Connect with us

Gadgets

ASUS Launches 2021 ROG Strix SCAR Series of Gaming Laptops in the UAE

Published

on

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Strix SCAR 15 G533 and Strix SCAR 17 G733, premium gaming laptops engineered from the ground up to give esports players an uncompromising experience in competitive tournaments. The flagship Strix SCAR 17 G733 integrates the latest innovations to keep the most demanding esports players at the top of their game. With a fast 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response; drives it with powerful new GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs and Ryzen 5000-Series mobile processors; and helps the hardware reach its full potential with radically redesigned fans and other cooling upgrades.

“Same as last year – Strix Series offers the most powerful gaming laptops from ROG. Choosing a 17-inch version of Strix SCAR you will get the top-level CPU and GPU to ultimate performance. This year we made another big improvement by shifting to the latest AMD Ryzen 9 5000 Series CPU and adding liquid metal cooling for less noise, better thermal capacity, and battery life. New Strix SCAR also offers a mind-blasting superfast 300Hz IPS panel and a new optic-mechanical keyboard for hardcore gamers. This year, refreshed Strix will become one of the key series as the demand for esports and hardcore gaming laptops grows over the last few year,” said Benjamin Yeh, ASUS East EMEA General Manager PC & Gaming.

The Strix SCAR 17 G733 and Strix SCAR 17 G733 implement the first optical-mechanical keyboard in a Strix laptop, delivering both rapid response and high durability. A higher screen-to-body ratio puts the user closer to the action, while a smaller footprint and a bigger battery with Type-C charging support maximize portability. Quad speakers backed by Dolby Atmos technology make for a more immersive audio experience, and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation processes both input and output audio to make team chats crystal-clear.

All-new designs elevate both form and function in the new Strix SCAR series, introducing a bold style inspired by athletic gear. The aesthetic includes translucent materials, customizable chassis accents, and lighting upgrades that enable extensive personalization.

Play at pro speed with 300Hz
For esports players, waiting an instant too long can put victory out of reach. That’s why ROG has led the adoption of high refresh rates in gaming laptops and continues to push the limits of panel technology. The Strix SCAR 17 G733 features the world’s fastest laptop display, a 17.3” IPS-level panel that combines a Full HD resolution with a 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. Compared to the 240Hz standard common for tournaments, a 300Hz refresh rate reduces the delay between new frames by 33%.

The smaller Strix SCAR 15 G533 has a 15.6” screen with a 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. In a first for Strix, Adaptive-Sync technology is standard across the entire series. It synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate to eliminate screen tearing, minimize stuttering, and reduce input lag.

Latest NVIDIA and AMD processors
The 2021 Strix SCAR laptops saturate their high-refresh displays with the combined power of a GeForce RTX 30 series GPU (up to an RTX 3080 for SCAR 17 and RTX 3070 for SCAR 15) and up to a Ryzen 9 5900HX processor for both Strix SCAR 15 G533 and Strix SCAR 17 G733. Based on NVIDIA’s new Ampere architecture, the GeForce RTX 3080 is clocked up to 1645MHz at 115W with ROG Boost, with another 15W available from Dynamic Boost.

It combines new streaming multiprocessors with 2nd gen RT cores and 3rd gen Tensor cores to enable the most realistic ray-traced graphics and advanced AI features. These improvements enable lifelike visuals while pushing frame rates to new heights. They’re backed by support for NVIDIA Reflex technologies that lower latency in select multiplayer games and NVIDIA Broadcast effects that add instant polish to live streams.

\\The Ryzen 9 5900HX uses 8 cores and 16 threads to power through demanding multitasking like gaming while streaming, recording, and interacting with an audience. AMD’s new Zen 3 architecture raises performance per clock thanks to lower cache-access latency and numerous other architectural tweaks. ROG’s robust cooling and power delivery allow the 5900HX to run on up to 54W of sustained power when the GPU is active and 80W on its own. The CPU is unlocked, allowing users to push for higher speeds with overclocking.

In its top configuration, the SCAR 17 G733 is available with 32GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and dual hyper 1TB solid-state drives. The memory and storage are fully upgradeable with an easy-upgrade design and pop-open screw that allow quick access to the system’s two SO-DIMM slots and twin M.2 slots.

Optical mechanical keyboard
Regular laptop keyboards push conductive membranes together to detect keystrokes. This electrical approach creates a lot of signal noise at contact, requiring a debounce delay of 5ms to ensure accuracy. Any delay is detrimental in esports, so the new optical mechanical switches in the 2021 Strix SCAR series trigger using a precise infrared laser beam instead, eliminating the debounce delay and reducing the response time to only 0.2 milliseconds. The optical mechanism is also much more durable than conventional alternatives, extending the switch’s lifetime to 100 million presses.

Each key has a long 1.9mm travel distance to improve the overall feel, while the caps have a slight curve that keeps users’ fingers centered. The layout is inspired by desktop keyboards and includes dedicated hotkeys that put vital volume, microphone mute, and other controls within easy reach. ROG’s CoolZone technology strategically places vents around the WASD keys, keeping users’ fingers cool and lowering surface temperatures by up to 14% compared to other laptops.

The new Strix laptops also introduce an improved touchpad, with an active area 85% larger than last year’s and a glass surface with a matte finish, combining smoothness and precision to give users more control. For the SCAR 15 G533, with a tap, the touchpad turns into an illuminated numpad for more intuitive input on 15.6” models that are too narrow to fit a dedicated numpad.

Enhanced mobility
The 2021 Strix SCAR have a footprint up to 7% smaller than last year’s models, making them easier to carry. Their higher-capacity, 90Wh battery also allows for more unplugged time than ever: up to 12 hours of video playback. Mobility is further enhanced by fast charging support, which allows the battery to reach 50% in only 33 minutes. Fast charging is also supported over USB Type-C with compatible 100W adapters and power banks. Support for Type-C charging is new for the Strix series this year, giving users more flexibility on the road.

An athletic redesign
The 2021 Strix SCAR series introduce a unique look inspired by athletic apparel. The redesign enhances aesthetics and functionality but remains unmistakably Strix. The compact chassis has a footprint up to 7% smaller than last year’s models, in part due to thinner bezels. At only 4.5mm along the top and sides, the slimmer frame increases the screen-to-body ratio from 80% to as much as 87%, improving portability and putting users closer to the action.

On the Strix SCAR series, the aluminum lid is slashed with a shimmering dot matrix design created with precise electroplating. A soft-touch texture makes the palm rests comfortably smooth, and a translucent treatment on the keyboard deck shows the hardware inside. Under the body, larger rubber feet take a cue from running shoes to maximize stability and grip. Customizable Armor Caps add a new level of personalization, allowing users modify the chassis itself. The laptops come with Rubber Grey, Translucent Black, and Spangle Silver hinge caps that can be quickly swapped. ROG also provides the 3D printer source file to let users create completely custom caps.

RGB illumination has been refined with a higher-density light bar that glows around the front edge of the new Strix chassis. In the SCAR, it complements a new companion strip under the screen and a glowing ROG logo on the lid. The keyboard also features per-key control that lets users highlight critical commands for different games. All the RGB accents are fully customizable, and Aura Sync makes it easy to synchronize colors and effects with compatible peripherals.

ROG’s unique Keystone II technology is back in the new Strix SCAR family. This physical key docks into the side of the chassis and triggers a new sound and keyboard animation. It can perform a range of functions, from launching different games and operating modes to restoring preferences associated with the user’s ROG ID. It can even be configured to unlock a secret Shadow Drive.

Despite being more compact than ever, the new Strix series has a full assortment of ports laid out strategically for a tidy gaming setup. There are enough ports at the back to power a multi-monitor desktop with all cables out of the way, including the main power jack, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, USB Type-A, and DisplayPort™-enabled USB Type-C. Two more USB ports sit on the left side along with an audio jack, keeping additional cables from interfering with right-handed mousing. Wi-Fi 6 networking supports peak wireless interface bandwidth up to 2.4Gbps on compatible networks, plus smarter traffic management that enables lower latency through higher efficiency.

New cooling technology
A refined cooling system extracts peak performance from the processors in the new Strix SCAR series while lowering noise levels by 3 decibels compared to last year’s models. The upgrades start with the first mass-produced implementation of liquid metal on AMD laptop processors. Liquid metal transfers heat away from the CPU more efficiently than traditional thermal compounds, which allows for increased thermal headroom. They’re typically applied by hand, but ROG developed a patented process that paints liquid metal with robotic precision. For 2021, ROG overcame the unique challenge of applying liquid metal to AMD processors, adding an insulating compound that protects surface-mounted components on the CPU package.

The upgraded thermal module channels heat from the CPU, GPU, VRAM, and voltage regulation circuitry with an extended heat spreader and up to six heat pipes, maximizing redistribution to sustain higher clocks. Thermal energy flows across four heatsinks with ultra-thin 0.1mm copper fins that provide greater surface area and lower air resistance. Four fan outlets in the flanks maximize airflow out of the system.

ROG Arc Flow fans improve airflow by up to 35% for the CPU and 21% for the GPU with no increase in noise. The new design spins 84 blades capped by special tips that follow an aerodynamic wave pattern that reduces turbulence. The blades each taper down to just 0.2mm at the base to move more air, and they’re made of a liquid-crystal polymer strong enough to maintain its structure at high speeds.

To further amplify airflow, the new Strix series uses an improved self-cleaning cooling system. Dust accumulation on the heatsinks and fans slowly compromises cooling, so particles are channeled out of the chassis to ensure reliable performance over time. Shorter anti-dust tunnels in the latest models clear the way for 15% more airflow while still preventing harmful buildup.

Cooling and performance can be customized with Scenario Profiles. Performance and Turbo modes provide higher performance for demanding esports titles, while Silent mode lowers noise levels for lighter workloads. With 0dB Technology, the fans switch off completely when CPU and GPU temperatures drop below 60°C in Silent mode. This makes cooling truly silent under light workloads.

Scenario Profiles can change other system settings, like disabling the Windows key and switching RGB lighting effects. Users can also switch operating modes on the fly with a convenient keyboard shortcut.

More immersive audio
The new Strix SCAR series features a quad-speaker array. Two tweeters fire sound from behind the keyboard, while two Smart Amp woofers bounce low frequencies off the surface under the laptop. Together, these four speakers generate rich sound with 2.8x more volume, 3x more powerful bass, and up to 3x greater dynamic range than competing setups. They’re tuned with Dolby Atmos technology for a multidimensional soundscape with incredible detail. Atmos can also create compelling virtual surround sound for stereo headsets.

To make team communication clearer, Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation in the new Strix SCAR and Strix G series eliminates up to 95% of background noise from both input and output audio. Developed using a deep neural network for super-high accuracy, this algorithm can be applied to any mic and configured on a per-app basis, so users can target chat software while preserving in-game sound. The two-way filtering processes output audio, allowing users to hear their teammates better. And because noise-canceling runs on the CPU, the GPU is free to hit higher FPS.

The ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 and ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733 will be available from today in the UAE from Sharaf DG, Jumbo, Emax, Ecity, Computronics, Virgin Megastores, and Amazon. The price for the ROG Strix SCAR 15 G533 is AED 8,999, while the price for the ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733 starts at AED 10,999.

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Accessories

Apple’s Beats Unveils Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart-Rate Monitoring

Published

on

Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.

The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.

Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.

Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.

The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.

In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.

Continue Reading

Gadgets

Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G Review: A Powerhouse Packed with Premium Features

Published

on

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has always been a crowd-pleaser, offering flagship-level features at a mid-range price. The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G continues this legacy, delivering a compelling package that excels in design, performance, and innovation.

Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that feels premium despite its affordable price tag. The phone features a glass back with a matte finish, which not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints. The phone also features high-strength aluminium composite frame, giving it a sturdy and premium feel.

The device is surprisingly lightweight at 190 grams and has a slim profile, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The IP68 rating ensures protection against dust and splashes, adding to its durability. The placement of buttons is ergonomic, ensuring ease of use.

Display
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G features a 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. The screen supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.

With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the display remains visible even under direct sunlight. The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, adding to the overall premium experience. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or browsing, the display is one of the standout features of this device.

Camera
The camera setup on the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is impressive for its price range. The device features a 200MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.65 aperture, utilising 16-in-1 binning to create one large 2.24μm pixel. It has a 1/1.4” sensor size and a 7P lens. Additionally, it includes an 8MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 2MP macro camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The camera capabilities include dynamic shots, motion tracking focus, lightning burst, film frame, portraits, document mode, night mode, dual video, and steady video.

The primary camera captures stunning, detailed photos with accurate colours and excellent dynamic range, even in low-light conditions, thanks to Xiaomi’s advanced Night Mode. The ultra-wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes, while the macro lens adds versatility for close-up shots.

The device also boasts a 20MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, featuring a soft-light ring, AI beautify, night mode, portrait mode, palm shutter, and selfie timer. For front camera video recording, it supports 1080p at 30/60fps and 720p at 30fps. The front camera does a good job in both the photography and videography department.

Internal Specs and Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chipset, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G delivers flagship-level performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra is built on a 4nm manufacturing process. It features an octa-core CPU with a clock speed of up to 2.5GHz, and it is paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU.

Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the device handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease. The 5G connectivity ensures future-proofing, while the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 support add to the device’s versatility. Gaming performance is quite food, with the device handling titles such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without breaking a sweat.

AI Features
Xiaomi has integrated several AI-powered features into the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, enhancing the user experience. These features make the device smarter and more intuitive, catering to both casual users and tech enthusiasts.

AI Erase Pro lets you easily remove unwanted clutter from your photos with just a tap, making it magically disappear. AI Image Expansion allows you to extend your image beyond its original frame seamlessly, while AI Bokeh adds a beautiful background blur to make your image subject stand out. With AI Cutout, you can identify and separate image subjects from the background, and AI Film helps you create short vlogs and videos by recommending tailored templates and soundtracks based on your chosen photos and videos.

AI Beautify enhances your photos with gender recognition and pro-level beauty features for richer and more natural effects. AI Ultra-Clear Portrait provides sharp and detailed portraits with improved face clarity. Gemini Extensions connect Gemini to other Google apps and services, while Image Generation lets you create stunning images. The Gemini Overlay offers quick access to context-aware help with what’s on your screen, enabling you to easily search and get information with just a click or circle around an image.

Battery and Charging
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is equipped with a 5110mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. The device supports 45W turbo charging, allowing you to quickly top up the device without any hassle.

Overall Performance
The combination of the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra, ample RAM, and optimised Xiaomi HyperOS ensures a smooth and lag-free experience. The device handles everything from everyday tasks to intensive gaming with ease. The 120Hz display and 5G connectivity further enhance the overall performance, making it a future-ready device.

Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is a stellar offering in the mid-range segment, delivering flagship-level features at an affordable price. Its premium design, stunning display, versatile camera system, and powerful performance make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed smartphone.

The inclusion of AI features and 5G connectivity ensures that the device remains relevant for years to come. If you’re in the market for a mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is an excellent choice.

Price: AED 1200

Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
AED 1200










  • Final Rating

3.5









Summary

The camera setup on the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is impressive for its price range. The device features a 200MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.65 aperture, utilising 16-in-1 binning to create one large 2.24μm pixel.

Sending



User Review


0
(0 votes)

Continue Reading

Gadgets

Huawei to Launch HUAWEI Mate XT Tri-Fold Smartphone Globally in Kuala Lumpur

Published

on

HUAWEI is set to debut the Mate XT, the first commercial tri-fold smartphone, globally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 18, 2025. Previously available only in China, this innovation combines a tablet-sized screen with a smartphone form factor, potentially creating a new category of handheld devices. The Mate XT offers single, dual, and triple-screen modes, enhancing productivity and leisure.

At the same event, Huawei is expected to unveil the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2”, featuring a complete office suite and detachable HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard, aimed at setting a new standard for tablet productivity. The launch may also include the HUAWEI Band 10 and HUAWEI FreeArc, a new open-ear earbud with an earhook design.

With these new releases, Huawei aims to revolutionize consumer gadgets, integrating digital and real-world experiences. The event promises to showcase groundbreaking devices and mark a significant step in tech innovation.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Reviews

Follow us on Facebook