Hardware

Published on March 29th, 2025 | by Andrew Paul

Razer Blade 16 Review (Pending) … Slimmer. Smarter. Sharper. @RazerANZ @Razer

“The world you live in is just a sugar-coated topping! There is another world beneath it: the real world. And if you wanna survive it, you better learn to PULL THE TRIGGER!”
– Blade (1988)

Wesley Snipes as Blade wasn’t wrong—and beneath the sleek, unapologetically refined design of the new Razer Blade 16 (2025), lies something undeniably potent. It’s like a digital elder god poised to open portals to infinite gaming realms. However where does this almost mythical power come from? It’s forged from the top-tier components of PC hardware, making this gaming laptop a testament to Razer’s commitment to excellence.

Sure, I sound like every other tech aficionado hyping up the gear, but here’s the thing—the Razer Blade 16 delivers.


AI Image courtesy of Grok and purely for entertainment purposes only

The Razer Blade 16 offers multiple configurations, letting gamers choose between two processors: the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 or the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. It pairs these with three GPU options, ranging from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti to the monstrous RTX 5090. Add up to 64GB of LPDDR5X memory at 8000 MHz and this laptop turns into a powerhouse capable of handling even the most demanding gaming and creative tasks.

But that performance comes at a cost. Starting at $4,899.95 AUD, the base model ventures into elite territory and while steep, consider the standalone price of an RTX 5090 card—$1,999 USD ($3,177 AUD). Suddenly, the Blade 16 starts to feel like a fair deal when factoring in its other cutting-edge components and portability.

Razer Blade 16 (2025) Specifications

Processors:

·       AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 (10-core/20-thread)

·       AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12-core/24-thread)

·       AMD XDNA NPU (up to 50 TOPS)

Graphics:

·       NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090 Laptop
GPUs

·       GDDR7 VRAM

·       TGP up to 160W (with Dynamic Boost)

Memory:

·       Up to 64GB 8000 MHz LPDDR5X (soldered)

Storage:

·       Up to 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD (expandable to 8TB)

·       Dual SSD slots (single-sided)

Connectivity:

·       Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

·       USB4 Type-C ports

·       USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports

·       HDMI 2.1 output

·       MicroSD card reader (UHS-II)

Keyboard:

·       Per-key RGB powered by Razer Chroma

·       1.5 mm key travel

·       63g actuation force

·       Windows Copilot key

·       Customizable macro keys

Audio:

·       6 built-in stereo speakers with Smart Amp & THX Spatial
Audio

·       3.5mm headphone/microphone combo port

Design:

·       Ultra-thin design, 14.9-17.4 mm thickness

·       CNC-milled aluminum unibody

·       Anodized black finish with fingerprint-resistant coating

·       4.71 lbs / 2.14 kg weight

Display:

·       16-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) OLED, 16:10 aspect ratio

·       240 Hz refresh rate

·       100% DCI-P3 color gamut

·       Calman Verified

·       0.2 ms response time

·
HDR 500

·
NVIDIA Advanced Optimus

Battery:

·       90 Whr battery

·       Fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes, 80% in 48 minutes)

Webcam:

·       1080p IR FHD webcam (Windows Hello)

Cooling:

·       Vapor chamber cooling

·       Dual fan system

Operating System:

·       Windows 11 Home

Security:

·       Microsoft Pluton

Other features:

·       280 W power adapter

·       Razer Synapse software

·       RazerCare protection plans available

·       UHS-II SD card reader

·       Thunderbolt dock compatibility

To handle its immense and localised performance, Razer reimagined the cooling system. The Blade 16 features a thermal hood cover, a dual-fan system capable of pushing up to 8.8 CFM of airflow and a vapor chamber that spans 57% of the motherboard surface area. The result? Efficient heat management without compromising its ultra-slim profile.

But does it still get warm? Yes—it’s powerful, after all, so expect some heat underneath the Blade during intense gaming.

The review model we received from Razer (on loan) included the following main specifications;

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (4000Mhz)
  • Motherboard Chipset: AMD K1A.2 FCH
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home
  • Storage: Samsung MZVL22TPHBLB-00800 (2TB)
  • Wireless: MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7925
  • Display: Samsung ATNA60DL04-0 (16″ OLED)

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 deserves special mention. As the flagship GPU powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, it boasts GDDR7 memory, DLSS 4 technology, and advanced ray tracing. It’s not just a graphics card; it’s a game-changer for unparalleled frame rates and visual fidelity.

Gallery

The Unboxing

Unboxing the Razer Blade 16 is not like unboxing a high-end laptop, even a gaming laptop for that matter but rather, it was like unveiling a finely crafted obsidian artifact thanks to its CNC-milled aluminum unibody design and anodized black finish. Amazingly, each Razer Blade 16 starts with a single block of R6 aluminum that is the base to its sturdy and portable design. Technological witchcraft indeed!

Also, it’s not just thin, it’s dangerously thin, like a blade honed in some ancient forge. This is also the thinnest Razer Blade made and although not katana thin (HA!), it is ultra-slim at 14.9mm and is 12% lighter than the previous generation with a weight of just 2.08kg. Given the high-end components inside the Blade 16, that’s an impressive feat that Razer have managed to achieve and more importantly, keeping it at a very portable 2kg. Also, on the lid of the laptop is the Razer logo that as expected lights up when this gaming monster is powered.

Despite its slender form factor, the Blade 16 boasts a substantial 90 Whr battery, providing ample power to navigate through the demands of the day and beyond, empowering users to play, work, or create wherever inspiration strikes. Additionally, the included 280W AC adapter facilitates rapid charging, replenishing the battery up to 50% in a mere 30 minutes and reaching 80% within 48 minutes. Recognizing the importance of long-term battery health, Razer includes a Battery Health Optimizer tool within Razer Synapse, allowing users to limit battery charge between 50% and 80% when connected to AC power for extended periods.

Connectivity is another strength, offering an extensive array of options, including:\

  • UHS-II SD Card Reader
  • USB4 Type-C
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
  • HDMI 2.1
  • Lock Port
  • Power Port
  • 3.5 mm Combo Audio

Built-in security at the CPU level and cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure faster, more secure wireless connections—setting the Blade 16 apart from competitors in its class.

The Display: It’s nothing short of breathtaking! The Blade 16’s 16-inch OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate elevates visual immersion to unparalleled heights. This ultra-clear, ultra-fast screen beautifully renders nuanced colors, sharper details, and fluid animations, creating a captivating visual experience. With a 0.2 ms response time, ClearMR 10000 certification, HDR500 support, and Calman Verified color profiles covering 100% DCI-P3, this display is perfect for visual purists. Add NVIDIA G-SYNC, and you’ve got silky smooth, tear-free visuals.

The redesigned keyboard is a joy to use, offering 50% more key travel and a balanced 63g actuation force. Rated for 6 million clicks, it combines durability with functionality. Features like a dedicated Windows Copilot key, dual-LED backlighting and five customizable macro keys ensure both efficiency and personalization.

The audio matches the keyboard’s excellence, thanks to the new six-speaker solution. Sound is clearer, fuller, and pro-tuned for an impressive audio experience.

The Razer Synapse software takes control to the next level, enabling you to fine-tune virtually every aspect of the Blade 16. From CPU and GPU performance to visual and audio calibrations, battery health management, and the iconic Chroma RGB lighting, the software showcases Razer’s meticulous attention to detail. It’s a feature set leagues ahead of most competitors.

Benchmarking Previews

First up, AIDA64. This tool delivers in-depth system information, diagnosis, and benchmarking. As expected, the Blade 16 flexed its muscle, achieving impressive results that reflect its high-performance hardware.

Next, we ran 3DMark. Widely regarded as the ultimate gamer’s benchmarking tool, it not only delivered spectacular visuals but solidified the Blade 16’s reputation as a graphical powerhouse.

Update: Cinebench 2024 is a tool to compare CPU and graphics performance across various systems and platforms. While the Razer Blade 16 excelled with the CPU (Single Core), it’s Multi Core results were also in the upper levels of benchmarks.

Gaming

Our early tests have been promising but these results are pending. However in the Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition Benchmark, the Blade 16 breezed through with ease, rendering graphics effortlessly.

And for real-world gaming? Stay tuned—Spider-Man 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 are lined up for further testing, with extra ray tracing, of course!

Update 2: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a 2023 action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The PC port was developed in conjunction with Nixxies Software that did have a few hiccups during its launch this year. However, after a few patches, the game is more than playable as PC gamers play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales… on the Razer Blade 16? It plays phenomenally well on the Razer Blade 16 with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 with full detail (almost) and Ray Tracing enabled – the average frame rate person second is between 80 to 100.

Update: Star Wars Outlaws is an action-adventure game set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Players control Kay Vess, a scoundrel navigating an open world filled with various activities and engaging with the criminal underworld while seeking freedom and a new life. This game is notable for being the first-ever open-world Star Wars game, allowing players to explore distinct locations across the galaxy. Don’t deter from the naysayers because this game is good… like really good and on the Razer Blade 16, it sits very comfortably at 80 frames per second on 2560 x 1600 with full detail (aka ultra).

 

Update: Holding a record for the longest-running video game storyline, the TEKKEN series begins a new chapter as TEKKEN 8 continues the tragic saga of the Mishima and Kazama bloodlines that is one of the definitive fighting games. On the Razer Blade 16 with full detail, the game runs a very smooth 58 – 60 frames per second with no issues whatsoever.

Initial thoughts?

The Razer Blade 16 (2025) is a stunningly engineered laptop that embodies premium materials and cutting-edge components within an elegant design. While it demands a premium price, it delivers a level of performance and craftsmanship that justifies the investment. If real-world gaming results align with our benchmarks, the future of portable gaming is looking incredibly bright.

To be continued…


About the Author

1andrewp@impulsegamer.com'



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