ASUS ROG Strix G18 review
The Asus ASUS ROG Strix G18 ranks as the #164 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 78. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #27-ranked performance among 173 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS V16 or Asus ASUS ROG Flow X16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Asus ROG Strix G18 is a formidable gaming laptop that delivers impressive performance, but its hefty price tag and weight may deter some buyers. With a 24-core Intel CPU, Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU, and 2TB SSD, this laptop is capable of running demanding games at high settings. The 18-inch display with 240Hz refresh rate and thin bezels is a highlight, but the lack of an OLED panel at this price point feels like a missed opportunity. Despite its flaws, this laptop's performance justifies its $3,000 price tag for those seeking uncompromising gaming on-the-go. Whether it's worth it ultimately depends on individual priorities and budget constraints.
Build
The Asus ROG Strix G18's build is a mixed bag. Weighing over 7 lbs and measuring almost 1.5 inches thick, this laptop is one of the heaviest on the market. While it's easy to open with one hand, the use of plastic makes it somewhat bendable and flexible, which may feel cheap to some users. However, the design is sleek, with a ROG logo on the back and a 18-inch display with thin bezels. The keyboard is full-size and lights up well, but the touchpad feels solid. Despite being heavy, the build quality is decent, making it a good option for those who need portability without compromising gaming performance. You may find Asus ASUS ROG STRIX SCAR 17 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The display on the ASUS ROG Strix G18 is a highlight of this gaming laptop. The 2.5K IPS display features ROG Nebula technology, clocking a staggering 240Hz at a 3ms response time with 500 nits peak brightness and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. While it would have been ideal to see an OLED panel at this price point, the display still looks vibrant and smooth, with extreme thin bezels making it feel futuristic. The flexibility of the screen is also a plus, as it can withstand a lot of movement without breaking. One potential drawback is the lack of an SD card slot, which may be inconvenient for some users. Overall, the display on the ROG Strix G18 is impressive and makes for a great gaming experience. If you’re after a better display, Asus ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Asus ROG Strix G18 is a powerhouse of a gaming laptop that delivers exceptional performance. Equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, and up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM, this device can handle even the most demanding games. In our testing, we saw impressive frame rates in titles like Black Ops 6 (200 FPS), Doom: The Dark Ages (250 FPS with DLSS), and Fortnite (250-300 FPS). The laptop's trian technology with liquid metal cooling also keeps temperatures under control, ensuring smooth gaming experiences even during intense sessions. Overall, the ROG Strix G18 is a formidable gaming machine that justifies its price tag. Asus ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X 3D OLED might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The ASUS ROG Strix G18's battery life is a letdown, with moderate use lasting around 4-5 hours before needing to be plugged in again. While this isn't the shortest battery life I've seen, it's not impressive for a device at this price point either. However, the charging speed makes up for it somewhat, with the laptop going from empty to full in about an hour and a half. This is thanks to its high wattage charger, which is nice to see, especially when gaming or using demanding apps.
Connectivity
The Asus ROG Strix G18 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, including three USB 3.2 Type A ports, two Thunderbolt 5 USB type-C ports, HDMI 2.1 connection, and a 2.5G Ethernet port. Additionally, it features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth capabilities. The only omission is an SD card reader, which would be beneficial for gamers who also use the laptop for editing. You might want to check out Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Asus ROG Strix G18 is a formidable gaming laptop with impressive features. Weighing over 7lbs, it boasts a 2.5K IPS display, up to 3GHz Intel CPU, and NVIDIA RTX 5080 GPU. The laptop offers 32GB of DDR5 RAM, 2TB M.2 SSD storage, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Its trian cooling technology with liquid metal cooling ensures optimal performance. A full-size keyboard, RGB lighting, and up to 255W power consumption make it a top-notch gaming device. Take a look at Asus ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 offers reliable support with a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer service. Maintenance is also a breeze, with easy access to storage and RAM slots, making upgrades hassle-free. Overall, the laptop's support and maintenance capabilities are top-notch.
Pros
1. The SCAR 18 hits the mark in terms of design, with a sleek back panel featuring the ROG logo, an 18in display with thin bezels, and plenty of RGB lighting.
2. The laptop's cooling system uses trian technology with liquid metal cooling for the CPU and GPU, which keeps temperatures within acceptable ranges during intense gaming sessions.
3. The SCAR 18 delivers smooth and high frame rates in demanding games like Black Ops 6, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Fortnite, even at high settings.
4. With its powerful CPU and GPU, the SCAR 18 is capable of handling complex tasks and multitasking with ease.
Cons
1. The laptop's display, while vibrant and smooth, is not an OLED panel like some other models in its price range, which might have been expected at this price point.
2. The laptop can get quite loud during intense gaming sessions, especially when running the CPU and GPU stress tests.
3. The high temperatures reached by the CPU (up to 91°) and GPU (up to 78°) may be a concern for some users, although within acceptable ranges for laptops.
4. Fortnite crashed with DirectX11, requiring a switch to DirectX12 to run smoothly, which might be a hassle for some gamers.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features