The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a powerful gaming laptop that has garnered attention for its sleek design, high performance, and premium build quality. Released in the latter half of 2018, this iteration of the Razer Blade series aimed to deliver top-tier gaming performance in a portable package. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into its features, specifications, pros, cons, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
What is Razer Blade 15 2018 H2?
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a gaming laptop produced by Razer Inc., a company renowned for its gaming peripherals and laptops. This particular model is the second variant released in 2018, boasting significant improvements over its predecessor. It features a robust build quality, high-end components, and a slim form factor, making it an attractive choice for gamers and power users alike.
Features of Razer Blade 15 2018 H2
1. Design:
- The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 sports a sleek and minimalist design with a black aluminum unibody construction.
- It measures just 0.66 inches thin, making it one of the thinnest gaming laptops in its class.
- The laptop’s CNC-milled chassis gives it a premium look and feel, while the Razer logo on the lid adds a touch of sophistication.
2. Display:
- The laptop features a stunning 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) display with a refresh rate of 144Hz.
- It boasts ultra-thin bezels, providing an immersive gaming experience with minimal distractions.
- The display also supports 100% sRGB color gamut, ensuring vibrant and accurate color reproduction for both gaming and content creation tasks.
3. Performance:
- Powered by Intel’s 8th generation Core i7 processor and NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1060 or GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics card options, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 delivers exceptional gaming performance.
- It comes equipped with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and gameplay.
- The laptop features PCIe SSD storage options ranging from 256GB to 512GB, providing fast boot times and ample storage space for games and media.
4. Keyboard and Trackpad:
- The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 features a customizable per-key RGB Chroma keyboard, allowing users to personalize their gaming setup with various lighting effects.
- The keyboard offers tactile feedback and anti-ghosting technology, ensuring accurate keystrokes during intense gaming sessions.
- The Precision glass touchpad provides smooth and responsive navigation, enhancing productivity and gaming precision.
5. Connectivity:
- It offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, HDMI 2.0b, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack.
- The laptop also features Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity options for wireless networking and peripheral connectivity.
Specifications of Razer Blade 15 2018 H2
- Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.1GHz)
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) or GTX 1070 Max-Q (8GB GDDR5 VRAM)
- Memory: Up to 16GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 32GB)
- Storage: PCIe SSD options: 256GB, 512GB
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) IPS display, 144Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB color gamut
- Keyboard: Per-key RGB Chroma keyboard with anti-ghosting
- Touchpad: Precision glass touchpad
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0
- Ports: 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), HDMI 2.0b, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
- Battery: 80Whr lithium-ion polymer battery
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Pros of Razer Blade 15 2018 H2
- Premium Build Quality: The aluminum unibody construction and CNC-milled chassis exude quality and durability.
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with high-end components, including an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, the laptop delivers excellent gaming performance.
- Sleek and Portable: With its slim form factor and minimalist design, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is easy to carry around and doesn’t compromise on aesthetics.
- Vibrant Display: The Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color gamut provides crisp visuals and accurate color reproduction for an immersive gaming experience.
- Customizable Keyboard: The per-key RGB Chroma keyboard allows users to customize lighting effects to suit their preferences and gaming setup.
Cons of Razer Blade 15 2018 H2
- Expensive: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is priced at a premium compared to other gaming laptops with similar specifications.
- Limited Upgradeability: While the laptop offers impressive performance out of the box, limited upgrade options may be a concern for users looking to future-proof their system.
- Thermal Management: Some users have reported issues with thermal throttling under heavy load, leading to decreased performance during extended gaming sessions.
- No SD Card Reader: Despite its comprehensive port selection, the absence of an SD card reader may inconvenience users who frequently transfer files from cameras and other devices.
- Battery Life: Despite the large 80Whr battery, the laptop’s high-performance components result in relatively short battery life, especially during gaming sessions.
Alternatives of Razer Blade 15 2018 H2
While the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 offers impressive performance and premium build quality, there are several alternatives worth considering:
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX531: Known for its slim design and powerful performance, the Zephyrus S GX531 features similar specifications to the Razer Blade 15 at a slightly lower price point.
- MSI GS65 Stealth: The GS65 Stealth boasts a sleek design, high refresh rate display, and excellent gaming performance, making it a compelling alternative to the Razer Blade 15.
- Gigabyte Aero 15: Featuring a lightweight design and long battery life, the Aero 15 offers comparable performance to the Razer Blade 15 with additional features such as an SD card reader.
- Dell XPS 15: While not marketed specifically for gaming, the XPS 15 offers powerful performance and a stunning 4K display, making it a versatile alternative for both gaming and content creation tasks.
Conclusion
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 stands out as a premium gaming laptop with its sleek design, powerful performance, and vibrant display. While it comes with a hefty price tag and some minor drawbacks such as thermal management issues and limited upgradeability, it remains a top choice for gamers and power users looking for a blend of style and performance. However, considering the alternatives available in the market, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully to find the laptop that best suits your needs and budget.