ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Review: Power and Precision for Gamers

Gaming laptops are no longer just portable devices but performance powerhouses capable of delivering immersive visuals, lightning-fast gameplay, and multitasking prowess.

In the crowded gaming market, ASUS’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup has consistently stood out for combining cutting-edge hardware with eye-catching designs tailored for gamers.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023 model) is no exception. Built for those who demand high performance without compromise, it offers a blend of power, style, and innovation.

Whether you’re an eSports enthusiast chasing high refresh rates or a creator looking for a laptop to handle demanding tasks, this machine promises to deliver. But does it live up to its bold claims? Let’s find out.

Last Updated:
8.5/10

Based on

6 categories

Reviewed by Mick
Exper

How I rate ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)

 For gamers who want top-tier visuals, smooth performance, and a touch of style, the Strix G16 is a solid choice.

Value for Money 8.5
Performance 8.5
Features 9
Design and Build Quality 8.5
Display 9.5
Battery Life 7

Pros

  • Excellent performance powered by Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA RTX 4060age Sample 1
  • High-resolution 16" display with a 240Hz refresh rate for fluid, immersive visual
  • Effective cooling system

Cons

  • Only 16GB of RAM
  • Middling battery life
  • Plastic-heavy build

Specifications

  • Display: 16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 240Hz, Anti-Glare, 16:10 aspect ratio
  • Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX (14-core, 2.6 – 4.9GHz)
  • Memory: 16GB DDR5 RAM
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6
  • Battery Life: Up to 9 hours, 4-cell 90 WHr battery
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
  • Price: The model appears to be discontinued. JB HiFi no longer lists it, nor does Office Works have it in stock. You may be able to buy a refurbished version from Mega Buy for $2199. JB HiFi does sell an inferior model (with rtx 4050 graphics) for $2399 – which I don’t recommend.

Design and Build Quality

ASUS has a knack for making gaming laptops look as fierce as they perform, and the ROG Strix G16 nails it. With its cyberpunk-inspired aesthetics, the laptop exudes a bold, futuristic vibe that instantly appeals to gamers. The sturdy build combines sleek matte finishes with RGB lighting accents, including a customizable light bar that runs along the base, adding a touch of flair without feeling overdone.

The 16-inch display, housed in a chassis with a slim 16:10 bezel design, enhances the immersive feel. At around 2.5kg, the laptop strikes a balance between portability and durability, making it manageable for travel without sacrificing a robust feel. While the predominantly plastic build might lack the premium touch of some rivals, it keeps the device lightweight and practical for gaming on the go.

Display

The ASUS ROG Strix G16’s 16-inch WQXGA display is a standout feature. It offers a crisp and clear 2560 x 1600 resolution that brings games and media to life. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time, the display offers buttery-smooth visuals, perfect for competitive gaming or fast-paced action scenes. When playing first-person shooters or exploring open-world RPGs, the screen’s fluidity keeps up with the most intense gameplay.

Colours are vibrant and accurate, thanks to the 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, making this laptop a viable option for creative professionals as well. The anti-glare coating reduces reflections, and the 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space, which is great for productivity tasks or navigating game HUDs. Overall, the display strikes a perfect balance between performance and versatility.

Performance

Under the hood, the Strix G16 is powered by Intel’s 13th Gen Core i7-13650HX processor and NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 GPU. Together, they deliver jaw-dropping performance, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or editing videos. During testing, the laptop effortlessly handled modern AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and GTA 5 at high settings, maintaining smooth frame rates without breaking a sweat.

The 16GB of DDR5 RAM ensures seamless multitasking, while the 1TB SSD provides ample storage for games and lightning-fast load times. The ROG Intelligent Cooling system keeps temperatures in check, even during marathon gaming sessions, ensuring consistent performance without noticeable throttling. This laptop is built to take on heavy workloads while staying cool under pressure.

Keyboard and Trackpad

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Keyboard

The ROG Strix G16 doesn’t just deliver on performance, it brings a comfortable gaming and typing experience. The keyboard features a full-size layout with well-spaced keys and customizable RGB lighting. The key travel is satisfying, striking a balance between tactile feedback and responsiveness, which is crucial for both gaming precision and prolonged typing sessions. The WASD keys are highlighted for gamers, and the RGB backlighting can be fine-tuned through ASUS’s Aura Sync software to match your setup’s aesthetics.

The trackpad is spacious and responsive, handling multi-touch gestures with ease. While gaming laptops typically see heavy mouse usage, the trackpad on the Strix G16 is reliable for casual tasks and productivity when you’re on the go. However, the lack of dedicated buttons might not appeal to everyone, particularly those accustomed to traditional gaming laptops.

Battery Life

Gaming laptops aren’t exactly known for stellar battery life, and the Strix G16 follows suit with middling performance in this department. The 90WHr battery offers up to 9 hours of use under light workloads, like browsing and video playback, but don’t expect anywhere near that number during intense gaming sessions. Under full load, the battery life drops to around 2-3 hours, which is standard for laptops with high-performance hardware.

Fortunately, the laptop supports fast charging, allowing you to replenish up to 50% of the battery in under 30 minutes. This feature is handy if you’re moving between gaming marathons or productivity tasks. While the battery life won’t wow you, it’s adequate for the power-hungry hardware this machine packs.

Pros:

  • High-resolution 16″ WQXGA display with a 240Hz refresh rate for fluid, immersive visuals.
  • Excellent performance powered by Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA RTX 4060.
  • Customizable RGB keyboard with satisfying key travel, perfect for gaming and typing.
  • Effective cooling system that maintains consistent performance during heavy use.

Cons:

  • Middling battery life, especially during gaming sessions.
  • Plastic-heavy build lacks the premium feel of some competitors.
  • 16GB of RAM may not be sufficient for some users

Final Verdict

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) is a gaming powerhouse that combines performance, display quality, and a gamer-centric design into one sleek package. Whether you’re tackling competitive gaming or multitasking with demanding software, this laptop delivers with its cutting-edge hardware and efficient cooling.

While the battery life and port placement may not be ideal for everyone, these are minor trade-offs considering the overall value. For gamers who want top-tier visuals, smooth performance, and a touch of style, the Strix G16 is a solid choice.

If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable alternative with similar specs, the MSI Katana 15 B13VEK-1873AU is worth considering, offering competitive performance with slight compromises in design.

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