Razer Blade 18 review
The Razer Razer Blade 18 ranks as the #153 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #100-ranked performance among 746 laptops. Consider the Razer Blade 17 or Razer Blade 16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Razer Blade 18 is a powerhouse of a laptop, but its hefty price tag may leave some users questioning whether it's worth the investment. While it excels in gaming and content creation, with a 440Hz refresh rate and impressive thermal performance, the cost of entry is simply too high at $5,000. Other 18-inch laptops on the market offer better value for less money, albeit with slightly lower build quality. If you prioritize display quality, keyboard feel, and build construction above all else, then perhaps this laptop is worth it to you. However, for most users, its sky-high price may be a major deterrent.
Build
The Razer Blade 18's build is its strongest suit. The laptop exudes premium quality, with a sturdy metal chassis and precise craftsmanship. The design is sleek and modern, perfect for those who want a device that looks as good as it performs. The keyboard feel is also exceptional, offering tactile feedback and responsive key presses. However, there are some notable omissions. A haptic touchpad would elevate the user experience, but unfortunately, this feature is missing. Despite its premium build quality, the laptop feels like a desktop replacement rather than a portable device, weighing in at a substantial 18 inches. Nevertheless, for those who value build quality above all else, the Razer Blade 18 is an excellent choice. A better alternative might be Razer Blade Pro 17, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The Razer Blade 18 boasts an impressive display with two native resolutions: 3840 x 2400 and 1920 x 1200. The dual-resolution setup allows for seamless switching between the two modes, providing a stunning visual experience. The 440Hz refresh rate is also a highlight, making it ideal for gaming and content creation. However, the response time remains a concern due to the use of LCD technology. If Razer were to opt for OLED in future models, the performance would likely be significantly improved. Overall, the display on the Blade 18 is a major selling point, offering unparalleled visual fidelity. You may find Razer Blade 17 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Razer Blade 18 delivers impressive performance despite its high price tag. With an RTX 5090 GPU, it runs well with Adobe Premiere Pro and can take advantage of newer encoders for faster timeline scrubbing. Gaming at 4K is possible, but dropping the resolution to 1920 x 1200 results in better FPS and utilizes the 440Hz refresh rate. Thermal performance was excellent, with average core clock speeds in line with competitors. However, the dedicated GPU's limited power consumption (175W) may not be enough for more demanding games. Overall, the Blade 18 performs well, but its high price point may make it hard to recommend as a value option. If you’re after a better performance, Razer Blade 16 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The Razer Blade 18's battery life is impressive, lasting over 6 hours before needing a charge. The 99Wh battery provides sufficient power for extended use. However, the laptop's weight and size make it more suitable as a desktop replacement rather than a portable device. Despite its hefty price tag, the Blade 18 delivers excellent performance and features, but may not be the best value for those seeking a lightweight laptop.
Connectivity
The Razer Blade 18 boasts impressive connectivity options. It features Wi-Fi 7, swappable Wi-Fi card, and upgradable RAM (up to 64GB). Two M.2 slots ensure excellent storage performance, with one populated drive and a second slot for future expansion. Overall, its connectivity setup is robust and user-friendly. For an improved connectivity, Razer Blade 16 is worth considering.
Features
The Razer Blade 18 boasts a dual native resolution display with 4K and 1920x1200 options, a 440Hz refresh rate, and an NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU. It features up to 64GB of RAM, two M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The laptop also includes a vapor chamber cooler and three fans for thermal performance. You might want to check out Razer Blade 16, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Razer Blade 18 excels in performance, with great thermal management, but falls short in some aspects. The dual native resolution is wonderful, however, the absence of a haptic touchpad and steep price tag may deter some users.
Pros
1. The dual native resolution is wonderful.
2. Thermal performance was fantastic. I have zero complaints there.
3. The dedicated GPU runs up to 175 watts. The total TPP or total package power of this laptop, is 280.
4. I absolutely love this laptop. It's one of the best laptops that I've reviewed this year.
Cons
1. It's ridiculously expensive.
2. It's 18 in. It's heavy and more of a desktop replacement rather than a proper laptop that you can carry everywhere.
3. There are other 18-in laptops on the market that provide better value for a lower price, but you are going to be taking a hit in terms of build quality.
4. A haptic touchpad would have been a nice addition for such an expensive laptop.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features