Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core) vs ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97

Benchmark-weighted head-to-head · data updated 2026-09-10

Winner: Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core) takes 9.3 weighted points vs 7, winning on CPU Benchmark, Pixel Density, Weight. The winner also sits in a more competitive value tier — a clear-cut call.

Winner

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core)

Apple M5 Pro (18 Core) · Integrated (Apple iGPU)

Under $3000
4.7 (289)
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VS

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX · NVIDIA RTX 5080

Under $4000
4.4 (262)
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Use-Case Scores

CategoryMacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core)ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97
Gaming4.3/108.4/10
Productivity6.5/106.4/10
Programming6.5/106.9/10
Engineering / 3D5.3/107.9/10
Student5.9/105.3/10
Travel / Portability6.4/104.9/10
AI Workloads4.8/107.8/10
Value for Money5.3/108.7/10

Detailed Specification Comparison

SpecMacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core)ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97
CPUApple M5 Pro (18 Core)Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
PassMark Score57,65256,488
CPU Cores6P+12S8P+16E
GPUIntegrated (Apple iGPU)NVIDIA RTX 5080
G3DMark Score—27,935
RAM24 GB DDR532 GB DDR5
RAM UpgradeableNo (soldered)Yes
Storage1 TBSSD2 TBSSD
Display16.2″ Liquid Retina18″ Mini LED
Resolution3456x22342560x1600
Refresh Rate120 Hz240 Hz
Pixel Density254 PPI168 PPI
TouchscreenNoNo
Weight4.7 lbs6.28 lbs
Thickness0.66″0.93″
Amazon Rating4.7 ★ (289)4.4 ★ (262)
Value Score5.3/108.7/10

CPU Comparison

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core)'s Apple M5 Pro (18 Core) is ~2% faster in multi-threaded PassMark (57,652 vs 56,488). In practice the difference is marginal.

GPU & Gaming

Only the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97 has a dedicated GPU (RTX 5080, 27,935 G3DMark) — it wins gaming outright.

Productivity & Battery

Office scores: 6.5/10 vs 6.4/10. Battery isn't in our dataset, but the iGPU-only Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core) will typically outlast the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97 unplugged.

Display

MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core): 16.2″ Liquid Retina 3456x2234 @ 120 Hz. ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97: 18″ Mini LED 2560x1600 @ 240 Hz. The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97's Mini LED panel is the clear quality win.

RAM, Storage & Upgradeability

MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core): 24 GB DDR5 (soldered) + 1 TBSSD. ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97: 32 GB DDR5 (upgradeable) + 2 TBSSD. The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97's socketed RAM is a longevity advantage.

Build & Portability

4.7 lbs / 0.66″ vs 6.28 lbs / 0.93″. The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core) is 1.6 lbs lighter — significant for daily carry. Travel scores: 6.4 vs 4.9.

Value

Value scores land 5.3/10 vs 8.7/10. The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97 extracts more performance per dollar.

Final Verdict

Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro 18 Core) — it wins the weighted spec battle and costs less. Choose the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LW-XS97 only if budget matter more to you.

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