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Updated March 13, 2024·
If you prefer sleek design and a focus on creative work like video editing or music production with long battery life, the MacBook Pro is an excellent choice; however, if gaming or intensive 3D tasks are your priority and you need a laptop that can handle those without compromising on high-refresh-rate display for smoother visuals, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 would better suit those needs, yet it may be heavier and have shorter battery life. Keep in mind the MacBook Pro operates on macOS, which could limit your software choices compared to the ASUS's Windows platform, which generally supports a wider range of applications. 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)
- Very good for general use
- Very good for software development
- Excellent overall display quality
- Best in class overall build quality
- Excellent battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
7.6
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14, with its dedicated GPU and high-quality screen, is suitable for 3D work and offers a strong CPU for general performance; however, its lower screen refresh rate and the fact that many games aren't compatible with macOS can limit its gaming potential. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 boasts a high refresh rate screen and a robust GPU, making it ideal for gaming and 3D tasks, coupled with a solid CPU, although the screen quality may not match that of the MacBook Pro.
Software Development
8.3
7.7
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for software development, while the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is good.
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.
Screen Quality
9.2
7.9
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 for general use, AI, engineering and design, and software development.
If you prioritize a vibrant and sharp display for tasks like browsing, watching videos, and productivity applications, the MacBook Pro's high resolution and bright panel excel in these areas. For engineering and design work where accurate color representation is crucial, the MacBook Pro also offers a wide range of colors, covering professional color spaces effectively. However, for fast-paced 3D applications and gaming, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus's higher refresh rate makes it better suited for smooth motion, though its resolution and color gamut are less optimal compared to the MacBook.
Battery
13.5 Hours
12.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 has 12 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.
Build Quality
10.0
8.5
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) has very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$1,299
$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 Zephyrus G14 (2024) costs $1,299.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.4
7.9
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
479.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
13.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
12.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) to be very good for general use, while the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-quality screen, long battery life, and a powerful CPU, making it excellent for tasks that require substantial processing power, all while maintaining a very refined user experience due to its excellent keyboard and speakers, and efficient heat management; its portability is also a strong point due to its slim design. On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 pairs a strong CPU with ample RAM, an excellent screen for clear visuals, and good battery life, making it a capable choice for general use, especially for those who prioritize gaming or demanding applications, but it trades off slightly in terms of heavier weight and typically louder operating noise when under load.
Engineering and Design
8.2
8.3
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-quality CPU, ample RAM, a capable GPU, and exceptional screen quality geared toward engineering and design tasks with its color accuracy and clarity; however, it trades off some portability due to its build and may come at a higher price. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 provides similar impressive specs suitable for demanding tasks, with the added benefit of being more portable and potentially quieter during operation, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize mobility alongside strong performance.
Content Creation
8.4
8.3
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) 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.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.3 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) | ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,905 | $1,299 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | February 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.3'' x 8.7'' x 0.61'' | 12.2'' x 8.7'' x 0.63'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.5 lbs | 3.3 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.31" | 12.24" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.71" | 8.66" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M1 Pro (8C) | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 1 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 13.5 Hours | 12 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 69.6 Wh | 73 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.2" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 2880 x 1800 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 479 nits | 350 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
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 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
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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 Zephyrus G14 (2024)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | April 2023
"The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers an impressive package. Asus improves the performance of the new 2023 ROG Zephyrus G14 considerable and offers a very powerful 14-inch notebook with plenty of performance for gamers and content creators. The high-quality chassis is unchanged from last year, but is now equipped with the latest and greatest from AMD as well as Nvidia. The Mini-LED panel also puts up a convincing performance in pretty much every regard, even though the MacBook Pro 14 still offers superior brightness values. The panel works extremely well for gaming and the included color profiles offer very accurate colors."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (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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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the laptop team
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CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
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