Case

The Zephyrus G chassis is closely related to the Zephyrus S GX502. In fact, the chassis are essentially identical between them save for two key distinctions: the GA502 lacks the ErgoLift-style rear ventilation that was all the rage on the original Zephyrus design and it lacks the rubber-coated palm rest of the GX502. We suspect that the decision to omit these exotic features on the GA502 was likely down to cost and, in truth, we don't even miss the features at all. The bottom panel is now stiffer because of it while the rest of the plastic chassis feels and looks nearly the same as on the GX502. The cross-cut brushed aluminum outer lid, super-narrow three-sided bezels, and ultra-thin profile have all returned. You're essentially getting a flagship-like chassis for a laptop targeted at gamers on a budget.

Base rigidity is very good with only minimal creaking and warping when attempting to bend its edges or depress the center of the keyboard. We find it to be just slightly weaker than the Alienware m15 but definitely stronger and less rickety than what the MSI GS65 has to offer. The flexible lid continues to be the weakest link much like on the other Zephyrus laptops and its super-small hinges and narrow 130-degree lid angle haven't improved at all. Laptops with stiffer lids like the Razer Blade 15, XPS 15, and even Asus' own ROG Strix II GL504 all prove that the Zephyrus can do better in this regard.

Build quality is excellent on our unit with no noticeable gaps or crevices between materials including the edges of the inner display bezels. Nonetheless, be prepared for instant fingerprints especially around the outer lid, keyboard keys, and trackpad.

Note that the GA502 is one of the only laptops in its category with no integrated webcam. According to Asus, the target audience will rarely use the webcam and if they do, they tend to already have an external higher-quality webcam. Fortunately, the unit still integrates a microphone.