If you prioritize higher performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, or engineering tasks and don't mind a higher price and reduced portability, the Dell Alienware m18 R1 is a strong option. However, if affordability and better portability are crucial for you, especially for general use or gaming, the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 might be a more suitable choice. Keep in mind the Alienware's considerable weight and shorter battery life compared to the ASUS. Both models offer high-refresh-rate screens and gaming capabilities, but the Alienware's larger screen and more powerful graphics make it a better fit for the most demanding applications. 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 TUF Gaming A16
Good portability
Very good battery life
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m18 R1
Very good for general use
Excellent for engineering and design
Excellent for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
8.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
294.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
12.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.1/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is very good for general use, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 stands out for general use with its superior processor and double the RAM of the ASUS TUF Gaming A16, enhancing multitasking and demanding tasks, along with a larger, sharper screen that improves visual workspace and content clarity. However, the ASUS is more portable and offers longer battery life for on-the-go use, while the Dell provides more storage and a higher-quality keyboard and speakers but is heavier, making it less convenient to carry around.
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
9.1/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for gaming and AI, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 delivers excellent gaming and 3D performance with its Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, which is more powerful than the AMD RX 7600S GPU in the ASUS TUF Gaming A16. Both laptops have high screen refresh rates suitable for gaming, but the Alienware's superior processing power and graphical capability set it apart for demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
9.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for engineering and design, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for engineering and design due to its more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a superior GPU compared to the ASUS TUF Gaming A16, along with a larger and higher-resolution screen which contributes to better screen quality for detailed work. However, the ASUS is significantly more portable due to its lighter weight, making it a better choice if you need to move around frequently.
Content Creation
7.6/10
8.4/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is very good for content creation, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 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
7.3/10
8.0/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is very good for software development, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 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.
Screen Quality
7.5/10
7.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has a better screen than the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and the Dell Alienware m18 R1 both feature displays with adequate resolution and brightness, making them suitable for general use where clarity and visibility are key. For engineering and design tasks, both laptops have screens covering a broad range of colors, ensuring precise and accurate color reproduction which is critical for professional editing and modeling. However, despite their names, the gaming performance is hindered by lower refresh rates, leading to less smooth visuals in fast-paced 3D environments where fluid motion is paramount for an immersive experience.
Battery
12.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 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
Good
Poor
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
8.9 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has good portability, while the Dell Alienware m18 R1 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
8.5/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has very good build quality, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$838
$2,600
$0
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $838 and the Dell Alienware m18 R1 costs $2,600.
"The A16 makes an excellent case against more expensive laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and the MSI Katana GF76, especially if you’re into 1080p gaming. However, although its affordable, it doesn’t skimp on performance or a robust chassis. But for me, the biggest factor that sets it apart from these options is its incredible battery life. In my time reviewing laptops, I can’t remember when I last saw a gaming laptop lasted 11 and a half hours on a single charge, which makes the A16, in my book, truly outstanding."
"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 TUF Gaming A16 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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