ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 review
The Asus ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 ranks as the #615 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 68. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #16-ranked performance among 133 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS Vivobook Go 15 OLED or Asus ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 is a powerhouse gaming laptop that justifies its price tag. Despite the current GPU market's scalper prices, this laptop offers impressive performance without breaking the bank. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU, it delivers smooth gaming experiences in popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. The battery life is also commendable, lasting up to 7 hours on power-saving mode. While the design may not be revolutionary, its features, such as a WQHD display, impressive loudspeaker, and RGB keyboard, make it an attractive option for gamers seeking a high-performance laptop without the hassle of building a custom desktop. Overall, the ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 is worth considering for those looking for a reliable gaming laptop.
Build
The build quality of the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 is impressive. The design update from the previous model is significant, with a holographic rog logo and removable magnetic cap adding a touch of flair. The keyboard area looks cleaner, with a translucent surface and RGB light strip that's less flashy than before. Despite being made of the same chassis, the laptop feels sturdy and presentable on a workspace. The build also features a 15.6-inch full HD display with a 300Hz refresh rate panel and 3ms response time. The lack of webcam is not an issue, as the Asus app allows you to use your smartphone camera as a 1080p webcam over WiFi. Overall, the G533's build quality is top-notch, making it a great option for gamers looking for a reliable and powerful machine. If you’re after a better build, Asus ASUS TUF Dash F15 FX517 could be the ideal option.
Display
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533's display is a standout feature, boasting a 15.6-inch Full HD panel with a 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. Color accuracy and brightness are excellent, making it perfect for gaming and productivity. The only drawback is the lack of WQHD screen option in our market. Despite this, I'm extremely satisfied with the display's performance. The laptop also features a convenient webcam alternative through the ASUS app, allowing you to use your smartphone camera as a 1080p webcam over Wi-Fi. Overall, the G533's display is a major upgrade from its predecessor and provides an excellent viewing experience. Asus ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 delivers impressive gaming performance, powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU. The system averaged 63.9 frames per second on Cyberpunk 2077 with the retracing ultra preset, while scoring 71 FPS on Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmarks. The laptop effortlessly handled Doom Eternal on ultra nightmare settings, but faltered slightly in Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Overall, the G533 provides excellent gaming performance, making it a great option for those seeking a powerful and portable gaming experience. For an improved performance, AORUS 17 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 boasts impressive battery life, with up to 7 hours of combined usage in power-saving mode. The laptop's ability to turn down the refresh rate to 60Hz and disable the RTX 3070 graphics entirely is a clever way to conserve energy. Additionally, charging via USB PD on the rear port is a convenient feature, allowing for easy recharging without transporting the power adapter. Overall, the G533's battery life is a standout feature that makes it suitable for a full workday of web browsing and office work.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 boasts a decent port selection, with USB ports on the left side, but no USB ports on the right. Unfortunately, there's no Thunderbolt support on the USB-C port, but charging via USB-PD is convenient. A single SD card reader completes the port setup. Take a look at Asus ASUS TUF Dash F15 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 boasts significant design updates, including a holographic ROG logo and removable magnetic cap. It features a 15.6" Full HD display, improved keyboard with tactile feedback, and a powerful Ryzen 9 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. If you're after top-notch features, consider Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 GX550.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533's support and maintenance experience is commendable. Dell initially quoted two months for delivery of an Alienware desktop, prompting the purchase of this laptop instead. While not perfect, the G533's design updates, display, and loudspeaker performance make it a worthwhile consideration.
Pros
1. A total upgrade from the G532 with a lot of exciting features and gaming firepower to offer for what it is priced at.
2. The design updates are really good, making it look very presentable on a workspace.
3. The 15.6 inch full HD display with 300Hz refresh rate panel has excellent color accuracy and brightness.
4. The loudspeaker is one of the best I've heard on a gaming laptop, sounding better than MacBook Pro speakers.
5. The keyboard layout is great with dedicated volume keys and a microphone mute button.
6. The trackpad has good tracking performance and capacitive numpad which doesn't accidentally turn on when typing.
7. The ROG Keystone saves system profiles and enables a hidden secure drive for storing files (useful for owners of other ROG gaming systems).
8. The laptop's battery life is hands down the best I've ever come across, lasting 7 hours in power saving mode.
Cons
1. The scalper prices of GPUs are extremely expensive and don't make sense to pay for.
2. There's still no webcam on this laptop (but a smartphone camera can be used as a workaround).
3. The keyboard area remains pretty cool even when the laptop is on full load.
4. The fans dissipate heat through the left and right vents, causing discomfort when gaming.
5. CPU temperatures average around 67°C in performance mode.
6. No USB ports are available on the right side, requiring dongles for connecting devices.
7. There's no teleport support on the USB-C port on the rear (although charging over USB PD is supported).
8. Microsoft's Flight Simulator scored an average of 37 frames per second on high-end graphics settings.
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