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Alienware m18 review: king of laptop gaming performance
10:11 pm | April 14, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Alienware m18: Two-minute review

Alienware m18, Dell’s refresh of its largest Alienware laptop line and some of the best Dell laptops, has gone in a different direction from the previous Alienware X14 (2022) and Alienware x15 R2. This latest model is unabashedly a desktop replacement in every sense of the word, from the thick and bulky chassis to its heavy weight to the same black color. However, it separates itself from the pack with its incredible performance and, if you select the upgrade, its fully mechanical CherryMX RGB keyboard.

The keyboard is, by far, the best I have ever tested, rivaling some of the best gaming keyboards I’ve used. It strikes the perfect balance between the switches being thin enough to allow the laptop to close (it does cheat a little by using some of the thickness to create a slight divet for the keyboard to rest in). The keys themselves have 1.8mm of key travel as well as that perfect satisfying feedback despite the thinner size. Nothing is sacrificed in its quality; I could and have typed for hours without it ever losing its luster. The touchpad is large and responsive, everything you could ask for if you’re a fan of them.

Its 18-inch display is absolutely phenomenal, with either a QHD+ 165Hz panel like my own review model or a beyond incredible FHD+ 480Hz panel for the truly passionate professional gamer. The webcam is a standard one, not particularly amazing but works well enough if you need to jump in a conference call or livestream. The audio quality is quite good as well, as the speakers are able to handle music and general sound design with ease. When gaming or streaming movies on this, you should only really need headsets for privacy reasons.

One major improvement from the previous Alienware x15 R2 laptop is the ventilation, which is by and far much better. That’s thanks to the quad-fan design that circulates and expels from several vents across seven heat pipes, along with improved thermal paste quality for both the CPU and GPU. As a drawback, it almost sounds like a jet engine whenever the fans even slightly rev up, but most video streaming services and software have noise reduction properties so that’s not an issue there.

Performance is where the Alienware m18 shines, as it makes its mark as one of the best gaming laptops by completely beating out every other desktop replacement gaming PC we’ve tested in terms of GPU benchmark testing, including the much more expensive MSI GT77 Titan. However, CPU testing is a little less consistent, with some laptops like the Lenovo Legion 7i Pro or the Titan beating out the m18 in certain scores while falling behind in others.

Of course, if you want the full gaming experience and aren't in need of portability, then you might want to invest in the best gaming PC instead since the performance can't be matched due to superior specs. And if a cheaper price is more your game, then the best budget gaming laptops will definitely be more of your speed.

Alienware m18: Price & availability

closeup of keys

(Image credit: Future)
  • Starting at $1,999.99 / £2,068.99 / around AU$2,999
  • Available now 
  • Available in the US and UK, and Australia

For a desktop replacement, the Alienware m18 pricing starts at a rather affordable rate of $1,999.99 / £2,068.99 / around AU$2,999 – still expensive but definitely leagues cheaper than the current competition. But if you’re getting a hardcore gaming machine 512GB of storage isn’t what you’re looking for. Even my own review unit, priced at $3,549 / £3,299.99 / around AU$5,316, is far cheaper than the Lenovo Legion 7i Pro and around the same price as the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) and has similar specs to both.

As with most other Dell products, this laptop is available in a wide variety of regions, including the US, UK, and Australia. The UK is mostly the same as the US in terms of specs and pricing, with the exception of the 480Hz display panel that’s only available for lower specs, which is an odd choice to say the least. Meanwhile, Australia has only one high-spec model equipped with the RTX 4080 and packing 64GB of RAM, but there’s no 480Hz option either.

  • Price score: 4.5 / 5

Alienware m18: Specs

black gaming laptop

(Image credit: Future)

The specs for the Alienware m18 review unit sent to me are as follows: an Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD of storage, and 18-inch (2560 x 1600), 16:10 QHD+, 165Hz display.

The Alienware m18 comes in several customizable configurations, depending on which options you choose. These specs include the choice of display, CPU, GPU, memory, storage space, and even the choice of membrane or mechanical keys.

  • Specs score: 5 / 5

black gaming laptop facing back

(Image credit: Future)

Alienware m18: Design

  • Extremely heavy and bulky
  • Excellent keyboard
  • Port selection is fantastic

Like older models, the Alienware m18 uses the same distinctive chassis design that accommodates mostly rear-situated ports and  includes customizable RGB lighting on both that and the Alienware logo on the top cover. Despite this, the extremely heavy and bulky form factor, combined with the rather boring all-black color palette, almost completely cancels out the effect, making it look noticeably less visually appealing. Considering that this laptop is built more for performance and ventilation, the decision to cut back on aesthetics is understandable.

But it cannot be understated how heavy and big this laptop is. It weighs nearly nine pounds, and you can feel every single pound of it. It couldn’t even fully fit in my Lo & Sons O.G. 2 overnight bag, which has fit both 17 and 18-inch laptops just fine. With this big boy, I had to leave my bag open as I traveled home. If you purchase it, make sure to keep it home or only pack it in your travel luggage.

The 18-inch display is phenomenal, and in the US and UK, you can choose between either a QHD+ 165Hz panel like my own review model or a ridiculous FHD+ 480Hz panel for the truly serious. I wish the webcam was just as amazing, but it’s a pretty standard 1080p HD camera found in most gaming laptops, that works fine in good lighting but suffers if you have a dimmer setup. If you livestream seriously, you’ll want to upgrade; otherwise, it’s fine for a conference call.

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closeup of keyboard

(Image credit: Future)

What I enjoy the most about its design is the keyboard, which can be updated to Alienware CherryMX ultra-low profile mechanical keys with N-key rollover tech. This is by and far the best keyboard I’ve ever used, combining that satisfying click and feedback of mechanical switches with the slimmer keys expected of any laptop. Its touchpad is quite nice; smooth, large, and responsive, perfect for those like me who use them frequently. The speakers are quite excellent as well, delivering a nice robust sound with solid bass that conveys both music and sound effects in your games well.

Its port selection is absolutely fantastic, featuring every type of port you could possibly want including four USB 3.2 Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode/USB4, one Ethernet port, one audio port, one HDMI 2.1 port, one power-adapter port, one mini-Display port, and one SD card slot.

  • Design score: 4 / 5

black gaming laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Alienware m18: Performance

  •  Gaming performance is top-notch
  •  Clears benchmarks
  •  CPU struggles a bit
Alienware m18: Benchmarks

Here's how the Alienware m18 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 71,818; Fire Strike: 35,465; Time Spy: 21,040; Port Royal: 14,171
Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 28,341 points
GeekBench 5: 2,027 (single-core); 21,488 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Home Test): 7,681 points
25GB File Copy: 17.5
Handbrake 1.6: 2:35
CrossMark: Overall: 2179; Productivity: 2007; Creativity: 2508; Responsiveness: 1831
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 3 hours, 25 minutes
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 155 fps; (1080p, Low): 372 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 102 fps; (1080p, Low): 139 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 157 fps; (1080p, Low): 200 fps

Ventilation has improved by leaps and bounds with the Alienware m18, fixing every issue from the previous Alienware x15 R2 and making the much thicker design completely understandable. It features a quad-fan design that circulates and expels from several vents across seven heat pipes, along with improved thermal paste quality for both the CPU and GPU. The trade-off is a laptop that sounds almost like a jet engine, but if you’re passionate about performance and especially overclocking, then it’s more than worth it.

Speaking of performance, the Alienware m18 is currently king on the GPU front. It beats out the other desktop replacements that we’ve tested so far, including the MSI GT77 Titan, which is way more expensive for similar specs. And it’s not only benchmarking that it reigns over, as those scores translate to higher frame rates as well. There’s not a single game, whether Cyberpunk 2077 or Dirt 5, in which this laptop scored under 100fps on average, even on maxed-out settings. And yes, even when ray tracing is enabled.

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screenshot of Alienware Command Center

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screenshot of Alienware Command Center

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screenshot of Alienware Command Center

(Image credit: Future)

Keep in mind that these are results taken straight from a setup right out of the box, with the only change being that I set it to the generic Performance mode in Windows 11. The updated and redesigned Alienware Command Center software is even easier to use now thanks to a complete UI overhaul, making overclocking a breeze and performance results skyrocket. Since I had the old version equipped before I updated, I could see the difference, and it's leagues better than below.

When it comes to CPU results, it’s not as consistent with some scores being higher than the competition and others much lower, the latter of which happened most often against the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i. In general, it follows the same current-gen trend of the CPU performance potential being throttled by the GPU, as well as occasionally slowdown and webpage or video loading issues. Despite that, I was able to use it as a productivity machine for a full day of work without much issue.

  • Performance score: 5 / 5

Alienware m18: Battery

closeup of battery information

(Image credit: Future)
  •  Awful battery
  •  Charges fast

Unsurprisingly, the battery life on the Alienware m18 is pretty atrocious. Our HD movie battery test found that it barely lasts three and a half hours, and when used for productivity work, it reaches about four hours before dying. 

As with any other desktop replacement, this is not meant to be taken off the charger unless you need to carry it somewhere. That said, it does at least charge quickly, so you won’t be stuck at an AC adaptor for very long. 

  • Battery score: 2 / 5

Should you buy the Alienware m18?

Buy it if...

You want a gaming performance monster
It chews up and spits out any PC game on the highest possible settings, even with both ray-tracing and DLSS 3 enabled.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Though this is a premium-quality gaming laptop, that level of performance comes at a steep price. This is definitely above the budget of the average gamer.

Alienware m18: Also consider

If the Alienware m18 has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...

How I tested the Alienware m18

  • I tested the Alienware m18 for several weeks
  • I tested it using both benchmark tests and video game benchmarks
  • I stress-tested the battery using the TechRadar movie test

First, I tested the general weight and portability of the Alienware m18 by carrying it around in a laptop bag for a day. After I set it up, I ran several CPU and GPU benchmarks to thoroughly test out the graphics card's performance and how much it affected processing performance. Finally, I used a variety of programs and applications to test out both battery life and general performance during work-like conditions, as well as gaming benchmarks to test the RTX 4090 GPU.

The Alienware m18 is a desktop replacement for gaming, meaning it's meant to be used for hardcore gaming sessions. I made sure to thoroughly test out this laptop in that regard, to make sure it reached certain levels of performance.

I've tested plenty of gaming PCs and laptops, making me more than qualified to understand benchmark test results and how to properly stress test machines to see how well they perform as a work machine.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2023

Volt Infinity review: A comfortable hybrid e-bike with plenty of range
9:41 pm | April 13, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

Volt Infinity: Two minute review

British bike builder Volt has already produced some cracking electric two-wheelers and the Volt Infinity offers more of the same. This is an upright, very comfortable e-bike that features an aluminium frame, a Sony powerpack plus a host of component parts from Shimano. 

What this all means is that you get an easy-to-ride electric bike, complete with the Shimano Steps system that delivers auto gear shifting if you want it, along with an 8-speed derailleur setup if you prefer to work the gears yourself. 

The 250W Shimano hub-mounted motor offers dependable assistance, the range is impressive and you’ll get there in comfort thanks to a nice spongy saddle, flat handlebars and chunkier tyres. It’s all very civilised. The Volt Infinity also comes with full mudguards, front and rear lights and a rack over the back wheel, so it’s ready to hit the road.

Volt Infinity: Price and availability

Volt Infinity electric bike

(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
  • £3,000 in UK
  • Approximately $3,750 / AU$5,600
  • Available from manufacturer directly

The Volt Infinity is available to buy directly from Volt, with a price tag that starts from £3,000 in the UK (approximately $3,750 in the US, and AU$5,600 in Australia). If that seems to be quite a lot for an around-town hybrid, just bear in mind this two-wheeler comes with very impressive specs. 

While the Volt Infinity does have a seemingly exorbitantly high price, this is a good value bike. The design and build quality is very good overall. However, what really takes it up a notch on the value front is the use of components. Products from Shimano feature heavily here, including the powertrain, bike computer, brakes and so on. Add in the other touches of quality, like the excellent Velo saddle plus the various ancillaries like full mudguards and lights, along with a carry rack over the rear wheel and it’s a decent package.

Volt does also offer an optional GPS tracker to use with the Infinity, which comes with an additional cost.

Volt Infinity: Design

Volt Infinity electric bike

(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
  • Restrained but cool-looking frame design in silver
  • Integrated Abus lock and Spanninga lights plus luggage rack
  • Good choice of components delivers a premium feel

There’s plenty to catch your eyes with the Volt Infinity, but while it looks cool enough, I rather like the slightly low-key stance of this hybrid e-bike. To start, the bike’s solid 19-inch aluminium frame is suited to riders from 5’ 7” and upwards. Although the brushed silver colour of the aluminium is distinctive, it’s not at all shouty. This is always a plus if you get nervous about taking your bike into town centres where thieves tend to hang out: it’s not gaudy enough to stick out (although we wouldn’t recommend locking such an expensive bike up in an area known for criminal activity). 

Nevertheless, there’s a built-in, Dutch-style Abus lock on the back wheel too, which adds some piece of mind. However, it’s well worth supplementing with one of our best bike locks if you plan to leave it in public for any length of time.

And, if you think the Volt Infinity looks like quite a comfortable e-bike to ride, I can confirm that it is indeed great on the posterior thanks to a quality Velo saddle. That, combined with the flat handlebars, makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for an everyday hybrid-style bike. Shimano components highlight the quality of the frame design, with a Shimano hub-style electric motor built into the bottom of the frame. Elsewhere, the design is supplemented by more Shimano components, including the Alfine DI2 8-speed gearing and Shimano brakes, which are discs front and rear.

Thankfully for such an expensive bike, the Volt Infinity comes with everything needed to get you on your way. There are front and rear lights included, along with a luggage rack over the rear wheel. Full mudguards keep you dry too, while the Schwalbe tyres are a little chunkier and therefore deliver a much more forgiving ride on the road, aided and abetted by Suntour forks that absorb ruts and kerbs nicely in equal measure. The included kickstand is also a blessing and saves you having to prop up the bike on kerbs or against walls.

  • Design Score: 4/5

Volt Infinity: Performance

Volt Infinity electric bike

(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
  • Fuss-free power delivery and plenty of torque
  • Automatic shifting works well in most scenarios
  • Range figure seems pretty realistic with careful use

The Volt Infinity is a sprightly e-bike performer considering its bulk and overall weight. Getting ready for the off is easy, you simply press the power button on the handlebar-mounted computer and the display shows you the state of play. It’s possible to pick through the various settings using the toggle switches at either side of the handlebars, so gears and assistance modes all fall easily to hand.

If you’re looking for a completely assisted electric bike ride the Volt Infinity will meet your needs without issue. I tended to go for a middle ground setting, with average assistance, which allowed me to exploit those great Shimano derailleur gears. The setup feels just about right for the type of bike this is, so nipping into town on variable surfaces and with some gentle inclines, it worked perfectly for me. 

If you’ve got the bike on auto shifting mode it can feel a little bit disconcerting at times. In fact, I found that occasionally the system couldn’t quite make up its mind about which gear to be in. Not enough to get annoying, although steeper hills mean you want to know in advance what the bike is going to do. So, if you live in a hilly area and like the idea of this bike, using the manual gear change selection might be the better way to go.

Generally speaking though, the Volt Infinity cruises along very nicely indeed. It feels nicely planted on the road and that saddle, plus those chunkier tyres means the ride is very comfortable indeed. The other plus with this type of arrangement is that the Volt Infinity is just as happy scooting along grass or hardened mud trails and still manages to feel sure-footed. It handles well too, considering the overall size and weight of the design. Take it easy with the power consumption and, to me at least, Volt’s range figures seem perfectly reasonable too.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Volt Infinity: Battery life

  • Excellent range but battery removal is a chore
  • An overnight charge will get you ready to go again
  • Front and rear lights don’t seem to have an adverse effect

The Volt Infinity is a great bike and it’s made even better thanks to the potency of the lithium battery. Volt’s official figure for the Infinity is around 90 miles, using the mildest Eco setting. Of course, all e-bikes can have their range affected by the way they’re ridden and the Volt Infinity is no exception. 

However, during my time trialling the e-bike I found it to be pretty frugal on the power usage front, especially considering I did most of my riding with the bike set on Normal. This is a perfectly serviceable, middle-ground setting and, thanks to the clever gearing, got me to my various destinations without breaking into a sweat.

If you’re really trying to eke out the most from the battery then Eco is the setting to aim for, though conversely the high setting is brilliant for testing inclines if you’re laden down with shopping. 

Overall, the battery life seems impressive even if you’re using it a lot and taking into account the weight of the bike with a rider on it. The only downside is the way the battery is mounted into the frame, which can make getting to it a pain. Luckily, I have a plug socket close to where the bike was being stored so this didn’t turn out to be an issue, though it might be for anyone who doesn’t.

  • Battery life score: 4/5

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Volt Infinity review electric bike

The week I got loaned the Volt Infinity to review coincided with a period of very unsettled weather. This mean that I got to use it in both wet and windy weather, where the power delivery was well and truly tested to the max, especially while cycling into strong headwinds. 

I also got the benefit of the Volt Infinity’s full mudguards, which provide perfect protection for your legs as you cycle through puddles and over long stretches of saturated roads. The setup of the bike is also well suited to our pot-hole strewn surfaces too, thanks to decent Schwalbe tyres and the spongy front forks.

Considering the fact that the Volt Infinity isn’t exactly lightweight, I was impressed with its agility, although anyone who needs to get the bike inside, or, say, up a flight of stairs may find it unwieldy. I think this is a bike that’s best suited to ground-floor storage, with ideally a power point close by for easier battery charging.

First reviewed: April 2023

Honor Magic5 Pro launches in the UK
11:18 am | April 11, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

The Honor Magic5 Pro is one of the more impressive flagships launched this year and it’s now available in the UK. Magic5 Pro will be available in green and black colors for £949.99 with orders starting on April 19. We also got confirmation that the device is due to launch in other EU, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific markets soon. During our review, Magic5 Pro impressed us with its premium dual-glass curved design, great 120Hz LTPO OLED display and top-notch performance courtesy of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The three 50MP cameras on the back were equally impressive with superb...

Weekly deals: the best smartphone deals from the US, the UK, Germany and India
12:59 am | April 10, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

It’s well known that the prices of Android flagship fall pretty quickly after launch and we’re seeing just that this week. We also found offers for tablets for those wanting a larger screen. Use the links below to jump to your region: USA The UK Germany India USA The Galaxy S23 series may be flying off the shelves, but that (thankfully) hasn’t prevented price drops even this early in its life cycle. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is already down to $1,000 for the base 12/256GB unit, $200 off its MSRP. Similarly, the Galaxy S23+ is down $150 and is now close to the...

Weekly deals: the best smartphone deals from the UK, Germany, India and the US
11:22 pm | April 2, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

This week we found some major discounts on current flagships, plus deals on mid-rangers and some entry-level phones. Use the links below to jump to your region: The UK Germany India USA UK The new Galaxy S23 starts at £900 unless you engage in trade-in deals. The Galaxy S22 is still a fairly capable phone and it is a good deal cheaper at £540. This was the last generation of Exynos-powered S-phones in Europe, but the rest of the hardware is similar enough (it’s not like the S23 got a QHD LTPO display or faster than 25W charging). ...

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) review: great gaming laptop with a unique gimmick
2:45 am | March 30, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Two-minute review

The refresh of last year’s model, 2023’s Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 sets out to be a monster of a gaming machine while avoiding the pitfall of taking on the weight and bulk issue of desktop replacements (to a point of course). It comes in only black, a bit boring for color choices, but the chassis itself is surprisingly thinner than most, which is especially impressive for a laptop housing a GeForce RTX 4090 GPU.

The 16-inch display is a beauty, as it’s a QHD+ (2560 x 1600, WQXGA) mini-LED with a ridiculously high 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time that also supports HDR and G-Sync. The sound system is one that befits what the best gaming laptop would be outfitted with, as it’s powered by Dolby Atmos, uses Smart Amp Tech, and features two 2W Tweeter and a 2W dual-force woofer. This ensures that during your session, the laptop conveys every bit of audio design and music, making for a more immersive experience.

It seems that RGB lighting is a requirement for any gaming keyboard, and this one doesn’t disappoint, as both the touchpad and keys are beautifully backlit. The Chiclet keyboard itself is smooth and easy to type on, which helps if you prefer gaming on a keyboard versus connecting a controller.

Gaming performance is the crown jewel of this laptop, with some serious specs, memory, and storage even in the lowest configuration. The base model has an RTX 4070 and the highest is equipped with the incredibly powerful RTX 4090. While testing out the latter graphics card in the review unit I received, I found its boosting capabilities to be quite impeccable, thanks to its max TGP of 150W when using Dynamic Boost on Manual Mode.

Another feature of note and one that sets this refresh apart from previous models as well as other gaming laptops is the AniMe Matrix mode. This mode allows you to activate either default animations and messages or create your own, then display them on the outside chassis. It’s a fun, if not useful, feature that’s best for showing off and entertaining others. But you can easily save money by opting for a model without it.

Though it may be a contender for one of the best Asus laptops, there are some drawbacks to this laptop. First, the throttling issue concerning the CPU is more pronounced in this laptop, which not only lowers the potential of the normally powerful Core i9-13900H but even causes stuttering with any tasks not directly related to gaming. The software, while possessing many features and modes, is counterintuitive and requires a lot of time and effort to navigate.

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Price & availability

black closed gaming laptop

(Image credit: Future)
  • Starting at $2.999.99 / £2,399.99 (around AU$4,417) 
  • Available now 
  • Available in the US and UK, and possibly Australia in the future

The Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) is an incredibly expensive and luxurious gaming laptop. Its starting price is $2.999.99 in the US and £2,399.99 in the UK through the official Asus online store. That pricing works to around AU$4,417. Compared to other similar desktop replacements released with current-gen components like the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, this laptop is definitely a step above in cost. However, compared to something as premium as the MSI GT77 Titan (2023), it’s a more affordable choice for a high-end machine.

Currently, it isn’t available in Australia just yet. According to a representative, that’s likely to change in the future. As of this writing, the ROG Zephyrus M16 is sold out in the US as well, which makes obtaining it a bit more difficult. 

  • Price score: 4 / 5

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Specs

closeup of laptop stickers

(Image credit: Future)

The specs for the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) review unit sent to me are as follows: an Intel Core i9-13900H CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 2TB of storage, as well as the AniMe Matrix mode that comes with only certain models. The base version is nearly identical in specs except for an RTX 4070 GPU, while the most premium version has the same GPU but with 64GB of RAM. 

While there are plenty of models to choose from, each model cannot be configured to your unique specifications.

  • Specs score: 4 / 5

black closed gaming laptop

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Design

  • Simple color, sleek form factor
  • AniMe Matrix mode is a fun gimmick
  • Display and sound system are great

Though the color of the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) is a pretty standard black, overall it has a surprisingly sleeker design than most desktop replacements, especially as my own review model is housing an RTX 4090. That beefy card also increases the weight, putting it at five pounds compared to the RTX 4070 laptop at about four and a half pounds. Despite that, its form factor is well-balanced enough that you barely feel it. The chassis is solid, though not as hardy as other heavier laptops.

It has both an excellent display and audio system that’s built for the best portable gaming experience possible. The 16-inch display is a QHD+ (2560 x 1600, WQXGA) mini-LED with a ridiculously high 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. It also supports HDR and G-Sync for those extra smooth and crisp visuals. As an extra bonus, the bezels are thin enough to offer over 90% screen-to-body ratio, meaning more of your favorite PC game’s UI is visible.

AniMe Matrix mode is the defining feature of this laptop, and it’s pretty cool. You use the built-in software to create messages or animations, which is then displayed on the back of the chassis for others to see. It makes for some fun conversation starters but otherwise has no impact on the laptop’s performance. Not all models have this mode, so feel free to purchase a different version if you need to save some money.

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black gaming laptop with techradar logo

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The sound is much better quality than most other laptops, as it’s powered by Dolby Atmos, uses Smart Amp Tech, and packs two 2W Tweeter and a 2W dual-force woofer. It’s crystal clear and loses nothing in quality when turned up, perfect for capturing audio design and music. It’s complemented by a superior mic quality that keeps background noises out of your conference calls when the webcam is activated, though the webcam visuals are slightly above average.

The keyboard is a Chiclet type, which makes for nicely snappy, responsive keys. However, the downside is that since the speakers are hugging said keyboard, it doesn’t leave room for a numlock pad, which is an important part of any gaming rig. Both the keyboard and touchpad have RGB lighting, great for illuminating a night session and just pretty to look at.

There’s plenty of ventilation going on as well including liquid metal, a vapor chamber, a heat sink, heat pipes, and fans. It can get a bit noisy at times, and despite all the precautions, some parts – namely the underside and space between the keyboard and screen – are prone to warming up. I also noticed that having AniMe Matrix mode active puts even more of a burden on the ventilation so after a while I had to turn it off.

It has a solid port selection as well, including one 3.5mm combo audio jack, one HDMI 2.1 FRL, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, one Thunderbolt 4, one microSD reader, and one Kensington Lock. It is missing an ethernet cable, which for a normal laptop wouldn’t be too big of a deal but for a dedicated gaming laptop that’s supposed to replace a desktop PC? It forces you to rely on wireless connections only, a kiss of death for connection-reliant fighting games for instance.

  • Design score: 4 / 5

black gaming laptop with rgb lit keyboard

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Performance

  •  Gaming performance is top-notch
  •  Clears benchmarks
  •  CPU struggles along
Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Benchmarks

Here's how the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 64,312; Fire Strike: 32,053; Time Spy: 14,925; Port Royal: 9,843
Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 19,761 points
GeekBench 5: 1,999 (single-core); 14,823 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Home Test): 8,148 points
25GB File Copy: 14.35
Handbrake 1.6: 6:52
CrossMark: Overall: 1997; Productivity: 1937; Creativity: 2072; Responsiveness: 1956
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 4 hours, 45 minutes
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 104 fps; (1080p, Low): 270 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 71 fps; (1080p, Low): 72 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 34 fps; (1080p, Low): 193 fps

If there’s one thing the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) does extremely well, it’s gaming. Even the base model of the gaming laptop is absolutely ripped and the most tricked-out version can flex its way through any title at absolutely max settings plus ray-tracing with no issues.

Compared to other gaming laptops like the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i or the MSI GT77 Titan (2023), benchmark scores are lower, except for the latter which loses out on the PCMark 10 benchmark to the ROG Zephyrus M16. And considering that the pricing of said laptop is higher than Lenovo’s own offerings, it calls into question what you’re paying for. Especially since the Pro 7i is using a 4080 compared to the 4090 of the M16.

But that’s not to say that you aren’t getting your money’s worth either. The fact that this laptop weighs significantly less than the other two laptops, can run every possible graphical and performance enhancement, can be overclocked for even better performance, and will still fit into a modest-sized laptop bag is nothing to sneeze at.

Other than the standard benchmarks, I also performed some personalized ones to test out what it could handle in terms of DLSS 3-enabled ray-tracing. Cyberpunk 2077 performed beautifully, with frame rates consistently above 100. Both the Dartmoor and Dubai benchmark in Hitman 3 also stayed above 100fps and 115fps, respectively. Finally, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered was the clear winner, averaging between 115-150fps during web-swinging and above 150fps during intense combat sections.

However, while the GPU worked splendidly when it came to any PC game I tested it with, there’s a major flaw that could turn away those needing a more well-rounded machine. Not only did the few CPU-based benchmarks feature plenty of throttled results thanks to the overpowered GPU, but there was very noticeable stuttering when I tried out regular productivity tasks like typing documents and browsing the internet. It’s nothing significant but enough that it made anything other than gaming a bit tedious.

  • Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Battery

closeup of battery display

(Image credit: Future)
  •  Mediocre battery
  •  Charges fast

I tested the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) using TechRadar’s movie battery test and found that it managed to last, at most, four hours and 45 minutes. That is generally quite bad for a laptop, but for a gaming laptop it’s about average. It’s certainly an improvement over the Legion 7i Pro, which can’t pass the two-and-a-half-hour mark, and it squeaks by with a victory over the GT77 Titan by about 15 minutes.

Of course, this is meant as a desktop replacement, so you won’t be unplugging this machine from the AC power, even to do some productivity work unless you can get anything done in less than five hours. If you need to transport it to another location, though, it’ll definitely last long enough for that transfer. And it also charges fast, about 30 minutes for a half charge, so at least you won’t be waiting long.

  • Battery score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023)?

Buy it if...

You want a gaming performance beast
It chews up and spits out any PC game on the highest possible settings with both ray-tracing and DLSS 3 enabled.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Though this is a high-quality laptop that can truly do it all, it also comes at a steep price. The average worker or creative person might have trouble affording it. 

Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023): Also consider

If the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...

How I tested the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023)

  • I tested the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) for several weeks
  • I tested it using both benchmark tests and video game benchmarks
  • I stress-tested the battery using the TechRadar movie test

First, I tested the general weight and portability of the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) by carrying it around in a laptop bag. After I set it up, I ran several benchmarks to thoroughly test out how much the graphics card affected gaming performance. Finally, I used a variety of programs and applications to test out both battery life and general performance during work-like conditions, as well as gaming benchmarks to test the RTX 4090 GPU.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 is a desktop replacement for gaming, meaning it's meant to be used for hardcore gaming sessions. I made sure to thoroughly test out this laptop in that regard, to make sure it reached certain levels of performance.

I've tested plenty of gaming PCs and laptops, making me more than qualified to understand benchmark test results and how to properly stress test machines to see how well they perform as a work machine.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023

Cyrusher Ranger review: A big, green, hulking beast of an all-terrain electric bike
8:14 pm | March 29, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Cyrusher ranger: Two-minute review

The Cyrusher Ranger is a full-package, premium electric bike that’s shares genes with a mountain bike about as much as it does with a dual-purpose motorcycle. It’s not a cheap e-bike, but it’s making sure you get a lot for your money.

Many of the best electric bikes simply embed a little bit of motor power in an otherwise standard bicycle, like the Ribble Hyrbid AL e or Marin Sausalito E1. Some take a different tack. With front and rear suspension and fat tires, the Cyrusher ranger provides a supremely smooth ride, which is great given the 28mph top speed you can find yourself cruising along at with ease using the 750W motor. Even when you’re flying, the bike offers plenty of range from its 52V20Ah battery. With a half-twist throttle that can pull the bike along at 20mph, it really is much like a motorcycle.

The Cyrusher Ranger might be a bit over-the-top for some. If you live somewhere that doesn’t allow Class 2 or Class 3 ebikes, you’d be spending a lot for tech you can’t tap into. If you just want a casual commuter and are largely riding on smooth pavement, the Ranger suspension and big tires will be less useful while playing a large part in the pricing. 

But, if you want an e-bike that’s happy to zoom down city streets, hop up and down curbs, and then hit trails all while enjoying plenty of motor assistance and range, the Cyrusher Ranger makes a competent option that’s not a bad value. 

Cyrusher Ranger: Specifications

Cyrusher Ranger

(Image credit: Mark Knapp)

Cyrusher Ranger: Price and availability

  • $2,799 in US
  • £2,799 in UK
  • Unavailable in AU

The Cyrusher Ranger is available now directly from Cyrusher for $2,799 in the continental United States or Alaska and Hawaii with extra shipping charges. It is also available in the UK for £2,799. Discounts are often available on the site, and it’s as-yet-unavailable in Australia. 

Cyrusher Ranger: Design

  • Big, bulky and robust
  • Heavy-duty off-roading wheels
  • Removable battery

Electric bikes come in all shapes and sizes, but the Cyrusher Ranger’s shape and size are both decidedly big. From its monstrous wheels and motorcycle-esque dual-crown fork to its giant battery compartment and expanded bottom bracket, everything goes big on this bike. That goes especially for the weight. While Cyrusher rates the bike as weighing 66 pounds before jumping to 74 pounds with its battery installed, we weighed our test unit at 78.2 pounds before finally hitting a total of 90.4 pounds with the battery installed and all included accessories accounted for — a confusing discrepancy.

The Cyrusher Ranger makes sense of all that size with the gear it’s packing on. It squeezes in supple, grippy 26” x 4” offroading wheels, which are held on with a curious axle that connects with a bolt threaded onto each side — not your typical thru-axle or skewer. It has a deep Cyrusher-branded spring suspension fork in front (we’re told it’s a YISHUO Kunshan Yishuo Strong-DH/P171-26 suspension fork, but can find no details on this model online) with preload and compression adjustment dials, and a comfy soft tail with air suspension in the back that can also lock out. 

The rear suspension is also Cyrusher branded but we’re told shares much in common with this DNM shock system. The bike uses Logan dual-caliper hydraulic disc brakes and includes motor cut-off circuitry with the brake levers. It’s even tacked on a 9-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain It fits a large LCD display with a USB port for charging extra gadgets onto the handlebars, though sadly most of the screen is taken up by a large green and gray arc that doesn’t actually indicate anything. 

Even the controls are stacked. There’s a two-button controller for the headlight-horn combo unit, which has a decent headlight but seriously lackluster beeping noise that’s neither loud nor attention-getting. Next to that is the control unit for the bike’s assist modes and power. Meanwhile, the right handle has a half-twist throttle. This does result in quite a bit of cable mess at the front end of the bike, but it’s well-grouped with cable ties.

Cyrusher Ranger

(Image credit: Mark Knapp)

The beefy downtube is housing the bike’s 52V 20Ah battery, which is about as large as you’ll find on standard e-bikes before breaking into the sort that is really not even pretending they're not motorcycles anymore. The battery has a latch to keep it from falling out and has a keyed locking pin. 

Unfortunately, the battery comes out the bottom of the frame, which can see make it tricky to remove around the front tire, and it doesn’t provide any easy spots to get a grip and pull it out. Still, it’s good the battery is removable because the bike is incredibly unwieldy to carry as large as it is and at XX pounds, so anyone who can’t plug it in to charge in a garage will desperately want to just take the battery alone in for charging.

The Ranger comes in a few different colors, all of which use a different color for the rear triangle. Cyrusher goes a little overboard with accents on the bike, giving a bit of a gaudy appearance to a bike that already has a loud presence due to its size.

Despite all that the bike has going on, it’s fairly easy to put together. The handlebar needs attaching, and the front wheel needs to be seated in the fork (a job best for two people), the pedals need attaching, and then a few accessories need to be connected. But it’s a quick job and Cyrusher includes the necessary tools.

One problem with the bike’s size that we don’t want to overlook is how hard this can make it to safely lock up. A U-lock can really only effectively go around the top tube, and it will take a long tether to get around both wheels. Locking through the fork is possible, but less secure. You’ll likely want a long, robust chain lock for this bike, which is going to add considerably to the amount of weight you’re already dealing with.

  • Design score: 4/5

Cyrusher Ranger: Performance

  • Frame and seat awkwardly sized
  • Powerful motor and throttle
  • Holds charge well

As a bike that’s tuned for offroad riding, the Cyrusher Ranger is supremely comfortable on pavement. There’s a major confluence of comfort from the bikes various components. The front and rear air suspension combine to soak up substantial amounts of shock. That’s on top of the exceptional absorption offered by the bike’s enormous tires. 

In comparison, the saddle and handlebars feel like weak links. Part of this comes from the available riding positions. The Ranger comes with an exceedingly short seatpost, so even though the bike is advertised as fitting riders up to 6’6”, taller riders will be stuck with a very low seated position that puts more weight into the saddle and will have to stand to pedal comfortably. The handlebars have basic, cylindrical grips that feel surprisingly comfortable, but that may simply be because we don’t get to put a lot of weight into our hands given the riding position.

For those who want a more natural riding experience, a new seatpost is an inexpensive upgrade. Though Ranger is styled like a mountain bike, it’s more of an urban all-terrain vehicle, so the out-of-saddle riding that’s common for mountain biking doesn’t seem all that appropriate for the Ranger. No less because the Ranger’s hub motor doesn’t have the same smooth response of a mid-drive, which would be preferable for trail riding where a jerky motor could be hazardous.

That’s not to discount the motor on the Cyrusher Ranger. The 750W Bafang hub drive is a blast. On throttle alone, it takes little time to cruise up to the bike’s 20mph cap. Even at that speed, the motor hums along quietly while the large wheels are responsible for the bulk of the noise coming from the bike. Even more speed is available by pedaling. The bike will zoom up to 28mph with ease. The system uses a torque sensor, responding to the force we put into the pedals to ramp up the motor. 

The result is far more natural than a cadence sensor, which just measures how fast the pedals are spinning. The sensor may be a little oversensitive, though, as we often find it kicking in when we’re making small maneuvers at stoplights.  That can be a concern since there’s a lot of motor power to wrangle after it unexpectedly kicks on. 

Cyrusher Ranger

(Image credit: Mark Knapp)

Thankfully, the bike has motor cut-offs built into the brake levers. The 180mm hydraulic disc brakes are also predictably effective. Our ability to come to a quick stop has never been a concern even with a payload of around 330 pounds between our weight and the bike’s.

Between its speed and super-smooth ride, the Cyrusher Ranger has more appeal as a low-cost motorcycle alternative. While the Super73-R Brooklyn was more overt in its attempt to make a “bike” that was as close to a motorcycle as possible, the Cyrusher Ranger stays closer to a true pedal bicycle while still being able to bleed over into that motorcycle-like category. Part of that comes from the 9-speed gearing, which makes it possible to easily find a gear where pedaling is actually useful, unlike the aforementioned single-speed Super73.

For those looking to tool around on a motorcycle, the roughly 1kWh battery provides plenty of juice for doing just that. Cruising around on the Ranger largely using the throttle and set to its highest assist level, we’re able to go over 33 miles before the battery is on its last legs and giving too little support to continue providing an enjoyable, electrified ride. As fun as e-bikes are to ride while they’re powered, they’re nearly equally un-fun to ride when that power runs out because of all their added weight.

Gearing on the Ranger makes it fairly easy to continue riding at low speeds, getting up to 12mph casually even when the battery gives up. It’s worth noting that we tested the Cyrusher Ranger in winter conditions, including some freezing days, which negatively impacts the battery performance. The 33.8-mile range we got is all the more impressive as it's effectively a worst-case range. Lighter riders, better weather conditions, and less stop-go city traffic should all make for an even longer range.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Cyrusher Ranger: Buy it if...

Cyrusher Ranger: Don't buy it if...

Also consider

First reviewed: March 2023

Weekly deals: the best smartphone deals from the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and India
8:03 pm | March 26, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

This week we found some major discounts on current flagships, plus deals on mid-rangers and some entry-level phones. Use the links below to jump to your region: USA The UK Germany The Netherlands India USA The Google Pixel 7 is down to $450, which is a surprisingly low price for a still current flagship, even if it’s not the best one with a 90Hz display, no tele camera and 20W charging. Still, you get the pure Google experience, complete with interesting software features with every update. ...

Gigabyte G5 Review: A great gaming laptop for gamers on the go
8:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Gigabyte G5: Two-minute review

Gigabyte has a solid track record in putting out pretty outstanding gaming laptops that deliver good performance for the asking price. They’re durable and simplistically designed, and despite being a little loud or a little heavy, they’re usually worth top marks - like the Gigabyte Aorus 17, which racked up a respectable 4 stars. Even in their non-gaming laptops they usually pack a powerful punch, like the 2021 Aero 17 model, which hit home with 5 stars and an abundance of praise for being the creative professional's dream. So, naturally, we had very high expectations for the Gigabyte G5.

This expectation was, predictably, met and at times surpassed by the Gigabyte G5 and we couldn’t reasonably ask for more from a gaming laptop with a sensible price tag like this one. After spending some time with this laptop we can definitely see it hanging with the best gaming laptops and holding its own.  

The model we tested had an Intel Core i5-10500H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card which places the laptop as a midrange entry in relation to other gaming laptops. There are many different (some more powerful) versions of the G5, some with newer RTX 4000-series GPUs from Nvidia, but to be quite honest even if you’re running a bunch of AAA titles at max settings you’re unlikely to need much more internal power, since this one performed really well in our benchmarks and the G5 only packs a 1080p display - so there’s no need to shoot for higher resolutions.

The laptop comes with a stunning 1080p 15.6-inch display with anti-glare technology and a thin bezel. Colors come to life and maintain a rather striking brilliance on the screen that never dulls. You can see this very clearly with games like Cyberpunk 2077 or even when you’re watching films or Youtube videos.

I popped on an episode of Bojack (Horseman, obviously) and it really felt like I was watching the show on a cute and compact TV rather than a little laptop screen. 15.6 inches doesn't sound like a lot on paper but it arguably looks a lot bigger than it is, so don’t be too worried if screen real estate is a big concern for you. 

Aside from the sound benchmark scores and pretty face, the Gigabyte G5 is just a really nice bit of hardware. It has some weight to it, but not as much as you would expect for a gaming laptop; I threw it in my backpack on multiple occasions and it didn’t drag me down or make itself consistently known, never screaming ‘I’m here! And heavy! And fragile! Good luck to your shoulders!’

Gigabyte G5 review: Price and availability

  • Starts at $1,099.99 / £1,293.49 / AU$2,349
  • UK version tested costs £1,800
  • Massive variety of configurations

The Gigabyte G5 RTX 3060 configuration starts at $899.99 in the US which is pretty decent for the specifications you’re getting and the package those specs come in. The RTX 4060 version costs $1,099, but in the US you can only get this version with 8GB of RAM, and not the 16GB of RAM you can get in the UK with an RTX 4060. As standard, we'd advise that any gaming laptop should have 16GB of RAM as the baseline.

As I said, I don’t think there are many cases for upgrading to the more expensive configuration unless you are looking to fully ‘future-proof’ your investment. The RTX 3060 graphics card is perfectly sufficient to be able to play just about any game at 1080p right now, but if you’re worried about things getting ahead of you, it’s worth considering moving up if you have the cash to spare. If not, our version is perfectly fine.

Gigabyte G5 2023

(Image credit: Future)

In the UK our review model costs £899.99 (AU$1,499) which is basically dead on with the US pricing, and is still a pretty decent asking price for what you get. The models are the same across the US and UK barring that one caveat we mentioned above, though again, we can’t really justify dropping that extra cash when the cheaper model is still really impressive.

The Gigabyte G5 has a good chance of gracing our best cheap laptops list for sure, as it offers strong performance and a lot of dazzling features for the asking price.

  • Price score: 4/5

Gigabyte G5 review: Specs

The Gigabyte G5 comes in two variations. The model we tested comes with the RTX 3060 graphics card, and the other configuration comes with RTX 4060.  

In terms of CPUs, it can come with ever an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor - ours uses the i5 version. The RAM and SSD capacity varies between the two models. You can check out the specs of our version below:

Gigabyte G5 2023

(Image credit: Future)

Gigabyte G5 review: Design

  • Sturdy design
  • Ports on the rear edge of laptop
  • Pretty lightweight for gaming laptop 

The design of the Gigabyte G5 is pretty bog-standard in terms of aesthetics; nothing specific or unique to write home about, but I don’t actually mind that. It’s still a very handsome laptop and the classic chassis design is a breath of fresh air from other gaming laptops that try a little too hard to scream ‘gaming’ as loud as possible.

It isn’t riddled with flashy RGB that demands attention and maintains a very classy appearance. There’s slightly blue-tinted LED backlighting for the keyboard and if you’re like me (read: not a fan of excessive RGB), that is enough.

The G5 is super portable, so much so that I forgot about the laptop being in my backpack at times - not just because of the lightness, but because the build is very durable. I’ve accidentally dropped my bag with the G5 inside on the office floor and been knocked around on public transport, but I never felt worried because this thing is very robust.

Despite its sturdy build quality, it’s definitely one of the more portable 15-inch gaming laptops I’ve reviewed, so if you’re after a machine you can take with you on adventures, this is it. Like most of the best laptops, the physical appearance of the laptop is sleek, and slightly futuristic and doesn't go too crazy with RGB lighting that offends the eyes. 

Gigabyte G5 2023

(Image credit: Future)

Some of the USB ports and the headphone jack are on the side of the laptop with more of the physical ports along the back edge. However you feel about port positioning, we must admit that rear ports can be super convenient if you’re planning to plonk the laptop down on your desk and never move it, letting you keep your workspace free of cable clutter. Though with how easy this is to carry around it may be a little inconvenient if you want to plug in a USB mouse or a flash drive.

You get an adequate amount of ports and a somewhat unusual keyboard layout. Personally, as someone with smaller hands, I found the keys to be a little too spaced out for me when typing on the keyboard, but it felt fine when playing games with it. I asked someone with larger hands to give it a go and they felt the keyboard was well spaced out and rather comfortable, so be warned smaller hand gang! Do some finger stretches before you start writing that novel on the Gigabyte G5.

  • Design score: 4/5

Gigabyte G5 review: Performance

  • 1080p is ideal for most games
  • Might be weaker on CPU-heavy tasks
  • Relatively quiet when gaming
Benchmarks

Here's how the Gigabye G5 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark Night Raid: 38,189; Fire Strike: 17,723; Time Spy: 7,572
Cinebench R20 multi-core: 2,660
GeekBench 5: 1,205 (single-core); 6,345 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Modern Office): 5,694
PCMark 10 (Battery life test): 3 hours and 51 minutes
TechRadar Battery Life Test: 4 hours and 1 minute
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 63 fps; (1080p, Low): 173 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 68 fps; (1080p, Low): 91fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 69fps; (1080p, Low): 137 fps 

 All things considered, the performance of the Gigabyte G5 is pretty hard to beat at this price point. The RTX 3060 is a decent affordable graphics card and while it may not delight you with 4K gaming, it’ll deliver excellent performance at 1080p with the best PC games. You can play the most demanding games without dropping to abysmal framerates.

The FHD display does a great job, and you'll definitely appreciate its stunning clarity when you’re gaming, watching a film, or scrolling through photos.

 The Intel Core i5 processor at the heart of the gaming laptop is pretty standard - as you may have noticed, it's an older 10th-gen Intel chip that doesn't have the fancy split core architecture of those newer 12th and 13th generation processors, but it's not so old that it'll cause any noticeable performance bottlenecking - you can do most basic CPU-bound tasks without causing the laptop to stutter. However, CPU-intensive workloads like real-time strategy games may struggle to run on the Gigabyte G5.

Gigabyte G5 2023

(Image credit: Future)

From the decidedly average scores in benchmarks like Cinebench R20 and GeekBench 5, you probably won’t be able to run a lot of heavy workloads like video editing or 3D animation but it should be able to handle some lower-level creative work. You can dabble in a little music creation or some very basic home video editing, but that might be where the bar lies. 

The fan design within the Gigabyte G5 is emphasized quite a bit by Gigabyte and rightly so: the laptop doesn’t have a nuclear meltdown when playing games for extended periods of time, and when the fans do kick in they’re relatively quiet for a gaming laptop. The laptop does get a little warm but never uncomfortably hot to the touch. The cooling technology comprises two gigantic fans and four heat pipes all vented out through the three exhaust slots. 

  • Performance score: 4/5

Gigabyte G5 2023

(Image credit: Future)

Gigabyte G5 review: Battery life

  • Lasts about 4 hours
  • A little disappointing for a gaming session
  • Pretty quick charge

If you're planning to take the laptop around with you and game on the go, the four hours the Gigabyte G5 lasted in our battery life benchmark doesn't really feel like a lot. The power brick is not that heavy, but it's inconvenient to carry both the laptop and the brick in a backpack.

So the battery life is not great, but fairly middle-of-the-road for a gaming laptop. When playing triple-A games on the G5, you're not likely to get more than two hours of use without plugging it in - less if you're got a bunch of wired peripherals connected. Keep in mind that if you don't plan to keep the laptop on your desk and move around with it, you'll be searching for wall sockets a lot.

  • Battery life: 3/5

Should you buy the Gigabyte G5?

Buy it if...

You want to game on the go
As we've said, the Gigabyte G5 is incredibly portable. You can whack this bad boy into any backpack and roam (and shoulder strength) for more.

You plan to use the laptop as a mini TV
With the clarity and vividness of the display any game gets a breath of new life on the Gigabyte G5, it would be a shame to relegate it to just gaming. Any movie or TV show streaming from the laptop would defiantly shine on this device.

Don't buy it if...

You're planning on doing anything creative
If you're planning on doing some serious video editing, 3D modeling, or animation work, the older CPU means this may not be the laptop for you.

You want an office laptop
There are loads of laptops that double as gaming laptops, and if you're doing very basic admin you might get away with it on the G5 - but ultimately, this is a gaming laptop and should really be kept that way.

Gigabyte G5 review: Also consider

If our Gigabyte G5 review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...  

How I tested the Gigabyte G5

Gigabyte G5 2023

(Image credit: Future)
  • Played games in the evening
  • Did some light work during the day
  • Took with me between work and home 

As with most of my gaming laptop reviews, I tried to swap the Gigabyte G5 into my daily life and place myself into the vibe of a potential user. I used it for both work and play and really got to know the product.

I did regular tasks like writing emails, basic web surfing, and some long-form writing. In the evening I played the Sims 4 on it and a little bit of Cyberpunk 2077 too.

Most of the general-use testing I did was with the laptop running on battery power, leaving it to charge to full power before using it till it died to get a better sense of what it would be like relying on the battery when carrying it around. Naturally, our benchmarking tests were conducted with the laptop plugged in for maximum performance.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra review: the Jack of all trades of Ultrabooks
12:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Two-minute review

Samsung has released its latest refresh on its Galaxy Book line of laptops. The most luxurious of the three, the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra, is an Ultrabook that's meant to give users a top-notch experience in productivity, creative work, and even gaming.

The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra is an absolute stunner of a portable machine, offering excellent specs and a gorgeous display all in a sleek and sexy package. Though I often lament the lack of colors in these laptop lines, the Book3 Ultra is one of those exceptions. It has more heft in its form factor than the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro or Pro 360, but it’s still very lightweight and thin for the 16-inch display, at 0.65 inches and less than four pounds.

Pricing is quite high, as it starts at $2,399.99 (£2,649 / around AU$4,875) for the base model and $2,999.99 (£3,049 / around AU$5,610) for the upgraded model. Right now, there’s a US-only sale that drops prices to $1,799.99 for the base model and $2,399.99 for the upgraded version. Australia is left out in the cold, with no official access to the Book3 Ultra at all.

The display is a beautiful 3K (2880 x 1800) AMOLED screen, which complements its variety of uses that all require a high-quality screen. The keyboard feels smooth and is easy to type on thanks to the wide and well-spaced keys. And thanks to the 16-inch display, there’s even plenty of space for a num lock pad. The touchpad is large and equally smooth, with a great response.

Its port selection has some decent variety: one HDMI 2.0 port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB 3.2 Type-A port, an audio jack, and one MicroSD slot. I do wish the Ultrabook had an extra Type-A port and an ethernet port, but overall there’s enough coverage for most uses, which is still a leg up on many other Ultrabooks especially.

Performance-wise is great across the board, with productivity being the best use for this laptop. However, if you need a machine that can handle creative and editing projects, as well as some pretty good gaming, then this laptop can also perform well. This is thanks to the 13th-gen Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 CPU that’s built into the laptop, with the former upgradable to the Core i9 and the latter to an RTX 4070 for even better performance.

But the brand new crown jewel of this new line of Galaxy Book3 laptops is the addition of several Samsung file and internet sharing features like Multi Control, Quick Share, Microsoft Phone Link, the Expert RAW app, and Instant Hotspot. This ecosystem of file-sharing and more serves as a true challenge to Apple’s own excellent file-sharing features and makes having multiple Samsung devices worth it.

With all these positives, there’s one major drawback which is battery life. If you’re streaming movies or TV shows then you’re getting less than five hours before needing a recharge. And for pure work, about six or so hours is all you’ll have before needing a recharge, so it won’t even last a full day at the office.

All things considered, however, this is still one of the best laptops 2023 has to offer.

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Price & availability

black Ultrabook closed

(Image credit: Future)
  • Starting at $2,399.99 (£2,649 / around AU$4,875)
  • Available now in the US and UK

At the time of this writing, there’s a laptop deal in the US for the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra, which lowers the pricing to $1,799.99 for the base model and $2,399.99 for the best version. 

However, the regular pricing for the base model, which is also the review unit that I received, is $2,399.99 (£2,649 / around AU$4,875) which includes the Core i7-13700H CPU and RTX 4050 GPU. If you want the upgraded version with the Intel Core i9-13900H CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, that’ll set you back $2,999.99 (£3,049 / around AU$5,610).

As for availability, you can easily nab both models in the US and the UK through the Samsung online store. Unfortunately, Australia is out of luck, with none available through official means. You’ll either have to import one or order from third-party retailers and auction sites.

  • Price score: 3 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Specs

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(Image credit: Future)

The specs for the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra review unit sent to me are as follows: Intel Core i7-13700H CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD of storage.

There’s also an upgradable version of the laptop which features the following specs: Intel Core i9-13900H CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD of storage. 

  • Specs score: 5 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Design

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(Image credit: Future)
  • Sleek and sexy chassis
  • Great display and keyboard
  • Samsung filing sharing ecosystem is excellent

The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra has an absolutely gorgeous, sleek design. It’s an Ultrabook wearing a sexy black chassis and has a light and thin form factor for its 16-inch display. The display itself is a 3K (2880 x 1800) AMOLED screen that features 400 nits of brightness normally, and when it’s using HDR that increases to 500 nits. The refresh rate is a variable one that can be adjusted between 48-120Hz depending on your needs.

It has a nice, wide keyboard with well-sized keys and a num lock pad on the side. The touchpad is humongous and well-balanced in its sensitivity. Its audio quality is also excellent, sporting a clear sound that degrades very little at max volume. The webcam is a standard 1080p resolution, and though it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of an HP camera, the image quality is still quite decent even in poor lighting conditions and sharp in good lighting. There’s an HDR mode and a facial smoothing filter with different levels.

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screenshot of Samsung's Multi Control feature

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screenshot of Samsung's Multi Control feature

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screenshot of Samsung's Multi Control feature

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screenshot of Samsung's Multi Control feature

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But arguably the most anticipated new feature is one I tested out extensively: the new Samsung ecosystem, which is meant to finally unify Samsung devices like its smartphones and laptops. Connecting a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Book3 Ultra through the necessary software and Bluetooth connection, I found that I could transfer photos and other files with ease, as well as display my phone screen on its display, as well as make phone calls, send text messages, and more.

I’m not one for needing a united ecosystem of devices, usually preferring to purchase whatever individually best suits my needs. However, these features have piqued my interest, and I finally understand why it’s so coveted among Apple users, as it genuinely makes so many tasks that much faster and easier. Having multiple Samsung devices is worth it now, as long as it keeps being supported. Also, the process of linking up your phone and laptop should be a little more streamlined and less complicated at first, but thankfully it becomes more intuitive as you go along.

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black Ultrabook keyboard

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  • Design score: 5 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Performance

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(Image credit: Future)
  • Can run work applications and creative programs with ease
  • Can game on high settings with any PC game
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Benchmarks

Here's how the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 25,584; Fire Strike: 13,479; Time Spy: 6,228
Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 14,093 points
GeekBench 5: 1,768 (single-core); 12,310 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Home Test): 6,762 points
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 4 hours, 45 minutes
Civilization VI (1080p, Ultra): 92 fps; (1080p, Low): 96 fps

General performance for the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra is very well-rounded, a Jack of all trades if you will. Though it doesn’t have a particular speciality, its greatest function is that it’s an all-around workhorse that can tackle most creative and editing tasks alongside productivity and even higher-end gaming. It’s an expensive machine, but it’ll handle whatever you through at it and quite well at that, meaning you won’t have to purchase separate laptops to accomplish different tasks.

Testing using productivity and rendering benchmarks like Handbrake, CrossMark, and PugetBench for Adobe CC found that, while the results weren’t the top of the class, they are comparable to another Ultrabook with similar performance: the Apple Macbook Pro 16 outfitted with the M2 Max chip. Though the Book3 Ultra was beaten out in every test result, it wasn’t by an extremely high margin either, with the largest being less than 400 in the PugetBench Photoshop and CrossMark tests.

The 13th-gen Core i7 CPU works like magic, and it's definitely the key to the Book3 Ultra’s success, being able to run a wide range of applications and programs without breaking a sweat. However, the GPU is no slouch either. This is our first look at the RTX 4050 mobile chip, and its performance is excellent across the board. Though obviously not beating out a dedicated gaming laptop, it absolutely sweeps the last-gen competition in benchmark test scores, and even better, plays nice with the CPU. There’s no sign of the bottleneck that CPU performance hits when paired with a 4080 or 4090.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm ran at 95fps on low settings and 92fps for higher settings, which is very impressive. I also ran two other benchmarks to see those results, Cyberpunk 2077 and Hitman 3. For the former, I tested on high settings without ray-tracing or DLSS, and the results were a surprisingly solid 31fps on average, though you shouldn’t turn on ray-tracing because even with DLSS on it chugged along at 14FPS. Hitman 3 on high settings netted about 76fps for the Dartmoor benchmark and 98fps for the Dubai, which are both great numbers.

  • Performance score: 5 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Battery

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(Image credit: Future)
  • Terrible battery life
  • Charges fast

Bottomline, the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra has a terrible battery life. Through productivity work, you can get it to last around six hours at most, and with streaming and gaming, you’ll be getting less than five hours. Most likely the battery drain is due to the RTX 4050 powering it, and I would imagine the 4070 GPU would be even worse. 

I did notice that it has a 77Whr battery, which is a bit on the low side for a machine packing a 4000-series card. It charges quickly for that same reason, taking less than one hour for a full charge. But this is a laptop that needs to stay on AC power, especially if you’re doing any intensive work or play.

  • Battery score: 2 / 5

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra?

Buy it if...

You want excellent productivity and gaming performance
This laptop can balance both, plus any editing or creative projects that you need to be done. It's the ultimate workhorse in a gorgeous chassis.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Though this is a high-quality laptop that can truly do it all, it also comes at a steep price. The average worker or creative person might have trouble affording it. 

Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra: Also consider

If the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...

How I tested the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra?

  • I tested the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra for several weeks
  • I tested it using productivity and creative applications, as well as gaming
  • I stress-tested the battery using the TechRadar movie test

First, I tested the general weight and portability of the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra by carrying it around in a laptop bag. After I set it up, I ran several benchmarks to thoroughly test out the processor and graphics card. Finally, I used a variety of programs and applications to test out both battery life and general performance during work-like conditions, as well as gaming benchmarks to test the RTX 4050 GPU.

The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra is meant to be a portable laptop with a thin and light chassis. I had to spend a good amount of testing not only on performance issues but looking for any ventilation issues. I also tested out battery life to see how long it could last off AC power.

I've tested plenty of gaming PCs and laptops, making me more than qualified to understand benchmark test results and how to properly stress test machines to see how well they perform as a work machine.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023

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