Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
If you're deciding between the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7, the MacBook Air is the better buy for most people. With a stunning 2560 x 1664 display and up to 18 hours of battery life, it excels for everyday tasks and light creative work. On the flip side, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers a powerful gaming experience with its 165Hz refresh rate. Consider what features matter most for your needs in 2026 and beyond. Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 16" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 165 Hz.
Why compare these? The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) (high-end) and ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 (mid-range) represent different approaches to laptops. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple MacBook | ASUS ROG |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (1,823 reviews) | 4.6★ (31 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing | High-wattage RTX 4060 (140W) and i7-13650HX deliver excellent gaming performance |
| Main Drawback | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) | Display brightness is limited to 250 nits, which is dim for well-lit rooms |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Mid-range |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Intel Core i7-13650HX (Raptor Lake, 14 cores, up to 4.9 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No (Not supported)
ROG Intelligent Cooling (Tri-Fan technology, Liquid Metal on CPU)
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 | ★4.8(1,823)Amazon | ★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)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
No (Unified Memory architecture)
Pros
- Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
Cons
- Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Intel Core i7-13650HX (Raptor Lake, 14 cores, up to 4.9 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No (Not supported)
ROG Intelligent Cooling (Tri-Fan technology, Liquid Metal on CPU)
16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
Yes (2x SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB officially)
Pros
- High-wattage RTX 4060 (140W) and i7-13650HX deliver excellent gaming performance
- Tri-Fan cooling system and liquid metal ensure sustained performance
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
Which one is better?
Grab the Strix G16 if you prioritize gaming performance with its 165Hz display - it's a strong fit for gamers.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need all-day battery life, want a sharper display for photography, or prefer a lightweight laptop. (13.6" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 if: you want to game at high settings, need a larger screen for multitasking, or require upgradability for RAM and storage. (16" display, 165 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,823 reviews vs 31
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.6★. However, ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) or ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 wins if you value high-wattage rtx 4060 (140w) and i7-13650hx deliver excellent gaming performance. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7?
Key differences: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) offers significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, while ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 stands out with high-wattage rtx 4060 (140w) and i7-13650hx deliver excellent gaming performance. Consider that Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) base model starts with only 8gb ram and 256gb storage (slow ssd speeds on 256gb). Meanwhile, ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 display brightness is limited to 250 nits, which is dim for well-lit rooms. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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