Summary
Highlights
The video introduces a comparison between the 2025 Strix G18 and G16 to determine if a larger gaming laptop is better. It immediately notes the G18's larger size and distinct design, with AMD models (G16) using the 2024 design and Intel models (G18) showcasing the new 2025 redesign, which includes an RGB strip around the laptop. The G18 is also significantly heavier than the G16.
The G16 is specced with an AMD X3D chip and an RTX 5070Ti, while the G18 features an Intel chip and an RTX 5080. The video explains that AMD G16 only goes up to a 5070Ti, while Intel G16 and G18 can go up to a 5090. The G18 has higher power limits for its GPU (175W). The G18 includes an extra USB-A port due to its size and features Thunderbolt 5 ports compared to the G16's USB-C 4.0 ports. The G18's power brick is also considerably larger, though both support 100W USB-C charging.
Keyboards differ, with the G18 having four RGB zones and a physical numpad, while the G16 offers per-key addressable RGB and a trackpad that doubles as a touch-based numpad. The G16's keys are described as feeling better and less plasticky than the G18's. Both trackpads are good for gaming laptops, but the G18's is larger and feels slightly better.
Both laptops feature 240Hz 2.5K IPS displays with 500 nits brightness, making them great for fast-paced games. The G16 has a slightly sharper image due to higher pixel density, while the G18 offers more space for multitasking. Surprisingly, the G18's speakers are muffled and quieter than the G16's, which are louder and have more bass. Both have similar microphone and webcam quality.
In performance, the Intel chip in the G18 has better single-core performance, but the Ryzen 9 in the G16 significantly outperforms it in multi-core tasks. For GPU-intensive games (Cyberpunk, Oblivion), the G18's RTX 5080 is considerably faster. However, in CPU-intensive games (CS2, Rust), the AMD chip in the G16 drastically outperforms the Intel G18, highlighting the AMD chip's efficiency for gaming despite having less power.
Both laptops have poor battery life, lasting only 2-3 hours for light use and about an hour for gaming. The G16's AMD chip stays cooler due to its efficiency, while the G18's Intel chip runs very hot (103°C in Cyberpunk), though GPUs in both remain cool. The G18 makes less fan noise despite its thermal issues. The G18 boasts superior upgradability with an easy-open button system, making RAM and SSD upgrades very simple compared to the G16's screw-based access. Both have two RAM and two M.2 SSD slots.
The video details the confusing configurations: G16 AMD (2024 design, up to 5070Ti), G16 Intel (2025 design, up to 5080), and G18 Intel (2025 design, up to 5080). Scar models offer up to 5090. Pricing for the AMD G16 starts around $2500-$2700, while the Intel G18 is slightly more expensive. The conclusion emphasizes that for gaming, the Ryzen 9 chip in the G16 offers superior performance in CPU-intensive games and better thermals. While the G18 has a faster GPU for graphically intensive titles and better upgradability, its Intel chip struggles with heat. The reviewer recommends any Strix model with the Ryzen chip due to its impressive performance, unless a bigger display is a priority.