STACK #255 January 2026

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TECH FEATURE

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ASUS SHOWDOWN: Which gaming laptop is right for you? In this laptop showdown, we compare two models from ASUS’ line of gaming laptops: the ASUS TUF F16 16" FHD+ and the ASUS ROG Strix G16 16" WQXGA 240Hz laptop. Which model is the superior pick if you’re in the market for a gaming laptop? This handy side-by-side comparison can help you to decide. Words James O'Connor

VS

ASUS TUF F16

ASUS ROG Strix G16

The ASUS TUF F16 comes in two models with different GPUs: one with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 GPU and the other with an RTX 5060. These are both excellent graphics cards, backed by an extremely formidable 16GB of RAM and 16-bit processor. It's not state-of-the-art, but it's very solid.

This laptop packs a stronger punch with its mighty GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. This trend continues across a few other areas: it also features a big 32MB of RAM and an incredible 24-core processor, giving it a definite edge on pure power. This laptop will let you enable higher graphics settings in your games.

GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE

Once again we have a 16-inch, 2560 x 1600 display, but the ROG Strix G16 levels up with a 240Hz IPS Nebula Display. This means it has an even higher refresh rate, leading to a smoother, more responsive image. It's a difference you'll notice when playing high-intensity games, which will appear absolutely buttery smooth.

This laptop features a glorious 16 inch screen with 2560 x 1600 resolution. The 165Hz IPS display means that this laptop has a great refresh rate, a slight improvement over the older 144Hz high-end standard.

DISPLAY

This laptop sports a large 90Wh battery, which can last up to around eight hours when you're using it for light tasks in energy saver mode. However, if you're using it for more intensive tasks (like gaming) when it's unplugged, expect it to last less than two hours.

This laptop has the same size battery, and you can expect, roughly, the same play time out of it. Both laptops can make use of NVIDIA's advanced battery-saving capabilities, switching between performance modes on the fly, to keep going for longer.

BATTERY LIFE

The TUF F16 weighs in at 2.2kg, which is on the lighter side for a gaming laptop.

This model is 2.65kg, so it's ever-so-slightly heavier – something to be mindful of if you'll be travelling with it.

WEIGHT

STORAGE AND PORTS

This model features double the storage with a 2TB M.2 SSD, along with an expansion slot. It also features LAN, HDMI, USB-C, and Thunderbolt ports, but has a bonus USB-A port, bringing the total to three.

This laptop carries a 1TB M.2 SSD with an expansion slot for another, and features LAN, HDMI, USB-C, and Thunderbolt ports, plus two USB-A ports.

The ROG Strix G16 is a more powerful laptop with stronger specs, a super-responsive display, and more storage. It's the superior laptop of the two, especially if you plan on using it for serious gaming. However, the TUF F16 is definitely no slouch, and if it suits your budget it's still an excellent, powerful device.

THE WINNER

20 JANUARY 2026

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