Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (Late 2021): Perennial Gaming Favorite

Faster CPU, better webcam bolster the beloved Blade 15

- MATTHEW BUZZI

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model is a perennial favorite, having proven its build quality and gaming chops to us across several iterations (though previous generations were called “Advanced Edition” instead of “Advanced Model”). What we’re reviewing here is an update to the early 2021 version that bumps up the processor to Intel’s 11th Generation “Tiger Lake-H” Core i7, boosts the webcam to 1080p resolution, and sports a new fingerprint-resistant coating. It still offers Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics and a choice of high-refresh-rate displays (our $2,699.99 configuration combines an RTX 3070 and a 360Hz full HD panel) while maintaining the sleek and light all-metal build. The Blade’s battery life has taken a hit, no longer leading the pack, but that’s the only real negative to this premium-priced favorite. If you’re going to buy this elite gaming laptop today, it may as well be the newest version.

THE BLADE DESIGN: AS SHARP AS EVER

In physical design, this Razer Blade 15 matches the model we reviewed earlier this year. As an internal component and features update, its chassis and build quality remain at the same superb level, a slim and premium machine that stands out even among highend competitors.

The Blade 15 measures 0.67 by 14 by 9.3 inches and weighs 4.4 pounds, one of the lightest top-end gaming rigs around. The new Alienware x15 is a hair thinner at 0.62 inch, but it’s heftier at 5 pounds. The Blade 15’s all-metal design looks and feels great, setting the benchmark for the category, especially as many competitors use plastic builds.