For this review, ASUS provided me with the ROG Strix G16, a 16-inch, nearly 3-kilogram beast that boasts impressive internal power and an imposing exterior.
Right from the start, it’s evident that ASUS has gone beyond mere incremental updates. They have
enhanced the design of their high-end gaming laptops, and the G16 reflects that meticulous focus. While the matte black plastic chassis may seem understated at first, it illuminates — quite literally — with the “AniMe Matrix” LED panel on the lid. This monochrome display can showcase the time, animations, or custom graphics.
The additional RGB lighting around the chassis, logo, and keyboard supports Aura Sync, allowing users to synchronize effects across devices. The build quality is commendable: the plastic feels sturdy, though there’s some flex when lifting the laptop from one corner.
Keyboard and touchpad
The keyboard is full-sized but lacks a number pad, providing a more comfortable, centered layout. Typing is generally satisfying — it has good travel and feedback, although the bottom-out action feels slightly soft.
Display and audio
The 16-inch 2560×1600 Nebula display features a 240Hz refresh rate and exceptional brightness. It handles HDR content seamlessly and offers wide color coverage. The contrast is impressive, although some haloing (or blooming) can be seen around bright elements.
Webcam, mic, and biometrics
A 1080p webcam and dual-array mic perform adequately for video calls, providing clear visuals and audio capture. Windows Hello facial recognition is available for quick, secure logins — but a fingerprint reader is absent.
Connectivity
The standout feature is the addition of two Thunderbolt 5 ports, which facilitate rapid data transfers, DisplayPort output, and power delivery. They are accompanied by HDMI 2.1, three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
However, the port layout isn’t ideal. Most ports are situated on the left side, which can lead to cable clutter. None are rear-facing, limiting setup flexibility — especially in compact spaces.
On the wireless side, the G16 has Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, both representing the latest standards and providing fast, reliable connections.
Performance
Driven by Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX and Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti, the G16 showcases impressive performance across both productivity and gaming tasks. In benchmarks like PCMark and Cinebench, it performs well — though slightly behind pricier or larger competitors.
In gaming, it achieves smooth frame rates on titles such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Metro Exodus, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Cyberpunk 2077, even with ray tracing enabled. DLSS support (including Frame Generation) enhances the playability of demanding games without a noticeable drop in image quality.
Battery life and portability
Even with support for Nvidia’s Advanced Optimus aiming to extend battery life by disabling the GPU during lighter tasks, the G16 didn’t perform exceptionally well in tests. Anticipate a range of two to six hours based on usage — which isn’t ideal, but typical for a gaming laptop.
It’s important to note that this is not a highly portable laptop. Weighing just over 2.8kg and measuring 30mm thick, it’s best suited as a desktop replacement. The 380-watt power brick only adds to the bulk. Given that many will likely use this as a stationary gaming machine, battery life becomes less of a concern.
Final verdict
The Asus ROG Strix G16 makes a strong case for itself in the next generation of gaming laptops. It excels where it matters — powerful hardware, excellent display, thoughtful features, and a fair price for its category — ₹2,59,999.
If you seek high-end gaming performance in a 16-inch frame without venturing into ultra-premium pricing, the G16 is a fantastic choice.
Also read: HP EliteBook X G1i Review: A laptop that means business
