The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is the ideal choice for graphic designers who require robust power, precise color accuracy, and sustained performance. The GIGABYTE AERO X16 is a lighter and more affordable option that still works well with Adobe apps. If you want the highest speed and a professional display, pick the ASUS. If you prefer value and portability, go for the GIGABYTE.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025)
This laptop is designed for designers who want the best.
The 16-inch Nebula HDR screen has a resolution of 2.5K and a refresh rate of 240Hz. Colors appear sharp, bright, and true.
Inside, it features an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and RTX 5080 graphics. Heavy tasks like 3D rendering and managing multi-layer files run smoothly. With 32GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM and a 1TB Gen 4 SSD, speed is never an issue.
Cooling is effective thanks to a vapor chamber and tri-fan setup. Even under heavy use, it remains cool and steady.
Weighing 6 pounds, it is not lightweight. However, if you need power for Adobe, Blender, or 4K editing, this is a top choice.
Why the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) is Good for Designers
CPU – Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (24 cores, up to 5.4GHz)
The processor here is seriously powerful—5.4GHz on single-core means Photoshop brushes and Illustrator effects respond instantly, with no stutter. With 24 cores, you can run Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and various browser tabs simultaneously without choking the system. The integrated AI acceleration in these Intel Ultra chips directly supports advanced Adobe features like Generative Fill, Content-Aware Fill, and AI scaling, so those workflows are noticeably faster and more efficient.
GPU – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 (16GB VRAM, Blackwell architecture)
Adobe’s suite leans hard on GPU acceleration. The RTX 5080 can handle AI filters, 3D effects, and large canvas navigation in Photoshop, and GPU Preview in Illustrator seriously speeds up working with complex vectors. After Effects benefits from faster rendering and real-time previews. The 16GB VRAM is ideal for large files or multi-layered compositions, and with NVIDIA Studio Drivers, you’re getting optimized stability and speed for pro-level creative work.
Display – 16” 2.5K Nebula HDR (2560×1600, 240Hz, anti-glare ACR film)
The 2560×1600 (16:10) panel provides extra real estate for toolbars and vertical layouts, which is practical for Illustrator and Photoshop. Nebula HDR tech with anti-glare delivers solid contrast and color accuracy—critical for print or digital work. The 240Hz refresh rate, while not essential for design, makes navigation and zooming through visual assets extremely smooth. These displays also typically cover 100% sRGB and high DCI-P3, so you’re good for color-accurate projects.
GIGABYTE AERO X16 (Budget Option)
This laptop offers a good balance of cost and performance.
The 16-inch WQXGA display runs at 165Hz and covers 100% sRGB. Bright and sharp colors make it suitable for creative tasks.
Powered by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and RTX 5070, it handles tasks such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and light 3D jobs effectively. With 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB Gen 4 SSD, multitasking stays smooth.
It is slim at just 16.75mm and weighs 4.1 pounds, making it much easier to carry than the ASUS.
If you’re looking for strong performance and a sharp display at a lower price, this is a great choice.
Why the GIGABYTE AERO X16 is Good for Designers
CPU – AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 cores, up to 5.1GHz)
Photoshop and Illustrator both leverage high single-core clock speeds for tasks like brushwork, filters, and quick rendering. With a 5.1GHz boost, you’re getting the kind of responsiveness that keeps workflows efficient. The 12-core setup comes into play when exporting heavy files or running multiple creative apps at once, so you’re not bottlenecked when things get intense. Plus, the integrated Ryzen AI engine supports the latest AI-powered tools in Adobe apps—think Generative Fill and upscaling—without tanking performance when multitasking.
GPU – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 (8GB GDDR7)
This GPU brings real-time acceleration to the table. Applications like Photoshop and Illustrator tap into GPU resources for smooth navigation, AI-enhanced filters, 3D rendering, and vector previews. If you’re working in After Effects or Premiere Pro, hardware-accelerated playback and rendering are a given. And the NVIDIA Studio Drivers? They’re optimized for creative workloads, so you get both stability and speed without the usual headaches.
Display – 16” 2.5K WQXGA (2560×1600), 100% sRGB, 400 nits
Designers need accuracy and workspace. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives you more vertical room for toolbars and large artboards. 100% sRGB coverage is crucial for consistent color reproduction, whether you’re working on web design or branding. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 3ms response, you get fluid movement when zooming or scrolling through detailed projects. 400 nits of brightness ensure visibility, even under strong lighting.