In the dynamic world of laptops, two devices have emerged as front-runners in 2025, each catering to distinct user needs and preferences. The Apple MacBook Air M4 and the Asus ROG Strix G16 represent two ends of the computing spectrum: one is a sleek productivity powerhouse, the other a beast built for gaming and performance. Whether you’re a student, professional, or gamer, choosing between these two trending machines requires a deep dive into their design, performance, display, battery life, and overall value.
Let’s explore how these two laptops stack up against each other.
Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air M4 continues Apple’s legacy of minimalist elegance. Crafted from recycled aluminum, it’s incredibly thin at just 11.5mm and weighs under 1.3kg. The unibody design feels premium, and the laptop is available in four colors including Midnight and Starlight. Its fanless architecture ensures silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments like classrooms and offices.
In contrast, the Asus ROG Strix G16 is unapologetically bold. With angular lines, RGB lighting, and a robust chassis, it screams gaming. It’s heavier at around 2.5kg and thicker, but that’s the trade-off for housing powerful internals and advanced cooling systems. The build quality is solid, and the laptop feels durable enough to withstand intense gaming sessions and travel.
Verdict: MacBook Air M4 wins on portability and aesthetics, while the ROG Strix G16 dominates in ruggedness and gamer appeal.
Display Technology
Apple equips the MacBook Air M4 with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, boasting a resolution of 2560×1664. The panel supports True Tone, P3 wide color gamut, and reaches up to 500 nits of brightness. It’s perfect for content creators, students, and professionals who value color accuracy and crisp visuals.
The ROG Strix G16 counters with a 16-inch Full HD+ IPS display featuring a 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. It’s designed for gamers who demand fluid motion and minimal latency. The anti-glare coating and adaptive sync support enhance the gaming experience, especially in fast-paced titles.
Verdict: MacBook Air M4 excels in color fidelity and sharpness, while the ROG Strix G16 is built for speed and responsiveness.
Performance and Internals
At the heart of the MacBook Air M4 is Apple’s latest M4 chip, built on a 3nm architecture. It features an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, delivering impressive performance for everyday tasks, creative workflows, and even light video editing. The unified memory architecture allows seamless multitasking, and the SSD options range from 256GB to 2TB.
The Asus ROG Strix G16 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen 9 7945HX processor paired with NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 GPU. This combination is a dream for gamers and creators alike. With up to 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, it handles AAA games, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking with ease.
Verdict: MacBook Air M4 is optimized for efficiency and smooth performance, while the ROG Strix G16 is a raw powerhouse for demanding users.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Apple’s Magic Keyboard on the MacBook Air M4 offers a comfortable typing experience with well-spaced keys and a responsive feel. The Force Touch trackpad remains one of the best in the industry, offering precise control and multi-touch gestures.
The ROG Strix G16 features a full-sized keyboard with per-key RGB lighting and dedicated hotkeys for volume, performance modes, and more. The key travel is deeper, which gamers and typists may prefer. The trackpad is large and responsive, though not as refined as Apple’s.
Verdict: MacBook Air M4 leads in trackpad precision and minimalist design, while the ROG Strix G16 offers a more tactile and customizable keyboard.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the MacBook Air M4’s strongest suits. Thanks to the efficiency of the M4 chip, users can expect up to 18 hours of web browsing or video playback. It charges via MagSafe and supports fast charging through USB-C.
The ROG Strix G16, with its high-performance components, offers around 6 to 8 hours of mixed usage. Gaming will drain the battery faster, but it supports 100W USB-C charging and comes with a 280W adapter for full-speed performance.
Verdict: MacBook Air M4 is the clear winner for battery longevity and portability, while the ROG Strix G16 prioritizes power over endurance.
Ports and Connectivity
Apple’s MacBook Air M4 includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. While minimal, it supports external displays and high-speed data transfer. Users may need dongles for additional connectivity.
The ROG Strix G16 is generous with ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. It’s built for users who need multiple peripherals, external monitors, and fast networking.
Verdict: ROG Strix G16 offers superior connectivity, while the MacBook Air M4 keeps things sleek and minimal.
Software and Ecosystem
MacBook Air M4 runs macOS Sequoia, offering seamless integration with other Apple devices. Features like Universal Control, AirDrop, and iCloud make it ideal for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem. The OS is stable, secure, and optimized for the hardware.
The ROG Strix G16 runs Windows 11 with ROG Armoury Crate for performance tuning and customization. It supports a wide range of software and games, and is compatible with most peripherals and accessories.
Verdict: MacBook Air M4 is perfect for Apple users, while the ROG Strix G16 offers flexibility and customization for Windows enthusiasts.
Price and Value
The MacBook Air M4 starts at ₹93,990 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. It’s a premium ultrabook with excellent build quality and long-term software support.
The ROG Strix G16 starts at ₹1,69,990 for the Ryzen 9 and RTX 4070 configuration. While more expensive, it delivers unmatched gaming and creative performance.
Verdict: MacBook Air M4 offers great value for students and professionals, while the ROG Strix G16 is worth the investment for gamers and creators.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Apple MacBook Air M4 and the Asus ROG Strix G16 depends entirely on your needs. If you prioritize portability, battery life, and a refined user experience, the MacBook Air M4 is a stellar choice. It’s ideal for students, writers, designers, and anyone who values simplicity and elegance.
On the other hand, if you crave raw power, immersive gaming, and extensive customization, the ROG Strix G16 is your go-to machine. It’s built for those who push their hardware to the limits and need a laptop that can keep up.
Both laptops are leaders in their categories and represent the best of what 2025 has to offer. Whether you lean toward Apple’s polished ecosystem or Asus’s performance-driven design, you’re guaranteed a top-tier experience.
