When deciding between the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2, consider that the ASUS may offer more power for demanding tasks like gaming or 3D work, but this can come with a higher price and potentially shorter battery life. The Alienware, while possibly more affordable, may also be easier to carry around. If budget and portability are major concerns for you, the Alienware could be your preference, but if you prioritize top-tier performance and are willing to invest more, then the ASUS may be the better choice. 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 ASUS ROG Strix G18
Very good for general use
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m16 R2
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.7/10
7.9/10
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
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 typically offers a high-end GPU and a screen with a fast refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D rendering experiences, making it a strong choice for those activities. Meanwhile, the Dell Alienware m16 R2, with a slightly lower emphasis on GPU and refresh rate but comparable quality, also provides a good gaming and 3D performance, but may appeal more to users who value a balance between those features and other aspects like CPU and screen quality.
Engineering and Design
8.9/10
8.4/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both very good for engineering and design, though the ASUS ROG Strix G18 is somewhat better.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are equipped with powerful CPUs, abundant RAM, and high-end GPUs, essential for the demanding tasks in engineering and design, complemented by screens with superior quality for detailed visuals. However, the ASUS may have an edge in screen quality or gaming features, while the Dell might offer a slightly more balanced approach with emphasis on keyboard and speaker quality, but both will likely be less portable and could generate more noise under heavy loads.
Content Creation
8.6/10
7.9/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is 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.
Screen Quality
8.7/10
8.2/10
18.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
422.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m16 R2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 offer high-resolution displays with robust panel types and brightness, resulting in sharp, clear visuals and comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions. Their engineering and design capabilities benefit from wide color gamuts, ensuring color accuracy and fidelity vital for professionals in these fields. However, their low refresh rates, although less crucial for general use and professional design work, detract from the immersive experience desired in gaming and 3D applications, where smooth motion and quick screen responses are key.
Battery
8.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 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
Poor
Fair
18.0in
SIZE
16.0in
6.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.5/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,299
$1,650
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a price of $2,299 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 costs $1,650.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS ROG Strix G18 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18, with a robust CPU and ample RAM, offers smooth multitasking and excellent screen quality for a variety of tasks; however, its bulky form and shorter battery life may limit its use on the go. The Dell Alienware m16 R2 also provides efficient performance for everyday activities and has better portability, but it too faces challenges in battery longevity, which users needing to work remotely for extended periods should consider.
Software Development
8.1/10
7.6/10
9.9/10
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 ASUS ROG Strix G18 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 ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 compare to other laptops
"With the ROG Strix G18, Asus has made an almost consistently good debut in the still quite new 18-inch laptop segment. The base unit case shows a few signs of weakness in the area of stability and is something which has an effect on the perceived quality of the input devices (the chassis tends to rattle a bit). Nevertheless, thanks to generous port features (incl. Thunderbolt 4), a striking design, and extensive lighting (keyboard, LED strip on the front), gamers get a fitting gaming platform."
"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 Strix G18 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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