You know when you look at two laptops and think to yourself, “they’re basically the same thing, right?” That’s my initial experience comparing the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) and the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025). Now, there are some key differences, including a visual one that you’ll notice right out of the box, that might matter to you. But, there’s also quite a bit of overlap between these two models.
Before I go any further, it’s important to note that we haven’t yet reviewed these two laptops so the contents of this article reflect the similarities and differences between these two on based on specs and features. However, having tested quite a few Asus laptops in the past (and owning one), I’m confident that these two laptops will, at least mostly, hit their mark.
Internally, they’re almost identical, with the same CPU and GPU, as well as RAM, though the latter comes with twice the storage at 2TB (and is available in a up to an RTX 5090). They both come with Asus’ new innovations in thermal design as well as an interesting tool-less design for replacing some internal components.
So then – why the different price points between the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) and the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025)? I’ll dig a little deeper into that answer as well as what makes these laptops tick, but the short answer is that the Rog Strix SCAR 16 (2025) has a LED display on its lid for aesthetic purposes.
While there aren’t a ton of differences outside of that, there’s a lot that makes these laptops tick that might be new to you. I’ll touch on that as well.
Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025)
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) is powerful thanks to its top-of-the-line Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, robust Nvidia GeForce Series 5000 graphics card, and streamlined and over-engineered cooling solutions. It also allows you to easily access and upgrade the RAM and SSD slots without any tools.
For
- Powerful components
- Tool-less access to RAM and SSD slots
- Well thought-out cooling solutions
- Up to 2.5K display
Against
- Very expensive
- Not every configuration comes with an impressive display
Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025)
The Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) has powerful components that should run just about any game at high settings, tool-less access to the RAM and SSD slots for easy upgrading, and a sharp 2.5K @240Hz display. It also has some well-thought cooling solutions. Of course, it’s very, very pricey and comes with an LED graphical display on its lid that some might like and some might find gimmicky.
For
- Powerful components
- Tool-less access to RAM and SSD slots
- 2.5K display
- Well thought-out cooling solutions
Against
- Even more expensive
- The AniMe Vision LED display may be a gimmick to some
Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) vs Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): Price
Neither the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) nor the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) are anywhere near what one would call cheap. Both are firmly in the premium category and compete more with the likes of Razer’s expensive offerings. Still, there is a price divide between the two.
The Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) starts at $2,699.99. Though there are four configurations listed online, it’s not clear which one has that starting price (likely the 5070 configuration). They all come with an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 5070 Ti, or an 5080, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. They also come with either a 1080p display, or a 2.5K one.
The Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) has two configurations – one at $3,299.99 and one at $4,299.99. They both have a 2.5K display, along with an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5000-series GPU, 16GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD. The difference between these two configurations comes down to the fact that the cheaper one has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and the more expensive one has a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090.
As you can see, the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) and the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) share a lot of internal components, so the price difference between the two comes down to mostly minor differences in the GPU, a potentially better screen, and the LED display on its lid that one might (but not necessarily) consider a gimmick. These two models are almost like two slightly different configurations of the same model, hence the very similar names. The model numbers, G615 and G635 respectively, implicitly tell us that they’re cut from the same cloth.
Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) vs Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): Design
While these two laptops share a lot in common with each other, they come with some interesting design choices that seem to be unique to these two models. First, a lot of thought has been put into thermal efficiency here. For instance, not only are there three fans, but there’s a heatsink that spans the width of these laptops. They also use their own thermal compounds that are apparently more conductive than the typical stuff. And there are very thin fins at the back vents to allow good airflow while minimizing the ability for external particles to get in. The intake vents also have a dust filter.
Probably the most interesting part of the thermal design for me is the fact that the intake vents are on the bottom of the laptop and the outflow goes through the back vents. That means no hot air blowing on your hands if they’re sitting by the laptop, like if you’re using an external mouse. That’s pretty cool.
Another design choice that both these laptops have that you won’t see on a lot of laptops is a tool-less bottom panel that, by pressing open a latch, allows access to the fans, RAM and SSD slots, with the latter two easily upgradable via this back panel (so you could upgrade to 64GB of RAM if you wanted). There’s also a plate that separates the bottom panel and these slots from the rest of the laptop so that debris and dirt doesn’t accidentally make their way in while that panel is off.
Now, for the differences, there are two worth mentioning. The first one one would notice out of the box is the fact that the ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) has an LED display on its outer lid that Asus calls “AniMe Vision,” which uses 810 LEDs to showcase an animation during use. There are a large number of presets, but you can also import a GIF or animate your own.
The ROG Strix G16 (2025) doesn’t have this LED display and is probably a big difference in the cost. It’s a nifty feature that may appeal to some and seem like a gimmick to others.
The other big difference is in the screen. The ROG Strix G16 (2025) in its most basic configuration has an IPS anti-glare panel that looks like its 1080p, though we can confirm that when we get to test it. It does, at least it, have a 3ms response time.
This laptop should also be available with Asus’ ROG Nebula Display, which is a 2.5K (2560 x 1600p) 240Hz panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, not to mention 500 nits of brightness. It is this panel that comes stock with both configurations of the ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025).
Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) vs Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): Features
As far as features go, these two laptops are, again, identical. Since the neural processor is an Intel one with 13TOPS, it doesn’t have as much dedicated power for AI-oriented tasks as some AI-focused notebooks out there. Still, both laptops can do plenty and come with Copilot+ built-in. And yes, you get the dedicated Copilot+ key.
However, there is one AI task that these two laptops share. And that’s a MUX Switch powered by Nvidia’s Advanced Optimus technology. This switch will, in Asus’ words, dynamically switch between the integrated and dedicated graphics to make the laptop more efficient (and therefore save battery life). So, if you’re playing a game, it will automatically use the Nvidia GPU. But, if you switch to web browsing, it will switch with you so that you’re using the integrated graphics that need much less energy to run.
These laptops also come with the usual Nvidia features that come with the current generation of GPUs such as DLSS 4, which uses AI to improve frame rates and image quality, and Nvidia Reflex 2 meant to reduce latency.
Both laptops offer full per-key RGB customization. Both have an RGB LED ring around the base of the computer as well. And both come with dedicated Macro keys that can be reprogrammed. Speaking of reprogramming, the included software suite for that sort of stuff as well as adjusting fan speed and the like is fairly robust as well. The main app, Armoury Crate, allows you to unlock performance in a way that seems to, in a way, simulate overclocking the computer.
Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) vs Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): Performance
Since these laptops haven’t been tested yet, we don’t have actual benchmark numbers. But most laptops with similar components perform similarly, unless there’s some inherent design flaw. Sometimes, it’s bloatware. Often, it’s how a computer handles its cooling. Considering the steps that Asus has made with its various ways to mitigate heat, you’ll probably only deal with any heat-related issues if you have the unfortunate habit of putting your laptops on a blanket, blocking those intake vents. It might not matter for an Ultrabook, but it matters here.
Now, the differences between one laptop and the other if they’re sporting the same CPU, GPU, and RAM are going to be very few. Having that lower resolution display will make a laptop more efficient so you’ll get more frame rates there. But the difference between the laptop versions of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 and 5080 is pretty sizable. That’s before considering the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) can be had with a 5090 GPU.
So, some configurations of the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) can match the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) but will most likely never surpass it.
Which 16-inch Asus ROG Strix laptop is right for you?
This is one of those cases where you can’t really go wrong. It’s just a matter of preference. They’re both expensive, though the ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) costs more. They’re both powerful, though the ROG Strix SCAR 16 is often more powerful.
You’ll have to decide if springing for that AniMe Vision display on the ROG Strix SCAR 16’s lid is worth the extra cost. And if you want a Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, only the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) has it. The Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025) seems to be the better gaming laptop if by the most minimal of degrees, though the G16 (2025) comes in at a more affordable price.
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space2occupy@gmail.com (James Holland)
