The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) has quickly become a highly anticipated gaming laptop for 2024. With its cutting-edge specs and innovative design, it has the potential to be one of the best-selling laptops of the year. However, the journey to perfection is not without its bumps. This detailed review will explore the various aspects of the Zephyrus G16, including its specs, performance, design, and overall user experience.
Key Feature
| Feature | Details |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H |
| GPU | Options: Nvidia RTX 4070, RTX 4080, RTX 4090 |
| Display | 16-inch 2.5K OLED, 240Hz refresh rate |
| RAM | Options: 16GB, 32GB (not user-upgradable) |
| Storage | 1TB SSD (upgradable with secondary M.2 slot) |
| I/O Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, proprietary port, USB Type-A, HD card slot |
| Battery | High efficiency due to CPU/GPU combination |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Dimensions | Thin design, comparable to other 16-inch laptops |
| Weight | 1.95kg |
The Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop comes in three configurations in North America. The base model with RTX , featuring RAM ,SSD, Display. All models share the same CPU, highlighting a price markup mainly for GPU upgrades.
| Model | Price | CPU | RAM | Storage | Display |
| RTX 4070 Model | $2,000 | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | 16 GB | 1 TB SSD | 240 Hz OLED |
| RTX 4080 Model | $2,700 | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | 32 GB | 1 TB SSD | 240 Hz OLED |
| RTX 4090 Model | $3,300 | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | 32 GB | 1 TB SSD | 240 Hz OLED |
Performance and Benchmarks
What sets the G16 apart is its combination of Intel’s new Meteor Lake CPU architecture and Nvidia’s RTX 40 series GPUs. Unlike competitors sticking with Raptor Lake processors, Asus takes a leap with newer, potentially more efficient technology.
3D Mark (Performance Mode) Benchmark Scores
| Device | Year | Time Spy Score | Fire Strike Score |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 | 2024 | 13,000 | 35,000 |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i | 2023 | 12,000 | 32,000 |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | 2023 | 11,000 | 30,000 |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo | 2023 | 11,500 | 33,000 |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 | 2023 | 12,500 | 31,000 |
Cooling and Power Management
One of the most important obstacles faced by Zephyrus G16 is the cooling system and power management. A vapor chamber cooling system supports the RTX 4080 model, whereas the RTX 4070 model uses a triple fan setup in its place. Despite these cooling solutions, performance variability remains a significant issue. Benchmarks revealed inconsistent performance, with up to 30% variation in Counter-Strike 2 and substantial fluctuations in other games like Doom Eternal and Callisto Protocol.
Software Conflicts
The root cause of these inconsistencies appears to be a conflict between Windows power modes and Asus’s Armory Crate software. This tug-of-war results in unstable CPU wattage, directly impacting gaming performance. Despite extensive communication with Asus, no definitive solution has been provided, leaving potential buyers in a state of uncertainty.
Battery Life
One of the key selling points of the Intel Meteor Lake CPU paired with Nvidia’s RTX 40 series graphics is improved power efficiency. The Zephyrus G16 delivers excellent battery life, outperforming competitors like the Razer Blade 16. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking portability alongside high performance.
Build Quality and Design
Physical Design
The Zephyrus G16 boasts a sleek design, sharing the same aesthetic language as its predecessor, the G14. It is one of the thinnest 16-inch gaming laptops on the market, made from CNC aluminum. Despite its slim profile, the laptop feels solid and well-constructed. However, the hinge design could be sturdier, as it tends to be a bit wobbly.
Display
The 16-inch 2.5K OLED display with a 240 Hz refresh rate is one of the standout features of the Zephyrus G16. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent color accuracy, making it a joy for gaming and multimedia consumption. However, its peak brightness of 420 nits falls short compared to mini LED panels.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the Zephyrus G16 provides a comfortable typing experience, thanks to well-designed key switches and customizable RGB lighting. The trackpad is large, smooth, and responsive, adding to the overall usability of the laptop.
Audio and Webcam Quality
Asus continues to impress with built-in speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. The webcam, while identical to the G14’s in terms of quality, includes features like noise cancellation, enhancing its utility.
Real-World Performance
Gaming
Gaming performance on the Zephyrus G16 is a mixed bag. While it can deliver impressive frame rates, inconsistencies due to power management issues can be frustrating. Running games at native 1600p resolution, the laptop performs admirably against other RTX 4070 and RTX 4080 laptops but struggles to maintain consistent 1% frame rates.
FPS Performance for Turbo Mode at FHD Resolution
FPS Performance for Turbo Mode at QHD+ Resolution
Productivity
For productivity tasks, the Zephyrus G16 performs well. The Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and ample RAM ensure smooth multitasking and fast processing speeds. Video editing and other GPU-intensive tasks also benefit from the powerful Nvidia graphics.
Ports and Connectivity
Despite its slim design, the Zephyrus G16 offers a good selection of ports:
- Right Side: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort 1.4, 100W PD charging), USB Type-A, full-size SD card slot (UHS-II compliant)
- Left Side: Audio jack, USB Type-A, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, proprietary power port
The different power adapters for the RTX 4070 (200W) and RTX 4080 (240W) models reflect their power needs.
Pros
- Sleek and Slim Design.
- Impressive Display.
- Good Battery Life.
- Comfortable Keyboard and Trackpad.
- High-Quality Speakers.
Cons
- Expensive Premium Models.
- High-pitched fan noise on turbo mode.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) has the potential to be a standout gaming laptop for 2024, thanks to its sleek design, impressive display, and good battery life. However, performance variability due to power management issues and limited upgradeability are significant drawbacks.
If Asus can address these issues with a firmware update, the Zephyrus G16 could easily become a top contender in the gaming laptop market. For now, it remains a promising yet flawed option.