AORUS 7 review
The AORUS AORUS 7 ranks as the #525 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #288-ranked performance among 38 laptops. Consider the Alienware m15 R5 or Acer Enduro N3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The AORUS 7 gaming laptop is a solid machine, but its high price makes it difficult to recommend. The GTX 1660 Ti graphics perform well, and the i7 CPU delivers decent frame rates in modern games. However, cpu thermal throttling is a significant issue, which affects overall performance. While battery life is on the lower side, the fully removable battery is an advantage. With some minor compromises, this laptop could be great value for those willing to overlook its price tag.
Build
The AORUS 7 gaming laptop's build is a mixed bag. While it boasts a near-3cm thickness, I expected better thermals considering this size. Instead, the CPU thermal throttling was noticeable, likely due to the higher power limit. The Clevo NH70 RCQ chassis, used in larger models like the AORUS 7, seems less effective at dissipating heat compared to its smaller counterpart, the NH-58 RCQ. In terms of design, there's a fair bit of unused space towards the front, which could be utilized better for thermal management. The screen was decent with good color gamut, brightness, and contrast, but my unit had some minor bleed issues. Overall, while the build has its flaws, it's still a solid effort considering the components packed inside. A better alternative might be AORUS 16X, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The display on the AORUS 7 is decent for a gaming laptop, offering good color gamut, brightness, and contrast. However, my unit had some minor bleeding issues. The screen size is one of its major advantages, providing a larger viewing area at the expense of increased weight and size compared to 15-inch models. The clevo nh70 rcq chassis could have been better utilized by moving components down and dedicating more materials to thermal management. Overall, while not outstanding, the display gets the job done for gaming and general use. You may find AORUS 15G a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The AORUS 7's performance is a mixed bag. On the one hand, its GTX 1660 Ti graphics card provides decent frame rates in modern games, making it suitable for most gamers. However, the CPU thermal throttling issue holds it back from reaching its full potential. Despite this, the laptop manages to stay fairly quiet while gaming, which is a plus. In terms of performance, it's on par with other 1660 Ti laptops I've tested. Battery life is a letdown, but the removable battery is a rare advantage in its class. If you’re after a better performance, Alienware Area-51m R2 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The AORUS 7's battery life is somewhat disappointing, ranking on the lower side compared to its competitors. However, one redeeming quality is the fully removable battery, a rare feature in gaming laptops. The charging time is not mentioned, but it's likely to be average or above-average given the laptop's power-hungry components. Overall, while not exceptional in terms of battery life, the AORUS 7 makes up for it with its unique removable battery design, setting it apart from other gaming laptops on the market.
Connectivity
The AORUS 7 gaming laptop has a decent screen with good color gamut, brightness, and contrast. However, my unit had some screen bleed. The machine's battery life is on the lower side, but it does have a removable battery, which is a plus. Connectivity options are standard, but nothing out of the ordinary. For an improved connectivity, AORUS 5 is worth considering.
Features
The AORUS 7 boasts a 17-inch screen with decent color gamut, brightness, and contrast. It features a GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, an i7 CPU, and dual-channel memory, making it capable of playing modern games with decent frame rates. The laptop also includes a 512GB NVMe SSD and a 1TB hard drive, as well as an SD card slot. You might want to check out AORUS 16X, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The AORUS 7's CPU thermal throttling is its biggest drawback, resulting from a higher power limit. While this allows the CPU to reach high powers once thermals are controlled, it compromises performance in some games. The battery life is also on the lower side. However, the laptop has a removable battery and decent screen quality, making it a somewhat average gaming laptop.
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