I FINALLY got my hands on my most anticipated gaming laptop of 2025 — and it’s a 14-inch monster

by

Over the past couple of years, numerous laptops have adorned my workspace, many of which eventually blend into the background as I shift towards fresher and more captivating devices. However, there are certain machines that left an indelible mark on my memory, and now, the successor to one such laptop has made its long-awaited arrival.

In my recent analysis of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024), I confidently declared it as the “unrivaled best 14-inch gaming laptop“. My conviction in this statement remains unshaken. As ASUS has introduced updates to the Zephyrus G14 for 2025, incorporating new AMD and NVIDIA components, an intriguing choice was made during the process.

For several months, I’ve been eagerly anticipating it, and now, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) has arrived at my workspace. However, with the recent evaluation of the revamped Razer Blade 14 (2025), which garnered accolades on numerous aspects, I wonder if the Zephyrus can maintain its reign as the best choice.

Before sharing my comprehensive, detailed evaluation, let me express some preliminary impressions about the highly anticipated Zephyrus G14 laptop for this year.

What’s new with the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14?

In 2024, ASUS revamped the Zephyrus G14 laptop, a move I highlighted in my initial review. Notably, ASUS focused on achieving a more harmonious blend of performance and mobility, a choice I wholeheartedly endorsed.

In 2025, it’s no surprise that ASUS is sticking with the same design they wowed us with last year, and I must say, my admiration for it hasn’t waned a bit after 12 months. Interestingly, however, ASUS has opted for a distinctive dual strategy for the Zephyrus G14 this year.

There are actually two versions of the new Zephyrus G14, depending on what’s important to you.

I’ve just noticed an exciting update to the ASUS Zephyrus G14 – it now boasts the newest AMD Ryzen AI and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series hardware. This upgrade not only enhances overall performance but also boosts efficiency and AI capabilities, all at once. In essence, the revamped Zephyrus G14 has transformed into a powerful Copilot+ PC, leveraging all the cutting-edge AI PC features available today.

While the premium configurations offer enhanced specifications, they do come with their own set of compromises. There exists another variant of the Zephyrus G14, sporting the same design, features, and 2.8K/120Hz OLED screen. However, it’s important to note that this laptop is not an exact replica of the high-end model.

If you’re aiming for the top-tier “2025” update for the ASUS Zephyrus G14, be prepared for a slightly bulkier laptop design. Unlike Razer’s new Blade 14/16 laptops, which opted for slimmer designs, ASUS chose to accommodate more potent (and consequently hotter) discrete GPUs in the Zephyrus G14 by making it thicker rather than thinner.

In comparison, the Zephyrus G14 from last year was approximately 16 millimeters thick. However, the upcoming 2025 model may be slightly thicker in certain areas by about 2 millimeters. Yet, surprisingly, this updated version can accommodate an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, which is quite remarkable given its 14-inch size.

If you’re interested in recreating last year’s design, it’s definitely an option! However, please note that the entry-level Zephyrus G14 is not a Copilot+ PC. Instead, it utilizes the less common AMD Ryzen 9 270 and can be equipped with a GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. Compared to a more powerful system, this one is slightly less potent and offers reduced future-proofing. Yet, some users might appreciate its slimmer design.

It’s a unique approach, but now there’s a Zephyrus G14 for both sides.

What’s it like to unbox the new Zephyrus G14?

Opening the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) follows very similar steps as last year’s model. Upon arrival, you will find the familiar, large ROG package containing a smaller inner box and a separate one for the unique 200W charger.

Despite minimal plastic and odd hindrances, there’s nothing to complain about when reaching the laptop. However, upon seeing it, I couldn’t help but wonder if ASUS had made the Zephyrus G14 thicker, despite not having held last year’s model for approximately six months.

As a tech-savvy individual, my gut feeling was on point – the latest Zephyrus G14 sports a beefier build, and for a good reason: it’s designed to handle the heat generated by its more potent GPU options. However, whether ASUS hit the bullseye with this design choice remains to be seen; I’ll delve deeper in my comprehensive review.

How does the Zephyrus G14 compare to the Razer Blade 14?

In our conversation about whether an ordinary user should invest in the 2025 model of the high-end Razer Blade 14, I frequently brought up the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 as a strong alternative to consider.

To put it simply, the Zephyrus G14 goes head-to-head with the Blade 14, often offering lower prices, even though at a quick look, it might seem that it sacrifices construction durability to some extent.

Despite the Blade 14 offering a closer competition in terms of pricing, I find myself needing additional time to determine whether the method adopted by ASUS is ultimately superior when compared to the ROG Zephyrus G14.

After spending some quality time with both versions of these devices from 2025, let me share my insights: How does the newly revamped ROG Zephyrus G14 stack up against the redesigned Razer Blade 14? The story is quite similar, but there’s a surprising turn.

In their newest Blade 14 model, Razer has matched ASUS in slimness and weight, showcasing an impressive (yet pricier) laptop. Conversely, ASUS unveiled a slightly thicker (but still lighter) device that boasts a higher potential for performance.

While Razer’s build quality remains top-notch, when it comes to value for money, the Zephyrus G14 takes the lead, be it in terms of portability or power. To definitively say whether it continues to be a budget-friendly option over Razer’s 14-inch premium model, I’ll need to spend more time with the updated Zephyrus G14 for a thorough comparison.

Should I buy the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)?

In one aspect, many elements I cherished from the 2024 ROG Zephyrus G14 have been maintained in this year’s model. Conversely, some might view the absence of changes as a sign of stagnation, particularly when considering the uncertainties surrounding the new design concepts.

Following some time with the freshly unboxed ASUS Zephyrus G14, I must say I’m quite optimistic, yet there’s a hint of uncertainty about ASUS trying to fit high-end GPUs usually found in larger 16/18-inch laptops into this compact 14-inch frame. The Zephyrus G14 is noticeably bulkier and heavier than its peers, and whether this added size improves performance remains to be seen through further testing on my part.

In the coming weeks, expect a comprehensive analysis of the 2025 model of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. So far, I’ve been really enjoying my initial experience with it. If you’re content without advanced AI features and prefer sticking to what was well-liked in the previous version, the entry-level ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) is available for $1,799.99 at Best Buy.

I’m ready to make a wager on the advanced and potent Zephyrus G14, priced at $2,499.99 at Best Buy or ASUS. If you have doubts, simply stay tuned for my comprehensive review in the upcoming weeks.

Read More

2025-06-30 12:09