Luke Larsen / Digital Trends
Alienware is have sex for making top - tier , high - remnant gaming laptops , albeit at a premium price stop . With its 2024 lineup finally taking shape , client now have the alternative of choosing between two 16 - column inch models — them16 R2and the x16 R2 . While the former has been completely redesign , the new x16 R2 opt for asimilar design to last yr ’s model .
There are certain law of similarity on paper , like the new Intel CPU option and the QHD+ display , but both laptops are quite different when stack up against each other . Here ’s a detailed comparison between the two .
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends
Specifications
Prices and configuration
The Alienware m16 R2 and x16 R2 are n’t all that different in terms of specs . The m16 R2 starts at a downcast GPU option , the RTX 4050 , while the x16 R2 give up for the profligate RTX 4080 and 4090 . CPU , retentivity , and storage options are all identical . Even the presentation have the same specs — a 2560 x 1600 IPS dialog box with a 240Hz refresh rate .
And yet , when configured with the same specs , the Alienware x16 R2 presently sells for $ 500 more than the m16 R2 .
Design
This 2nd multiplication of the Alienware m16 introduces a redesign aimed at enhancing its appeal and functionality . noteworthy change let in a thin chassis , rock-bottom weight , and modernized features like a little bottom bezel and a more centered touchpad with an RGB outline .
The removal of the “ thermal ledge ” and Stadium lighting ring contributes to a more mainstream spirit , although key Alienware elements remain , include such as the wakeful - up logo and honeycomb pattern .
The keyboard boasts 1.8 mm of travel that feel reactive for typing . It is complement by RGB backlighting ( available in undivided geographical zone or per Florida key ) that ’s keep in line through the Alienware Command Center . There are useful function keys on the right and a dedicated full turn pad that ’s usually reserve for higher - end theoretical account like the Alienware m18 .
While the touchpad has been affect closer to the center for a more balanced look and have a subtle RGB outline , its plastic - feeling open detracts from the overall experience . It offers less placid tracking compared to glass touchpads like the one bump on the Alienware x16 .
Despite these changes , the m16 R2 maintains its Alienware identity while adapting to a more generic , off - the - shelf midrange gaming laptop esthetical . The chassis quality remains decent , although it may not exude the high - last feel of premium material . Overall , it manages to balance Alienware ’s signature way with a more practical intention , lay down it worthy for gamers seek a blend of performance and modern aesthetics .
The Alienware x16 R2 continue to offer the same chassis as last yr ’s model , which introduced the company ’s Legend 3.0 design language . The laptop comes with premium materials like anodized aluminum , magnesium alloy , and stainless blade in the full - metallic element chassis to enhance durability without increasing weight .
For a 16 - inch gaming laptop computer , it offer one of the svelte profile at just 0.73 inches , although the 11.4 - in depth , attribute to the 16:10 silver screen and solid heat sink , can palpate slightly awkward .
The Lunar Silver finish gives a more modern touch to the overall look , while the extensive RGB execution , from the trackpad to the keyboard and the Stadium ring around the rear fumes , adds to the gamer appealingness . The redesigned cooling organisation , feature airflow channels with a quad - rooter system of rules , promises efficient heat licentiousness and restrained operation even under demanding tasks .
Display
The Alienware m16 R2 comes with a single display option feature a 2560 x 1600 resolution , 240Hz refresh pace IPS panel with a 3 - millisecond response meter . It integrate Nvidia G - Sync and Advanced Optimus technologies , catering to gamers ’ needs for smooth visuals and reduced screen tearing .
However , unlike its competition who have comprehend OLED or mini - LED display , Alienware continues to pose with conventional matte LED gore . While the presentation on the m16 R2 is fast and desirable for gaming , its Delta - E of 2.19 and relatively dull luminosity of 289 nit suggest room for betterment in vividness accuracy and luminosity liken to other offerings on the grocery store .
Although the absence of OLED or mini - conduce option may not be surprising ease up the m16 ’s location in Alienware ’s lineup , it ’s notable that similarly priced alternatives from rival offer these advanced display technologies . Improved HDR capability and color truth would elevate the overall optic experience on the m16 R2 , especially when compared to brighter and more color - accurate screens like the one found on the Alienware x16 . Despite these considerations , the m16 R2 ’s display remains substantial for play , albeit with the electric potential for enhancements in brightness and color fidelity .
The novel x16 R2 comes with the same panel configuration option as the m16 R2 , which is basically the same as last year ’s x16 model . We have n’t father our hand on the new 2024 model , but we require the performance and visual experience to be like if not better .
Performance
Both the Alienware m16 R2 and the x16 R2 are being offer with two C.P.U. options this yr , the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and the Core Ultra 9 185H. These new Meteor Lake chips offer the same total heart and soul count of 16 ( 6 performance core + 10 Efficiency core ) but differ in term of root and boost clock f number .
They can be configured with up to two 2 TB PCIe NVMe SSDs , but memory configurations are slightly different . The m16 R2 comes with conventional SODIMM RAM , essentially allowing you to upgrade in the future , and it can accommodate up to 64 GB of DDR5 at 5600MT / s. Due to its slimmer build , the x16 R2 has solder LPDDR5X computer memory , so the only two factory options that you have are 16 GB or 32 GB clock at 7467MT / s.
We recently had a chance to depend at the unexampled Alienware m16 R2 powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. While synthetical benchmark tests were not as telling , the laptop computer delivers rather well when it comes to gaming performance . It wield to surpass other laptop sport the RTX 4070 in 3DMark Time Spy . In our game tests , it achieved an average of 61 frames per second ( Federal Protective Service ) inCyberpunk 2077at 1200p Ultra Ray Tracing with DLSS 3 enable . For smooth gameplay , it went up to 117 Federal Protective Service at 1200p Medium with FSR 2.1 trip . In Red Dead Redemption 2 , the Alienware m16 R2 conserve an norm of 69 fps while running at its aboriginal resolution and Ultra nontextual matter options .
Performance on the x16 R2 should be a set better . Even though we have n’t test the fresh machine yet , this laptop computer propose a chassis with a larger surface field and a more powerful vapor chamber cooling system organisation that is pair with a special gallium - silicone thermal compound , four cool down fan , and six high temperature pipes . The x16 R2 is also useable with the pick of more muscular GPUs , so you may expect high physique rates and ocular faithfulness .
Which one should you pick?
Most people choosing between these laptops should deposit with the Alienware m16 R2 . When configure the same , it ’s $ 500 cheaper , meaning it ’s going to do all the same despite being considerably more low-priced . Yes , the Alienware x16 R2 has a more premium design , but there is n’t enough there to justify the price dispute .
Between these two gambling laptops , the Alienware x16 R2 should really only be chosen if you have a larger budget and are willing to choose for one of the more expensive RTX 4080 or 4090 contour . We have n’t quiz these fashion model yet ourselves , but in theory , the difference of opinion in performance is the only aspect that would make jumping to the x16 R2 deserving it .
