When deciding between the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, consider that the ASUS is likely to deliver stronger performance suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, 3D modeling, or engineering software, but it will be heavier and less portable, with reduced battery life compared to the Surface Laptop Go 3, which is lighter and more suited for everyday tasks, with longer battery life but less powerful hardware. If budget is a concern and your needs are basic, the Surface might be sufficient, but for high-end needs, investing in the ASUS could be worthwhile. 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 (2024)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
8.1/10
7.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
459.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
6.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16, with a more powerful CPU and extra RAM, handles demanding applications and multitasking better, while its superior screen quality enhances viewing and gaming experiences; however, it's less portable and typically has shorter battery life than lighter options. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 offers greater portability and longer battery life, which is ideal for on-the-go use, but its performance in CPU and RAM may not meet the needs of more intensive tasks, and the screen quality is less impressive than the ASUS.
Gaming and AI
8.4/10
6.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
240Hz
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 (2024) is very good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is equipped with a high-end GPU and a high screen refresh rate, ideal for the demands of modern gaming and 3D tasks, providing smooth and visually appealing performance. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, while offering a lesser GPU and a lower screen refresh rate, is suited for less intensive tasks and may not deliver the same level of gaming or 3D performance as the ASUS.
Engineering and Design
8.8/10
6.8/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is equipped with a high-end CPU, abundant RAM, and a powerful GPU that are well-suited for resource-intensive tasks like engineering, while its high-quality screen enhances visual precision; however, its size and weight reduce portability. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 offers greater portability and satisfactory keyboard and speaker quality but has a less powerful CPU, lower RAM, and GPU, which makes it less optimal for demanding engineering software and detailed design work.
Content Creation
8.4/10
7.3/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is good.
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
8.0/10
7.1/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is very good for software development, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
8.8/10
6.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
12.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
459.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize sharp, vibrant displays for tasks like web browsing, document editing, or watching videos, both the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 offer displays with good resolution and brightness, providing a pleasant general use experience. Design and engineering professionals who need accurate color representation will appreciate the ASUS's display, which offers a wider color gamut necessary for precision work, while the Surface provides adequate quality for less color-critical tasks. However, gamers and 3D designers looking for a fluid visual experience may find both laptops lacking due to lower refresh rates, making fast-paced scenes less smooth compared to laptops designed specifically for gaming or 3D rendering with higher refresh rates.
Portability
Fair
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
12.4in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,599
$788
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) has a price of $1,599 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 costs $788.
"With the mobile Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, the Asus ROG Stix G16 hits the sweet spot between performance and cooling. The G16 also does not have to shy away from direct comparison with its supposedly stronger family member, the ROG Strix Scar 18 with its RTX 4090, as most benchmarks of the two laptops are very close to each other. Moreover, the G16 should be significantly cheaper. Depending on the supplier, the price difference here could be almost US$ 2,000. In the 2023 model series, Asus has significantly leveled out the differences between the two high-end lines."
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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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