Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the premium option here, but its 60Hz refresh rate is a letdown compared to the ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7's stunning 165Hz. You'll enjoy smoother gaming and scrolling on the ASUS, especially if you're into fast-paced action or content creation. The MacBook Air shines with its M3 chip, delivering exceptional performance for everyday tasks and video editing. With a battery life of up to 18 hours, it’s perfect for long workdays or travel. Meanwhile, the ASUS has a powerful RTX 4060 GPU, making it a beast for gaming, but it won't last as long on a single charge. The deciding factor comes down to your primary usage needs and preferences.
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(2,424)Best Buy | ★4.6(31)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | Intel Core i7-13650HX (Raptor Lake, 14 cores, up to 4.9 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | ROG Intelligent Cooling (Tri-Fan technology, Liquid Metal on CPU) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | Yes (2x SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB officially) |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (2x M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots) |
Display Size | 13.6" | 16" |
Resolution | 2560 x 1664 (Native) | 1920 x 1200 (FHD+) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:10 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) | IPS-level (Anti-glare) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 165 Hz (G-SYNC supported) |
Brightness | 500 nits | 250 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 100% sRGB |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes (4-Zone RGB) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | No (Not supported) |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 720p HD camera |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 1x Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort); 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort / Power Delivery / G-SYNC); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) | 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 90 Wh (4-cell Li-ion) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 280 W AC adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 2,500 g (5.51 lbs) |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | Aluminum (Lid) / Plastic (Chassis) |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home |
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- • First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
- • Completely silent fanless operation
- • Exceptional build quality with a bright 500-nit P3 display
- • MagSafe 3 charging frees up both Thunderbolt ports for peripherals
✗ Cons:
- • Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
- • Zero user-upgradeability for RAM or storage
- • Thermal throttling can occur under sustained heavy workloads due to lack of fans
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ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
✓ Pros:
- • High-wattage RTX 4060 (140W) and i7-13650HX deliver excellent gaming performance
- • Tri-Fan cooling system and liquid metal ensure sustained performance
- • Large 90Wh battery is exceptional for a gaming laptop in this class
- • Comprehensive port selection including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet
- • 16:10 FHD+ display covers 100% sRGB, suitable for gaming and general content
✗ Cons:
- • Display brightness is limited to 250 nits, which is dim for well-lit rooms
- • Chassis is primarily plastic (except for the lid) and can be bulky
- • 720p webcam is low resolution and lacks biometric (Windows Hello) support
- • Fans can get loud under load due to the high-performance tuning
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Which one is better?
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 is the better buy for most people due to its high refresh rate of 165Hz, ideal for gaming or smooth general use. That said, grab the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if you prioritize battery life and a premium design—it lasts 18 hours, perfect for on-the-go productivity.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need a sleek, lightweight laptop for office tasks, appreciate excellent battery life with 18 hours, or are into video editing with its efficient M3 chip.
Choose the ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 if: you want to game effectively with a high-refresh display at 165Hz, need upgradable RAM and storage options, or prefer a larger screen for multitasking.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) excels if you value significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 is better if you prioritize high-wattage rtx 4060 (140w) and i7-13650hx deliver excellent gaming performance. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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