Razer Blade 15 2019

9/10 (Expert Score)
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Meta review: On average, Razer’s 2019 model of the Blade 15 gets excellent scores from hardware editors. It ticks most if not all boxes compared to the 15-inch competition. The main complaint is that the Advanced model is very expensive.

Description

The 2019 model of Razer’s 15-inch gaming laptop is significantly slimmer than its already compact predecessor. Actually, according to Razer is “the world’s smallest 15.6″ gaming laptop”. It is only 0.70″/17.8mm thin and weighs in at about 4.5lbs/ 2.07 kg, so it’s certainly among the smallest. In spite of the compact format, the Razer Blade 15 2019 is configurable with very powerful GPUs, all the way up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q. Interestingly, the ‘Advanced’ model with RTX-class graphics is even thinner than the entry-level GTX variant.

Razer Blade 15 2019 Configurations

Compared to its main rival from Dell, the Alienware m15, there aren’t as many ways to customize the 2019 Razer Blade 15. However, something these two laptops have in common is the choice of processor, which is restricted to just one: the ubiquitous 6-core Intel Core i7-8750H.

On the other hand, you do get to choose between a range of high-end graphics cards. Razer has equipped the slightly thicker entry-level model with a GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q with 6 GB of VRAM. This model is much more affordable, but also much less powerful than configurations with the GeForce RTX 2060 (not Max-Q), RTX 2070 Max-Q or RTX 2080 Max-Q.

The amount of RAM is 16 GB by default and not configurable on purchase, but the GTX model can be upgraded to 32 GB in total and RTX (advanced model) to 64 GB. Storage configurations also differ between GTX and RTX models. There’s no mechanical hard drive option if you want RTX graphics – only up to 512 GB of SSD space. In return, you get a larger, 80 Wh battery instead of the 65 Wh battery that ships with the base model.

Your choice of display will also depend on your graphics configuration. In all RTX variants, a 144 Hz display is part of the standard equipment, but the RTX 2070 Max-Q can also be combined with a 4K/2160p (60Hz) display.

Performance

Frame rates and overall gaming performance is decided by your choice of GPU. A Razer Blade 15 with a GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q is usually more than twice as powerful as a system with the mid-range GTX 1060 Max-Q.

[supsystic-table-diagram id=’4′]

The above scores are rounded-off averages from a range of user-submitted benchmark runs. Exact scores will differ between systems and individual runs.

All laptop versions of the RTX cards use lower clock rates and other optimizations to balance thermals and fan noise. This is especially true for the Max-Q versions of the RTX 2070 and RTX 2080 used in the Razer Blade 15 2019. Max-Q design is an Nvidia brand signifying that clocks and power consumption – along with performance – has been lowered further to make the cards suitable for laptops. But although performance is significantly lower than the desktop counterparts, they are still the most powerful mobile GPUs available in 2019 (second only to the non-Max-Q laptop GPUs).

If you decide on a model with a 4K (UHD) touch panel, it’s important to remember that the GPU has to handle four times as many pixels as a 1080p panel (2160p panels are 1080p squared). In other words, gaming at 4K results in very noticeably lower frame rates compared to 1080p. Still, many games from 2019 should be playable in 4K (30+ FPS) with the RTX 2070 Max-Q, although other settings may have to be reduced.

In 1080p resolution, however, all recent games (2019) will be playable with any of the Razer Blade 15’s GPU configurations – often at 60 FPS using high settings.

Other Features

Razer has used premium materials befitting a similarly high-end laptop. The Blade’s design is more than a little inspired by Apple’s MacBook Pro, using aluminum for the chassis and a glass track pad. For an even more Mac-inspired look, there’s also a ‘Mercury White’ option. Something decidedly less Apple-like, however, is the keyboard with individually RGB-lit keys.

Reviews

This laptop is featured in our list of laptops equipped with the 2070 Max-Q.

Wccftech (Core i7-8750H + RTX 2070 Max-Q, 144Hz 1080p panel)

In general then, what I’ve found in the Razer Blade 15 Advanced (2019) is a gaming laptop which fulfils every single one of my requirements.

TrustedReviews (Core i7-8750H + RTX 2080 Max-Q, 144Hz 1080p panel)

… the Razer Blade 15 will at least give you a performance to brag about. But if you’re looking for value with your gaming laptop purchase, there are many better alternatives on offer.

Notebookcheck (Core i7-8750H + RTX 2070 Max-Q, 144Hz 1080p panel)

We ranked the 2018 Blade 15 as one of the best ultrathin gaming laptops out there and this early 2019 model is no different.

TechAdvisor (Core i7-8750H + GTX 1060 Max-Q, 60Hz 1080p panel)

It can get a bit hot and noisy at times but there’s very little to dislike about this stunning device.

Video Reviews

MobileTechReview: Core i7-8750H + GTX 1060 Max-Q, 60Hz 1080p panel (Base model)

HardwareCanucks: Core i7-8750H + RTX 2080 Max-Q, 144Hz 1080p panel

Matthew Moniz: Core i7-8750H + RTX 2070 Max-Q, 144Hz 1080p panel

9Expert Score
Meta review: On average, Razer's 2019 model of the Blade 15 gets excellent scores from hardware editors. It ticks most if not all boxes compared to the 15-inch competition. The main complaint is that the Advanced model is very expensive.
PROS
  • Excellent performance
  • Impressive design
  • Good serviceability
CONS
  • Very expensive (Advanced model)

Additional information

Specification: Razer Blade 15 2019

EAN List EAN List Element: 0811659032003
Number Of Items 1
Package Dimensions Height: 410, Length: 1740, Weight: 925, Width: 1400
Model RZ09-02888E92-R3U1
Item Dimensions Height: 70, Length: 925, Weight: 463, Width: 1398
EAN 0811659032003
UPC List UPC List Element: 811659032003
Title Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop - Intel Core i7-8750H 6 Core, GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, 15.6" FHD 144Hz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Chroma RGB Keyboard, Thunderbolt 3, 0.70" thin, CNC Aluminum
Warranty (Year) 1

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