ASUS ROG Strix G16 (G615, 2025) Review: A 16″ Gaming Powerhouse with Few Compromises

By CablesBlog Tech Desk | Updated October 2025

ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615 16-inch gaming laptop — ASUS ROG Strix G16 (G615, 2025) — Bold, powerful, and tuned for gamers.

Introduction

The **ASUS ROG Strix G16 (G615 series, 2025)** steps into the competitive 16-inch gaming laptop arena with strong hardware, a bold design, and balanced trade-offs. Positioned slightly below the Scar series, the Strix G16 offers many of the same internals in a more value-oriented package. In this review we’ll examine how it handles in real use: gaming, thermals, display, battery, and usability.

Key Specifications

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (Arrow Lake-HX) or similar high-end HX class chip (24 cores hybrid) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 (in top variant); lower variants with RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5070, RTX 5060 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Memory & Storage: 2 × DDR5 slots (user upgradable) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Display: 16″ IPS, QHD+ (2560×1600), 240 Hz refresh, ~500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Battery: 90 Wh battery, tested ~6h 28m video playback in silent mode :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Cooling & Design: triple fan + vapor chamber / heatpipe system, rear exhaust, simpler side vents :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
I/O & Features: multiple USB Type-C / USB4 / Thunderbolt (depending on variant) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Performance & Gaming Benchmarks

The Strix G16 (G615) is strong in sustained gaming performance. In many games and workloads, it competes well against last-generation RTX 4080 systems. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} Reviewers have praised its “solid performance, attractive design” even when pushing demanding titles. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

In 3DMark and gaming benchmarks, the RTX 5080 variant performs well in WQHD settings, leveraging DLSS and optimized thermal control. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} The chip and cooling design prevent heavy throttling in many sustained stress tests. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Display, Input & Build Quality

The 240 Hz QHD+ IPS display offers smoothness and color accuracy (100% DCI-P3) though it lacks OLED or mini-LED, so black levels and contrast aren’t stellar. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} The keyboard is membrane type with per-key RGB illumination; the layout includes additional media keys but lacks a physical numpad. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} The trackpad is large and responsive, positioned centrally below the keyboard. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} The chassis is robust with a mix of aluminum and plastics; cooling vents are relocated rearward and sides act as air intakes. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Thermals, Noise & Battery Life

Under load, the Strix G16 does heat significantly, especially on the CPU side, but the cooling system (three fans, vapor chamber) does a solid job of managing it without excessive noise. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} At lower fan speeds (~1800 RPM), noise is very low, nearly imperceptible. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} In battery testing, the machine delivered ~6h 28m of video playback in silent mode (lower load usage) with its 90Wh battery. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17} In real-world gaming or heavier usage, battery life is modest (few hours) typical of modern gaming laptops. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅

Top-tier CPU + GPU options (Ultra 9 + RTX 5080) for high performance
240 Hz QHD+ display with good color fidelity
User-upgradable RAM and SSD slots
Strong cooling design with rear exhaust and triple fans
Good I/O including USB-C / Thunderbolt support
Decent battery life for video playback usage

Cons ⚠️

Only IPS displays (no OLED / mini-LED), so contrast and blacks are average
Under load, heat and noise can rise notably
Laptop is bulky and plastic lower chassis in parts
Webcam and peripherals are average
Battery life under gaming / heavy use is limited

Verdict

The **ASUS ROG Strix G16 (G615, 2025)** is a compelling choice for gamers and creative users who want strong performance in a 16″ form, but don’t need all the bells and whistles (like OLEDs or ultra-premium chassis) of a Scar model. It offers a strong balance of power, upgradability, cooling, and I/O, with a few trade-offs in display type and thermal/noise under heavy load. If your priority is raw performance and flexibility rather than aesthetic finesse, the Strix G16 is an excellent contender in 2025’s gaming laptop lineup.