As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: GIGABYTE AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop, Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Best budget: Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 PHN16-72 Gaming Laptop, Core i7-14700HX, GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Best premium: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD
- Best for travel: LG gram 17 17Z90S-K.AAB8U1 Laptop, Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X suits gaming and graphics-heavy work with a GeForce RTX 4070 and 16-inch high-refresh display.
- The LG gram 17 prioritizes a large 17-inch screen and a light 2.98-pound design for mobile productivity.
- Gaming performance, travel weight, display size and battery needs matter more than matching product names.
- The ASUS Zenbook S 16 and Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch offer distinct creative-work alternatives.
The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X is the stronger gaming choice, while the LG gram 17 is the better fit for a large-screen laptop weighing about 2.98 pounds. For Black Friday 2026, the right pick depends on whether gaming performance or easy everyday carrying matters more.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide around the two named laptops and five alternatives. The configurations below make each recommendation easier to compare; confirm the exact screen, memory and graphics options on the listing before choosing.
How We Picked
- Compared processor, graphics and display specifications to distinguish gaming laptops from general-purpose machines.
- Considered listed weight and screen size for commuters, travelers and desk-based users.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product positioning to identify common strengths and trade-offs.
- Selected several alternatives so shoppers can compare gaming, portability, OLED screens and macOS.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Graphics | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIGABYTE AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop, Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Gaming and GPU-heavy work | 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, up to 165Hz | GeForce RTX 4070 | About 5.3 pounds |
| LG gram 17 17Z90S-K.AAB8U1 Laptop, Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Travel and big-screen productivity | 17-inch, 2560 x 1600 | Integrated Intel Arc | About 2.98 pounds |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605MI Gaming Laptop, Core Ultra 9 185H, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Premium gaming and OLED | 16-inch, 2560 x 1600 OLED, up to 240Hz | GeForce RTX 4070 | About 4.3 pounds |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16IRX9 Gaming Laptop, Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Competitive gaming | 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, up to 240Hz | GeForce RTX 4070 | About 5.5 pounds |
| Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 PHN16-72 Gaming Laptop, Core i7-14700HX, GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Gaming value | 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, up to 165Hz | GeForce RTX 4060 | About 5.7 pounds |
| ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606WA Laptop, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Portable creative productivity | 16-inch, 2880 x 1800 OLED, 120Hz | Integrated Radeon 890M | About 3.3 pounds |
| Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD | macOS creative workflows | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz | M4 Pro integrated GPU | About 4.7 pounds |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
GIGABYTE AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop, Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop, Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best gaming laptop for players who want strong graphics performance, with a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display rated up to 165Hz.
Best for: PC gaming and GPU-heavy creative work
- Display
- 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, up to 165Hz
- Graphics
- GeForce RTX 4070
- Processor
- Intel Core i9-14900HX
- Memory and storage
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight
- About 5.3 pounds
- Dedicated RTX 4070 graphics
- High-resolution, high-refresh display
- Powerful HX-series processor
- Heavier than the LG gram 17
- Gaming workloads use more power
Is the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop combines a GeForce RTX 4070, Core i9-14900HX and 16-inch high-refresh display, making it a strong pick for gaming and GPU-accelerated work.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
LG gram 17 17Z90S-K.AAB8U1 Laptop, Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The LG gram 17 17Z90S-K.AAB8U1 Laptop, Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best large-screen laptop for frequent travelers who value a low carry weight, with a 17-inch 2560 x 1600 display in a body around 2.98 pounds.
Best for: Travel and large-screen productivity
- Display
- 17-inch, 2560 x 1600
- Graphics
- Integrated Intel Arc graphics
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Memory and storage
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight
- About 2.98 pounds
- Large, sharp 17-inch screen
- Remarkably light for its display size
- 1TB of storage
- Integrated graphics are not for demanding gaming
- Large footprint needs a roomy bag
Is the LG gram 17 17Z90S-K.AAB8U1 Laptop worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The LG gram 17 17Z90S-K.AAB8U1 Laptop is a compelling choice for writing, browsing and office work on the go, pairing a 17-inch screen with a carry weight of about 2.98 pounds.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605MI Gaming Laptop, Core Ultra 9 185H, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605MI Gaming Laptop, Core Ultra 9 185H, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best premium gaming laptop for buyers who want performance in a slimmer chassis, with a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display rated up to 240Hz.
Best for: Premium gaming and OLED visuals
- Display
- 16-inch, 2560 x 1600 OLED, up to 240Hz
- Graphics
- GeForce RTX 4070
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
- Memory and storage
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight
- About 4.3 pounds
- Vivid OLED panel with a fast refresh rate
- RTX 4070 graphics
- More portable than many gaming laptops
- Slim chassis prioritizes portability over bulkier cooling
- Check configuration details before purchase
Is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605MI Gaming Laptop worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605MI Gaming Laptop pairs RTX 4070 graphics with a 16-inch OLED screen, making it a premium option for buyers who want a gaming system that travels more easily.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16IRX9 Gaming Laptop, Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16IRX9 Gaming Laptop, Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best gaming laptop for players who prioritize sustained performance, with a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display rated up to 240Hz.
Best for: Competitive gaming and demanding PC games
- Display
- 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, up to 240Hz
- Graphics
- GeForce RTX 4070
- Processor
- Intel Core i9-14900HX
- Memory and storage
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight
- About 5.5 pounds
- Powerful processor and graphics combination
- High-refresh 16-inch screen
- Gaming-focused design
- Heavy for daily commuting
- Check the exact screen configuration
Is the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16IRX9 Gaming Laptop worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16IRX9 Gaming Laptop offers an RTX 4070 and a 240Hz display configuration for fast-paced games. The 5.5-pound weight makes it better suited to a desk than frequent travel.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 PHN16-72 Gaming Laptop, Core i7-14700HX, GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 PHN16-72 Gaming Laptop, Core i7-14700HX, GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best value-focused gaming laptop for buyers who want dedicated graphics, with a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display rated up to 165Hz.
Best for: Gaming value and everyday performance
- Display
- 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, up to 165Hz
- Graphics
- GeForce RTX 4060
- Processor
- Intel Core i7-14700HX
- Memory and storage
- 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight
- About 5.7 pounds
- Dedicated RTX 4060 graphics
- Fast, high-resolution display option
- Useful balance of gaming and general performance
- Bulkier than thin productivity laptops
- RTX 4060 sits below the RTX 4070 options
Is the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 PHN16-72 Gaming Laptop worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 PHN16-72 Gaming Laptop delivers dedicated RTX 4060 graphics and a high-refresh 16-inch display, making it a sensible gaming pick for buyers who do not need RTX 4070 performance.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606WA Laptop, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606WA Laptop, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best thin productivity laptop for creative users who value a detailed OLED screen, with a 16-inch 2880 x 1800 panel rated at 120Hz.
Best for: Creative work and portable productivity
- Display
- 16-inch, 2880 x 1800 OLED, 120Hz
- Graphics
- Integrated Radeon 890M graphics
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
- Memory and storage
- 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight
- About 3.3 pounds
- High-resolution OLED display
- 32GB memory for multitasking
- Thin, travel-friendly design
- Integrated graphics do not match gaming GPUs
- OLED is not essential for basic office tasks
Is the ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606WA Laptop worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The ASUS Zenbook S 16 UM5606WA Laptop suits mobile creative work with its 3K OLED display, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and 32GB of memory. Choose a dedicated-graphics laptop for demanding games.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD is the best premium macOS laptop for creative professionals who want a large, color-rich screen, with a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and 120Hz refresh rate.
Best for: macOS creative workflows and long battery life
- Display
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz
- Graphics
- M4 Pro integrated GPU
- Processor
- Apple M4 Pro
- Memory and storage
- 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
- Weight
- About 4.7 pounds
- Bright, high-quality display
- Strong performance for supported creative apps
- Long battery life for a performance laptop
- macOS is not a fit for every workflow
- 512GB storage is modest for large media libraries
Is the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro is a capable choice for macOS-based editing, design and development. The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD's 16.2-inch XDR screen is a standout; check app compatibility and storage needs first.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X or LG gram 17?
The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X is better for gaming with its GeForce RTX 4070, while the LG gram 17 is better for carrying with its 17-inch screen and roughly 2.98-pound weight. Those different priorities make the two laptops complements rather than direct substitutes.
Choose the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X for demanding PC games, GPU-based creative apps and a high-refresh display. Choose the LG gram 17 for office work, research, video calls and a spacious screen that stays light in a backpack. Both configurations include 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Which laptop is better for gaming?
The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X, ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i each offer GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, making them stronger gaming picks than the LG gram 17's integrated graphics. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 offers a GeForce RTX 4060 alternative.
For competitive play, compare the exact screen refresh rate and graphics power configuration, not just the GPU name. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i pairs a listed 240Hz panel option with a weight around 5.5 pounds. The slimmer ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 balances gaming hardware with a more travel-friendly body.
Which laptop is easiest to carry?
The LG gram 17 is the easiest laptop to carry in this group at about 2.98 pounds, despite having the largest screen at 17 inches. The ASUS Zenbook S 16 is another travel-friendly choice at about 3.3 pounds.
Weight matters most for people who carry a laptop every day, but check the charger and bag as well. Gaming laptops such as the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X and Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 weigh more and need room for their power adapters. Buyers who travel often should compare portability against graphics needs before choosing.
Which laptop is best for work, school and creative tasks?
The LG gram 17 is a strong fit for general productivity, while the ASUS Zenbook S 16 adds a 3K OLED display and 32GB RAM for creative multitasking. The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is the premium choice for workflows that depend on macOS.
Spreadsheets, writing and browser-based work do not require gaming graphics, so a lighter laptop can be a better daily tool. Photo and video editors should check app requirements, memory and storage. The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X adds dedicated graphics for apps that benefit from an RTX GPU, but trades away some portability.
What should shoppers compare for Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 laptop shoppers should compare the exact configuration, warranty, return terms and seller for each product before choosing. A model name alone does not guarantee the same display, memory or graphics in every listing.
Match the laptop to a real use case first: RTX graphics for gaming, low weight for travel, or an OLED or XDR screen for visual work. My pick for most people who game is the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X; shoppers focused on portability should choose the LG gram 17 instead. Skip it if a heavy gaming chassis does not suit your routine.
Buying Guide
Set your main use
Pick one priority before comparing models. Gaming and GPU-heavy apps favor the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X or Acer Predator Helios Neo 16; travel and office work favor the LG gram 17.
Check graphics requirements
Dedicated GeForce RTX 4070 or RTX 4060 graphics support demanding games better than integrated graphics. Confirm the software or games you use and compare the exact configuration.
Choose a screen size and type
A 17-inch screen gives the LG gram 17 generous workspace. OLED models such as the ASUS Zenbook S 16 emphasize contrast; high-refresh gaming panels prioritize smooth motion.
Balance weight and power
The LG gram 17 weighs about 2.98 pounds, while several gaming picks weigh more than 5 pounds. Include the charger in your travel decision, since gaming systems need more power.
Verify the listing
Confirm processor, memory, storage, display resolution, refresh rate and seller details before ordering. Similar model names can refer to different configurations, especially across retailer listings.
FAQ
Is the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X better than the LG gram 17?
The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X is better for gaming because its GeForce RTX 4070 is dedicated graphics. The LG gram 17 is better for carrying and general productivity, with a 17-inch screen and a listed weight around 2.98 pounds.
Is the LG gram 17 good for gaming?
The LG gram 17 handles casual games, but its integrated Intel Arc graphics are not aimed at demanding modern games. Choose the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X, Lenovo Legion Pro 5i or an RTX-equipped alternative for a stronger gaming setup.
Which is the lightest laptop in this comparison?
The LG gram 17 is the lightest pick in this comparison at about 2.98 pounds. The 17-inch display gives travelers a large workspace without the weight expected from many laptops with screens of that size.
Is a 16-inch gaming laptop worth buying for school?
A 16-inch gaming laptop suits school if coursework includes gaming, 3D work or GPU-heavy software. For note-taking, web research and carrying between classes, the LG gram 17 or ASUS Zenbook S 16 offers a lighter everyday format.
What should I look for in a laptop on Black Friday 2026?
Compare the processor, graphics, memory, storage, screen and weight in the exact listing. Check return terms and seller information, then match the configuration to your workload. A gaming laptop is not automatically the best choice for travel or office use.