Considering the ASUS ROG Strix G16 vs the Gigabyte A5, the ASUS offers higher performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and intensive engineering tasks due to its more powerful processor and GPU which is beneficial for demanding applications and gaming, as well as a high-refresh screen for fast motion clarity. However, it is more expensive, less portable given its heavier weight, and has a bulkier power brick. The ASUS also features additional premium features such as a higher battery capacity, RGB backlit keyboard, and options for USB-C charging. On the other hand, the Gigabyte A5 is more budget-friendly, lighter, and slightly more portable but compromises on performance and battery life, making it suitable for general use and moderately demanding tasks. Both laptops have an IPS display with a similar pixel density and screen size, but the ASUS has a slightly higher resolution and better color coverage, enhancing the visual experience for creative work. 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 ASUS ROG Strix G16
Very good for engineering and design
Advantages of the Gigabyte A5
Good portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.9/10
7.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Gigabyte A5 are both good for gaming and AI, though the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is somewhat better.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is equipped with a more powerful GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, making it well-suited for demanding gaming and 3D applications, while the Gigabyte A5, though also good for gaming and 3D, has a less powerful GPU and a slightly lower refresh rate, suggesting performance may not be as robust as the ASUS for the most intensive tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.3/10
7.3/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.0/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Gigabyte A5 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is considered very good for engineering and design because it boasts a superior CPU, GPU, and RAM, enhancing its ability to handle demanding tasks and display content brilliantly, which is crucial for precise engineering and design work. In contrast, the Gigabyte A5, while still good for such applications, offers slightly less powerful components and screen quality, which may affect performance and visual detail but comes at a more attractive price point and with better portability.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.3/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Gigabyte A5 are both good for content creation, though the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is somewhat better.
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
7.7/10
7.0/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Gigabyte A5 are both good for software development, though the ASUS ROG Strix G16 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
7.5/10
7.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
291.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a better screen than the Gigabyte A5 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the Gigabyte A5 screens offer clear images and vibrant colors with sufficient resolution and brightness, making daily tasks and media consumption enjoyable. In engineering and design tasks, their ability to display a wide range of colors accurately is vital for precision work, and both laptops deliver in this aspect with good coverage of professional color gamuts. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their lower refresh rates can result in less smooth motion and responsiveness, which could detract from the experience compared to screens designed specifically for high-refresh-rate gaming.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte A5 has 6.5 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
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Gigabyte A5 has good portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.2/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Gigabyte A5 both have good build quality, though the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,374
$830
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a price of $1,374 and the Gigabyte A5 costs $830.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Gigabyte A5 are both good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers a high-refresh-rate screen and a larger battery, which is great for smoother visuals and longer use between charges, yet it's heavier and less portable than the Gigabyte A5, which has a standard refresh rate display and a smaller battery but is lighter and easier to carry around. Both laptops have the same amount of RAM and storage, quality keyboards and speakers, and are equipped with powerful CPUs and GPUs suitable for general use, but the ASUS has a newer CPU and GPU, potentially delivering better performance.
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How the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the Gigabyte A5 compare to other laptops
"With the mobile Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, the Asus ROG Stix G16 hits the sweet spot between performance and cooling. The G16 also does not have to shy away from direct comparison with its supposedly stronger family member, the ROG Strix Scar 18 with its RTX 4090, as most benchmarks of the two laptops are very close to each other. Moreover, the G16 should be significantly cheaper. Depending on the supplier, the price difference here could be almost US$ 2,000. In the 2023 model series, Asus has significantly leveled out the differences between the two high-end lines."
"Ignoring price, the Gigabyte A5 has a hard time against the similarly fast competition. Besides the loud noise in 3D mode (performance mode), the high temperature development of the components should be mentioned on the downside. Despite the relatively thick case, the laptop gets very warm and loud under load, which does not exactly speak for the cooling system. The plastic surfaces look rather cheap and also tend to rattle. In most other disciplines - be it the input devices, the screen, the connectivity or the battery runtime - the Gigabyte laptop does not stand out from the crowd, neither positively nor negatively. However, those who primarily pay attention to the price-performance ratio will get a pretty good offer with the Gigabyte A5."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 or the Gigabyte A5
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.
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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