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Following the overwhelming success of the Zephyrus G14 last year, Asus are updating the full-size 15-inch 2021 Zephyrus G15 on the same design and construction lines.
That means the updated 2021 Zephyrus G15 now gets a magnesium-alloy exterior with improved IO, updated inputs, updated screen options, and the latest hardware specs paired with a revamped thermal module and internal redesign.
Previously, the 2020 Zephyrus G15 struggled to match the G14 in performance, as it was based on an older product design, and that’s entirely changing this year. It still caught a lot of interest, though, as one of the very few AMD-based 15-inch ultraportables and its competitive pricing in most markets.
As far as I can tell right now, the 2021 G15 has an edge over the smaller G14 model this time around, with higher-tier displays and graphics options, and improved inputs and IO, among others, and that’s because the 2021 G14 is mostly a hardware bump to Ryzen 5000 + RTX 3000 of the previous iteration, with potentially upgraded screens, but otherwise similar to the 2020 variant.
Update: Here’s our full review of the 2021 Zephyrus G15, covering both the 3070 and 3080 models, and here’s our review of the 2021 Zephyrus G14, covering the 3050Ti and 3060 configurations. That aside, here’s also our comparison of the Zephyrus G14, G15, and M16 models in this generation.
Update: There’s also a newer Zephryus G14 available in the meantime, the 2022 G14 GA402 update, as well as updated Zephyrus G15 and M16 lineups with the latest Intel/AMD hardware and faster graphics, with a MUX. Our reviews are available here: Zephyrus G15 2022 and Zephyrus M16 2022.
2021 Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 (left) and G14 (right)
Asus chose to quietly announce these laptops and didn’t give us a lot of info, so bare with us as we’re filling up the blanks in this preview article. I did get to spend a few hours with both the 14 and 15-inch Zephyrus G 2021 models, enough to make a first idea on what to expect in terms of feel, design, and features, as well as take a couple of good pictures of the two side by side. We’re not talking performance in any way in this article, that’s coming in the future reviews, once we get our hands on the finalized products.
Here’s a quick specs sheet of the two, and we’ll further touch on some of the important aspects down below.
| 2021 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 GA503Q – review | 2021 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401Q – review | |
| Screen | 15.6 inch, 16:9, non-touch, matte, 3 panel options: QHD 165Hz 3ms response, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone validated FHD 240Hz 3ms response, 100% sRGB, Pantone validated FHD 144Hz , ~70% sRGB |
14 inch, 16:9, non-touch, matte, 3 panel options: QHD 120Hz, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone validated FHD 144Hz, 100% sRGB, Pantone validated FHD 60Hz response, ~70% sRGB |
| Processor | up to AMD Cezanne Ryzen 9 5900HS, 8C/16T | up to AMD Cezanne Ryzen 9 5900HS, 8C/16T |
| Video | Radeon Vega and Nvidia RTX 3000 Laptop Max-Q (up to 3080 80W + Dynamic Boost ) – with ActiveSync | Radeon Vega and Nvidia RTX 3000 Laptop (up to 65W 3060) – with ActiveSync |
| Memory | up to 48 GB DDR4 3200 MHz (8 or 16 GB soldered, 1x DIMM) | up to 48 GB DDR4 3200 MHz (16 GB soldered, 1x DIMM) |
| Storage | 2x M.2 PCIe x4 SSDs | 1x M.2 PCIe x4 SSD |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6 (Intel AX201) 2×2 with Bluetooth 5.1, Gigabit LAN | WiFi 6 (Intel AX201) 2×2 with Bluetooth 5.1, LAN with adapter |
| Ports | 2x USB-A 3.2, 2x USB-C gen 2 with data, DP1.4 and charging (left), HDMI 2.0b (??), LAN, micro SD card reader, headphone/mic, Kensington Lock | 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-C gen 2 with data, DP1.4 and charging (left), 1x USB-C gen 2 data-only (right), HDMI 2.0b (??), headphone/mic, Kensington Lock |
| Battery | 90 Wh, 200 W power adapter, USB-C charging up to 100W | 76 Wh, 180 W power adapter, USB-C charging up to 100W |
| Size | 355 mm or 13.97” (w) x 244 mm or 9.6 (d) x 19.9 mm or .78” (h) | 324 mm or 12.75” (w) x 222 mm or 8.74” (d) x 19.9 mm or .78” (h) |
| Weight | from 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) + charger | from 1.64 kg (3.65 lbs) without Anime Matrix display, .59 kg (1.3 lbs) power brick and cables, EU version |
| Extras | white backlit keyboard, no webcam, six speakers, finger-sensor in power button, without Anime Matrix Display | white backlit keyboard, no webcam, quad speakers, finger-sensor in power button, optional Anime Matrix Display |
The images in this article should speak clearly of how similar the two models are now in design.
Both are built from the same kind of materials, get the same boxy construction, and are available in two colors, a silver version with a silver keyboard and white lid, and a darker version with a black keyboard and dark-gray lid. Both look nice, but since I truly resent silver keyboards with white backlighting for their limited contrast, I prefer the darker colors. For illustration, I’ve picked the dark G15 and the white G14.
Asus put the optional Anime Matrix display on the lid on the G14, but not on the G15, as well as added a reflective prismatic nanofilm layer under the array of dots on both, which shines in different colors based on the angle you’re looking at it. You’ll need to watch some videos to better understand what this means, but it’s similar to the prismatic-dots effect on the 2020 Zephyrus M.
That aside, both laptops utilize a form of Ergolift, with the main chassis lifting up on rubber feet at the bottom of the screen, in order to improve the airflow underneath the laptop. Both models draw fresh air from the bottom, with unobstructed intakes over the fans, and blow it out through channeled vents under the screens and on the sides. I’d also expect fairly similar thermal modules, with two fans, 4 radiators, and a complex array of heatpipes. I haven’t got to open them up for a more in-depth look, but there should be some advantages for the larger 15-inch model, given the extra space inside.
Both laptops are about 20 mm thick, but the G15 is slightly larger, as it has to accommodate a 15.6-inch display. Still no webcam on any of these or IR, but both get finger-sensors in the power buttons. The larger format of the G15 also creates space inside for a more spacious clickpad and speakers flanking the keyboard, with now a six-speaker system in the G15, compared to the quad system in the G14. The keyboards are, however, identical on the two, and that’s good news, as the 2020 G14 is one of my favorite typers to date.
Asus also squeezed a couple of extra ports on the Zephyrus G15, which includes a LAN connector and microSD card-reader as extras. Most of the IO is placed on the left side of the G15, and that could lead to some cluttering. The two laptops ship with dedicated barrel-plug chargers, but both support USB-C charging up to 100W.
As for those screens, the Zephyrus G15 now tops at the impressive QHD panel with 165 Hz refresh, 3 ms response, and 100% DCI-P3 colors. This is most likely reserved for the higher-tier configurations, while mid and lower-tier models will ship with FHD panels of various assortments. I’d be careful of the 144 Hz panel, which could be the more washed-out version previously offered with the 2020 Zephyrus G15.
As for the G14, this also ships with either QHD or FHD panels, and I’m expecting some improved panels over the 2020 models, such as a 144 Hz FHD with faster response times. This needs to be confirmed, so take it with a lump of salt for now.
Specs and performance
Both 2021 ROG Zephyrus G models are built on AMD Cezanne Ryzen 5000 processors and mid-tier Nvidia RTX 3000 graphics. These two preview models both top at the Ryzen 9 5900HS, and I’m not sure whether the exclusive Ryzen 9 5980HS bin will also make it into these products, or remains reserved for the ROG Flow X13 Supernova edition. Update: it’s only available on the Flow X13, for now
For the GPU, Asus offers three options for the Zephyrus G15: 3060 (GA503Q), 3070 (GA503QR), and 3080 (GA503QS), all Max-Q. The 14-inch model only gets previous-gen GTX 1650 50W chips on the lower model, an RTX 3060 65W Max-Q (GA401Q) on the mainstream configurations.
The CPU and GPU are paired with SSD storage, and I’m expecting 2x slots on the G15, as well as DDR4 3200 MHz memory, with most likely 16 GB soldered and one expandable DIMM on both, as well as 76 Wh batteries. Again, these specs aren’t entirely confirmed.
Much like the other 2021 ROG laptops, Asus applied liquid metal on the AMD CPUs on these Zephyrus models, which should help with thermals. The official literature also mentions the updated Arc Flow fans on the G15, with improved airflow, as well as updated Performance/Noise settings in Armoury Crate, including the 0db Technology meant to completely shut off both fans with casual use on the Silent profile.
At this point, I can’t tell whether the Arc Flow fans have also been implemented in the G14, but they probably have not.
Some early thoughts
I’m glad Asus finally updated the G15. I knew it was coming, they generally use the same design for two years, and the previous model was based on the 2019 design.
Aside from the change in aesthetics and screens, the Zephyrus G15 now integrates higher-specced hardware and an updated thermal module with unobstructed airflow, which will hopefully keep that at bay inside the compact form-factor. At last, this is finally a proper alternative for the Intel-based Zephyrus products, and even outmatches them, especially now with Intel’s Tiger Lake H hardware late to the party and not available for a few months.
On the other hand, I do expect the 2021 Zephyrus G15 to lose the affordable pricing that made the previous generation attractive, with all these updates.
As for the 2021 Zephyrus G14, this won’t attract as much attention this year, with the G15 taking the prime time. It still gets the updated hardware and screens, and I’m curious whether the liquid metal and other thermal tweaks will help with the high temperatures in sustained loads, somewhat of an issue with the previous generation that required limiting the CPU for a friendlier gaming experience and improved reliability. I’d also expect some of the potential G14 customers to migrate to the smaller ROG Flow X13 when looking for a portable performance laptop.
Nonetheless, we should have our reviews for these Zephyrus Gs up in the next couple of weeks, so stay close. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you think about these updated ROG Zephyrus G14 and G15 2021 models, so please get in touch in the comments section below.
Update: Here’s our full review of the 2021 Zephyrus G15, covering both the 3070 and 3080 models.
Miguel
February 4, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Quería aprovechar su conocimiento, iba a comprar el rog 14 (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401IV-HE133T AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS/32GB/1TB SSD/RTX 2060/14") pero por la gráfica no acabo de decirme y estoy a punto de adquirir este modelo: asus rog zephyrus m15 gu502lw-az056t . El precio actual es España es 1699 euros para ambos. Debería esperar un mes a la renovación de modelos. Además, quiero preguntarle, el modelo 14 habla de una gran duración de batería, en torno a 8 o 9 horas, cuánto dura la batería en los 15, aunque sea actuales. Muchas gracias de antemano
Andrei Girbea
February 4, 2021 at 5:53 pm
English?
Miguel
February 4, 2021 at 6:58 pm
Sorry, i am using the Google translator and i dident realize. I wanted to take advantage of his knowledge, I was going to buy the rog 14 (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401IV-HE133T AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS / 32GB / 1TB SSD / RTX 2060/14 ") but because of the graphics 2060 i dident decide and I am about to acquire this model: asus rog zephyrus m15 gu502lw-az056t. The current price is Spain is 1699 euros for both. IN YOUR OPINION (SORRY Y NEED USE UPERKEYS, THE CORRECTOR..) I should wait a month for the renewal of models? Also, I want to ask you, the model 14 speaks of a great battery life, around 8 or 9 hours,BUT, how long the battery lasts in the 15, even if it is current. Thank you very much in advance. AMD SORRY ABOUT MY POOR ENGLISH AND THE UPERKEYS.
Andrei Girbea
February 4, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Mi Miguel. No worries.
You didn't mention what you need the laptop for. If it's primarily gaming, then the M15 is what I'd get over the Zephyrus G14, but if it also work that could benefit from the powerful AMD processor, then the G14 is a good option as well. Just make sure you understand that the RTX 2060 in the G14 is slower than the 2060 (and even the 1660Ti) in the Zephyrus m15.
As for whether you should wait for the new products, check out if they would be within your budget. I'd reckon these 2020 model should be discounted by now.
Miguel
February 4, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Firt, really thanks.
Y need my laptop for work, but y like spend time playing games. Its very important for my that my laptop have at least 5 real hours of battery using internet, word, analitycs, facebook, youtube…
1.Im sure that the G14 have this battery, but ¿G15?
2.Its better AMD processor than Intel, for the battery?
¡Saludos! from Spain
Andrei Girbea
February 4, 2021 at 8:20 pm
The M15 that I've reviewed came with the 4K screen, and only lasted for 2-4 hours of daily use on a charge. You'll probably reach towards 5 hours with the FHD screen, but overall the AMD platform is more efficient and will last longer. Both the G14 and M15 get the same 76 Wh battery.
Miguel
February 4, 2021 at 8:27 pm
Thanks very much
Monesh
February 6, 2021 at 2:42 pm
Hey Andrei,
Hope you're doing well.
Does this laptop have switchable graphics or a mux switch which will allow me to directly use the dGPU?
Stuart Middleton
February 8, 2021 at 2:54 pm
I'll be taking delivery of the 5900HS, 32GB, RTX 3080 G15 in white in 7 days (February 15th). I cancelled my pre-order of the 5800HS, 16GB, RTX 3070 version as it wasnt available until March 15th (here in the UK).
I'm surprised that there hasn't been more reviews, especially as the laptop will be released in a matter of days (I've only seen two reviews).
I really didn't want the laptop in "Moonlight White", but its the only option at the moment.
Andrei Girbea
February 15, 2021 at 11:11 am
Looking forward to your feedback. You're getting it before I do over here, still waiting for the review unit to arrive, but it's been delayed due to shipping issues.
IAmPoor
February 12, 2021 at 5:26 am
The monitor is not directly connected to the screen, the HDMI is also connected to the iGPU.
Only the type(display port 1.4) is connected to the dGPU.
Hckygoalie31
February 12, 2021 at 4:25 pm
Some models have 8GB of RAM soldered and another 8 populated in the free memory slot. The gray best buy model follows this design (GA503QR-211.ZG15) which is disappointing but not the end of the world. You can switch between iGPU and dGPU in the Armoury crate software that comes loaded on the G15. It also has single-zone RGB on the keyboard.
Ben Crayfourd
February 16, 2021 at 3:55 pm
Hi Stuart,
Have you got your Zephyrus yet? I've been waiting on my Strix Scar 15 for over a week now – it was due then but because of shipping issues as Andrei mentions, the Strix Scar 15s are not due until late Feb
Stuart
February 16, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Hi Ben, my G15 arrived from Scan this morning at 11am. Overclockers were due to have them in last week but thats been delayed until the end of this week. I was expecting mine to be delayed too, but credit to Scan, they received a shipment of G15s yesterday morning and just over 24 hours later it was delivered.
I was actually going to get the Scar 15 with the QHD screen and 16GB 3080, but I just couldnt wait until the middle of next month for stock.
Andrei Girbea
February 16, 2021 at 4:22 pm
Glad to hear you got the G15, looking for your impressions :) I'm still waiting for mine, it was initially scheduled for last week and now there's a slim chance it might arrive tomorrow.
Stuart
February 16, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Hi Andrei, I won't go into benchmarks as I'll leave that to your review. But I'm really impressed with it so far. It looks and feels like a premium device. I'm not a fan of the white chassis – it looks very Apple to me, I'd have preferred the eclipse grey version but that isnt available yet in the UK.
Given the size and thickness of the laptop, I'm pleasantly surprised with the temps and noise.
As I don't have a separate desktop rig anymore, this laptop has to be my daily driver aswell as a gaming machine. For that purpose, its pretty much perfect.
Andrei Girbea
February 16, 2021 at 5:14 pm
Thanks, I'm glad you like it!
Andrei Girbea
March 8, 2021 at 3:07 pm
For those still following, our full review of the 3070 and 3080 G15 models is available here: https://www.ultrabookreview.com/45159-asus-zephyrus-g15-ga503-review/ . Sry for the delay, this test took a lot of time.