ASUS ROG Flow X16 review
The Asus ASUS ROG Flow X16 ranks as the #162 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 78. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #193-ranked performance among 152 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS ROG Strix G16 or Asus ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 is an exceptional creator laptop that combines power and portability. The mini LED display is stunning, with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for content creators. However, the convertible design may not appeal to everyone, and the hinge can be a concern in terms of long-term durability. Despite some thermal issues and a slightly higher price point, this laptop's exceptional performance and beautiful display make it worth considering. If you're looking for a powerful and portable laptop with a great screen, the ROG Flow X16 is definitely worth a look.
Build
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 boasts a unique design with a ribbed top that adds texture and visual appeal. The laptop's compact 15-inch chassis cleverly accommodates a 16-inch 16:10 display, making it feel larger than its physical size suggests. Weighing just 4.41 pounds, this convertible laptop is designed to be portable without sacrificing performance. The ribbed design element continues onto the lid and deck, giving the device a cohesive look that's both functional and visually striking. Take a look at Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 - its improved build sets a new standard.
Display
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 boasts an impressive display that sets it apart from other laptops in its class. The mini LED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it perfect for content creation and gaming. With a refresh rate of 165Hz and a three millisecond response time, the display provides a seamless visual experience. The screen also features no blooming, allowing for precise control over what lights up and stays dark. Overall, the display is a major highlight of the ROG Flow X16, making it an excellent choice for those who value visuals in their laptop. If you're after top-notch display, consider Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16.
Performance
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 delivers strong performance, with its AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card. CPU performance is similar to that of the G14 or G15, making it suitable for tasks like code compilation. The laptop also excels in content creation, handling Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro well. However, Intel processors are still a better choice for Premiere Pro users due to their superior Quick Sync capabilities. Overall, the Flow X16's performance is good, but not outstanding, with thermals being a concern under stress testing. It’s worth checking out Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16, delivering remarkable performance.
Battery and Charging
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 features a 90Wh battery that provided 5 hours and 52 minutes of use in my tests. Charging is quick, but details weren't specified. The battery life is decent for a powerful laptop like this, although not exceptional. Overall, the battery performance is satisfactory, given the demands of the high-end hardware and display used in this device.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options. On the left side, you'll find a power connector with a 240W power brick, HDMI port, and USB-C port (not Thunderbolt). The right side features two USB-A ports, microSD card slot, audio jack, and power button. The rear has additional USB-A ports, Ethernet port, and an XG Mobile connect port for hooking up the external GPU. Get your hands on Asus ASUS ExpertBook B6 if you're looking for better connectivity.
Features
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 boasts a lightweight design (4.41 pounds) with a unique ribbed top and compact 15-inch chassis housing a 16-inch 16:10 display. The laptop features a mini LED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, exceptional keyboard with RGB support, and massive touchpad. It also includes an infrared scanner for facial recognition login. Inputs include HDMI, USB-A, and C ports, as well as a micro SD card slot. Consider discovering the power of Asus ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 3D OLED, featuring the latest advancements in features.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 has decent support, with two slots for storage drives and two slots for RAM, allowing upgrades to 64GB. However, the hinge's stiffness is questionable, and thermals can get hot under stress tests, reaching CPU temps of 93°C. Fan noise is moderate at 54-55 decibels on turbo mode. The battery life is satisfactory, lasting around five hours and 52 minutes.
Pros
1. It's super light at 4.41 pounds, making it a great option for creators who need a powerful laptop on-the-go.
2. The display is exceptional, with a high refresh rate of 165 Hz and a three millisecond response time, making it perfect for gaming and content creation.
3. The keyboard is excellent, with 1.7 millimeters of travel distance, customizable RGB lighting, and a massive touchpad.
4. The laptop has good thermal management, with liquid metal thermal grizzly on the CPU and GPU to keep temps as low as possible.
Cons
1. The hinge can be a bit too loose, especially when picking up the laptop or rotating the screen 360 degrees repeatedly.
2. The laptop gets a bit too hot under stress tests, with the keyboard deck reaching over 60 degrees Celsius and CPU temps staying around 93 degrees Celsius.
3. The price is not cheap, considering it's using a Nebula mini LED display and an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor.
4. The fan noise can be noticeable when in turbo mode, but can be reduced by switching to balance or silent profiles.
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