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Updated January 10, 2024·
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is generally more expensive but offers a larger and higher resolution display, more storage, and a more powerful processor and graphics card, which makes it suitable for intensive gaming, 3D rendering, and machine learning tasks. On the other hand, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is less expensive and more portable with a smaller screen and lower weight, but it has less storage and less powerful hardware, meaning it's still good for gaming but might not handle intensive engineering tasks as well. The ASUS has a longer battery life for typical use but is less portable due to its larger size and heavier weight. If portability and price are key concerns, the Dell is a better choice, while if performance is paramount, especially for demanding tasks, the ASUS is more suitable. 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 Zephyrus M16
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Excellent overall display quality
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Dell Alienware x14 R1
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
7.6
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16, equipped with a higher-end Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU and a quicker 240Hz screen refresh rate, excels in gaming and 3D applications, providing smoother visuals and better graphics performance than the Dell Alienware x14 R1, which has a solid Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and a 144Hz screen refresh rate, still suitable for gaming and 3D tasks but with lower graphics power and refresh capability.
Engineering and Design
8.8
8.2
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Dell Alienware x14 R1 are both very good for engineering and design, though the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is somewhat better.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 offers superior processing power with its Intel i9 CPU compared to the Dell Alienware x14 R1's Intel i7, and a higher-end GPU, the Nvidia RTX 4070 versus the RTX 3060, which contribute to its excellence in engineering and design tasks. Moreover, the ASUS has a higher-resolution screen and larger screen size, enhancing visual clarity and workspace, which is crucial for detailed engineering work, while the Dell trades-off some performance and screen quality for greater portability due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Screen Quality
9.0
7.9
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
627.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
411.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware x14 R1 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16's high-resolution display and brightness provide crisp and vivid visuals, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1, with slightly lower brightness and resolution, still offers a good viewing experience. When it comes to engineering and design, the ASUS's wider color gamut coverage ensures more accurate color reproduction, which is essential for professionals, a feature that the Dell also supports satisfactorily but to a lesser extent. However, both fall short for gaming and 3D applications since they lack a high refresh rate, crucial for smooth motion and quick gameplay, meaning neither is ideal for those seeking the best experience in fast-paced games or developing 3D content.
Battery
4.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has 4.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has 9 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
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.0 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good portability, while the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,842
$1,201
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a price of $1,842 and the Dell Alienware x14 R1 costs $1,201.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.8
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
627.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
411.0 nits
4.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Dell Alienware x14 R1 are both good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and the Dell Alienware x14 R1 are both equipped with high-quality CPUs and adequate RAM for smooth operation, and they boast excellent screen quality, with the ASUS having a larger and more pixel-dense display. While the ASUS offers more storage and a slightly higher performing GPU, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a substantial edge in battery life and portability, making it easier to carry and use on the go.
Content Creation
8.2
7.9
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 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
7.7
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Dell Alienware x14 R1 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.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Dell Alienware x14 R1 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 Zephyrus M16 and the Dell Alienware x14 R1 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 | Dell Alienware x14 R1 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,842 | $1,201 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | August 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.7'' x 0.83'' | 12.7'' x 10.3'' x 0.57'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 4.06 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.98" | 12.66" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.69" | 10.34" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-13900H | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 4.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 80 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 627 nits | 411 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.3/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 4 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | March 2023
"The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is not yet as optimised as its predecessor. Compared to the previous gen, performance and efficiency have improved significantly. What's more, the wonderful, Mini-LED Nebula display is a contender for the main highlight and almost manages to put the CPU and GPU in the shade. We already found its predecessor to be a well-rounded and well-optimised gaming machine. Generally, but not unequivocally, that also applies to the new Asus M16. Similar to most of the current, new laptops, we are dealing with a double generational leap in terms of the CPU and GPU. However, this change doesn't always run smoothly."
Dell Alienware x14 R1
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | March 2022
"The Alienware X14 series is thinner, but also slower than the competition. With the X series, you get plenty of modern technology: Intel Alder Lake CPUs, GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. However, the slim design has some drawbacks, just like its larger siblings. The shifted hinge position results in a very deep device with a large footprint compared to the competition."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 or the Dell Alienware x14 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.
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