After analyzing verified benchmarks from NotebookCheck, Tom's Hardware, and technical.city, we can definitively say: the Lenovo Legion 5 (2025) is the better overall laptop for most users, offering superior value at $99 less. Here's why, backed by real testing data and expert reviews.
🎮 Gaming Performance: Lenovo RTX 5060 115W Wins by 18%
The Lenovo Legion 5 features NVIDIA's newest RTX 5060 GPU with GDDR7 memory and DLSS 4 Frame Generation technology. According to NotebookCheck's comprehensive review, the 115W TGP version in the Lenovo is "the fastest version of GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU" available.
RTX 5060 115W Advantages:
- 18% faster than RTX 4060: New Blackwell architecture delivers better performance per watt
- GDDR7 vs GDDR6 memory: 25% faster memory bandwidth for high-resolution textures
- DLSS 4 Frame Generation: Up to 2x FPS boost in supported games (Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Portal RTX)
- Better ray tracing: Enhanced RT cores deliver smoother ray-traced lighting
- Lower power consumption: More efficient 4nm process vs RTX 4060's 5nm
Real-World Gaming Estimates (1080p Ultra):
- Cyberpunk 2077 with Ray Tracing: Lenovo RTX 5060 ~75 FPS vs ASUS RTX 4060 ~63 FPS (19% faster)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Lenovo ~135 FPS vs ASUS 116 FPS (16% faster)
ASUS data from Tom's Hardware testing
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Lenovo ~85 FPS vs ASUS 72 FPS (18% faster)
ASUS data from Tom's Hardware
- Fortnite (Competitive settings): Both exceed 165Hz display cap, no meaningful difference
NotebookCheck's review praised the RTX 5060 115W as delivering "impressive gaming performance" and noted it as "the best mainstream gamer in 2025." The combination of newer architecture, DLSS 4, and 115W TGP (the highest available for RTX 5060) makes this GPU significantly more powerful than the standard RTX 4060 in the ASUS.
🎯 For AAA Gamers: Choose Lenovo Legion 5
If you play demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, or Star Wars Outlaws, the RTX 5060 with DLSS 4 Frame Generation delivers noticeably better performance. The next-gen GPU architecture future-proofs your investment for upcoming games.
Get Lenovo Legion 5 on Amazon →
🖥️ Display Quality: OLED Destroys IPS (Infinite Contrast Ratio)
This is where the Lenovo Legion 5 absolutely dominates. The difference between OLED and IPS technology is transformative for gaming and content consumption.
Lenovo's OLED Advantages (NotebookCheck Verified):
- Infinite contrast ratio vs 1000:1 IPS: Perfect blacks that truly look black, not gray
- 2560×1600 resolution vs 1920×1200: 67% more pixels (4.1MP vs 2.3MP) - dramatically sharper text and images
- 100% DCI-P3 color gamut: Vibrant, accurate colors for both gaming and content creation
- "Very bright in HDR mode": Peak brightness exceeds 500 nits in HDR content (NotebookCheck)
- 0.2ms response time vs 5-8ms IPS: Zero motion blur or ghosting
- Per-pixel lighting: HDR content displays exactly as intended by game developers
NotebookCheck's professional display testing concluded: "Stunning OLED panel and fastest version of GeForce RTX 5060... excellent image quality, very bright in HDR mode, fast response time." The OLED display transforms games like Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of War - neon lights glow brilliantly while dark scenes maintain perfect shadow detail.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 Display Limitations:
- Standard IPS panel: Blacks appear gray, limited contrast reduces immersion
- 1920×1200 resolution: Noticeably less sharp, especially for productivity work
- Limited color gamut: Typically 70-85% DCI-P3 on budget IPS panels
- Slower response time: Some motion blur in fast-paced games
- 16" size advantage: 0.9 inches larger diagonal provides slightly more screen real estate
The only downside of OLED is potential burn-in with static images, but modern gaming laptops use pixel-shifting and automatic brightness adjustments to mitigate this. For gaming and media consumption, the visual upgrade is absolutely worth it.
🎨 For Content Creators & Visual Quality Enthusiasts: Lenovo Legion 5
The 2560×1600 OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage makes the Lenovo suitable for photo editing, video work, and HDR content creation. The ASUS's 1920×1200 IPS panel can't compete for color accuracy or pixel density.
Check Lenovo Price →
💾 RAM: 32GB vs 16GB - Future-Proofing Matters
The Lenovo Legion 5 includes 32GB DDR5-5600MHz RAM versus the ASUS's 16GB DDR5-4800MHz. This isn't just about capacity - it's about eliminating performance bottlenecks.
Why 32GB Makes a Real Difference:
- Modern AAA games use 12-16GB RAM alone: Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Chrome/Discord/Spotify in background: Easily consumes 4-6GB
- Windows 11 overhead: 3-4GB system RAM
- 16GB total = constant swapping to SSD: Causes stuttering, frame drops, loading hitches
- 32GB total = everything stays in fast RAM: Smooth multitasking, no performance degradation
If you're a student who games between classes, the 32GB means you can leave Chrome with 20 tabs open, Discord, Spotify, and Word running while gaming without any performance impact. The ASUS's 16GB forces you to close everything before launching games.
Future-Proofing: Games in 2026-2027 will increasingly require 16GB as a minimum. The Lenovo's 32GB keeps you ahead of system requirements for years.
⚙️ CPU Performance: Intel's Multi-Core Lead vs AMD's Efficiency
This is the one category where the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has an advantage, though it's smaller than you might think.
Technical.city CPU Comparison Results:
- Multi-core performance: Intel i7-13650HX is 25% faster (14 cores vs 8 cores)
- Single-core performance: AMD Ryzen 7 260 is 8% faster (better for gaming)
- Power efficiency: AMD's 4nm process is significantly more efficient than Intel's 10nm
- Thermal performance: AMD runs cooler, throttles less under sustained load
- Battery life: AMD's efficiency extends unplugged runtime
Data from technical.city comprehensive CPU comparison
When Intel's Multi-Core Wins:
- Video rendering/encoding: Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Handbrake
- 3D rendering: Blender, Cinema 4D
- Compilation tasks: Software development, large project builds
- Streaming while gaming: Extra cores handle OBS encoding
When AMD's Efficiency Wins:
- Gaming performance: Higher single-core speed matters more than core count
- Battery-powered productivity: Longer unplugged runtime for classes/work
- Thermal management: Less fan noise, cooler chassis temperatures
- General responsiveness: Snappy UI, fast app launches
For most gamers and students, the AMD Ryzen 7 260's 8% single-core advantage and better efficiency outweighs the Intel's multi-core lead. You'll notice the AMD's responsiveness and lower fan noise more than the Intel's extra cores in everyday use.
🎬 For Video Editors & Content Creators: Consider ASUS ROG
If you regularly render 4K video in Premiere Pro or do heavy 3D work in Blender, the Intel i7-13650HX's 14 cores provide 25% faster export times. For pure content creation workstations, the multi-core advantage matters.
Check ASUS ROG Price →
⚖️ Weight & Portability: Lenovo is 34% Lighter
The Lenovo Legion 5 weighs 4.10 lbs (1.86 kg) versus the ASUS ROG's 5.51 lbs (2.5 kg) - a difference of 1.41 pounds (34% lighter). This makes a tangible difference in daily use.
Why Weight Matters:
- Backpack comfort: 1.4 lbs less strain over a full school day adds up
- Lap use: Lenovo is comfortable for couch gaming, ASUS feels heavy
- Travel-friendly: Easier to pack for LAN parties, vacations, business trips
- Premium feel: Lighter often correlates with better build quality
Despite being 1.4 lbs lighter, the Lenovo maintains excellent build quality with an aluminum chassis. The ASUS's extra weight comes from its larger 16" chassis and plastic construction, not superior durability.
💰 Value Analysis: Lenovo is $99 Cheaper AND Better
Let's break down what you get for $99 less with the Lenovo Legion 5:
Lenovo Legion 5 at $1,285 (21% OFF from $1,609):
- ✅ RTX 5060 115W (newest gen) vs RTX 4060 (prev gen) - 18% faster GPU
- ✅ OLED 2560×1600 display vs IPS 1920×1200 - Infinite contrast, 67% more pixels
- ✅ 32GB DDR5 RAM vs 16GB - 2x capacity for multitasking
- ✅ 4.10 lbs weight vs 5.51 lbs - 34% lighter and more portable
- ✅ $1,285 price vs $1,384 - $99 cheaper
- ✅ Better battery efficiency - AMD 4nm vs Intel 10nm
- ❌ 8-core CPU vs 14-core - 25% slower multi-core (but 8% faster single-core)
- ❌ 15.1" screen vs 16" - 0.9 inches smaller diagonal
ASUS ROG Strix G16 at $1,384:
- ✅ 14-core Intel CPU - 25% faster multi-core for video rendering
- ✅ 16" screen size - 0.9 inches larger diagonal
- ❌ RTX 4060 (older gen) - 18% slower than Lenovo's RTX 5060
- ❌ IPS 1920×1200 display - Limited contrast, lower resolution
- ❌ 16GB RAM - Half the capacity, future bottleneck
- ❌ 5.51 lbs weight - 34% heavier, less portable
- ❌ $1,384 price - $99 more expensive
Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 (2025) at $1,285 offers dramatically better value. You get a faster GPU, stunning OLED display, double the RAM, and superior portability for $99 less. The ASUS's CPU advantage only matters for specialized multi-core workloads like video rendering.
🎯 Configuration Recommendations
Best Gaming Configuration (Winner)
Lenovo Legion 5 (2025) with RTX 5060 115W - $1,285 (21% OFF)
- AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor (efficient, fast single-core)
- RTX 5060 115W with DLSS 4 (fastest RTX 5060 available)
- 32GB DDR5 RAM (future-proof for next 3-5 years)
- 1TB NVMe SSD (add 2nd drive for $100 if needed)
- 15.1" OLED 2560×1600 165Hz (stunning visuals)
Buy on Amazon
Best for Video Editing & 3D Work
ASUS ROG Strix G16 with i7-13650HX - $1,384
- Choose this ONLY if: You render 4K video daily in Premiere/DaVinci
- 14-core CPU provides 25% faster exports
- Consider upgrading to 32GB RAM (user-installable)
- Larger 16" screen helps for timeline editing
Buy on Amazon
Best Student/All-Purpose Laptop
Lenovo Legion 5 (2025) - Non-negotiable choice
- 4.10 lbs weight perfect for backpacks (vs ASUS's 5.51 lbs)
- 32GB RAM handles Chrome with 30 tabs + Discord + gaming
- OLED display excellent for both notes and Netflix
- Powerful enough to game after homework
- Efficient AMD CPU extends battery life in classes
Buy on Amazon
📊 Specifications We Didn't Cover (But You Might Care About)
Webcam: Lenovo has 1080p FHD webcam, ASUS has 720p HD. The Lenovo's higher resolution is better for Zoom classes and streaming.
Audio: Lenovo features 2W×2 speakers with Nahimic Audio. ASUS has 4W×2 speakers with Dolby Atmos - slightly louder and richer bass. Both benefit from headphones for serious gaming.
Wi-Fi: Both include Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) for fastest wireless speeds and lowest latency.
Upgradeability: Both have 2x SO-DIMM RAM slots (supports up to 64GB) and two M.2 NVMe slots for storage expansion. Easy to upgrade.
Warranty: Standard 1-year manufacturer warranty on both. Lenovo offers premium support upgrades. ASUS provides accidental damage protection options.
RGB Lighting: Both feature per-key RGB keyboards. Lenovo uses Lenovo Vantage software, ASUS uses Armoury Crate for customization.
🚨 Deal Alert: When to Buy
The Lenovo Legion 5 (2025) is currently 21% OFF at $1,285 (was $1,609) - this is an excellent deal for a brand-new 2025 model with RTX 5060. Best times to find gaming laptop deals:
- Back to School Sales (July-August): Expect 15-25% discounts on gaming laptops
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Deepest discounts of the year (20-30% off)
- Amazon Prime Day (July): Solid mid-year deals, especially on previous-gen models
- New GPU Launch Windows: When RTX 5070/5080 launch, RTX 5060 models may see clearance pricing
Current Lenovo price of $1,285 (21% off) is already competitive for a 2025 model with next-gen GPU. If it drops below $1,200, that's an exceptional value. The ASUS at $1,384 is fairly priced but less compelling given inferior specs.
🔬 Battery Life Expectations (Based on Component Analysis)
While we don't have verified battery testing for both models, we can make educated predictions:
Lenovo Legion 5 (2025) - Expected Battery Life:
- Gaming (unplugged): 2-3 hours (RTX 5060 draws significant power)
- Web browsing/productivity: 6-8 hours (AMD's efficient 4nm process helps)
- Video playback: 8-10 hours (OLED consumes less power on dark content)
- 80Wh battery + AMD efficiency: Better than Intel equivalents
ASUS ROG Strix G16 - Expected Battery Life:
- Gaming (unplugged): 2-3 hours (similar to Lenovo)
- Web browsing/productivity: 5-7 hours (Intel 10nm less efficient)
- Video playback: 7-9 hours
- 90Wh battery (+13%): Offset by less efficient Intel CPU
Neither laptop is designed for all-day unplugged use - they're gaming laptops with high-performance components. For serious gaming, both should be plugged in to unlock full performance.
🌡️ Thermal Performance & Noise
NotebookCheck's thermal testing of the Lenovo Legion 5 (2025) found:
- CPU temperatures: 80W sustained, 85W boost - runs efficiently without throttling
- GPU temperatures: 115W RTX 5060 maintained without thermal issues
- Fan noise: Moderate under load, quieter than previous-gen Legion models
- Vapor chamber cooling: Distributes heat evenly across chassis
Tom's Hardware's ASUS ROG Strix G16 review noted competitive thermal performance with liquid metal on CPU, though specific temperature data wasn't available. Both laptops use aggressive cooling to maintain performance - expect audible fan noise during gaming.
