The 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 has received a significant upgrade with the inclusion of AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, addressing the battery life shortcomings of its Intel-powered predecessor. This new iteration retains the sleek aluminum chassis, vibrant OLED display, and lightweight design that made the initial G16 a compelling prospect. The shift to AMD brings notable improvements in integrated graphics performance, efficiency, and raw processing power, making it a more well-rounded device suitable for both work and play. However, the high price tag remains a significant barrier to entry.
The AMD-powered G16 offers a premium experience with minimal chassis flex, a responsive keyboard, and a stunning 2560 x 1600, 240Hz OLED ROG Nebula Display. Factory calibrated for color accuracy, the display boasts impressive metrics, including 100% sRGB coverage and a Delta E of under 1, making it ideal for color-sensitive tasks. Despite the overall minimalist design reminiscent of Asus’ Zenbook line, the G16 retains some gamer-centric features, such as the customizable Slash Lighting across the lid. However, the single-zone RGB keyboard backlighting feels underwhelming for a laptop in this price range, especially when compared to competitors offering per-key customization.
Performance-wise, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 surpasses the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H in synthetic benchmarks, with significant gains in single and multi-core performance. In gaming, the AMD model demonstrates a noticeable advantage at 1080p resolution, delivering higher frame rates in titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Cyberpunk 2077. However, at higher resolutions, the RTX 4070 GPU becomes the limiting factor, requiring setting adjustments or upscaling techniques to maintain smooth gameplay in demanding titles. Users seeking maximum performance at higher resolutions or with ray tracing enabled should consider the RTX 4080 or 4090 variants, although these are currently only available on the Intel models.
A standout feature of the AMD G16 is its integrated Radeon 890M graphics, currently the most powerful integrated GPU on the market. This allows for surprisingly competent 1080p gaming even on battery power, making it a viable option for casual gaming on the go. With power management tweaks, the integrated GPU can deliver playable frame rates in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 for around 1.5 hours on a single charge, a feat unmatched by Intel’s integrated graphics. This capability significantly extends the G16’s versatility and allows users to leave the bulky 200W charger at home when gaming performance isn’t a priority.
Battery life is another area where the AMD G16 shines. The improved efficiency of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 translates to roughly nine hours of real-world use, a significant improvement over the six to seven hours offered by the Intel model. This extended battery life makes the G16 a more practical option for all-day productivity, bridging the gap between gaming laptops and dedicated work machines. The more efficient processor also results in lower operating temperatures, addressing the overheating issues experienced with the Intel version.
Despite its strengths, the G16 has some drawbacks. Upgradability is limited, with soldered RAM restricting future upgrades. Asus’ Armoury Crate software remains clunky and occasionally buggy, hindering tasks like switching between integrated and dedicated graphics. Furthermore, the price remains a significant concern, especially considering the availability of similarly configured laptops with more powerful GPUs at comparable or even lower prices, especially when considering sales. The Intel version of the G16 often sees significant discounts, making it a more compelling value proposition. The AMD model’s superior battery life and integrated graphics performance come at a premium, and the value proposition becomes more questionable at full price.
Ultimately, the AMD version of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 presents a compelling blend of performance, portability, and impressive visuals. The improved battery life and powerful integrated graphics make it a more versatile machine than its Intel counterpart, ideal for users who require both gaming capabilities and all-day productivity. However, the high price tag remains a significant hurdle. Potential buyers should carefully consider their budget and performance needs, as less expensive alternatives may offer a better balance of features and value, particularly when discounts are factored in. With the impending release of Nvidia’s 5000-series RTX GPUs, it’s worth waiting for potential price drops on the current G16 models or considering the next generation of gaming laptops.
