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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 6, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple MacBook Pro 14-inch vs ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 3024 x 1964 display that makes it ideal for photography and design work. In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 is the more budget-friendly choice, delivering solid gaming performance with a high refresh rate of 165Hz for a smoother experience. In real-world use, the MacBook Pro's M3 Max configuration crushes the Strix G16 in processing power, making it perfect for intensive tasks,. However, the MacBook’s impressive 1,600 nits peak brightness is a game-changer for creatives who need true color accuracy in various lighting conditions.
📱 Display: 14.2" vs 16"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hz⚖️ Weight: 56.79 oz vs 88.19 oz
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
★4.9
(3,372)•Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 Pro (11 or 12-core) OR Apple M3 Max (14 or 16-core)
Graphics:Apple M3 Pro (14 or 18-core) OR Apple M3 Max (30 or 40-core)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Active (Dual fan cooling system)
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ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
★4.6
(31)•Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core i7-13650HX (Raptor Lake, 14 cores, up to 4.9 GHz)
Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
AI Engine:No (Not supported)
Cooling:ROG Intelligent Cooling (Tri-Fan technology, Liquid Metal on CPU)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
14.2"
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
16"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
120 Hz (ProMotion)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
165 Hz (G-SYNC supported)Winner
Performance2 specs
RAMKey
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
18 GB (M3 Pro) / 36 GB (M3 Max) Unified MemoryWinner
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
Storage
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
512 GB or 1 TB SSD
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
72.4 Wh (Lithium-polymer)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
90 Wh (4-cell Li-ion)
Design1 specs
Weight
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
1,610 g (M3 Pro) / 1,620 g (M3 Max) (3.55 - 3.57 lbs)Winner
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
2,500 g (5.51 lbs)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
macOS (Sonoma or later)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Windows 11 Home
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch vs ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
★4.9(3,372)Best Buy
ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
★4.6(31)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch | ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(3,372)Best Buy | ★4.6(31)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 Pro (11 or 12-core) OR Apple M3 Max (14 or 16-core) | Intel Core i7-13650HX (Raptor Lake, 14 cores, up to 4.9 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 Pro (14 or 18-core) OR Apple M3 Max (30 or 40-core) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Active (Dual fan cooling system) | ROG Intelligent Cooling (Tri-Fan technology, Liquid Metal on CPU) |
RAM | 18 GB (M3 Pro) / 36 GB (M3 Max) Unified Memory | 16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture; configurable up to 128GB at purchase) | Yes (2x SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB officially) |
Storage | 512 GB or 1 TB SSD | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered; configurable up to 8TB at purchase) | Yes (2x M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots) |
Display Size | 14.2" | 16" |
Resolution | 3024 x 1964 (Native) | 1920 x 1200 (FHD+) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:10 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED; 10,000+ local dimming zones) | IPS-level (Anti-glare) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz (ProMotion) | 165 Hz (G-SYNC supported) |
Brightness | 1,000 nits (Sustained XDR) / 1,600 nits (Peak HDR) / 600 nits (SDR) | 250 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3); True Tone | 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 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Charging; DisplayPort; up to 40Gb/s) | 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 | 1x HDMI 2.1 (Supports up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz) | 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 | 72.4 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 90 Wh (4-cell Li-ion) |
Charger | 70W (11-core M3 Pro) or 96W (12-core M3 Pro & M3 Max) USB-C Adapter | 280 W AC adapter |
Weight | 1,610 g (M3 Pro) / 1,620 g (M3 Max) (3.55 - 3.57 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 Pro 14-inch
Rating:★4.9(3,372)Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 Pro (11 or 12-core) OR Apple M3 Max (14 or 16-core)
Graphics:Apple M3 Pro (14 or 18-core) OR Apple M3 Max (30 or 40-core)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Active (Dual fan cooling system)
RAM:18 GB (M3 Pro) / 36 GB (M3 Max) Unified Memory
RAM Upgrade:No (Unified Memory architecture; configurable up to 128GB at purchase)
Storage:512 GB or 1 TB SSD
Storage Upgrade:No (Soldered; configurable up to 8TB at purchase)
Display Size:14.2"
Resolution:3024 x 1964 (Native)
Aspect Ratio:16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch)
Screen Type:Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED; 10,000+ local dimming zones)
Refresh Rate:120 Hz (ProMotion)
Brightness:1,000 nits (Sustained XDR) / 1,600 nits (Peak HDR) / 600 nits (SDR)
Color Gamut:Wide color (P3); True Tone
Keyboard Layout:US English (Magic Keyboard)
Keyboard Backlight:Yes (Ambient light sensor)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint reader)
Webcam:1080p FaceTime HD camera
USB Ports:3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Charging; DisplayPort; up to 40Gb/s)
Video Ports:1x HDMI 2.1 (Supports up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz)
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones)
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
Battery:72.4 Wh (Lithium-polymer)
Charger:70W (11-core M3 Pro) or 96W (12-core M3 Pro & M3 Max) USB-C Adapter
Weight:1,610 g (M3 Pro) / 1,620 g (M3 Max) (3.55 - 3.57 lbs)
Build Material:100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure
Operating System:macOS (Sonoma or later)
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading Liquid Retina XDR display with 1,600 nits peak brightness
- • M3 Max configuration rivals high-end desktop performance in a portable chassis
- • Generous port selection including HDMI 2.1, SDXC, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports
- • Excellent build quality available in the new 'Space Black' finish (reduces fingerprints)
- • Battery life remains impressive despite high performance (up to 18 hours video playback)
✗ Cons:
- • Expensive starting price with expensive upgrades for RAM and SSD
- • No user-upgradeable components (RAM and SSD are soldered)
- • The notch at the top of the display cuts into the menu bar area
- • Under maximum load, the fans can become audible (though quieter than most PC laptops)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7
Rating:★4.6(31)Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core i7-13650HX (Raptor Lake, 14 cores, up to 4.9 GHz)
Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
AI Engine:No (Not supported)
Cooling:ROG Intelligent Cooling (Tri-Fan technology, Liquid Metal on CPU)
RAM:16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
RAM Upgrade:Yes (2x SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB officially)
Storage:512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Storage Upgrade:Yes (2x M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots)
Display Size:16"
Resolution:1920 x 1200 (FHD+)
Aspect Ratio:16:10
Screen Type:IPS-level (Anti-glare)
Refresh Rate:165 Hz (G-SYNC supported)
Brightness:250 nits (Typical)
Color Gamut:100% sRGB
Keyboard Layout:US English (ANSI) with NumPad
Keyboard Backlight:Yes (4-Zone RGB)
Biometrics:No (Not supported)
Webcam:720p HD camera
USB Ports: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:1x HDMI 2.1 FRL
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
Battery:90 Wh (4-cell Li-ion)
Charger:280 W AC adapter
Weight:2,500 g (5.51 lbs)
Build Material:Aluminum (Lid) / Plastic (Chassis)
Operating System:Windows 11 Home
✓ 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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is the better buy for most people - its stunning 3024 x 1964 display crushes the ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7's 1920 x 1200 resolution.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch if: you work heavily in photography or design, need a high-resolution display for video editing, or appreciate long battery life for professional applications. (14.2" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Intel Core i7 if: you game regularly and want a high refresh rate, prefer a budget-friendly option, or need a laptop with user-upgradable RAM. (16" display, 165 Hz refresh)
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 Pro 14-inch excels if you value class-leading liquid retina xdr display with 1,600 nits peak brightness. 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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