During a visit to Paris in mid-June, we were able to approach the latest Dell G15 and G16. With this new generation of gaming laptops, the Texan manufacturer seeks, as in the past, to give us a maximum for a minimum of money. Fine, but with a starting price of less than 1,000 euros for the 15-inch model, what should we be prepared for? While waiting for a future full test, here are our first impressions.
Available in France recently, the Dell G15 and G16 2023 take over from a G15 model timidly renewed last year. The device benefited from a plastic chassis with lines strongly inspired by those of Alienware, and an honorable equipment / price ratio (AMD Ryzen 5 6600H and RTX 3050 under the hood, in particular). It is on these bases that Dell announced at CES the two new versions that interest us today. The chassis changes a (little) bit, to gain in aggressiveness, and the technical sheet takes on muscle while returning to the Intel flag.
A move upmarket without soaring prices
For 900 euros, the new Dell G15 (15.6 inches) thus combines a Full HD / 120 Hz panel, a 13th generation “HX” Core i5, 8 GB of DDR5 and an RTX 3050. However, this is the available version. at just under 1,300 euros which interests us the most. This time it includes a 13th generation “HX” Core i7, 16 GB of DDR5 and an RTX 4060 (140 W). We also switch to an IPS QHD + GSync screen, covering 99% of the DCI-P3 spectrum. Significant progress… for a machine that has convinced us as a whole.
Pending a full test (we have already exchanged with Dell to receive a model on loan), the device gives a good impression of quality despite an entirely plastic chassis. The assembly seemed meticulous to us and the finishes are rather in the high average at this price. There is also a nice selection of connectors, part of which is moved to the rear to save space. And with the possible exception of a Thunderbolt 4 port or an SD reader, nothing important is missing. As for the new design of the machine, it hits the bull’s eye: pruned to the point of looking sharp, it stands out.
On the other hand, we will have some reservations about the comfort of the keyboard in play. Backlit, but not RGB, the latter did not necessarily seduce us at first sight. The travel of the keys seems to us indeed a little too short. At this price, it will also be necessary to do without biometric identification and be satisfied with a 16:9 format for the screen (with the large borders that go with it). We also feel that Dell was not particularly concerned with reducing its new G15 and G16, which both reach more or less 2.8 kg on the scale.
A few compromises here and there
Be that as it may, the G16 has the merit of making good use of its 16-inch format. Slightly more bulky than the G15, but without exaggerating, the device adopts a 16:10 format which was until now reserved for Alienware machines. The move upmarket is therefore palpable on this “G” range, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Dell continued to step up its efforts around this line.
The Dell G16 takes the silhouette of the G15 for the rest, but up a (big) notch in terms of performance and equipment. With a price spread this time between 1,700 euros and 2,200 euros, this model goes up to the Core i9-13900 HX, is equipped with 32 GB of DDR5, an RTX 4070 (140 W) and is equipped with a 100% DCI-P3 QHD+ panel. Enough to offer an experience that will probably not have much to envy to certain models of the competition, such as the very good ASUS TUF Gaming A16, to name a few.
On the other hand, we must issue a caveat concerning the screen of the G15 and G16, which seemed to be sorely lacking in brightness on the configurations that we were able to take in hand. A feeling that we will have to verify with the tools in hand. We also did not have the opportunity to gauge the capabilities of the on-board dissipation system. The latter will however play a large part in the ability of on-board components to give the best of themselves. It is possible that, on this point, the compromises made by Dell have an impact on the final performance in game or intensive use. Attractive price obliges, the two devices do not benefit at all from the same cooling device as the Alienware models, equipped for the most part with four fans and a special thermal paste.
With its new G15 and G16, Dell has its teeth in the entry and mid-range market. Despite some shortcomings glimpsed during our handling, the two new gaming laptops from the Round Rock manufacturer are rather enticing. Not content with offering an equipment/price ratio that is quite attractive at first glance, they don’t skimp on design quality and could therefore target users looking for efficient machines… and not too expensive. We look forward to more in-depth testing of these new products which, without being perfect, really seem to be going in the right direction by emerging two steps behind the (slightly overwhelming) figure of Alienware in Dell’s gaming offer.
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