ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 2022 – Touched up for the new year

The ROG Zephyrus M16 for 2022 has not changed too much from its 2021 edition, besides accordingly updating to a 12th Gen Intel Core Processor and the newer series of RTX 30 GPUs. Proudly calling itself the world’s first gaming laptop with 4-sided, Super-Narrow Bezels, what else does this laptop have for us?

DESIGN

The Zephyrus series has typically kept to its more low profile style, and it’s the same with the latest iteration of the Zephyrus M16. The RGB elements are kept to a minimum save for the keyboard, making it more subtle and more suited for a professional environment, or simply not wanting to attract too much attention.

The lid is divided by a diagonal line, the upper part bearing the dot matrix design coated in a prismatic film for a rainbow sheen. This also allows for minute colour changes depending on which angle you’re looking at it from. The branding is discreetly on the bottom left for an overall clean design. Simplicity can truly never get old.

The whole package is 1.99cm thick, weighing in at 2.0kg. The 180 degree Ergolift hinge raises the laptop to allow for more airflow and improving cooling performance.

HARDWARE

Connectivity wise, it’s a pretty standard selection:

• 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• 1x HDMI 2.0b
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™ / power delivery
• 1x RJ45 LAN port
• 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 support DisplayPort™ / power delivery
• 1 x card reader (microSD) (UHS-II)

There’s support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, so apart from the HDMI being preferably 2.1 instead, it’s pretty satisfactory. You can have up to 2TB of PCIe 2.0 SSD storage, so just chuck everything on this one machine and it’ll be fine.

For visuals, you get a 2K 165Hz, 16:10 3ms IPS screen, with a 94% screen to body ratio. Additionally, its DCI-P3 colour range and Pantone validation, on top of ROG Nebula and Dolby Vision HDR, that’s one screen you can expect some of the most dazzling images possible. That experience is further enhanced with the 6 immersive speakers, dual noise-cancelling woofers and Dolby Atmos, allowing the Zephyrus M16’s audio performance far exceed most typical laptops.

MUX switches are finally available, while the keyboard itself is a Stealth-type with 1.7mm travel distance. The keycaps are bigger as there’s no numpad, which isn’t much of a gripe. The touchpad has increased 20% in size, with smooth controls and even better precision, definitely much appreciated.

PERFORMANCE

The previously mentioned Ergolift hinge adds to the cooling efficiency provided by the 6 heatpipes and liquid metal used for this laptop. However, Turbo mode does unfortunately make the fan go quite loud when you’re settling in for a gaming session, which is fairly typical for most gaming laptops. Fortunately, outside of that, the laptop is pretty silent. Overall, thermals are respectable.

Thanks to the 90Whr battery, non-gaming use will offer up to 6 to 7 hours of battery life. A 240W AC Adapter and 100W PD Charger are provided in the box, for options should you need to be more mobile. If necessary, the Type-C port will let you charge your laptop with a powerbank.

Numbers wise:

3D MARK:10,649

PCMARK 10: 7,293

If you somehow had any doubt of its performance due to a lighter-weight design, put those aside; this is still a definite powerhouse.

As for gaming, as powerful as it is, 2K 60 FPS isn’t guaranteed if you’ve maxed out All settings. DLSS with medium and/or high should be more than enough.

ASSASSIN’S CREED VALHALLA: 63 FPS (All Max)

GOD OF WAR: 53 FPS (All Max)

DYING LIGHT 2: ~40 FPS (All Max), ~50FPS (All Max, DLSS Performance)

SPECIFICATIONS

CLOSING THOUGHTS

You get the latest CPU and GPU in the market, a pretty good display with accompanying audio performance, good portability thanks to its lightweight design and subtle touches and MUX Switches, the Zephyrus M16 2022 edition is well suited for gamers wanting to be lower-key, and for creative works alike. The upgrades make this laptop a strong recommendation for its overall versatility.

Learn more about the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 here.

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