If you prioritize a lightweight and more portable option with longer battery life for everyday tasks like browsing the web, productivity, and media consumption, the MacBook Pro 13 is a strong choice. However, if you need a computer for more powerful applications such as 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming, the Dell Alienware m16 R2, despite being heavier and likely having shorter battery life, offers better performance that can handle these intensive tasks but comes at a higher cost. Consider what you'll be using your laptop for most and how much you value portability versus performance. 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 Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Best in class battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m16 R2
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.9/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a less powerful GPU and a standard screen refresh rate, making it less optimal for gaming and 3D applications, in addition to the limitation of many popular games not running on macOS. On the other hand, the Dell Alienware m16 R2 includes a high-performance GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, which provides smoother visuals and better performance suited for gaming and 3D tasks, making it a superior choice for those activities.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
8.4/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is very good for engineering and design, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its more powerful CPU, greater amount of RAM, and superior GPU, excels in engineering and design tasks that require robust processing and graphic capabilities as well as a high-quality screen. Conversely, the Apple MacBook Pro 13 maintains a balance with good CPU performance and high screen quality, but stands out for its lighter weight and reduced operating noise, making it more suitable for users who prioritize a quieter and more portable device.
Screen Quality
7.6/10
8.2/10
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Apple MacBook Pro 13 for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a screen that offers sharp resolution and high brightness, which makes it excellent for everyday tasks and viewing fine details required in engineering and design work, but its standard refresh rate is not ideal for 3D applications where smoother motion is key. The Dell Alienware m16 R2, though well-suited for general use and engineered to deliver a wide color gamut that benefits professional design tasks, lacks a high refresh rate screen, which is a drawback for gaming and working with 3D graphics where fluid visuals are critical. Both laptops have displays that are not optimized for fast-paced 3D environments, but they excel in providing clear, vibrant visuals for productivity and creative work.
Battery
20.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 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
Very Good
Fair
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has very good portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,249
$1,650
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a price of $1,249 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 costs $1,650.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 is appreciated for its efficient CPU, high-quality screen, and excellent battery life, making it light and easy to carry around, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers a powerful CPU and plenty of RAM for demanding tasks, but it is bulkier and has a shorter battery life, tailored towards performance-oriented users like gamers or 3D designers. Both laptops have ample storage and good quality keyboards and speakers, but the MacBook leans towards quiet operation and cool performance, while the Alienware might handle heat better during intense use.
Content Creation
7.8/10
7.9/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both good for content creation.
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
7.8/10
7.6/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) 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.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 compare to other laptops
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
"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 Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) or the Dell Alienware m16 R2
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
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.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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