Asus has recently unveiled its latest line-up of gaming laptops, the ROG Strix and Zephyrus, in India. These machines boast cutting-edge Intel and Nvidia hardware, designed to tackle even the most demanding games with ease. While the ROG Zephyrus G16 received an OLED upgrade, we got our hands on the even more powerful ROG Strix Scar 16. Priced at a starting price of Rs 2,89,999, with our model reaching slightly over Rs 3,35,000, the Strix Scar 16 falls on the steeper end of the price spectrum. But does the hefty price tag translate to exceptional performance and value? Delve into our in-depth Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 review to find out.
Design and Construction
Asus has opted to retain the familiar design language for the new Strix Scar 16. The chassis features an LED bar that wraps around the front and partially onto the sides, while a fresh set of RGB LED lights grace the back, positioned directly above the vents. Similar to previous iterations, the armor cap at the back allows for customization, with the option to 3D print your designs instead of relying on traditional online options. The metallic ROG logo emblazoned on the lid illuminates with RGB lighting, adding a touch of flair. The aluminum lid is adorned with smaller ROG logos across its surface.
The robust hinge effectively prevents screen wobble, and while the chassis is constructed from plastic, it exudes a sense of sturdiness. The ROG Strix Scar 16 (2024) leans towards the bulkier side, tipping the scales at 2.65 kg and measuring nearly 23mm thick. However, this increased thickness translates to ample space for cooling, proving advantageous in the realm of performance.
Ports and Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the ROG Strix Scar 16 equips you with two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the right side, while the remaining ports reside on the left. These include a USB Type-C port supporting PD up to 100W, a second USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, a combo audio jack, an HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ-45 jack, and a dedicated power input port.
For wireless connectivity, you’ll find Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support. While the new ROG Strix Scar 16 features a 720p HD webcam, it surpasses the absence of a camera altogether. While the variety of ports on the Strix Scar 16 (2024) might seem average considering its size, it offers a well-rounded selection to cater to most users’ needs.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Strix Scar 16 features a chiclet-style keyboard with per-key RGB backlighting, fully customizable through the Armory Crate app. While the inclusion of a Numpad isn’t a deal-breaker for me, its absence shouldn’t pose a significant concern. The keyboard layout incorporates dedicated media buttons positioned strategically on the right and top. The key travel is comfortable, and the spacing between keys ensures a pleasant typing experience.
The glass touchpad on the Strix Scar 16 (2024) boasts a smooth surface, facilitating effortless navigation. The touch response is commendable, and palm rejection works flawlessly. Additionally, the Strix Scar 16’s touchpad features an LED Numpad and supports Windows 11 gestures. Adapting to the Scar 16’s keyboard for gaming and typing was a seamless process, making it a clear winner in our evaluation.
Display
Asus’s Nebula HDR displays, incorporated into their premium laptops, are renowned for striking a perfect balance between exceptional content consumption and immersive gaming experiences. The latest Strix Scar 16 upholds this reputation. It flaunts a 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600 pixels) Mini-LED screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The display boasts an impressive 500 nits of peak brightness, reaching an extraordinary 1,110 nits. The panel features a 240Hz refresh rate and a 3ms response time, granting you a competitive edge in fast-paced games like first-person shooters. To eliminate visual artifacts like tearing, stuttering, and judging during gameplay, the screen is equipped with Nvidia’s G-Sync technology.
Gaming Performance:
We tested the Strix Scar 16 on various popular games at the highest settings. In titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2, the laptop effortlessly delivered frame rates exceeding 100 FPS, ensuring smooth and visually stunning gameplay. Even in notoriously demanding titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator, the Strix Scar 16 maintained playable frame rates, making it a dream machine for hardcore gamers.
Thermals and Noise:
The ROG Strix Scar 16 (2024) utilizes Asus’s Intelligent Cooling technology, featuring two large fans and six heat pipes. This robust cooling system effectively manages thermals even under heavy loads. While the fans become audible during intense gaming sessions, the noise level remains within acceptable limits and doesn’t significantly hinder the gaming experience.
Battery Life:
The Strix Scar 16 packs a 90Wh battery, which is decent for a gaming laptop. However, due to the powerful hardware and high refresh rate display, expecting extensive battery life for everyday tasks wouldn’t be realistic. You can expect to achieve around 3-4 hours of casual use on a single charge. However, for extended gaming sessions, you’ll need to be tethered to the power outlet.
Software:
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2024) comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro. Additionally, Asus equips the laptop with its Armory Crate software, a one-stop hub for monitoring system performance, customizing lighting effects, and creating profiles for different usage scenarios.
FAQs:
Q: Is the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2024) worth the price?
A: The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2024) is a high-end gaming laptop with top-of-the-line specifications and features. If you’re a hardcore gamer seeking the best possible performance and are willing to invest in a premium machine, then the Strix Scar 16 is worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget or prioritize portability, other options might be more suitable.
Q: How long does the battery last on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2024)?
A: You can expect to achieve around 3-4 hours of casual use on a single charge. However, for extended gaming sessions, you’ll need to be plugged into the power outlet.
Q: Does the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2024) have a good keyboard?
A: Yes, the Strix Scar 16 features a chiclet-style keyboard with per-key RGB backlighting and comfortable key travel, making it suitable for both gaming and typing.
