Asus just updated the ROG line with newer machines, that look really similar, priced almost the same, but the DNA under the black chassis is very different.
We’re talking of the ROG Zephyrus G15 (model), that comes in two iterations: GA502IU-ES76 (reviewed here) and GA502IV-XS76 that are quite confusing on looks, hardware and certainly performance.
ROG Zephyrus G15 models similarities
Processor
Surprisingly, both models use AMD’s Ryzen 7 4800HS processor, a mobile SoC designed for high-performance laptops clocked at 2.9GHz (4.2 GHz Turbo) and supports Hyperthreading (16 threads).
On both units, there is 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe solid state drive (SSD) storage.
Design & Inputs
On looks, both models are portable and lightweight, at 4.6 pounds and 0.8-inches thin, with the same dimensions, 15.6-inch screen, same keyboard orientation and port options. So, you don’t have to worry about the design in choosing the ideal gaming machine.
GA502IU-ES76 vs. GA502IV-XS76 Differences
Graphics
The GA502IU-ES76 gets Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q (6GB GDDR6) chip with ROOG Boost; but, the GA502IV-XS76 gets a better GPU in the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 (6GB GDDR6) with ROG Boost and supports DLSS and Ray Tracing, making it more future proof.
Screen
The 15.6-inch screen on the Asus ROG Zephyrus GA502IV-XS76 is much better thanks to a 240Hz refresh rate; compared to the ROG GA502IU-ES76’s 144Hz screen.
Operating System
For productivity, the GA502IV-XS76 runs on Windows 10 Home, but the Windows 10 Pro Operating System on the Zephyrus GA502IV-XS76 offers more features, making it a better deal overall.
Price
Of course, with entry-level specs, the Asus GA502IU-ES76 costs almost $100 less than the GA502IV-XS76, making it a good choice for gamers shopping on a tight budget (Price can change over time, though).
Comparing the main specs
Here are the main specification differences between the main ROG Zephyrus G15 models.
Last update on 2021-01-25 at 03:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which one should you buy?
Going by the comparison summary above, it’s really difficult to pick a one-fit-all ROG Zephyrus G15 model.
The ROG GA502IV-XS76 packs higher-tier graphics (RTX 2060), which performs faster on modern games and supports Ray Tracing among other features that are not available on the 1660 Ti graphics card. Additionally, it runs modern games at high settings and the 240Hz refresh rate makes it an even better gaming laptop.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 with ROG Boost (Base: 982MHz, Boost: 1198MHz, TDP: 65W)
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS processor (up to 4.2GHz)
- 15.6” 240Hz 3ms IPS-Type Full HD (1920x1080) PANTONE Validated display
- 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM | 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard | Windows 10 Professional
Last update on 2021-01-25 at 03:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
However, thanks to its GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, the GA502IU-ES76 is more energy efficient, meaning it will last longer on a single charge.
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 with ROG Boost (Base 1140MHz Boost 1335MHz TDP 60W)
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS processor (up to 4.2GHz)
- 15.6” 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD (1920x1080) display
- 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM | 1TB PCIe NVMe M 2 SSD | Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard | Windows 10 Home
Last update on 2021-01-25 at 03:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Also, if price is a deciding factor of the two and you want to have better battery life, the ROG Zephyrus GA502IU-ES76 is an excellent choice.
ROG Zephyrus G15 (2020) Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 240Hz FHD, GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS, 16GB DDR4, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, Windows 10 Pro, GA502IV-XS76
2 used from $1,399.00
GA502IU-ES76 vs. GA502IV-XS76
US 1+
Pros
- Gorgeous, thin, sleek design
- Excellent 144Hz/240Hz screen
- Good battery life
Cons
- Shallow keyboard
- Mostly plastic build
