Razer Razer Blade Stealth 13

Basic Information

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020), identified by model numbers RZ09-0327 and RZ09-03102, is a gaming ultrabook released in October 2020. It represents the latest iteration of Razer's compact gaming laptop line, offering a blend of portability and performance. The device ships with Windows 10 Home (64-bit) as its primary operating system. While designed for compatibility with its as-shipped OS, users can install or modify other operating systems, though official Razer warranty and support are limited to the original configuration. Razer provides ongoing software and firmware updates, with support pages for the 2020 model updated as recently as September 2025. The device's end-of-life and auto-update expiration dates are not explicitly stated by the manufacturer, but community discussions suggest the model line may have been discontinued or evolved into other Razer products like the Blade 14 or Razer Book 13. The pre-installed operating system typically comes with a standard retail license.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad-Core Processor (2.80GHz base, up to 4.7GHz turbo)
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X-4266 Dual Channel (soldered)
• Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q (4GB GDDR6 VRAM)
• Display: 13.3-inch, with options including:
  • Full HD (1920 x 1080) Matte, 120Hz (100% sRGB)
  • OLED Full HD (1920 x 1080) Touch, 60Hz (100% DCI-P3, Gorilla Glass)
• Ports: 2x USB 3.1 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, with power delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode), 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
• Dimensions: 15.3 mm (0.60”) x 210 mm (8.27”) x 304.6 mm (11.99”)
• Weight: 1.41 kg (3.11 lbs)
• Connectivity: Intel Wireless-AX 201 (Wi-Fi 6, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.1
• Camera: Windows Hello built-in IR HD webcam (1MP / 720P)
• Battery: 53.1 Whr

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) offers a compelling set of technical specifications for an ultrabook, particularly its inclusion of a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q GPU, which is uncommon for its size class. The 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor provides strong performance for both productivity and light content creation. Display options cater to different user needs, with the 120Hz Full HD matte panel ideal for gaming and the OLED Full HD touchscreen suitable for creative work due to its color accuracy. The 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM is sufficient for multitasking, though it is soldered and not user-upgradable. Storage is provided by a fast 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD. Connectivity is robust, featuring modern Thunderbolt 4 ports alongside traditional USB-A, and Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed wireless networking. The compact dimensions and relatively low weight emphasize its portability, making it a powerful machine in a small form factor.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Firmware and driver updates are regularly released and available through Razer's official support website.
• OS Support: Primarily supports Windows 10 Home (64-bit) as shipped. Razer designs its devices for optimal compatibility with the pre-installed OS. While dual-booting or installing alternative operating systems is technically possible, it is not officially supported under warranty.
• End of Support Date: Razer's support pages for the 2020 model are actively maintained, with updates as recent as September 2025, indicating continued manufacturer support for drivers and FAQs.
• Localization: The keyboard features Razer Chroma RGB backlighting with customization options via Razer Synapse software. Regional keyboard layouts are available depending on the market.
• Available Drivers: Comprehensive drivers for Windows 10 and likely Windows 11 are available for download from Razer's support site, covering components such as Intel chipset, graphics, audio, Thunderbolt, and Wi-Fi.

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) benefits from active manufacturer support, with readily available drivers and firmware updates to ensure system stability and performance. The primary operating system is Windows 10, and while the hardware is generally compatible with other OS installations, Razer's official support and warranty are tied to the factory-installed Windows environment. The inclusion of Razer Synapse software enhances user experience through customization of keyboard lighting and system performance profiles. Overall, the support and compatibility status is strong for the intended Windows user base, providing necessary resources for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a Windows Hello-compatible IR HD webcam for facial recognition, enabling secure biometric login. The system also incorporates a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a standard feature on modern Intel-based platforms, enhancing hardware-level security.
• Known Vulnerabilities: General operating system vulnerabilities are addressed through regular Windows updates. Razer also provides firmware updates to mitigate hardware-specific security advisories, such as Intel-SA-00459.
• Blacklist Status: No specific blacklist status is associated with this asset.
• Certifications: Specific security certifications are not explicitly detailed in publicly available information.
• Encryption Support: Supports BitLocker drive encryption, a standard feature of Windows, to protect data at rest.
• Authentication Methods: Primarily uses Windows Hello for biometric (facial recognition) and PIN-based authentication, alongside traditional password login.
• General Recommendations: Users are advised to keep the operating system, drivers, and firmware updated to the latest versions. Utilizing Windows Hello for secure and convenient login is recommended.

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) offers a solid security foundation through its integration with Windows security features. The Windows Hello facial recognition provides a convenient and secure biometric authentication method. Regular updates from both Microsoft and Razer are crucial for addressing potential vulnerabilities and maintaining system integrity. While specific certifications are not highlighted, the overall security posture is comparable to other premium ultrabooks, relying on robust OS-level and firmware protections.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench R20 Multi-core: Approximately 1698-1814 cb
  • Geekbench 5.0 Multi-core: Approximately 4841-4992
  • 3DMark Time Spy: Approximately 3209-3307
  • 3DMark Fire Strike: Approximately 7588-7603
  • PCMark 10: Approximately 4068-4378
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Gaming: Excels in esports titles, achieving 177-202 frames per second (fps) in games like Rocket League at 1080p on high settings. For more graphically demanding AAA games, performance is playable but often requires adjusting settings to maintain smooth frame rates (e.g., Grand Theft Auto V at 35 fps on very high settings, Far Cry New Dawn at 47 fps on ultra settings).
  • Productivity: Capable for demanding tasks such as video and photo editing, with 4K video transcoding to 1080p completing in approximately 16-17 minutes.
• Power Consumption:
  • Battery Life (General Use): Up to 10 hours in PCMark 10 battery life tests and around 9 hours for local video playback or web browsing. Real-world general usage typically yields 5-10 hours, often averaging around 7 hours.
  • Battery Life (Gaming): Significantly reduced to approximately 1.5 hours during intensive gaming sessions.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data for this model is not publicly available.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) stands out as one of the few 13-inch ultrabooks to include a dedicated gaming GPU, making it unique in its class. While it offers better gaming performance than non-gaming ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13, it generally cannot match the raw gaming power or battery life of larger gaming laptops or more productivity-focused ultrabooks.

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) delivers strong performance for an ultrabook, particularly in its ability to handle esports titles and demanding productivity tasks. The combination of an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q GPU provides a versatile computing experience. While it offers a unique blend of portability and gaming capability, users should manage expectations for AAA gaming, which may require graphical compromises. Battery life is excellent for general use but diminishes rapidly under gaming loads. Its overall performance status is commendable for its compact form factor, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize portability without entirely sacrificing gaming or content creation capabilities.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) highlight its strengths as a premium, compact, and versatile laptop. Its sleek, all-black aluminum unibody design is consistently praised for its quality build and aesthetic appeal. Users appreciate its solid gaming performance for an ultrabook, especially for esports titles, and the benefits of the high refresh rate display options (120Hz FHD). The improved keyboard layout and good port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A, are also noted as positives. The audio quality, enhanced by THX Spatial Audio and upward-facing speakers, receives favorable mentions. Many users find its cooling effective for an ultrabook, preventing excessive thermal throttling during demanding tasks.

However, several weaknesses are frequently mentioned. The battery life, while good for general use, is considered average compared to non-gaming ultrabooks and significantly drops during gaming sessions. Its gaming performance, while strong for its size, cannot compete with larger gaming laptops, and it can run hot under heavy load. The absence of an SD card slot is a minor inconvenience for some. The matte finish is prone to fingerprints, and the price point is often cited as high. Some users also find the speakers mediocre for certain content.

Recommended use cases for the Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) include portable gaming, particularly for esports and less graphically intensive titles, content creation such as video and photo editing, and general productivity. It is ideal for users who need a highly portable laptop that can also handle some gaming and creative work, prioritizing a compact form factor over raw power or extended battery life under heavy loads.

Summary

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) stands as a distinctive offering in the ultrabook market, successfully blending premium portability with notable gaming capabilities. Its strengths lie in its exquisite, compact aluminum unibody design, making it highly desirable for users who prioritize aesthetics and ease of transport. The inclusion of an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q GPU allows it to deliver solid performance for both demanding productivity tasks and esports gaming, further enhanced by high refresh rate display options. Connectivity is robust with Thunderbolt 4, and the audio experience is generally praised.

However, the asset is not without its compromises. While battery life is commendable for light use, it significantly diminishes during gaming, a common trade-off for integrating a discrete GPU into such a small chassis. Its gaming performance, though impressive for an ultrabook, cannot rival larger, more powerful gaming laptops, and the device can run warm under sustained load. The soldered RAM limits future upgrades, and the premium features come with a high price tag.

In assessment, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2020) is an excellent choice for professionals, students, or casual gamers who require a highly portable, well-built laptop capable of handling both daily computing and light to moderate gaming or content creation. It excels as a travel companion that can double as a capable entertainment and work machine. For users whose primary focus is hardcore AAA gaming or who need maximum battery endurance under heavy loads, larger gaming laptops or more specialized ultrabooks might be more suitable. Nevertheless, for its unique niche as a gaming ultrabook, it offers a compelling and well-executed package.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.