Note: The content below is generic for the series.
For Correct info about this particular model, please refer to
Specifications section.
The Asus ROG
Zephyrus G14
for 2022 was the first
system announced that would adhere to the 2022 version of AMD's
Advantage design framework, as the original G14 model did when it
launched in 2020. That means it uses AMD's latest technologies. This
year, much of AMD's chip updates aim to increase the battery life
of gaming laptops while boosting performance by directing more power
where and when it's needed.
These include the
Ryzen 9 6900HS
Low-power/high-performance
processor for small gaming laptops and either the AMD Radeon RX 6700S or
RX 6800S, graphics processors targeting the same
low-power-yet-high-performance tier. But the catch seems to be it's
either-or: either high performance or low power. And
that's not just for graphics-intensive tasks, where I'd typically expect
to see the tradeoff.
The other catch is
availability
It's already slipped from
its initial March estimate, though that's probably attributable to the
current production and shipping-related supply chain shortages. But even
before the pandemic these Asus and AMD poster-child laptops always
seemed to have frustrating availability issues.
AMD's
worked hard to interconnect its CPU and GPU operation. So if Asus
decides to release models with an Nvidia GPU -- those tend not to have
the same availability gaps -- you won't be able to make any assumptions
about its speed, battery life or behavior on different power profiles
based on the AMD versions. For instance, AMD's SmartShift can juggle the
power needs of the CPU and GPU to increase the power to the GPU from 80w
to 105w, but only if both processors are AMD's.
Changes from
previous models
Include the improved AniMe
Matrix LED array on the cover. This cute but gimmicky animation feature
bumps the overall weight from 3.6 to 3.8 pounds. Screen choices include
a new 120Hz 1440p-class 500-nit screen with a full P3 color gamut, which
I tested, though the default is a 1080p 450-nit 144Hz model. There are
the other random design tweaks that constitute a more-than-rote refresh:
The webcam now works with Windows Hello facial recognition sign-on but
it's still an underwhelming 720p camera. Asus also reorganized the
speakers with upward-firing tweeters and downward-firing woofers.
I don't remember enough
about the older model to make a better-or-not judgment about the bigger
touchpad, easier-to-open lid or more durable coating on the keycaps, but
I can say the touchpad is a good size and feel, the lid opens
singlehandedly and the keycaps feel premium. The white matte outer
coating seems stainproof -- or at least, the coffee I dripped on it came
off easily even after drying.
