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Updated February 26, 2024·
The Apple MacBook Pro offers a seamless experience with exceptional build quality and is optimized for creative work like video editing, with a strong focus on display quality and battery life, but comes at a higher cost and may limit you to a more closed ecosystem. On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Strix excels in gaming and demanding tasks due to its high-end graphics capabilities, and it offers more customization and upgrade options but is typically heavier and may have shorter battery life, making it less ideal for frequent travel. Choose based on your primary usage: creative work and portability (MacBook) or gaming and performance tasks (ASUS). 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 16 (2021)
- Excellent for general use
- Excellent overall display quality
- Best in class overall build quality
- Good portability
- Best in class 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
General Use
9.0
8.1
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
497.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
459.0 nits
17.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.4/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is excellent for general use, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is very good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 provides a robust CPU and substantial RAM, ensuring smooth performance across a variety of applications, coupled with a high-quality screen and long battery life, making it an excellent choice for demanding tasks and media consumption; however, it's less portable due to its size and weight. The ASUS ROG Strix G16 also delivers powerful performance with a strong CPU and plenty of RAM, and it's designed for those who prioritize gaming and intensive tasks, but with increased weight and generally shorter battery life, it trades off some portability and all-day use for its specialized capabilities.
Gaming and AI
7.0
8.4
5.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
3456 x 2234
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 16 (2021) is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 offers a high-quality GPU and excellent screen quality, making it suitable for 3D work, but its lower screen refresh rate compared to gaming laptops and limited game compatibility hold it back in gaming. On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 provides a superior GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, perfect for gaming and 3D applications, plus it supports a wider range of popular games, but might not match the MacBook's screen quality.
Software Development
8.9
8.0
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) and ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) are both very good for software development, though the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is somewhat better.
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
9.4
8.8
16.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
497.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
459.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has a better screen than the ASUS ROG Strix G16 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The MacBook Pro 16 is known for its high-resolution, bright Retina display that provides stunning clarity for general use, and its wide color gamut offers exceptional color accuracy for professionals in engineering and design. The ASUS ROG Strix, while also providing very good general use and design quality with its high resolution and brightness, falls short in 3D environments due to a lower refresh rate, which is key for smooth, responsive visuals necessary in fast-paced scenarios. Conversely, the MacBook Pro's screen, designed more for color accuracy than speed, does not feature a high refresh rate, making it less ideal for 3D applications where fluid motion is paramount.
Battery
17.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has 17.5 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
Good
Fair
16.2in
SIZE
16.0in
4.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.5 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) has 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 16 (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
$1,949
$1,599
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) has a price of $1,949 and the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) costs $1,599.
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Key similarities
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.8
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
5.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) and Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro offers a high-quality screen and a powerful combination of CPU, RAM, and GPU, making it ideal for demanding engineering tasks and design work, while also delivering a quiet operating experience with a refined keyboard and speakers. The ASUS ROG Strix, with its robust GPU and ample RAM, excels in engineering applications and gaming, providing excellent performance, though it may be less portable and noisier under load compared to the sleeker MacBook Pro.
Content Creation
8.8
8.4
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) and ASUS ROG Strix G16 (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.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) and the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) | ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,949 | $1,599 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.8'' x 0.66'' | 13.9'' x 10.4'' x 1.05'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.7 lbs | 5.51 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.01" | 13.94" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.77" | 10.39" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M1 Pro (10C) | Intel i9-14900HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 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 | 17.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 99.6 Wh | 90 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16.2" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3456 x 2234 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 497 nits | 459 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.6/10 | 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 16 (2021)
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NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | February 2023
"The Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023: M2 Max challenges GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. The new MacBook Pro 16 2023 with the M2 Max SoC is the most powerful laptop Apple has on sale right now. While we do not get the expected performance and efficiency improvements from completely new 3 nm chips, which we expected ahead of the launch, the 2023 model is still a solid update. The CPU of the M2 Max can be up to 20 % faster than the old model and we also see an advantage of 25-30 % for the GPU with 38 cores. However, both components also consume more power, so the efficiency did not change that much under maximum load."
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024)
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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 16 (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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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
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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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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Laptops Expert
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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