Asus has unveiled its updated ROG Strix Scar lineup for 2025, featuring the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series laptop GPUs and Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. The new laptops boast a striking design that not only enhances aesthetics but also improves functionality, allowing for easier RAM and storage upgrades. Asus has enhanced the cooling system, which is now quieter compared to previous models.
A notable feature of the new lineup is the AniMe Vision display on the lid, which first garnered attention with the Zephyrus series.
The entry-level variant, equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, comes with a price tag of Rs. 3,79,990, while the high-end model with the RTX 5090 GPU will cost Rs. 4,24,990. Both versions are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 275HX CPU.
This pricing raises the question: is it worth the investment? Continue reading for an in-depth look.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 Design: Enhanced and Eye-Catching
- Dimensions – 354 x 268 x 22.8mm
- Weight – 2.80kg
- Colors – Off Black
The 2025 ROG Strix Scar 16 features a fresh design compared to its predecessor, incorporating a new lid, lower panel, and improved RGB lighting. The lid includes 8,353 precision-milled holes for the AniMe Vision display, which utilizes 810 LEDs to create animations in a dot-matrix style. Additionally, the lid showcases an RGB ROG logo accompanied by the phrase “For Those Who Dare”.
The lid sports 8,353 precision-milled holes, enhanced by 810 LED lights for the AniMe Vision display
The edges of the laptop are now more chamfered and smooth, providing a premium feel. Unlike the angular edges of the prior model, the 2025 version features rounded corners, giving it a sleeker appearance. A full 360 RGB strip runs along the bottom of the laptop, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
The laptop features a wrap-around 360-degree RGB light bar at the bottom
On the left side, users will find a proprietary AC input port, a 2.5G Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, dual Thunderbolt 5 ports, a hybrid 3.5mm jack, and a USB 3.2 Type-A port. The right side accommodates two USB 3.2 Type-A connectors.
The laptop provides a wide array of ports, though it does not include an SD card slot
Exhaust ports are positioned at the back, with intake vents located along the bottom and sides. A new rear cover design allows for tool-less removal via a latch system, and a Q-latch feature makes it easy to upgrade storage.
The revamped rear cover is easily removable without tools
Constructed from magnesium alloy and plastic, the ROG Strix Scar 16 exhibits premium build quality, with both the lid and keyboard area showing minimal flex. Weighing in at 2.8 kg, this laptop is better suited as a stationary machine rather than a portable one.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 Display: Exceptional Mini LED Quality
- Size and type – 16-inch Mini LED HDR panel, 3ms Response time
- Resolution – 2.5K (2560×1600) WQXGA, 16:10 aspect ratio
- Refresh rate – 240Hz
Upon opening the lid, which can be easily done with one hand, users are greeted by a stunning anti-glare Mini LED panel. Dubbed the ROG Nebula HDR display, it features over 2,000 dimming zones, a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, and 100 percent DCI-P3 coverage. With support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and Nvidia G-Sync, the 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms GTG response time make this display ideal for gaming and content consumption.
The Mini LED display is compatible with HDR and Dolby Vision
The Mini LED display excels with deep blacks and vibrant colors, achieving impressive brightness levels, particularly when HDR is enabled. Its anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, while the display features slim bezels on the sides, along with thicker bezels on the top and bottom.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 Keyboard, Touchpad, Audio, and Webcam
- Keyboard – Backlit with per-key RGB, Copilot key
- Touchpad – Multi-touch with NumberPad
- Speakers – Quad drivers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res certification, Smart Amplifier technology
- Webcam – 1080p IR camera with Windows Hello support
The ROG Strix Scar 16 features a full-size keyboard with dedicated media controls and customizable keys. The keyboard supports per-key RGB lighting and includes a Copilot key for quick access to functionalities. Key travel and feedback are impressive, with Asus claiming the switches can withstand over 20 million presses.
The keyboard features customizable hotkeys and per-key RGB lighting
I found the touchpad on this laptop to be quite impressive. It is spacious, supports multi-touch, and features good palm rejection and feedback, along with a glass surface for smooth gliding. Additionally, it incorporates a digital number pad activated simply by tapping the Num LK switch positioned at the top left corner of the touchpad.
The touchpad is enlarged by 36 percent compared to its predecessor
The laptop is fitted with four audio drivers, comprising two tweeters and two woofers, delivering sufficiently loud sound for indoor use, augmented with decent bass. The audio system benefits from Dolby Atmos, virtual surround sound, and Smart Amp technology capabilities. Additionally, the headphone jack supports Hi-Res Audio output.
The laptop includes Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation technology
The 1080p IR web camera supports Windows Hello, providing good performance in well-lit conditions, although it struggles in low-light environments where noise and softness can become apparent. Users should ensure adequate lighting for video calls, while Windows Hello operates securely and swiftly.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 Software: Standard Windows Interface
- OS – Windows 11 Home
- Additional tools – Aura Sync, Armoury Crate, Copilot
The laptop comes preinstalled with Windows 11 Home and Microsoft Office Home 2024. It also features Microsoft Copilot for efficient query handling and other tasks.
Armoury Crate allows users to manage various settings on the laptop
Several additional Asus applications enhance functionality, including Armoury Crate, which enables customization of RGB lighting across the keyboard, ROG logo, and the 360 light strip, along with access to the AniMe Vision display for animation selection. Armoury Crate allows users to switch among five performance modes and manage scenario profiles and macros.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 Performance: Exceeding Expectations
- Processor – Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- RAM – Up to 64GB DDR5-5600
- Storage – Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe 4.0
- GPU – Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
Powered by the high-performance Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, our review model included the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU with 16GB GDDR7 VRAM, complemented by 32GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD. The laptop also accommodates dual RAM and SSD slots for future upgrades.
The ROG Strix Scar 16 can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU
While the hardware is impressive overall, the choice of storage may seem outdated; it features a PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD, despite the laptop’s compatibility with PCIe 5.0. Although most users may not perceive significant differences in real-world usage, the laptop’s performance in synthetic benchmarks falls short compared to others, like the HP Omen Max 16, which includes a PCIe 5.0 drive. The following benchmark results illustrate this disparity:
| Benchmark | Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 | HP Omen Max 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Single | 2,183 | 1,275 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 32,895 | 30,974 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,015 | 2,948 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,335 | 18,373 |
| PC Mark 10 | 8,429 | 8,436 |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad | 4,689 | 5,171 |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 17,652 | 21,129 |
| 3DMark Speed Way | 5,110 | 5,818 |
Benchmarks show the laptop performs admirably, particularly in Turbo mode, which delivers a total power output of 230W. For even greater performance, a Manual mode can be utilized, yielding 255W wattage. The GPU operates at a TGP of 175W while the CPU can reach up to 80W TDP. The advanced cooling system features a larger vapor chamber, three fans, liquid metal thermal paste, and a unique heatsink design that helps maintain lower temperatures by 15 degrees Celsius.
Gaming experiences on this laptop are seamless, handling demanding AAA titles at high frame rates with ease. With the repositioning of exhaust vents to the rear, the keyboard area remains cool during extended gaming sessions. To test performance, I played titles like CyberPunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and The Last of Us Part 1. The integration of the new RTX 50 series GPU allows for advanced DLSS 4.0 AI frame generation.
Hogwarts Legacy runs smoothly on the ROG Strix Scar 16 with Ultra graphics settings
In CyberPunk 2077, using high texture quality and 2K resolution without DLSS 4.0, I achieved frame rates of 45-50 fps. Enabling DLSS provided frame rates around 75-80 fps. Hogwarts Legacy performed well at approximately 120 fps with DLSS active at Ultra settings, dropping to 80-90 fps without it. Similarly, The Last of Us Part 1 averaged 85-100 fps with all settings maxed out. The ROG Strix Scar 16 is capable of handling AAA gaming, 4K video editing, and a variety of creative tasks without struggle. The improvements in the cooling system are also noteworthy.
Wireless connectivity is robust, featuring triple-band Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring reliable performance without disconnections.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 Battery: Average Performance
- Battery Capacity – 90Whr
- Charging – 380W AC adapter
The laptop is equipped with a 90Whr battery, equivalent to that of its predecessor. Battery life may not be a priority for users of a powerful gaming machine. During gaming sessions in Turbo mode, I experienced about 1-2 hours of battery life with brightness at 50 percent. Normal usage yielded around 4 hours with the integrated GPU.
The laptop features triple fans internally
Charging is managed by a sizable 380W adapter, although it also supports charging via the USB Type-C port, which can handle up to 100W PD. Utilizing the 380W adapter, charging from 20 to 60 percent took approximately 30 minutes, while a full charge required about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 Verdict
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 stands out for its exceptional performance, effective cooling system, and vibrant Mini LED display, making it an attractive option for gamers if budget allows. The laptop also features a responsive keyboard and a roomy touchpad, alongside a user-friendly tool-less rear panel for maintenance. The only minor critique is the outdated PCIe Gen 4 storage, especially when the system is compatible with Gen 5 SSDs.
Effectively, the ROG Strix Scar 16 serves as a powerful alternative to a gaming desktop while offering some level of portability. While desktops provide superior upgradeability, this laptop presents unique features like the AniMe Vision display. Overall, the investment appears justified for those in the gaming market.
