When it comes to gaming laptops, some would look for performance, while some look for portability. And then there are some that wanted aesthetic, something that would stand out when they are in a public place, or perhaps something that helps show off their personality. Asus has a distinct style with its Republic of Gamers line, which makes their gaming laptops easily recognizable from other brands. Their latest 2025 version of the Strix G16 offers both style and performance, but let’s take a look at how this latest gaming laptop fares.

Here are the specifications of the Strix G16 2025:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor 2.4GHz
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 12GB GDDR7
• Display:
  • 16-inch FHD+ 16:10 (1920 x 1200, WUXGA)
  • IPS Display
  • Refresh Rate: 165Hz
  • Response Time: 3ms
• Memory: 16GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
• IO Ports:
  • 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
  • 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
  • 1x RJ45 LAN port
  • 1x Type-C USB 4 with support for DisplayPort / power delivery / G-SYNC
  • 1x Type-C USB 4 with support for DisplayPort / G-SYNC
• Camera: 1080p FHD
• Battery: 90WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
• Expansion Slots:
  • 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots
  • 2x M.2 PCIe
• Dimensions: 35.4 x 26.4 x 2.26 ~ 3.04 cm
• Weight: 2.50 Kg
• Included in the package:
  • ROG backpack
  • ROG Impact Gaming Mouse
  • TYPE-C, 100W AC Adapter
  • 280W AC Adapter

The G16 version that was provided for the review is the G614PR-RV054WSM; other variants feature different GPUs, including the GeForce RTX 5060 and RTX 5070.

The G16 still retains the familiar textured design on the hinges that we see with the other Strix G series of laptops, along with the Republic of Gamers logo on the cover. This version is a bit chunkier in its appearance and a bit heavier (from 2.5 KG now compared to the older versions at 2.3 Kg), but you would barely notice the difference. It seems like Asus doesn’t need to change the futuristic gamer aesthetic that they have been using for a long time, which made the gaming laptop look sleek and sturdy. Though a minor drawback for the G16 is that the entire body is made of ABS plastic that could make it less durable for everyday use, or could be a turn-off for some users who want a bit of premium for their invested devices.

There are no changes to the number of ports provided for the G16, with 2 USB ports, 2 Type-C, with only one can be used for charging other devices, but the neat part is still retaining the 3.5mm audio jack and the RJ-45 ethernet port despite most devices are pushing for wireless connectivity nowadays.

Sporting a 16-inch display with full HD resolution, it still has that crisp display, even if it doesn’t support higher resolutions such as 1440p or 4k,for watching shows with the display. Refresh rate is at 165 Hz, which gives you really smooth framerate when playing intense shooter games and even for fighting games.

The G16 still retains the same keyboard layout, with the volume level, microphone, fan setting and ROG Armory keys separated and placed on top with the rest of the shortcut keys mapped on the function keys. Some minor adjustments were made, such as the arrow keys now placed closer to the layout and the new inclusion of a dedicated Microsoft Copilot key placed on the lower right corner of the layout. With the push for AI on new gadgets, it’s not a surprise to see a dedicated key for AI assistance programs on newer laptops. As for the typing experience, the keys are satisfying to press on their soft feedback and the QWER and ASDF keys have translucent keycaps that get better illumination with the RGB lighting, a larger coverage compared to other laptops that only highlight just the WASD keys.

For the RGB fans, the lighting effect on the bottom part of the laptop returns, with some adjustments to make the glowing effect more refined. The speakers feature Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio pleasure that gives out virtual surround audio for your gaming and movie sessions. We tried it with some shooter games, such as Marvel Rivals and audio cues are clear from voiced call-outs to footstep noises.

As for performance, the Strix G16 runs exceptionally well with the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX CPU as shown on the PCMark results. When testing the RTX 5070 Ti, it can run all of the mid-range games with ease, from indie games to online shooter games. Though you may have to do some tweaking when running more demanding games such as Black Myth Wukong and Monster Hunter Wilds, which have some PC optimization issues that will require you to make some adjustments to the graphics settings.

Cooling for the Strix G16 has been optimized with 3 internal fans keeping the laptop from getting cooked. The processors are also equipped with liquid metal and an improved heatsink to help disperse the heat. As for battery life, it gets some improvement as it can last around 5-6 hours when doing web browsing or binge watching and can go at almost 4 hours when playing games, and of course, the less demanding the game, the longer the battery life. A neat option for the Strix G16 is the Type-C 100W power adapter. It is lighter and a better option when taking it on the go, and then just using the heavier 280 W version, and yes, both power adapters are included when you purchase the gaming laptop.

The ROG Armory suite now offers options to optimize your gaming experience. You can customize presets for specific games from which performance profile to run, adjusting the color display preset and even the type of RGB lighting to display when running the selected game. It lessens the need to manually adjust the settings whenever you run a different game.

Though there are no significant changes from its predecessors, the ROG Strix G16 managed to balance performance and style for those who want to have a stylish gaming laptop. The RTX 5070 Ti can handle any of the latest games with little struggle, though even the RTX 5060 and 5070 variants still work well. The full plastic build may be a turn-off for some users who are expecting a premium build. It has some improvements from the cooling system to the audio; it didn’t try to overdo anything which made the Strix G series of laptops. So, if you want something that is balanced with a great performing machine with a stylish design, the ROG Strix G16 is a good choice.