ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

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ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

Today, we’re diving into the all-new ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024. This latest model brings a plethora of exciting changes, starting with the shift to an all-aluminum chassis, adding a touch of premium quality to the design. The upgrade doesn’t stop there; the highlight of the show is the stunning 14-inch 120Hz OLED display, dubbed the ROG Nebula display, which delivers breathtaking visuals and an immersive viewing experience.

Under the hood, the ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop packs a punch with AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 8945 HS processor from the Ryzen 8000 series. Paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 470, this laptop promises exceptional performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.

Many new features in one product. We’ll see if they’re enough to make it important in its category, facing rivals that are also becoming increasingly attractive.

[2024] ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 GA403UV-G14.R94060 Pro Extreme (AMD Ryzen 9...
  • Display: 14" 3K (2880x1800) 120Hz 0.2ms OLED ROG Nebula Display (100% DCI-P3)
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card w/ ROG Boost up to 1940MHz at 90W (1890MHz Boost...
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS 8 Cores (4.0GHz-5.2GHz, 16MB Cache, 45W)
  • RAM: 16GB (2x 8GB) LPDDR5X-6400 (Onboard) | Hard Drive: 2TB Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSD (Seq. Read 7450MB/s, Seq....
  • OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from...

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024: Video Review

SpecsASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024
Screen14-inch 3K OLED display — 120Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, G-SYNC
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
GraphicsNvidia GeForce RTX 4070
RAMUp to 32GB LPDDR5x
StorageUp to 1TB PCIe Gen 4
NetworkingWi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3
Camera1080P FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello
OSWindows 11 Pro
Audio4-speaker (dual force woofer) system with Smart
Battery73WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
Power Supply180W AC Adapter
Keyboard & TouchpadBacklit Chiclet Keyboard 1-Zone RGB, Touchpad
I/O Ports1x USB4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1,
1x Micro SD card reader, 1x Audio jack
Dimensions31.1 x 22.0 x 1.59 ~ 1.63 cm (12.24" x 8.66" x 0.63" ~ 0.64")
Weight1.50 Kg ( 3.3 pounds )

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024: Design

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 sets a new standard for compact gaming laptops, blending power and sophistication in a sleek package. Measuring just 31.1 x 22.0 x 1.59 cm and weighing a mere 1.5 kg, it rivals traditional 14-inch ultraportables in terms of portability.

One of the most noticeable changes from previous iterations is the departure from the ostentatious gamer aesthetic. The 2024 model exudes maturity and refinement, thanks to a redesigned aluminum chassis that is both slimmer and more elegant. Unlike its predecessors, which utilized an ergolift system to elevate the rear of the chassis, this version rests completely flat on any surface. Additionally, ASUS has reconfigured the airflow system, drawing fresh air from underneath the laptop and expelling it out the back, resulting in improved cooling efficiency and a cleaner overall look.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

Gone is the flashy Animatrix system that adorned the hood of earlier models. In its place is a subtle LED strip arranged diagonally, adding a touch of style without overwhelming the design. Despite the minimalist approach, the G14 retains its allure, with impeccable assembly and finishes that exude quality.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the upgrade to six speakers, delivering a significantly enhanced audio experience compared to its predecessors.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

The keyboard remains a highlight of the G14, with excellent tactile feedback and spacing that ensures comfortable typing for extended periods. While the 14-inch form factor may take some getting used to for users accustomed to larger laptops, the backlit keyboard, albeit only in white, provides visibility in low-light environments.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

On the downside, the touchpad leaves room for improvement, with a tendency to sink in the lower corners and stiff clicks. However, ASUS compensates for this with a comprehensive biometric identification system, featuring a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button and a 1080p webcam for facial recognition via Windows Hello.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

Connectivity options are plentiful, despite the compact dimensions, with an HDMI 2.1 output, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a USB-C 4 port, a micro-SD card reader (UHS- II), and a 3.5mm headphone jack. While the selection covers the essentials, some users may lament the absence of a full-format SD card reader.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

Display

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 has a 14-inch OLED display created by the famous company Samsung Display. This panel has an aspect ratio of 16:10 and a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels.

One of the features of this display is its impressive 120 Hz refresh rate, complete with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology and Nvidia G-Sync certification. This ensures smooth and tear-free gameplay, making it a dream come true for gamers seeking the ultimate visual experience.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

Upon first glance, it’s evident that this glossy screen benefits from a highly effective anti-reflective treatment. Unlike other OLED models, which often suffer from distracting reflections, the Zephyrus G14’s display minimizes glare, ensuring optimal visibility even in brightly lit environments. With a peak brightness of 423 cd/m2, this display offers excellent readability in various lighting conditions, further enhancing its versatility.

Thanks to OLED technology, the contrast ratio is nothing short of extraordinary, delivering deep, true blacks that add remarkable depth to the displayed image. Colors are rendered with exceptional accuracy, though some users may find them slightly warm by default. Fortunately, ASUS provides manual calibration options through the Armory Crate utility, allowing users to fine-tune the display to their preferences.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

In terms of color accuracy, the Zephyrus G14’s display impresses with its ability to cover 99% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, as well as surpassing 100% coverage of the sRGB gamut and reaching 93% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space. This level of color fidelity not only ensures stunning visuals for everyday use but also makes the device well-suited for professional tasks such as photo editing and color calibration.

Software

In terms of software, ASUS provides its proprietary Armory Crate and MyAsus applications, offering users a comprehensive suite of tools for system customization and optimization. Armory Crate serves as a command center for adjusting performance settings, fan speeds, and GPU switching modes, while also providing options for LED customization and color profiles.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

On the other hand, MyAsus offers additional features focused on performance and connectivity, including the ability to activate battery maintenance mode to preserve battery longevity.

Performance

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 stands as a testament to cutting-edge mobile technology, housing some of the most powerful components available in a 14-inch ultraportable designed specifically for gaming.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

At its heart lies the AMD “Hawk Point” processor, utilizing the Zen 4 architecture and manufactured on a 4 nm process by TSMC. The Ryzen 9 8945HS boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, clocked at a maximum of 5.2 GHz with a TDP of 45 W and 24 MB of cache. Accompanying this powerhouse CPU is 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 6400 MHz, providing ample memory bandwidth for multitasking and demanding applications.

Graphics are handled by the dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, which seamlessly switches between integrated and discrete graphics depending on the workload. However, due to the compact dimensions of the G14, the RTX 4070 is limited to a maximum TGP of 90 W, resulting in slightly reduced performance compared to larger laptops.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

Despite these constraints, the G14 delivers impressive gaming performance, capable of running demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light 2 at high resolutions and settings. With the native 1800p display resolution, gamers can expect smooth gameplay experiences, further enhanced by features like NVIDIA’s Frame Generation technology and DLSS.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

However, the compact form factor does come with trade-offs, notably in terms of thermal management. The device tends to heat up during prolonged gaming sessions, with temperatures rising to around 95 degrees Celsius under stress. Nevertheless, ASUS has implemented effective cooling solutions to mitigate discomfort, ensuring that the keyboard remains relatively insulated from the heat.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

In terms of storage, the G14 is equipped with a 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 5), boasting impressive read and write speeds of up to 5006.89 MB/s and 3502.33 MB/s, respectively. This ensures snappy performance and ample storage capacity for games, applications, and multimedia content.

Battery life

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 boasts a robust 73 Wh battery, impressively large considering its compact form factor.

In terms of battery life, the G14 delivers commendable results. When optimized for energy efficiency, such as by adjusting power settings and deactivating the dedicated GPU, the device can achieve approximately 8 hours of battery life during video playback. For more general usage scenarios where energy-saving measures are less stringent, users can expect around 7 hours of autonomy.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 Review: Beautiful, compact and powerful!

However, it’s worth noting that activating the 120 Hz display mode significantly reduces battery life, as the higher refresh rate demands more power. Despite this trade-off, the G14 still manages to maintain respectable endurance compared to its peers.

When it comes time to recharge, the G14 comes equipped with a compact 180 W power supply unit featuring a proprietary connector. This charger efficiently replenishes the battery, allowing for a full recharge in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024: Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 is positioned as one of the best-looking ultraportable gaming laptops of 2024. It delivers impressive capabilities despite the limitations inherent in its 14-inch form factor.

At the forefront of its features is the stunning OLED screen, providing users with a high-end display experience that rivals larger gaming laptops. Moreover, the device surprises with its commendable battery life, occasionally exceeding 8 hours, which is a rarity in the realm of gaming laptops.

[2024] ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 GA403UV-G14.R94060 Pro Extreme (AMD Ryzen 9...
  • Display: 14" 3K (2880x1800) 120Hz 0.2ms OLED ROG Nebula Display (100% DCI-P3)
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card w/ ROG Boost up to 1940MHz at 90W (1890MHz Boost...
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS 8 Cores (4.0GHz-5.2GHz, 16MB Cache, 45W)
  • RAM: 16GB (2x 8GB) LPDDR5X-6400 (Onboard) | Hard Drive: 2TB Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSD (Seq. Read 7450MB/s, Seq....
  • OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from...

However, the G14 is not without its shortcomings. Criticisms are directed towards its tendency to generate significant heat, particularly during prolonged gaming sessions. Additionally, the lack of scalability, with the RAM now soldered to the motherboard, may deter users seeking future upgrade options. The trackpad also leaves room for improvement, and the absence of RGB backlighting might disappoint enthusiasts looking for customization options.

Nevertheless, the G14’s positives outweigh its negatives.

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