Gigabyte Aorus 16X Review

Summary

Lisa from Mobile Tech Review introduces the Gigabyte AR 16x, a 2024 gaming laptop that also caters to Pro app creators, featuring Nvidia Studio drivers. Priced in the upper mid-range, it competes with models like the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and Acer Nitro 16. The laptop offers a 165Hz IPS display, Intel 14th generation processors, and up to Nvidia RTX 4070 140 watt GPUs. It has a robust cooling system, good performance, and a 99.2 watt-hour battery for impressive battery life. However, the display's black levels and color gamut leave room for improvement. The laptop has a plastic chassis, a programmable RGB keyboard, and a variety of ports including HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 7. The software experience could be better, with the need for improved localization and clearer instructions. The laptop is priced from $1,700 for an RTX 4060 and Core i7 to around $2,100 for a Core i9 and RTX 4070, offering a mix of pros and cons for potential buyers.

Takeaways

• 💻 The Gigabyte AR 16x is a 2024 edition gaming laptop that also targets Pro app creators, featuring Nvidia Studio drivers pre-installed.
• 💰 Price-wise, it's positioned in the upper mid-range, competing with models like the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and Acer Nitro 16.
• 🛡️ Trend Micro's Premium Security Suite is highlighted as a comprehensive solution for device and identity protection, suitable for various devices including Macs, Windows PCs, iOS, and Android.
• 🔧 Upgradability is a strong point for the laptop, with easy access to internals like the SSD, Wi-Fi card, and RAM slots.
• 🎨 The laptop comes with a 165Hz IPS display with QHD+ resolution, but has average black levels and 80% of the P3 color gamut, which is decent but not top-tier for gaming.
• 🔊 It boasts impressive speakers with good bass and volume, but the software and localization could use improvement for a better user experience.
• 🌐 Connectivity options are plentiful, including HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A ports, and even a Gigabit Ethernet port.
• 🔋 The laptop has a large 99.2Wh battery, offering 7 to 8 hours of mixed productivity use, which is commendable for a gaming laptop.
• 💡 The cooling system is robust, with two large fans and a substantial heatsink, allowing for good performance from the GPU and CPU.
• 🔗 The laptop features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, representing some of the latest wireless technology available in 2024.
• 🖥️ The design is reminiscent of older, more 'gamery' styles with embossed plastics and gamer aesthetics, which may not appeal to all users.
• 💰 Pricing starts at around $1,700 for an RTX 4060 and Core i7 configuration, going up to approximately $2,100 for a Core i9 and RTX 4070 model.

Q & A

What is the target audience for the Gigabyte AR 16x laptop?

The Gigabyte AR 16x is aimed at both gamers and professional app creators, as it comes with Nvidia Studio drivers pre-loaded.

How does the price of the Gigabyte AR 16x compare to its competitors?

The price of the Gigabyte AR 16x is considered upper mid-range, making it an interesting competitor to models like the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and the Acer Nitro 16 without being shockingly expensive.

What are the key features of the Gigabyte AR 16x that cater to gamers?

The Gigabyte AR 16x features an Nvidia RTX 4060 or 4070 140 watt GPU, a 165 HZ IPS display, RGB keyboard with translucent keycaps, and an RGB logo projector.

What is the performance of the Intel Core i7 processor in the Gigabyte AR 16x?

The Intel Core i7 in the Gigabyte AR 16x is a full HX processor, which provides sufficient performance for most users, with the option to upgrade to a Core i9 configuration.

How does the cooling system in the Gigabyte AR 16x contribute to its performance?

The cooling system in the Gigabyte AR 16x is very good, with two large fans providing plenty of room for efficient cooling, allowing the GPU and CPU to run well.

What is the battery life like on the Gigabyte AR 16x?

The Gigabyte AR 16x has a 99.2 watt-hour battery, which offers 7 to 8 hours of mixed productivity use with the display set at 200 nits of brightness.

What are some of the software issues mentioned in the review of the Gigabyte AR 16x?

The review mentions issues with the localization of the software, poor translations, and a lack of clarity in the Gigabyte Control Center software, which could be improved with better localization and clearer explanations.

What is the quality of the display on the Gigabyte AR 16x?

The display on the Gigabyte AR 16x is a 16-inch QHD+ panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and good brightness, but it has lower black levels and only covers 80% of the P3 color gamut.

How is the upgradeability of the Gigabyte AR 16x in terms of internal components?

The Gigabyte AR 16x offers a pleasant upgrade experience with two RAM slots, a second SSD M.2 2280 slot for storage expansion, and a socketed Wi-Fi 7 card that is removable.

What are the audio capabilities of the Gigabyte AR 16x?

The Gigabyte AR 16x has excellent speakers that are loud, full, and have bass. It also features a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello for facial recognition login.

What are the connectivity options available on the Gigabyte AR 16x?

The Gigabyte AR 16x includes an HDMI 2.1 port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, two USB-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a Micro SD card slot.

How does the design and build of the Gigabyte AR 16x contribute to its overall appeal?

The design of the Gigabyte AR 16x is reminiscent of gaming laptops from several years ago with gamer taglines, embossed plastics, and a rigid lid. The chassis is made of plastic, but it is of fine quality and the laptop does not have any wobbles.