Asus has refreshed its ROG Zephyrus lineup for 2026, and on paper at least, the new Zephyrus G14 and G16 look like serious contenders for the best gaming laptops of the year.
With next-generation Intel and AMD processors, NVIDIA’s RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs and brighter OLED displays than ever before, these machines continue to blur the line between ultraportable productivity laptops and high-end gaming rigs.
Despite the performance jump, Asus hasn’t strayed from the design philosophy that made the Zephyrus range so popular. Both models retain their CNC-milled aluminium chassis, delivering a premium, understated look that fits just as easily into a studio or office as it does a LAN party.
Performance is the headline upgrade. The new Zephyrus G14 and G16 are available with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, offering up to 50 TOPS of NPU performance for local AI workloads, alongside options for next-gen AMD Ryzen AI processors on the G14.
On the graphics side, Asus is pushing hard into next-gen gaming, with the G14 configurable up to an RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, while the larger G16 tops out at the formidable RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. Built on NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, these GPUs support features like DLSS 4 and Frame Generation, setting expectations high for both gaming and content creation.
Thermals have also been reworked to match the power bump. Asus says its updated ROG Intelligent Cooling system features improved ventilation and redesigned exhausts, aiming to keep noise down while maintaining performance under sustained loads — an area where thin gaming laptops often struggle.
Portability remains a core strength. The Zephyrus G14 starts at just 1.5kg, making it one of the lightest serious gaming laptops around, while the G16 stays impressively manageable at just under 2kg. New Platinum White and Eclipse Grey finishes return, joined by an upgraded Slash Lighting array on the lid, now expanded from 7 to 35 zones for more detailed custom animations.
Connectivity is predictably comprehensive. Both laptops include dual USB-C ports with DisplayPort and 100W charging, with USB4 on AMD models and Thunderbolt 4 on Intel versions, alongside HDMI 2.1, USB-A ports and SD or microSD card readers. With Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 onboard, the Zephyrus models are clearly pitched at creators and professionals who need a powerful but mobile setup.
Displays are another standout. Many configurations now feature the ROG Nebula HDR OLED panel, boasting up to 1100 nits peak brightness, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. The G14’s 3K 120Hz panel and the G16’s 2.5K 240Hz option both offer a lightning-fast 0.2ms response time, making them equally suited to colour-critical work and competitive gaming.
Rounded out with a six-speaker audio system, ambient light sensor and a smoother easylift hinge, the 2026 Zephyrus G14 and G16 feel like refined, confident updates rather than radical redesigns.
Pricing and exact configurations are still to be confirmed, but if ASUS can keep costs in check, the new Zephyrus lineup could set the benchmark for what a premium gaming laptop looks like in 2026.
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