Razer Blade 15 Review

Gaming Laptop Razer Blade 15 – an upgraded sibling of the previously famous Blade 14 continues the series. Being only 1 inch bigger in comparison to the previous edition, it’s still extremely portable. As for now, it’s one of the most demanding machines. The newly released Blade 15 boasts a premium design combined with an overwhelming performance.

Upsides:

• Incredibly powerful
• Unique yet recognizable design
• Responsive keyboard
• A large and convenient touchpad

Downsides:

• Runs quite hot
• Seems to be overpriced (mainly because of the brand)
• Battery life leaves much to be desired

This model is the latest version released by Razer. It includes great hardware along with an attractive overall look. The major difference compared to the Blade 14 is that it runs 4K. It’s become possible due to the RTX 3080 installed inside. Sure, there are some nuances to keep in mind. It’ll be discussed later in the review.

Besides, the new edition has soaked up everything its younger sibling was famous for. The rig remains light and portable giving a chance for users to take it anywhere. Its elegant and sleek design fits any interior including a cafe.

This device is still more popular among PC gamers for its brand. Some of them are ready to pay extra just for the name. Its GPU is capable indeed yet isn’t that performant if compared to the PC version. Running the most demanding titles makes players sacrifice 4K resolution or FPS.

Among other drawbacks is a quickly dying battery. The machine can’t survive more than a few hours without a charger attached. This number significantly decreases if one runs a title. Luckily, it’s chargeable through a USB-C cable. However, it’s not powerful enough to provide smooth gameplay.

Prices and Configurations

The Blade 15 features various builds that are also different in terms of prices. All the versions released have a noticeable chasm in specifications. The one presented below is the maximum level of performance possible. At the same time, it’s the most expensive one.

No one doubts the fact that these specs look impressive. However, the laptop is still overpriced in all aspects. Besides, many prospective buyers won’t be satisfied with a 60Hz screen. It may be good enough for watching exciting videos or movies but not for gaming.

The most revolting moment is the $3299 price. This particular edition is simply not for the majority of average users. One can find similarly performant options for a lower cost on the market. Its main upside is portability but it’s not worth the money asked at all.

Despite an unfriendly price tag, make sure to have a glance at a middle edition. It’s more widespread among amateur players and people looking for saving a penny. It has an Intel i7-11800H processor with the RTX 3060 graphics card. Combined with a 1080p gaming monitor at 144Hz, it provides a stable and smooth picture. Along with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD, it fulfills all the needs.

The above-described alternative is often seen on sale coming at $1800. This is still quite expensive yet more affordable. Buying this edition grants a possibility to run any current title. Nonetheless, it will require an enforced upgrade in the nearest future for sure. That’s why this purchase is still doubtful.

What Builds Are Worth the Attention

This large difference in specs and prices arouses a reasonable question – what build is worthy. The gap between them is too serious not to notice it. An avid Razer fan may invest such a sum but an average user won’t.

The reviewed edition in the table isn’t the right option to spend this money. This happens because of the RTX 3080 installed in it. Therefore, the Blade 15 runs too hot because its size doesn’t have enough airflow. The mentioned graphics card is too powerful to show its full potential.

If one decides to purchase this rig, make sure to consider the middle option. It’s more than capable of serving as a machine for home office and gaming. Sure, the featured specs don’t look too great in terms of future-proof performance. Though, it kind of meets the capability-price balance.

This gadget is still popular not only among gamers but among content creators as well. It boasts enough RAM available in any edition chosen. At the same time, it’s light and portable to take in a trip or anywhere.

Unfortunately, it’s better to purchase the Blade 14, as it’s better exactly in this aspect. They’re also almost identical in terms of price.

Design Solutions and Overall Look

Just like in a previous version, the Blade 15 comes in a sleek chassis. All these powerful inside components are jammed into a small case. It’s all-black and made of aluminum that’s nice to touch. The brand’s logo is placed on the backside of the lid. It irradiates an acid-green color that looks stylish.

Being an elder sibling, this version hasn’t lost loud and powerful speakers. They deliver clear sound and delightful bass. One can tell the same nice words about the keyboard and touchpad. The latter has become much bigger and is convenient to use on the go.

For a laptop with such a size, it remains performant and lightweight all at once. The only thing that limits its portability is a large charging unit. The Blade 14 has the same problem and can’t survive without it for too long. This issue has become more common in a newly released edition, as it’s way larger.

The 4.4 lbs laptop will be accompanied by the additional weight of a power brick. In all other cases, it won’t be usable for more than a few hours. It’s a dramatically serious downside of an expensive machine like this. In some cases, a Type-C cable can be an alternative. However, it will be good enough for browsing the Web only.

Speaking of ports, there are so many of them that any other device can envy. The model boasts a Kensington Lock, HDMI, USB-A, and Thunderbolt 4 on the right side. A charging port is located on the opposite side. There’s also another Thunderbolt 4 and a 3.5mm audio jack. Everything is topped with two USB-A ports. Surprisingly, a small chassis like this fits so many inputs without a docking station needed.

Performance Quality  – The Most Powerful Gaming Laptop

The reviewed guest has shown great results in all the tests completed. A few special programs have imitated the maximum overload. Then, the most demanding titles were run to estimate the FPS rate and overall smoothness.

This is what the picture looks like:

• Fire Strike: 22697 points / Time Spy: 9771 points / Cinebench R23: 8555 points
• Total War: Three Kingdoms (1080p, ultra settings): ~ 70 FPS | (1080p, low settings): ~ 220 FPS
• Metro Exodus (1080p, ultra settings): ~ 72 FPS | (1080p, low settings): ~ 156 FPS.

Despite its dimensions, it’s equally perfect for working moments and gaming. Though, it has the same problem as its younger sibling does. The RTX 3080 GPU can’t unlock its entire potential because of the laptop’s size. It simply swallows a decent part of the performance. After all, it runs extremely hot and makes extra noise when playing.

All the problems connected with this graphics card are especially noticeable at 4K. Let alone the ray tracing system that loads the machine even more.

The above-presented tests demonstrate this concisely. The model won’t run even older titles like Metro Exodus at ultra and 4K on. It’s better not to mention games like Cyberpunk 2077, which is more demanding in all aspects.

Therefore, this device isn’t worth the money asked for. Don’t get it wrong, this rig is great but one can get a better option. This cost is just too high for an average user looking for a gaming laptop. It has hit 7497 points in PC Mark 10 to prove its performance level. Therefore, if one’s ready to invest such a sum, the Blade 15 is the choice.

Camera and Microphone

Just like its little sibling, the Blade 15 has a serviceable webcam. It’s not awful but it could definitely be better. This is mainly usable for work calls or a friendly chat. One can tell the same about the microphone. Let’s say thanks to Razer for having both of these features at least.

They’re not the most important qualities in a gaming laptop. However, should be included in the price stated as well.

Speaking of a webcam in detail, it’s now an upgraded 1080p version. Remember that the previous edition from this series was only 720p. The image quality has definitely become less blurry. At the same time, it’s still not enough to provide a top-notch picture for streamers. However, the problem with video lagging has been solved as well.

The mic shows quite similar results. It’s far from a professional studio mic or the one built in a gaming headset. Though, it transmits almost a clear voice capturing a bit of background noise together. This will be a decent alternative if there’s nothing to use on a daily basis.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The newly released model has taken all the great parts from its younger sibling. It still features an anti-ghosting keyboard. When pressing a button, this signal is almost immediate and quickly turns into an action.

Just like all premium Razer gadgets, this device boasts Chroma RGB lighting. Another impressive fact, the company has upgraded it even more. It now has per-key lighting making it look overwhelming. With around 17 million colors, there are no limits concerning personalization.

Coming down to the touchpad, it has only become better. It’s also a clickable glass unit with the Microsoft Precision Touchpad system. Despite the slowly changing tendency, Razer hasn’t managed to create a touchpad suitable for gaming. It’s certainly larger than a previous version yet not comfortable enough.

Besides, one can always install the company’s software to discover a wider selection of options. It takes no longer than a few minutes and is completely free to download.

Laptop Razer Blade 15 – Battery Life

Unfortunately, this is a sore subject for this particular model. If compared to other alternatives available on the market, its battery life is too poor. Let’s take the ROG Strix G15 as an example. This contender can last almost nine hours of non-stop work. On top of it, it shows better results in terms of performance and costs less.

The reviewed guest can survive no longer than five hours. That’s a solid difference considering the money asked for the gadget. Of course, it’s not the worst result but one expects more anyway. Keeping that in mind makes a user always have a charging unit nearby. Its short run time leaves much to be desired even for work issues.

This problem is solvable thanks to a USB-C cable. A person can use it to keep the laptop alive at least to get home. However, it won’t be enough to enjoy demanding games or work remotely with maximum performance. It’s highly advisable to have a power brick packed together with a machine. This is the best decision if one goes on a trip or anything like it.

Summarizing Strong and Weak Sides

Razer has gone a long way in improving its previous model. The Blade 15 has definitely become better in many aspects. Its price has changed significantly as well. Let’s have a look at when this device is worth one’s attention and when not.

BUY IT IN CASE OF

1. If one needs a portable machine without caving on performance. It’s only 4.4 lbs, which feels like a feather to travel with. This rig also fits enough power in such a small chassis. Though, be ready to have a power brick nearby to keep it fully charged.

2. If one’s looking for a future-proof and reliable product. This gaming brand is famous not just for its name. Razer actually creates pricey yet sturdy laptops.

3. If one wants to try a premium item. This version isn’t from the cheapest series indeed. Therefore, it radiates a luxurious vibe in every aspect seen. It starts with an all-black aluminum case ending with top-notch specs.

DO NOT BUY IT IN CASE OF

1. If one’s budget is scant. With a price tag reaching $3000, this gadget is beyond someone’s limit. It’s surely powerful and stylish but not every user is ready to invest this sum.

2. If one needs a long-lasting rig. Despite being performant, this model can’t live too long without a charging unit. Therefore, people looking for an on-the-go device should choose another option.

Overall Verdict: score of 9.3

A newly released edition is somewhat controversial. It has definitely become better yet pricier than ever. This model remains a good solution for people traveling a lot or working remotely. However, its poor battery life spoils the general impression.

One should decide if this machine is worth such cost. It may be a more reasonable decision to buy the Blade 14. It’s smaller and lasts longer without a charging cable. Besides, it suits better travelers or remote workers.

Video-review on Razer Blade 15 – Surprisingly fast game!

Gaming Laptop Razer Blade 15

Gaming Laptop Razer Blade 15 Review - is one of the most demanding machines. The Blade 15 boasts a premium design combined with high performance for PC gaming

Product SKU: RB15

Product Brand: Razer

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 2099

Price Valid Until: 2023-04-10

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
9.3