I'm Sorry, Slower is… Better?? - Asus Zephyrus G14 and G16 First Look

Summary

In this video, the host explores the new Asus Zephyrus G14, highlighting its thinner design and reduced weight compared to the previous model, which sacrificed the RTX 4090 option in favor of a more efficient RTX 4070. The G14 features advanced OLED panels with variable refresh rate technology, enhancing gaming performance while addressing challenges unique to OLED displays. The review also touches on the powerful AMD and Intel processors in the G14 and G16, impressive speaker system claims, and the new proprietary power connector, all while emphasizing Asus's thoughtful design choices that cater to gamers' preferences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new Asus Zephyrus G14 is slower than its predecessor, but this decision aligns with customer preferences for cost-effective options.
• 😀 The RTX 4070 mobile GPU, while less powerful than the 4090, allows the new model to be thinner and lighter.
• 😀 The G14 weighs only 1.48 kg, significantly less than the previous model's 1.72 kg, enhancing portability.
• 😀 Asus has transitioned to infrared facial recognition, replacing the fingerprint reader for more convenient login.
• 😀 Both the G14 and G16 feature OLED panels with variable refresh rate technology, improving gaming performance.
• 😀 Achieving variable refresh rate on OLED displays is challenging due to their unique brightness characteristics.
• 😀 Asus has implemented a fixed emission rate for subpixels to maintain brightness and reduce flickering during variable refresh rates.
• 😀 The G14 is equipped with up to a Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and up to an RTX 4070, delivering solid gaming performance.
• 😀 The G16 offers higher specs, including up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and an RTX 4090, aimed at power users.
• 😀 New power solutions and speaker systems in the G14 and G16 promise improved efficiency and audio quality compared to competitors.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the new Zephyrus G14 and the old model?

The new Zephyrus G14 is slower than the old model due to its use of an RTX 4070 instead of the RTX 4090, focusing on a balance of performance and weight reduction.

Why did Asus decide to use the RTX 4070 in the new G14?

Asus found that most customers preferred lower configurations like the RTX 4070, which allowed them to make the laptop thinner and lighter while still providing adequate performance.

How much lighter is the new G14 compared to the previous version?

The new G14 weighs 1.48 kg, which is 200 grams lighter than the old model, making it more portable.

What feature has replaced the fingerprint reader in the new G14?

The new G14 uses infrared facial recognition instead of the fingerprint reader for authentication.

What are the display specifications for the G14 and G16 models?

The G14 features a 3K 120Hz OLED panel, while the G16 has a QHD+ 240Hz OLED panel, both utilizing variable refresh rate technology.

Why is variable refresh rate technology challenging to implement on OLED displays?

Variable refresh rate is difficult on OLEDs because brightness is determined by both pixel brightness and how often each pixel fires, leading to potential flickering when frame rates change significantly.

How does Asus overcome the challenges of variable refresh rates in OLED panels?

Asus locks the emission rate of the subpixels at high frequencies (960 Hz for G16 and 480 Hz for G14), allowing consistent brightness while displaying frames multiple times as frame rates fluctuate.

What are the performance capabilities of the new G14 regarding its CPU and GPU?

The G14 can be equipped with a Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and an RTX 4070 GPU, with a total system power of 100 watts, which includes dynamic boost options.

What unique power delivery system does Asus use in the G14?

Asus employs a proprietary slim power jack that operates at 20 volts, allowing for efficient power delivery without the complexities of higher voltage systems.

What audio features does the new G14 boast?

The G14 is equipped with six speakers, including two tweeters and four woofers, aimed at providing high-quality audio output for gaming and multimedia.