XPG Xenia 15: The Ultimate Gaming Laptop Review
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Design and Build Quality
- Keyboard and Touchpad
- Display
- Performance
- Heat Management
- Battery Life
- Upgradability
- Software and Features
- Pros and Cons
- Should You Buy It?
- Conclusion
Introduction
The XPG Xenia15 is a gaming laptop that has been developed in collaboration with Intel. XPG, a gaming brand known for its SSDs, has teamed up with Intel to create a device that not only offers impressive performance but also delivers a satisfying overall experience. This laptop, which features a Tong Fang chassis, boasts a clean design and a premium feel. Although it lacks the customization of a custom-made device, the XPG Xenia15 compensates with its abundance of ports and a lightweight build. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this laptop and assess its performance, design, and other key features.
Design and Build Quality
The XPG Xenia15's design is sleek and minimalistic, sporting an all-black deck that exudes a stealthy appearance. It utilizes a magnesium alloy, which gives it a premium feel, although the lid does exhibit a bit of flex compared to laptops like the Razer Blade 15. Weighing in at around four pounds, the Xenia15 strikes a balance between portability and performance, making it convenient for users on the go. The laptop's multitude of ports is impressive, with USB ports, an SD card slot, and a Thunderbolt 4 port neatly distributed around the device.
Keyboard and Touchpad
One of the standout features of the XPG Xenia15 is its mechanical keyboard. Unlike most gaming laptops that rely on membrane keyboards, the Xenia15 incorporates optical mechanical switches. While they may not be completely silent, these switches provide a satisfying typing and gaming experience with excellent response time and travel distance. The keyboard also features RGB lighting, which is controlled by Intel software rather than XPG's own proprietary software. Although the omission of a number pad may disappoint some users, the dedicated performance mode button compensates for it.
The touchpad on the Xenia15 is not overly large, but it offers exceptional accuracy. In comparison to the touchpad found on the Razer Blade 15, the touchpad on the Xenia15 provides a more responsive click and a comfortable depth. Additionally, the touchpad features a convenient toggle that allows users to easily disable and enable it with a simple double tap. This feature comes in handy for gamers who prefer using a mouse and want to avoid any unintentional touchpad interference.
Display
The XPG Xenia15 boasts a 2560x1440 QHD display with a refresh rate of 165 Hz. This matte display eliminates reflections that would typically be Present on a Glass panel, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience. While the brightness falls slightly short of the 350-nit range, the color saturation is exceptional. The display is more than sufficient for design work, providing accurate and vivid color profiles. Windows 10 is pre-installed on the laptop and, during this review, the device supported Windows Hello functionality through its facial recognition camera, although it lacked a fingerprint scanner.
Performance
Performance is where the XPG Xenia15 truly shines. Powered by an Intel i7 1100H processor and an RTX 3070 GPU running at 125 watts (occasionally reaching up to 145 watts), this laptop delivers impressive gaming and overall processing capabilities. While it may not be the fastest laptop with an RTX 3070, it outperforms similarly priced options such as the Razer Blade 15, thanks to its ability to reach higher boost frequencies. Whether you are a gamer or a content creator, the XPG Xenia15 offers a balanced combination of cooling and performance that ensures optimal performance across various tasks.
Heat Management
The XPG Xenia15 impresses with its efficient heat management. The CPU temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees Celsius, even under heavy load. The CPU operates at around 65 watts and maintains a consistent clock speed, only dropping slightly to 55 or 58 watts under full load. The laptop's chassis may become warm during extended gaming Sessions, but it never reaches uncomfortable levels. The laptop's excellent temperature control can be attributed to the abundance of vents, allowing for effective airflow and heat dissipation.
Battery Life
While the XPG Xenia15 may not excel in terms of battery life, it offers a sizable 93 watt-hour battery. During testing, the laptop lasted approximately four hours and 15 minutes under regular usage before it required recharging. Although this may not be extensive, it should be noted that the laptop prioritizes performance over battery life. Users who require more battery endurance may find themselves having to connect to a power source more frequently.
Upgradability
The XPG Xenia15 offers users options for customization and upgradability. The Wi-Fi card is swappable, allowing users to upgrade to the latest standards. The laptop also features a PCIe Gen 4 SSD, resulting in impressive read and write speeds. Additionally, an empty slot is available for users who desire a Second drive. The laptop supports up to 64GB of RAM, with two slots available for memory upgrades. The XPG Xenia15 provides a fair amount of flexibility for users to tailor their device to their specific needs.
Software and Features
When it comes to software, the XPG Xenia15 relies on Intel's neck software for controlling performance and RGB lighting. The software, although not developed by XPG, performs its job effectively. It allows users to toggle between different performance modes and control the lighting of the laptop's RGB accents. While the absence of XPG's proprietary software may disappoint some, Intel's software provides a seamless and intuitive control experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive gaming performance
- Mechanical keyboard with excellent switches
- Sleek and minimalistic design
- Abundance of ports
- Accurate touchpad
- Efficient heat management
Cons:
- Lackluster battery life
- No fingerprint scanner
- Limited warranty and customer support
Should You Buy It?
The XPG Xenia15 offers excellent value for its price range. At $2500, it provides a competitive alternative to comparable models such as the Razer Blade 15 Advanced, offering savings of several hundred dollars. While it may not possess all the bells and whistles of higher-end options, the Xenia15 delivers impressive gaming performance, a sleek design, and a stellar keyboard. Potential buyers should consider their priorities, including battery life and warranty support, before making a purchase decision.
Conclusion
The XPG Xenia15, developed in collaboration with Intel, showcases the potential of collaborations between hardware manufacturers and gaming brands. With its powerful hardware, excellent keyboard, and sleek design, the Xenia15 provides an exceptional gaming experience. While it may have some drawbacks in terms of battery life and warranty support, the laptop's overall performance and affordability make it a compelling choice for gamers and content creators alike.
Highlights
- Impressive gaming performance with an Intel i7 1100H processor and RTX 3070 GPU
- Mechanical keyboard and accurate touchpad enhance the gaming experience
- Sleek design and abundance of ports offer convenience and style
- Efficient heat management ensures a cooling system that keeps temperatures in check
- Customization options and upgradability allow users to tailor the laptop to their needs
- Intel's software provides an intuitive control experience for performance and RGB lighting
FAQ
Q: Can the XPG Xenia15 be charged using the USB Type-C port?
A: No, charging the laptop requires the use of the power connector.
Q: Does the XPG Xenia15 have a fingerprint scanner for Windows Hello?
A: No, the laptop relies on the facial recognition camera for Windows Hello functionality.
Q: Can the XPG Xenia15 support RAM upgrades beyond 64GB?
A: No, the laptop supports a maximum of 64GB of RAM with its two memory slots.
Q: How long does the XPG Xenia15's battery last under regular usage?
A: The XPG Xenia15 offers approximately four hours and 15 minutes of battery life under regular usage before requiring recharging.
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