ASUS ROG Strix G18 vs Apple MacBook CTO 14″ (Z1ML002XT)
Comparison summary
- ASUS ROG Strix G18 is hands-down better laptop but Apple MacBook CTO 14″ is a better deal.
- For performance ROG Strix G18 has a lot better performing processor.
- ROG Strix G18 comes with Windows 11 and CTO with macOS.
- CTO has a higher resolution screen (6k).
- ROG Strix G18 features a bigger display. For carrying ROG Strix G18 is lighter. Its also slimmer and more compact in size.
ASUS ROG Strix G18
Apple MacBook CTO 14″ (Z1ML002XT)
Compare specifications
| ASUS ROG Strix G18 | Apple MacBook CTO 14″ (Z1ML002XT) |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU)?Central Processing Unit is the heart of a laptop and is responsible for executing programs. Read more | |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Apple M5 10 Core |
| Memory (RAM)?Memory increases the general speed and multiprocessing capabilities of a laptop. Read more | |
| 64gb | - |
| Graphics card (GPU)?Graphics Processing Unit calculates 3D graphics and is essential for gaming and heavy programs. Read more | |
| GeForce RTX 5080 | - |
| Screen size | |
| 18″ | 14″ |
| Screen resolution | |
| Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) | 6k (6016 x 3384 pixels) |
| Weight | |
| 7.05 lbs (3.2 kg) | 8.43 lbs (3.82 kg) |
| Size (length x width x height) | |
| 15.71 x 11.73 x 1.26 inches | 14.06 x 10.39 x 2.6 inches |
| (39.9 x 29.79 x 3.2 cm) | (35.71 x 26.39 x 6.6 cm) |
| Operating system (OS) | |
| Windows 11 | macOS |
| Hard drives | |
| 8000gb SSD | |
| Release date | |
| March 17, 2026 | July 29, 2026 |
| Amazon.com List Price | |
| $5,999.99 | $5,249.00 |
| Amazon.com Lowest New Price | |
| $5,999.99 | $5,249.00 |
| Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.com |
Laptop Dimensions
ASUS ROG Strix G18
Apple MacBook CTO 14″ (Z1ML002XT)
Compare ASUS ROG Strix G18 / Apple MacBook CTO 14″ vs other gaming laptops:
ASUS ROG Strix G18 summary
ASUS ROG Strix G18 is a Windows gaming laptop released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5080 video card which is okay great for playing games. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has a reasonable Intel CPU, though enough RAM for its price. Just Quad HD resolution is not the best for the 18-inch 240 Hz display. The 8000gb SSD storage is passable. It is light at only 7.05 lbs (3.2 kg).
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop, 18" 16:10 ROG Nebula 2.5K 240Hz/3ms, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 8TB M.2 PCIe SSD, WiFi 7, Win11 Pro - Eclipse Gray
Premium Performance: This ROG Strix G18 is powered by the Intel Ultra 9 275HX processor with 24 cores (8 Performance + 16 Efficient) and 24 total threads, boosting up to 5.4 GHz. This next-gen CPU excels in gaming and creative tasks with AI acceleration for faster rendering, offering unbeatable speed and performance, whether you're gaming, streaming, or editing.
Next-Gen Stunning Graphics: With the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 16GB of GDDR7 Graphics video memory delivers stunning gaming performance. With features like DLSS 4, Ray Tracing, and Frame Generation, it ensures smooth gameplay and high frame rates. Advanced Optimus technology optimizes battery life and performance by dynamically switching between the iGPU and dGPU, keeping you ahead of the competition.
ROG Nebula Display: Immerse yourself in stunning visuals for gaming, content creation, and entertainment with the ultra-fast 18" 2.5K 16:10 2560x1600 240Hz Nebula Display. Pantone validation guarantees professional-grade color accuracy with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, further enhanced by a new ACR film that boosts contrast and minimizes glare.
Expansive Storage: Dominate any game with Up to 64GB of blazing-fast DDR5 5600MHz RAM. Enjoy smooth gameplay, faster loading times, and seamless multitasking. Load games and projects instantly with Up to 8TB PCIe Gen 4 storage, delivering up to 7,000MB/s throughput and efficient cooling. Stay ahead with PCIe Gen 5-ready SSD slots, ensuring easy upgrades and future-proof performance.
State-Of-The-Art ROG Intelligent Cooling: Maintain peak performance with ROG Intelligent Cooling. Equipped with an end-to-end vapor chamber, Tri-Fan technology, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal, this cutting-edge thermal design ensures your system stays cool and quiet, delivering sustained high-frame-rate gameplay.
ASIN: B0G2BCSRJT
Apple MacBook CTO 14″ (Z1ML002XT) summary
Apple MacBook CTO is a laptop released in 2026. It doesn't have the best Apple CPU for its price. The laptop is quite hefty at 8.43 lbs (3.82 kg). 6k resolution is excellent for the 14-inch display.
Apple CTO MacBook Pro 14" with M5 Max 18 core CPU, 40 core GPU, 64GB M
STUNNING VISUALS - Experience unparalleled clarity and vibrant colors on the Liquid Retina XDR display, featuring a 23456-by-2234 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch for exceptional detail.
SEAMLESS PERFORMANCE - Powered by the advanced M5 Chip, this MacBook Pro delivers robust processing capabilities for demanding tasks, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
SUPERIOR CONNECTIVITY - Benefit from the Apple N1 wireless networking chip, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), and Bluetooth 6, providing ultra-fast and reliable wireless connections for all your needs.
IMMERSIVE AUDIO - Enjoy a rich and dynamic sound experience with the high-fidelity six-speaker sound system, complete with force-cancelling woofers for deep, clear audio.
ENHANCED VIDEO CONFERENCING - Utilize the 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support and 1080p HD video recording, ensuring professional-quality video calls and presentations.
ADVANCED OPERATING SYSTEM - Navigate effortlessly with macOS, offering an intuitive interface, powerful features, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem for enhanced productivity.
Connectivity: Every MacBook Pro comes with three Thunderbolt 4 or 5 ports, an HDMI port, a MagSafe 3 port, an SDXC card slot, and a headphone jack. Connect high-speed peripherals, transfer photos, drive multiple external displays, and power up instantly
Camera: The 12MP Center Stage camera keeps you in frame as you move around. And Desk View lets you share your workspace
Mics and speakers: With a studio-quality three-mic array and a six-speaker sound system that supports Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, MacBook Pro brings incredible audio to any space
ASIN: B0H5JNFY5W