2024’s iteration sits a little differently.
As I found in myreview of the previous model, I’m not a fan of this aesthetic.
This time around the effect is even messier.
Plus, theAlienware M18from 2023 is bulkier at 41 x 31.9 x 2.5cm and weighing 4.23kg.
This year that’s all changed.
Asus bucked that trend this year with a full 2,304 dimming zones in its Mini LED panel.
The result is a particularly crisp picture with super bright HDR shining through and excellent motion handling.
I was also impressed by the keyboard here.
The trackpad was a pleasant surprise.
TheAlienwareM18, for example, doubles your USB-A and Thunderbolt 4 selection compared to Asus.
And I really would recommend adding a headset to this setup.
The speakers included on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 are bafflingly poor.
This is a near $4,000 gaming laptop, and it sometimes sounds like a tablet.
I’ll mention that 720p webcam out of due diligence.
Performance
The 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 hasn’t made too many moves under the hood.
In-game benchmarks tell a similar story.
It also trounces both the Alienware M18 R1 andAsus ROG Strix Scar 16at these QHD+ resolutions as well.
However, both models lag behind the Alienware M18 R1 in this 1440p performance still.
Hitman 3 can humble a gaming laptop, especially when we get to QHD+ Ultra controls.
Numbers here are pretty close, though - with 1080p performance only slightly nudging ahead of higher resolutions.
Should you buy the 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18?
I also tested across We Happy Few and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey in that time as well.
For more information onhow we test gaming laptops, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
If you’re between brands, check out thebest Alienware laptopsor thebest Razer laptops.
