When considering the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the Dell Alienware m18 R1, the ASUS likely offers a more budget-friendly option with strong performance for gaming and intensive tasks, but keep in mind that the Alienware might have an edge in build quality and may include unique features or better support that some find worth the higher price; both will be less portable due to their size and weight, and the difference in battery life might not be substantial as gaming laptops prioritize power over long battery life, making them geared towards users who are near power sources or plan to use them as desktop replacements. 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 (2024)
Very good overall display quality
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m18 R1
Excellent for gaming and AI
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.7/10
7.8/10
18.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
422.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m18 R1 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 offers a screen that shines in resolution and color accuracy, making it ideal for general use and detailed engineering work. However, its lower refresh rate may disappoint gamers who seek smoother visuals in fast-paced games. The Dell Alienware m18 R1 also delivers on resolution and color reproduction, catering well to everyday tasks and design applications, but like the ASUS, it may fall short for gaming due to its less responsive screen.
Battery
8.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has 8 hours of battery life. The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has 4 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
Poor
18.0in
SIZE
17.3in
6.6 lbs
WEIGHT
8.9 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Dell Alienware m18 R1 both have poor portability, though the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.5/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has very good build quality, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,249
$2,600
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has a price of $2,249 and the Dell Alienware m18 R1 costs $2,600.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Dell Alienware m18 R1 are both very good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18, with its high-performance CPU and ample RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and quick application loading for general use, while the quality screen provides crisp visuals; however, its sizable form can hinder portability, and the powerful internals may affect battery life. On the other hand, the Dell Alienware m18 R1 also offers great CPU and RAM for everyday tasks, with a similar screen experience, but also faces portability challenges due to size and may have a shorter battery life when pushed hard.
Gaming and AI
8.7/10
9.1/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware m18 R1 to be excellent for gaming and AI, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is very good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 offers a top-tier GPU and high screen refresh rate, which are essential for smooth gaming and 3D rendering, leading to a very immersive visual experience. Meanwhile, the Dell Alienware m18 R1, while also featuring a powerful GPU and fast refresh rate alongside a reputable CPU, is recognized for its build quality and screen clarity that enhance both gameplay and graphical work.
Engineering and Design
9.2/10
9.1/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Dell Alienware m18 R1 are both excellent for engineering and design.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is equipped with a high-performance CPU, ample RAM, and a robust GPU, which are crucial for demanding tasks like 3D modeling and simulations, complemented by a superior screen that benefits design precision; however, it's less portable and might have a louder operating noise. Similarly, the Dell Alienware m18 R1 offers powerful processing capabilities, substantial memory, and an advanced GPU for intensive engineering programs, while also providing a premium screen experience, but at the expense of greater weight and potentially noisier fans under load.
Content Creation
8.8/10
8.4/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Dell Alienware m18 R1 are both very 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
8.5/10
8.0/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Dell Alienware m18 R1 are both very 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 ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and the Dell Alienware m18 R1 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."
"Dell's Alienware m18 delivers on its promises: This is a large, powerful gaming laptop with the premium flair and feel you expect from an expensive purchase. The drawbacks are really the price and battery life, which in context are reasonable. (We'd also like to see more ports on the laptop's sides.) This price tier exists for deep-pocketed enthusiasts, and if you’re considering anything in this range, the m18 isn’t an outlier. For the majority of shoppers, of course, all of these mighty 18-inch systems are likely too expensive."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) or the Dell Alienware m18 R1
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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