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Updated February 26, 2024·
If you're looking for a laptop primarily for professional creative work like video editing or graphic design, the MacBook Pro often offers excellent build quality, a high-resolution display, and tends to integrate well with other Apple devices, but it usually costs more and isn't built for high-end gaming. On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Strix is typically tailored for gaming and tasks requiring a lot of graphical power, and it usually has a stronger cooling system for sustained performance but may be bulkier and have a shorter battery life, making it less ideal for on-the-go usage. Choose the MacBook Pro for a sleek design and better battery; choose the ASUS for gaming and more intense graphical tasks. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
- Excellent overall display quality
- Best in class overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Excellent battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024)
- Very good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
8.4
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.2/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is very good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 provides robust GPU performance suitable for 3D tasks and a high-quality screen, but its refresh rate may not be optimal for the fastest-paced games. In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers a top-tier GPU and a high screen refresh rate crucial for gaming, but be aware that popular games may not be available for MacOS, limiting the MacBook's gaming use.
Engineering and Design
8.2
8.8
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for engineering and design, though the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is somewhat better.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-quality CPU and display which are essential for engineering and design, while its integrated GPU is efficient for most tasks except for the most demanding graphics work. The ASUS ROG Strix G16, on the other hand, boasts a powerful GPU alongside substantial RAM, making it ideal for intensive engineering simulations and heavy design software, though it is less portable and could have a noisier operating sound compared to the MacBook Pro.
Screen Quality
9.2
8.8
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
459.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the ASUS ROG Strix G16 for general use, engineering and design, and software development, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-resolution Retina display that combines a vibrant color palette and brightness levels suitable for everyday tasks and detailed engineering work, whereas its screen lacks the high refresh rate preferred for smooth 3D rendering. The ASUS ROG Strix G16's display, while also delivering strong resolution and color accuracy for everyday and professional design use, similarly does not cater to the refresh rate demands of gamers and 3D artists. For both these laptops, the focus on exceptional color fidelity and visual clarity for work and leisure means compromising on the rapid refresh rates required for high-end gaming and fluid 3D visuals.
Battery
13.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Fair
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
5.5 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has very good portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0
7.8
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$1,599
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) costs $1,599.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.4
8.1
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
479.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
459.0 nits
13.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.4/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro excels in CPU performance, screen quality, and battery life, making it ideal for demanding applications and mobile use, while its Retina display offers stunning visuals. The ASUS ROG Strix, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, handles intensive tasks smoothly, has a high-quality screen for crisp images, and despite being less portable, it offers features like a comfortable keyboard and effective heat management, appealing to users who prioritize gaming and performance.
Content Creation
8.4
8.4
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.3
8.0
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) are both very good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) | ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,905 | $1,599 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.3'' x 8.7'' x 0.61'' | 13.9'' x 10.4'' x 1.05'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.5 lbs | 5.51 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.31" | 13.94" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.71" | 10.39" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M1 Pro (8C) | Intel i9-14900HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 13.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 69.6 Wh | 90 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.2" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 479 nits | 459 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 7.3/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | January 2023
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marc Herter | March 2023
"With the mobile Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, the Asus ROG Stix G16 hits the sweet spot between performance and cooling. The G16 also does not have to shy away from direct comparison with its supposedly stronger family member, the ROG Strix Scar 18 with its RTX 4090, as most benchmarks of the two laptops are very close to each other. Moreover, the G16 should be significantly cheaper. Depending on the supplier, the price difference here could be almost US$ 2,000. In the 2023 model series, Asus has significantly leveled out the differences between the two high-end lines."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024)
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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