Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (2021)

Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (2021)

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced 2021, part of the Razer Blade 15-18 lineup, is a significant performance upgrade over the previous version. It is built for users who enjoy gaming but want a sleek, refined laptop, as well as multimedia design professionals who need a machine they can take on the go.

Design

Like other Razer Blade models, the Blade 15 Advanced 2021 uses a unibody aluminum chassis with a smooth black finish, giving it a sturdy feel in use. The body is slimmer than the Base version, although the weight is not much different. In return, the laptop feels more streamlined and sophisticated, rather than as bulky as the Base model.

The display bezels are still slimmed down in the Infinity Edge style, with exceptionally attractive lines. The solid horizontal hinge design remains a signature of high-performance Ultrabooks, adding stability while maximizing cooling efficiency.

The Razer Blade 15 2021 Advanced Model is currently available only in black. The Mercury White version has now been passed to its sibling, the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition, which launched not long ago.

A complete performance transformation

This 2021 version of the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model is equipped with the powerful Intel Core i7 - 10875H CPU, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. With a CPU like this, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced 2021 can easily handle Excel files that are hundreds of MB, even up to GB, or render the heaviest 3D frames. In truth, with this chip, using it only for gaming may be overkill.

To maximize power, the laptop comes with two of today’s latest graphics card options, the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080. Of course, an Ultrabook that is even thinner than the Base version, like this Blade 15 Advance 2021, cannot use conventional graphics cards. Even so, using the two latest and most powerful GPUs from Nvidia shows that Razer continually updates its technology and always brings the most advanced technologies to its laptops.

Display

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model 2021 uses a Full HD IPS display with very strong color coverage, 100% sRGB with 68% AdobeRGB. It also features a 144Hz refresh rate, making it well suited for most gamers today. Screen brightness has also been significantly improved, reaching 320 nits, which is considerably brighter than the previous version.

As with last year, the Advanced 2021 version is still equipped with a QHD 240Hz display with excellent 100% sRGB color coverage. This year’s version, however, adds an optional touch function, making it a great fit for users who specialize in creative graphics work.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard on this Razer Blade 15 Advanced 2021 does not differ much from its predecessor. Key travel is shallow and the typing feel is not especially firm, but the per-key RGB lighting system remains a highlight of this gaming laptop line. The two Fn keys are placed symmetrically on both sides, making it more convenient to use function keys as well as Macro keys while gaming.

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced trackpad has always earned strong approval from most users. Its large surface is covered with smooth glass, enhancing the overall user experience. In addition, the trackpad comes with Windows Precision built in, delivering accurate gestures and controls. The two mouse buttons are responsive, with good feedback and a quiet click that is not too loud.

Ports

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced 2021 is equipped with a full range of ports. On the left side, it has two USB Type A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a standard USB Type C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and a 3.5mm jack. On the right side, it has one USB Type A port, one HDMI 2.0 port, and a USB Type C port that supports the Thunderbolt 3 protocol. Notably, this year Razer has added a traditional SD card slot, helping users import and export photos from professional cameras. Razer is also gradually removing the outdated mini Displayport from its laptop products.

Is the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model 2021 a worthwhile upgrade?

With its refined design, premium and sturdy materials, and powerful configuration, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model 2021 is an Ultrabook that delivers excellent value, even surpassing the Base 2020 version. With major configuration changes and the addition of an SD card slot, this may be the most worthwhile laptop at the moment.