Many Aorus models are high-end powerhouses, but Gigabyte's Aorus 16X targets the midrange gaming laptop market with the goal of winning over gamers both in terms of performance and affordability. Our test unit, the 16X ASG (starting at $1,499.99; $1,629.99 as tested), offers an array of appealing features, including a striking design with a unique logo projector—the first of its kind on a gaming laptop, albeit more of a flashy extra. Under the hood, it’s equipped with a 14th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, alongside generous memory and storage. The graphics power fuels a vibrant 16-inch display with a swift 165Hz refresh rate. While the Aorus 16X doesn’t dethrone any top-tier competitors, it offers compelling value for gamers seeking a formidable mid-range option at a fair price.

Gigabyte Aorus 16X ASG Review : Design & Build Quality

    Every time I spot an Aorus laptop with its blend of stealth bomber and supercar aesthetics, I can’t help but crack a grin. Gigabyte’s Aorus lineup often embodies this subtle yet bold design language. The anodized aluminum lid is highlighted by a glossy hawk emblem centered on it and a refined Aorus logo positioned on the top left when viewed from the back. Adding a bit of flair, Gigabyte introduces a dash of color above the rear vents through dual LEDs. But they didn’t stop there—Gigabyte cranked up the style factor with a mini projector that beams the word "Aorus" in pink light onto the surface beneath the rear hinge. It’s a first in the gaming laptop arena and precisely the kind of flashy detail I can’t get enough of.

    The rear of the laptop features a light bar that perfectly complements its sports car-inspired design. This light bar smoothly transitions between various colors, with its glow visible through the hinge area connecting the display to the keyboard. Integrated into the light bar is the “Aorus Beacon”—a mini projector that casts the word “Aorus” onto the surface just behind the laptop.

Gigabyte Aorus 16X ASG Review : Keyboard & Ports

   The Gigabyte Aorus 16X comes equipped with a traditional chiclet keyboard that offers a satisfying typing experience. The keys feel crisper and more responsive than the slightly "mushy" feel of the more budget-friendly Gigabyte G6X’s keyboard. This isn’t surprising, as Gigabyte lists the Aorus 16X’s key travel at 1.7mm, compared to the 1.5mm key travel of the G6X. Overall, the typing experience is smooth and comfortable, reflecting the higher quality expected from a more premium laptop.

    The keyboard also features three zones of customizable LED lighting, delivering a vibrant and colorful display. The WASD keys — along with Q, E, and R — have transparent keycaps, allowing the lighting to shine through and making them stand out for gamers who need quick visibility during intense gameplay.

Gigabyte Aorus 16X ASG Review : Display & Speakers

    The Gigabyte Aorus 16X sports a stunning matte display that stands out as one of its key selling points, making it worth the investment for those seeking a premium gaming experience. The 16-inch screen features a 2560×1600 resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals and smooth gameplay. It also supports HDR, including Dolby Vision, and offers impressive brightness levels—Gigabyte claims up to 400 nits, while Windows reports closer to 500 nits peak brightness when HDR is enabled. With vibrant colors, strong contrast, and excellent responsiveness, gaming on this display is truly enjoyable and elevates the overall experience.

    The Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers on the Aorus 16X perform well for built-in laptop speakers. They provide adequate volume and deliver superior sound quality compared to the speakers on the more budget-friendly Gigabyte G6X. Despite this, they are still built-in speakers and have their limitations.

Gigabyte Aorus 16X ASG Review : Graphics & Gaming Experience

    We tested the Gigabyte Aorus 16X with Metro Exodus at 1080p resolution and Extreme detail settings. The laptop achieved 50 frames per second, outperforming the Gigabyte G6X, which recorded 40 frames per second—20% slower. This performance boost highlights the advantage of the Aorus 16X’s RTX 4070 GPU compared to the RTX 4060 and RTX 4050 found in other models. However, it's important to note that while the RTX 4070 offers substantial improvements, it still falls short of the higher-end RTX 4090 found in more expensive systems.

    For evaluating gaming laptops and other mobile gaming devices, we conduct a range of benchmarks, including both synthetic and real-world tests. Synthetic benchmarks feature two DirectX 12 simulations from UL's 3DMark suite: Night Raid, which is less demanding and suitable for integrated graphics systems, and Time Spy, designed for more powerful gaming setups with discrete GPUs. We also utilize GFXBench 5, a cross-platform benchmark that assesses OpenGL performance. These GFXBench tests are performed offscreen to ensure compatibility across various native display resolutions, with higher frames per second (fps) indicating better performance.

Gigabyte Aorus 16X ASG Review : Battery Life

    The Gigabyte Aorus 16X offers commendable battery life for a gaming laptop of its size, largely due to its substantial 99 Watt-hour battery— the maximum allowed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration for air travel. On the brightness test, the 16X performed adequately, preventing it from falling to the bottom of the competitive field. Its color gamut coverage also matched that of comparable models from Lenovo and Alienware. The Aorus 16X excelled in battery longevity, achieving 7 hours and 40 minutes on our test, securing a second-place position. However, battery life will significantly decrease during gaming or other GPU-intensive activities.

    The Gigabyte Aorus 16X ASG is an exceptional choice for gamers and professionals looking for top-of-the-line performance in a portable form factor. With its premium specs, stunning display, and advanced cooling system, this laptop is built to deliver an unrivaled experience whether you’re deep in battle or creating high-quality content. For those who demand power and style, the Aorus 16X ASG stands out as a worthy investment.