ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 review
The Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 ranks as the #85 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 80. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #31-ranked connectivity among 149 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GA605 or Asus ASUS VivoBook Pro 15X OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is a beast of a laptop that boasts dual screens, top-notch gaming components, and desktop-level performance. However, its hefty price tag (starting at $2500) and lackluster battery life (just 3 hours and 45 minutes in our tests) make it a tough sell for most users. While the innovative setup provides more usable display area than any other laptop on the market, the cramped keyboard and touchpad are notable drawbacks. Despite its unique design and impressive performance, the Duo 16's price and bulkiness may not justify the splurge for many. For those who crave dual-screen real estate, this might be worth it – but others will likely find it a hard sell.
Build
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16's build is a mixed bag. While the laptop's dimensions are not excessive, weighing in at over 5.5 pounds and measuring 0.8 inches thick, they're still substantial enough to make it difficult to fit into a standard laptop sleeve. The chassis is somewhat bulky, with everything crammed into a tight space, making the keyboard and touchpad feel cramped. However, Asus does its best to make use of this space, such as incorporating a healthy amount of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and a Micro SD card reader. Asus ASUS TUF Gaming A16 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 boasts a compelling dual-screen setup, with a 16-inch main display offering high refresh rates, top-notch gaming components, and a color gamut that covers 100% of the DCI-P3 spectrum. The secondary 14-inch screen Pad Plus features a 1950x550 resolution, and while it's not as bright as the main screen, it's sufficient for multitasking needs. The Duo 16's display setup is ideal for gaming and productivity, with shortcuts to Performance and lighting settings, customizable window layouts, and the ability to mirror your phone screen. It's a bold move that reduces anxiety caused by limited screen real estate. For an improved display, Asus ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615 is worth considering.
Performance
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is a powerhouse with a potent combination of performance and display. The laptop's AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX chip and NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti GPU deliver exceptional gaming performance, notching top scores in benchmark tests. Geekbench 5's compute test saw the duo 16 excel, while 3D Mark Time So Extreme results were similarly impressive. This powerful setup makes it an excellent choice for demanding users who crave high-performance computing. However, its hefty price tag and limited battery life are notable drawbacks to consider. You might want to check out Asus ASUS ExpertBook B6, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16's battery life is a letdown, lasting just 3 hours and 45 minutes in our tests with both displays on. This falls short of competitors like the Acer Predator Triton 500 SE and Razer Blade 15, which managed to squeeze out an hour and a half more. The power brick itself weighs two pounds, adding bulk to your bag. With a base price of $2500 that quickly climbs above $3000 with upgrades, it's hard to justify the Duo 16's expense given its weak battery life.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16's connectivity options are surprisingly robust, considering its compact design. Two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 output, and a MicroSD card reader are all present, making it easy to connect peripherals and transfer files. A full-size Ethernet jack is also included, which is a rare luxury in modern laptops. However, the proprietary power plug's placement can be awkward due to the complicated hinge design. Overall, the Duo 16's connectivity options make it a convenient device for productivity and gaming needs. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Asus ASUS TUF Gaming A16.
Features
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 boasts a unique design with two screens: a 16-inch main display and a 14-inch secondary screen (ScreenPad Plus). The ScreenPad supports touch input, adds extra room for social media or streaming, and can be configured as a generic display to quickly move apps between the two screens. This setup provides a compelling one-two punch, ideal for multitasking and gaming needs. It’s worth checking out Asus ASUS TUF Gaming A16, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 boasts a unique dual-screen setup with a big 16-inch main display and a 14-inch secondary screen. While it's bulky and pricey, starting at $2500, its innovative design offers more usable space than other laptops, making it a niche but compelling device for those seeking more screen real estate.
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