The Dell Alienware m15 R7 offers a higher resolution display and a more powerful GPU for better performance in 3D, machine learning, and gaming compared to the m17 R5. However, it is typically much more expensive, has a smaller screen size, and is slightly more portable due to its lower weight. The m17 R5, on the other hand, provides a larger screen and potentially longer battery life, but at a midrange price, with less storage capacity and a less powerful GPU. Both have similar RAM and CPU configurations suitable for general use and engineering tasks but differ significantly in terms of their screen and graphics capabilities. If high-end gaming and graphic-intensive tasks are a priority, the m15 R7 might be worth the extra cost, but for those looking for a larger screen and better value, the m17 R5 is a compelling option. 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 Dell Alienware m15 R7
Very good overall build quality
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m17 R5
Very good speakers
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.2/10
8.1/10
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
480Hz
300.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
301.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m17 R5 for general use, and engineering and design, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 has a better screen for software development.
For general use, the Dell Alienware m15 R7 offers superior brightness and clarity with its high resolution panel, making it pleasant for activities like browsing and video streaming. In engineering and design, its better coverage of color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB ensures more accurate color reproduction, which is essential for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, its lower refresh rate could lead to less fluid visuals compared to other laptops designed specifically for those high-frame-rate activities.
Portability
Fair
Poor
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
5.9 lbs
WEIGHT
7.3 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 has only fair portability, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.8/10
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 has very good build quality, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,200
$1,100
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 has a price of $2,200 and the Dell Alienware m17 R5 costs $1,100.
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 and Dell Alienware m15 R7 are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
7.8/10
7.7/10
8.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.7/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
480Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 are both good for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.1/10
8.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware m15 R7, with a high-performance CPU, superior GPU, and a high-resolution screen, excels in handling demanding engineering applications and intricate design work. In contrast, the Dell Alienware m17 R5 offers a larger screen for more expansive viewing but settles for a slightly less powerful CPU and GPU, which may still suit extensive engineering and design tasks but might not perform as robustly under maximum load as the m15 R7.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.8/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.1/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 and Dell Alienware m15 R7 are both 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
7.3/10
7.4/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 and Dell Alienware m15 R7 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
5.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 has 5 hours of battery life. The Dell Alienware m17 R5 has 5 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.
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How the Dell Alienware m15 R7 and the Dell Alienware m17 R5 compare to other laptops
"The Alienware M15 offers solid gaming and leading endurance. It makes the most of its CPU and GPU while delivering stellar battery life for a gaming laptop. Opening the lid presents a full-size keyboard with honeycomb cutouts above it on the deck. An oblong RBG lightning element surrounds the entire rear panel and can be color-synced with the other lights on the laptop. There’s not a lot to dislike about the M15 Its productivity performance lagged in some areas, particularly in the storage benchmark, and it’s a bit heavy. Alienware has a clear winner here with the M15 based on its strong overall performance and endurance."
"Overall, the all-AMD system in the Alienware m17 R5 is impressive, especially the graphics performance. However, various driver issues and unnecessary inconsistencies prevent us from truly enjoying such a potent gaming machine. In addition to strong 3D performance, we particularly like the build quality, the fairly bright UHD display with high color space coverage, and the fact that the gamer is often quiet when not under load and also rather quieter than some competitors under load."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m15 R7 or the Dell Alienware m17 R5
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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