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Updated March 22, 2024·
If you're looking for a laptop primarily for gaming or high-performance tasks, the Dell Alienware m16 R2 typically offers top-notch hardware which can handle intensive applications and games smoothly, but this usually means a higher price and less battery life. On the other hand, the Acer Predator Helios 16 provides solid performance at a slightly lower cost, making it a better value choice if you are okay with sacrificing a bit of the higher-end performance found in the Alienware. Both are not the most portable due to their size and weight, aimed more at users who plan to use them in stationary settings. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Acer Predator Helios 16
- Very good for general use
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m16 R2
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
7.9
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 boasts a high-quality GPU and a screen with a fast refresh rate, making it excellent for gaming and 3D applications where smooth visuals are crucial. While the Dell Alienware m16 R2 also has a strong GPU and high refresh rate screen, its superior CPU and screen quality enhance overall performance and display clarity for a slightly more premium gaming and 3D experience.
Screen Quality
8.8
8.2
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m16 R2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering screen quality for general use, both the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 likely have displays with high resolution and brightness, as well as panel types that offer clear and vivid images. For engineering and design, their screens probably include wide color gamuts, providing accurate color representation vital for professional creative work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, despite having high-quality panels and resolution, both laptops may fall short due to lower refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth visuals and responsiveness in fast-paced scenarios.
Build Quality
7.4
8.5
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,526
$1,650
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,526 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 costs $1,650.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.9
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16, with its capable CPU and ample RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and general computing tasks, while its high-quality screen provides a pleasing visual experience; however, its portability and battery life are compromised due to its gaming-oriented design. Conversely, the Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers similar CPU and RAM benefits for general use, with a focus on a premium screen and ergonomic keyboard, but it also shares the reduced ease of carrying around and shorter battery life typical of high-performance gaming laptops.
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.4
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are equipped with high-performance CPUs and GPUs, ample RAM, and high-quality screens that suit the demands of engineering and design software, ensuring smooth operation and precise visuals. However, these laptops are less portable due to their size and weight; the keyboards and speakers are above average and are quieter than other gaming-centric laptops, which might be a consideration if you frequently work in noise-sensitive environments.
Content Creation
8.2
7.9
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.9
7.6
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
6.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Fair
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Acer Predator Helios 16 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | Dell Alienware m16 R2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,526 | $1,650 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 5.75 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 14.33" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 9.81" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 90 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 302 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Acer Predator Helios 16
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Dig into reviews and images
IGN
Samuel Horti | June 2023
"The Predator Helios 16 stacks up well against its closest competition in benchmark comparisons. The Acer Predator Helios 16 isn't perfect. It's bulky, its lid feels flimsy and some of its keys are just too damned small – but none of its problems are fatal, and it shines where it counts. The powerful graphics and processor combo are spot on for this price point, the fans stop it getting hot under pressure, and the display is as good as you’ll find under $2,500. It's simply one of the best laptops to play demanding games on."
Dell Alienware m16 R2
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LaptopMag
Momo Tabari | January 2024
"Alienware’s m16 R2 is a solid gaming laptop that leaves much to be desired, particularly in its quest to fulfill your needs as a product for productivity. Battery life under eight hours and a dim display are both vital issues for something that will accompany you through school projects or a workday. However, the Alienware m16 R2 is an exceedingly powerful gaming laptop, consistently being one of the best in our performance tests when compared against similar products. Even then, its display is lacking color, its fans get pretty darn loud, and its speakers aren’t punchy enough to rise above that noise."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the Dell Alienware m16 R2
About Acer
Acer is a prominent Taiwanese electronics brand which makes a wide range of laptops, with multiple product lines catering to personal use, gaming, and business use. They are renowned for having exceptional value for money, as they frequently offer good specifications at a lower price than other manufacturers.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
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