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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
When choosing between the Acer Swift X 16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2, consider that the Acer offers a balance of performance and portability at a lower price, suitable for everyday tasks and light creative work. The Alienware, on the other hand, excels in gaming and demanding applications due to its higher-end components but comes at a higher cost and is bulkier, which might affect its portability. If your work involves complex software or you're an avid gamer, and you don't mind the extra weight and cost, the Alienware could be the better option. However, if you prefer something lighter, more affordable, and with ample performance for general use, the Acer could meet your needs well. 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 Swift X 16
- Very good for general use
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Good portability
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m16 R2
- Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.0
7.9
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Unknown
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Acer Swift X 16 are both good for gaming and AI, though the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is somewhat better.
The Acer Swift X 16, with its capable GPU, handles gaming and 3D tasks well, and the screen refresh rate ensures smooth visuals during fast-paced scenes. Meanwhile, the Dell Alienware m16 R2, with a high-end GPU and superior refresh rate, delivers even better performance for gaming and 3D applications, and benefits from a strong CPU and high-quality screen, although it may come at a higher price.
Screen Quality
8.2
8.2
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
402.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
The Acer Swift X 16 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m16 R2 for software development, and content creation, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
If you're seeking a laptop primarily for general activities such as browsing the web, using office applications, and watching videos, both the Acer Swift X 16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 offer pleasing displays with crisp images and brightness that make them enjoyable for these tasks. For engineering and design work where accurate colors are crucial, both models provide a wide range of color coverage, ensuring that designs appear true to life. However, for avid gamers and professionals working with 3D applications who require smooth motion and rapid on-screen action, these laptops may fall short due to their lower refresh rates, which could lead to less fluid visuals in fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
8.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Acer Swift X 16 has 8 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
Good
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Acer Swift X 16 has good portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Acer Swift X 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,250
$1,650
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Swift X 16 has a price of $1,250 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 costs $1,650.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.2
7.9
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
402.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Swift X 16 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Acer Swift X 16 offers a balance of performance with its efficient CPU and ample RAM, ensuring smooth general use and multitasking, while the high-quality screen, lightweight design, and longer battery life enhance its portability and appeal for everyday tasks. On the other hand, the Dell Alienware m16 R2, while also capable in daily tasks thanks to its powerful CPU and RAM, is more geared toward demanding applications due to its robust build and screen, but is less portable and has a shorter battery life, making it less suitable for on-the-go use.
Engineering and Design
8.2
8.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Acer Swift X 16 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Swift X 16 offers solid performance with its CPU, ample RAM, and dedicated GPU, along with a high-quality screen, making it suitable for engineering tasks and some design work; however, the Dell Alienware m16 R2 delivers superior CPU and GPU performance, and better screen quality, which can significantly improve the experience for more demanding engineering and intensive design applications. While both laptops provide the necessary horsepower for professional use, the Swift X 16 is lighter and quieter, lending itself to be more portable and less disruptive in quiet environments, but the Alienware's keyboard and speakers are typically favored for their tactile and audio feedback.
Content Creation
8.3
7.9
9.1/10
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 Swift X 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
8.0
7.6
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Swift X 16 to be very good for software development, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
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.
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How the Acer Swift X 16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Swift X 16 | Dell Alienware m16 R2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,250 | $1,650 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.8'' x 0.7'' | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.19 lbs | 5.75 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.02" | 14.33" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 9.81" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 76 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 | 165Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 402 nits | 302 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.6/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Acer Swift X 16
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Dig into reviews and images
PCWorld
Matthew S. Smith | September 2023
"Acer’s Swift X 16 is an excellent choice for shoppers who want a 16-inch laptop and care more for performance than attractive design or long battery life. The Swift X 16’s gorgeous OLED display, spacious keyboard, and big touchpad make it pleasant to use in basic day-to-day tasks. It also has an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics, which combine to deliver good performance in a wide variety of productivity applications and games. A few minor mistakes, like poorly-placed USB-C ports that lack DisplayPort, will turn off some shoppers, but those who can accept its shortcomings will find the Swift X 16 a versatile daily driver."
Dell Alienware m16 R2
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Swift X 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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