What separates the great from the good when it comes to gaming laptops? The processor? GPU? Overall package? Or intangibles that aren’t listed down on the products description sheet?

After running it through its paces for a while, we come to summarize that Dell’s latest iteration of the G7 gaming laptop not only tick all the boxes above, it comes in a package which very well deserves your attention. Especially if you’re on the hunt for a solid portable gaming machine which won’t tear a Game of Thrones-sized plothole in your wallet.

Power Overwhelming?

Since the very first gaming laptop hit the market, hardware developers have had a tough time cramming in all they can into one portable shell while simultaneously keeping the weight and price to a minimum. Dell was no different, especially with their long lineage of Alienware laptops. While these machines are no doubt top-tier, their price point left so much to be desired especially amongst the budget-conscious crowd.

The introduction of the G-Series is Dell’s response for more affordable range of gaming laptops which does not cut corners. The G7 forecasts the end of days where mid-range gaming laptops feel cheap and uninspiring.

Sporting slimmer, more aggressive silhouette than its predecessors, the latest iteration of Dell’s G7 gaming laptop not only looks premium, but is also equipped with bells and whistles previously exclusive to its more outer-world brethren.

For the first time in a G-series device, the new G7 comes with features previously exclusive to Alienware series. These include high refresh-rate screens, Alienware’s Command Center software, and the flashy-yet-unnecessary four-zone RGB backlighting making it a serious contender for anyone’s purchase of the year. And we are barely into Q2 of 2019!

Hefty Fine

While you cannot expect the 2019 G7 to be as light as say, MacBook Pros, it is still considerably light by gaming laptop standards. Weighing just under 3kgs, it is definitely a far cry from the days when gamers needed to lug around their devices in their backpacks to work on their back and core muscles.

This puppy boasts an i7 -8750H 2.20GHz CPU, 16GB RAM with an RTX2080 graphics card which not only makes it a pretty laptop to look at, it handles like a dream as well. One of, if not the first mid-tier gaming laptops to sport an RTX card, the G7 does offer a very attractive package.

Some may call these specs overkill but a bit of future-proofing can never hurt. Such inclusions would ensure you’re sorted for at least the next couple of years or so anyway.

We can’t help but to use car analogies in describing technology. While other more expensive gaming laptops – even Dell’s very own Alienware – belong on the tier of marque brands such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bugattis.

The G7 is definitely the gaming laptop equivalent of the “Godzilla” of cars: the Nissan GT-R (R35). Both may cost less compared to their high brow rivals, but rest assured, would easily compete and even surpass them in certain categories.

Finishing Touches

Some people worry about the frailty of their devices and in the G7, you can lay that concern to rest as Dell built this laptop like a tank. The sleek lines, matte finish and minimalist approach to the design compounds to its industrial feel.

At times, we question whether this should have been marketed under the Alienware brand instead, as the G7 delivered more than what’s written on the price tag. Some may refer to it as dressed down. We call it understated elegance – that is, until you turn on the tacky-looking RGB keyboards.

Despite its relatively slimmer profile, the G7 does not stinge in the ports department, with standard models coming with 1X HDMI 2.0, 3X USB 3.1, 2-in-1 SD/MicroMedia Card slot, wedge lock slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

On the mood to splurge and go all out? The RTX models come with 1X Thunderbolt 3, one mini DisplayPort and an RJ45 port.

As a daily driver, the G7 delivers as expected, providing a snappier, quieter alternative to my trusty 2016 Alienware 17 R3. The keyboard is a much welcomed step-up from its chunkier cousin but we would limit it to daily typing and casual gaming sessions only. For super heavy and competitive FPS gaming sessions, you’d be better off using an external keyboard instead.

Now onto the raison d’etre for the G7: gaming.

How Does It Play?

While RTX does support ray tracing, we were only able to test in on a handful of games such as Battlefield 5 and Metro: Exodus and we can attest that the G7 performs as expected. We consider this feature more of a want than a need but still, an awesome addition nonetheless. Those who put a high emphasis on monitor refresh rates would instantly recognize the difference on the G7 while the front-facing stereo speakers are good callbacks to Alienware models of old.

We do recommend you to keep the power brick nearby though, as battery life on the G7 is average at best. When pushed, the G7 handles the heat well and although we feel it is more efficient compared to other models, would not recommend you gaming with it on your lap. But then again – which gaming laptop model is considered lap-safe?

Mid-Sized, But Fun-Sized?

Do you need it? Well, if it is within your means, does carry a strong case over other makes – even against Dell’s Alienware line. If you are in search of an RTX gaming laptop

All in all, Dell’s 2019 G7 is portable gaming power personified, at least in our books. Whether as a daily driver, or as your dedicated gaming machine, it emphasizes on simplicity and pragmatism over flamboyance.

In an age where substance beats style, the G7 not only delivers, it sets the standard.

Specs:  

• i7 -8750H 2.20GHz CPU
• 16GB RAM
• RTX2080 GPU
• 1X HDMI 2.0, 3X USB 3.1, 2-in-1 SD/MicroMedia Card slot, wedge lock slot, 3.5mm headphone jack.

The review unit was supplied to us via Dell Malaysia. For more info, head over to their website here.