Medion Erazer Major 16 X1 Review: Power-First Gaming Laptop
▼ Summary
– The Medion Erazer Major 16 X1 offers excellent gaming performance and a super-sharp, high-resolution display, powered by high-end components like an Intel Core Ultra 9 and an RTX 5070 Ti.
– Its design is minimal and surprisingly sleek for a gaming laptop, but it is heavy, lacks premium appeal, and has a plain, all-black aesthetic.
– Significant drawbacks include very poor battery life, even for a gaming laptop, and a thick, heavy base that limits its portability.
– The laptop provides good value for its price point, undercutting many rivals with similar specs, making it a strong option for performance-focused gamers willing to accept its flaws.
– It features a useful selection of ports, including an SD card reader and Mini DisplayPort, and includes effective utility software for system control.
For gamers seeking serious horsepower without the flashy price tag of premium brands, the Medion Erazer Major 16 X1 presents a compelling case. This machine prioritizes raw performance and a stunning high-resolution display, making it a strong value contender for desktop replacements. It does demand compromises in areas like battery life, portability, and aesthetic flair, but for those focused squarely on gaming power, these trade-offs are often acceptable.
The design won’t turn heads. Its all-black, minimalist chassis is anonymous in a market filled with aggressive gamer aesthetics. Yet, there’s a pleasing sleekness to its form; the lid is notably thin and the overall profile avoids unnecessary bulk, which is impressive for a 16-inch laptop. The build feels solid and durable, with minimal panel flex. The substantial weight and thick base, however, severely limit its portability, anchoring it more as a powerful desktop alternative than a travel companion.
Connectivity is a definite strength. The selection of ports is generous and thoughtfully arranged, featuring some rarities for gaming laptops like an SD card reader and a Mini DisplayPort. The utility software, Medion Control Center, is a pleasant surprise, a simple, stable tool for managing performance modes and system settings without bloat or bugs.
Where this laptop truly justifies its existence is in performance. Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti GPU, it chews through demanding titles. In Cyberpunk 2077, expect a smooth 60fps with medium ray tracing and DLSS, with frame rates soaring even higher when Frame Generation is enabled. This power comes with commendable thermal management; the system stays relatively cool and the fan noise, while present, isn’t distractingly loud. The standout feature is the brilliant 16-inch display. The 2560 x 1600 resolution delivers exceptional clarity and sharpness, with vibrant colors that make games pop. While not the brightest panel, it handles reflections adequately for most indoor settings.
The typing experience is comfortable with a light, snappy keyboard and a generous layout that includes a number pad. The touchpad is smooth and precise, though its small size limits navigation efficiency, a minor point for users who will likely connect a gaming mouse. The most significant drawback is battery life, which is poor even by gaming laptop standards, lasting only a few hours under light use and draining rapidly during gaming sessions. It does recharge relatively quickly.
Priced at £1,999, the Major 16 X1 isn’t cheap, but it undercuts many rivals with similar or lesser specifications. It forgoes the brand prestige and polished design of companies like Razer, instead channeling resources into the components that matter most for gameplay. For the budget-conscious enthusiast who values a superb, sharp visual experience and strong frame rates above all else, this laptop is a shrewd purchase. It’s a tool built for gaming, first and foremost.
(Source: techradar)
