Star Labs · 2025
Star Labs StarFighter 16
Intel Ultra 9 285H
A coreboot, Linux-only 16-inch with a 4K 120 Hz matte panel, up to 64 GB and an Arrow Lake Ultra 9, from 2843 dollars.
from € 3.100 $2,843 RRP
Buy direct at Star Labs (EU shipping incl.)Shown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.
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- Best for programming creative work AI and data work
- Linux: out of box
Scorecard
Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.
Strongest on display, with no category below average.
- Battery 6/10
- Display 9/10
- Build 7/10
- Keyboard 7/10
- Speed 8/10
- Value 5/10
Worth knowing
Stands out
- Linux runs out of the box
- Bright 625-nit screen, readable in sunlight
- 120Hz screen, smoother motion
Watch for
- RAM is soldered, no upgrade later
Linux
Excellent · Best on ubuntu LTS. Confidence: high · How we score
Linux compatibility, per distro
- Ubuntu LTS Out of the box
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : unknown
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : works
Linux-exclusive vendor: ships Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro or Mint with coreboot plus edk2 open firmware, no Windows tax. 12 or later for clean iGPU and power, so a current distro release, not an old LTS image.
Show full report
GPU and power, so a current distro release, not an old LTS image. No fingerprint reader. RAM is soldered LPDDR5x, so spec it high at order. The 4K 120 Hz matte panel is the standout.
- Fedora Out of the box
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : unknown
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : works
Fedora's recent kernels suit Arrow Lake well. Coreboot firmware means no proprietary BIOS blob to fight.
Show full report
Confidence note: this model is newer and niche, so independent long-term Linux reports are thinner than for a ThinkPad.
See the broader picture in the Linux compatibility hub, the full compatibility matrix, and the buying guides.
Specs
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H |
|---|---|
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics (integrated) |
| RAM | 64 GB (soldered, not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Screen | 16" 3840x2400 @ 120Hz, 625 nitsvery bright, easy in direct sun, smoother scrolling and motion |
| Weight | 1.4 kglight for daily carry |
| Battery | 99 Wh, around 7 h real-world |
Common questions
- Does the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H) work with Linux?
- Yes, on a clean install it works with no tweaking (verified on Ubuntu LTS, Fedora). Linux-exclusive vendor: ships Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro or Mint with coreboot plus edk2 open firmware, no Windows tax.
- What does the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H) cost?
- RRP is about 2843 USD (3100 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.
- Is the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H) good for programming?
- For programming we score it 5/10 on value and 8/10 on performance.
- How heavy is the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H)?
- 1.4 kg (3.09 lb). That's manageable for occasional travel.
- What's the battery life like?
- A 99 Wh pack, around 7 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 6/10.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
- RAM is soldered, so the 64 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 1000 GB on this configuration.
Ready to buy the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H)?
Prices are indicative. How we make money.
from € 3.100 $2,843 RRP
Buy direct at Star Labs (EU shipping incl.)Shown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.
This is a plain link to the vendor. We earn nothing from it today. Vendor-direct affiliate programmes are not yet enrolled; if one goes live it will be disclosed and will still cost you nothing. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-18.
