runs at 67 FPS at 1080p Ultra, holding around 57 FPS at 1600p Ultra settings.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: Hits 124 FPS at 1080p minimum settings, and around 96 FPS with upscaling at ultra settings.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Reaches 103 FPS at 1080p Medium, and with DLSS upscaling, it achieves 73 FPS on higher settings.
The RTX 4060 delivers a solid gaming experience, handling most modern titles at impressive frame rates, even at higher resolutions. This performance makes it equally capable for creative workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
CPU and AI Performance
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU performs slightly behind ASUS’s ProArt PX 13 in tasks that are CPU-intensive. However, where this processor shines is in AI-driven workloads, outperforming many competitors with a high 109 tokens per second in AI inference tasks. This capability makes the G16 a suitable choice for those using applications that rely heavily on machine learning.
Battery Life and Thermals
The G16 features a 90Wh battery, providing approximately two hours of gaming on balanced settings. For lighter tasks like video streaming, users can expect around 3-4 hours of battery life. Thermally, the G16 remains cool during regular tasks, although gaming does increase surface temperatures, particularly around the keyboard area. ASUS’s thermal management system, however, ensures the CPU and GPU stay within optimal limits, reducing any risk of overheating during intense sessions.
Conclusion: Is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 Worth It?
The 2024 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 stands out with its advanced display, solid construction, and powerful internals, all crafted for an immersive gaming experience. However, with a starting price of $1,900 and going up to $2,300, it might feel steep for budget-conscious gamers. Despite its high price, this laptop offers a premium experience for those who prioritize performance, display quality, and refined design in a gaming laptop. For gamers and creators looking for high-end performance and are willing to invest, the Zephyrus G16 delivers.
