When choosing between the ASUS ROG Flow X16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2, consider that the ASUS might save you money while still offering solid performance for a variety of tasks, including demanding ones like gaming or creative applications. However, the Alienware often provides top-tier hardware for gaming or intensive work, which could make heavy tasks smoother at a higher price point. If portability is a concern, the ASUS may be the lighter option, making it easier to carry around, but this could also mean a tradeoff in terms of screen size or build robustness when compared to the typically bulkier Alienware. Battery life is also a key factor; the ASUS may offer longer usage away from a power source, which is convenient if you're often on the go. Consider your primary use – if it leans more towards gaming and high-performance applications, and budget is less of a concern, the Alienware could be the better investment. If you value a balance between price, performance, and portability, the ASUS might serve you well. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the ASUS ROG Flow X16
Very good for general use
Very good for content creation
Good portability
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m16 R2
Good battery life
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.5/10
8.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
502.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m16 R2 for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, both the ASUS ROG Flow X16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 offer displays with high resolution and brightness, which makes for crisp, clear images and easy readability in various lighting conditions. Those working in engineering and design will appreciate the wide color gamut coverage from these laptops, ensuring accurate color representation for tasks like photo editing or CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where refresh rate is crucial for smooth motion, both laptops fall short, resulting in less fluid visuals in fast-paced scenarios.
Portability
Good
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 has good portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,300
$1,650
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 has a price of $1,300 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 costs $1,650.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS ROG Flow X16 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The ASUS ROG Flow X16, with its higher-quality CPU and RAM, delivers smooth and fast performance ideal for multitasking and demanding applications, and its superior screen quality enhances the visual experience for general use, but higher performance can affect its battery life and portability. The Dell Alienware m16 R2, while also good for general tasks, emphasizes portability and longer battery life, which might be at the expense of those higher performance components, yet it remains a solid choice for those who prioritize convenience over raw power.
Gaming and AI
7.6/10
7.9/10
7.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and ASUS ROG Flow X16 are both good for gaming and AI.
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 features a high-end GPU and a high refresh rate display, making it ideal for gaming and 3D applications where graphics and smoothness are crucial. The Dell Alienware m16 R2 also comes equipped with a powerful GPU and high refresh rate, ensuring vibrant visuals and fluid motion, while its robust CPU supports demanding processes alongside superior screen quality for more vivid images and colors.
Engineering and Design
8.3/10
8.4/10
8.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
7.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and ASUS ROG Flow X16 are both very good for engineering and design.
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are equipped with powerful CPUs, ample RAM, and dedicated GPUs, making them ideal for demanding engineering tasks and ensuring smooth design applications with high-quality screens for crisp visuals. While both are less portable due to their robust hardware, they offer comfortable keyboards, decent speakers, and manage operating noise well, balancing performance and user experience for professionals in engineering and design.
Content Creation
8.0/10
7.9/10
8.1/10
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 ASUS ROG Flow X16 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
7.7/10
7.6/10
8.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 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
5.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 has 5.5 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.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.5/10
The ASUS ROG Flow X16 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS ROG Flow X16 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 compare to other laptops
"Above all else, the Asus ROG Flow X16 is one thing - versatile! It is a thin, mobile work device, it's a 2-in-1, tablet, a powerful workstation and even a gaming PC. But something even more surprising: It does all of these things really well without making any big blunders. It's anything but a lazy compromise. Because, despite its compact dimensions and 2-in-1 functionality, the hardware isn't throttled and boasts, at least in turbo mode, above-average performance."
"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 ASUS ROG Flow X16 or the Dell Alienware m16 R2
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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