The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is geared towards gaming and performance-heavy tasks with its powerful processor and dedicated graphics card, ideal if you need high performance for tasks like 3D modeling or machine learning. Its larger screen with a higher refresh rate also makes for smoother visuals, which gamers appreciate, but it's heavier and bulkier, reducing portability. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13", on the other hand, is more portable and has a higher resolution touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio that benefits productivity tasks, like document editing or web browsing. The Surface's integrated graphics and processor are less equipped for intensive tasks but offer ample power for general use, and its form factor and weight cater well to on-the-go users. Consider what you'll use your laptop for and how often you'll carry it to make your decision. 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
Good for gaming and AI
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
Excellent portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.9/10
6.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a higher screen refresh rate and a more potent dedicated Nvidia RTX graphics card, which provides stronger gaming and 3D performance than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" that uses an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU and has a standard refresh rate. While the Surface Laptop 5 excels in portability and has a higher resolution display for sharp image quality, it lacks the graphical power and smooth visuals crucial for gaming and 3D applications that the Strix G16 offers.
Engineering and Design
8.3/10
7.1/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers a high-performance CPU and dedicated GPU, making it ideal for demanding engineering tasks and design software that require superior processing power and graphics rendering capabilities, although it is heavier and less portable. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" provides a balance of performance with its competent CPU and integrated graphics, packaged in a lighter, more portable design with a high-resolution touchscreen and exceptional speaker quality for those prioritizing mobility and multimedia experience.
Screen Quality
7.5/10
7.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
291.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" for gaming and AI, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offer screens with ample resolution and brightness, providing clear and vibrant displays for everyday activities like browsing and video streaming. When it comes to engineering and design, these laptops have screens that cover a wide range of colors, giving professionals accurate color representation for tasks such as photo editing and CAD work. However, their screens fall short for gaming and 3D applications because they lack high refresh rates, which are key for smooth visuals and a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has 7.5 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
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has excellent portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,374
$1,200
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a price of $1,374 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is equipped with a powerful CPU and dedicated graphics, making it suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, although it is less portable and has a shorter battery life compared to the lightweight Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 with integrated graphics, which offers greater portability and longer battery usage for handling everyday tasks on the go. Both laptops have high-quality screens and sufficient RAM for general use, but the Surface Laptop 5 provides an advantage with its higher resolution touchscreen, contributing to a sharper display and interactive experience.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.4/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both 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
7.7/10
7.2/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both 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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.8/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" 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."
"The Surface Laptop 5 remains afloat as a solid machine. It's just not one that stands out in any particular way. Just like the last one. The biggest upgrade were some new components, but they perform in the same range as other laptops with them, and frequently at the bottom of that range. I suspect Microsoft's settings are very conservative to help keep cooling and battery life within reason in the older chassis design."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
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 Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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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