Despite the absence of new NVIDIA GPUs at CES 2024, ASUS didn’t settle for a mere processor update in its top-tier gaming laptops. Surprisingly, they opted for a full redesign of the ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16. This move not only showcases ASUS’s commitment to innovation but also hints at achieving an ideal blend of high performance and a refined gamer aesthetic.
The major overhaul includes a sleek CNC-machined aluminum chassis with a boxy frame and minimalist lines. This not only enhances durability but also trims downsize (up to 4mm thinner) and weight (0.3 pounds lighter) compared to the previous generation. Keycaps are now 12 percent larger, and the interior houses 20 percent larger speakers.
Externally, instead of a multitude of RGB lighting, there’s a single white LED strip forming a subtle slash on the lid. Bold yet not overpowering, you can opt for Eclipse Gray or the striking Platinum White. ASUS seems to have crafted a stylish machine that adult gamers won’t feel awkward flaunting in public.
Another significant transformation lies in the display. The new Zephyrus G14/G16 flaunts OLED panels, marking a first for ROG laptops. The smaller model boasts a 3K 120Hz screen, while the larger system offers a 2.5K 240Hz option. Provided by Samsung and branded as ROG Nebula Display OLEDs, both screens feature 16:10 aspect ratios, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, NVIDIA G-Sync support, and rapid 0.2ms gray-to-gray response times. In a nutshell, they deliver outstanding visuals.
ASUS tailored the hardware to your chosen size. The G14 boasts AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors and up to NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics, while the larger G16 flaunts an Intel Core Ultra 9 chip with up to an RTX 4090 GPU. Both versions cap at 32GB of DDR5X RAM. Notable distinctions include a microSD card reader on the G14 versus a full-size option on the G16, coupled with a larger 90Wh battery (compared to 73Wh). ASUS overlooked Wi-Fi 7 support, but given the early stage of its rollout, Wi-Fi 6e remains plenty fast.
An essential addition is the ASUS Slim Power jack, set to be the default charging port for high-power systems in both mainstream and ROG lines. Resembling USB-C with its reversible design, it opts for a slightly boxier connector. While I lean towards wishing ASUS had chosen USB-C power delivery, especially for the smaller G14, cost and the relatively lower efficiency of high-power USB-C charging, particularly beyond 140 watts (the G14 uses a 180-watt brick), hinder widespread adoption.
Despite this, the earlier renditions of ROG G14 and G16 were among our cherished gaming devices. With a complete makeover featuring a stunning aluminum chassis, stellar specs, OLED displays, and more, ASUS appears set on sustaining this momentum throughout 2024.
Regrettably, pricing details for the upcoming ROG G14 and G16 remain undisclosed. However, ASUS promises updates closer to their February release.