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Updated March 22, 2024·
If you need a laptop primarily for gaming or resource-intensive tasks and don't mind a heavier, bulkier system with a higher cost, the Dell Alienware m15 R7 would suit you. However, if you prioritize customizability, repairability, and a lighter, more portable design for general use or work-focused tasks, then the Framework Laptop 16 would be a smart investment, especially if keeping costs down is a concern. Keep in mind, the Framework may have a shorter battery life compared to the Alienware, which could be a consideration if you need to work on the go without frequent charging. 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
- Good for gaming and AI
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good for general use
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Good portability
- Good battery life
- Best in class speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.5
8.0
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
300.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
5.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
6.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m15 R7 is good.
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 offers strong performance with its CPU and ample RAM, but its heavier build and shorter battery life may not be ideal for those prioritizing portability and all-day use. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023), with its high-quality screen, lighter design, and longer battery life, while also delivering excellent performance, caters better to users seeking a balance between power and mobility for their general computing needs.
Gaming and AI
7.8
6.8
8.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 is equipped with a higher-end GPU and a screen with a faster refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth, detailed gaming and 3D rendering, while the Framework Laptop offers a moderate GPU and screen refresh rate that provide decent but not top-tier gaming performance. Although both have capable CPUs and good screen quality, the superiority of the Alienware's GPU and refresh rate makes it a better fit for demanding gaming and 3D tasks.
Content Creation
7.5
8.1
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware m15 R7 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
8.0
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Dell Alienware m15 R7 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
8.2
8.4
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
300.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m15 R7 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Dell Alienware m15 R7 and the Framework Laptop 16 provide clear, high-resolution displays with excellent brightness, which means text, images, and videos will look crisp and vibrant, enhancing everyday tasks like browsing and document editing. With regard to engineering and design, both laptops offer displays with wide color gamuts, ensuring that professionals who need accurate color representation for tasks such as photo editing or CAD work will find these screens suitable. However, their lower refresh rates make them less optimal for 3D applications and gaming, where fluid motion and quick screen updates are crucial for an immersive experience.
Battery
5.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 has 5 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 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
Fair
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
5.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Dell Alienware m15 R7 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$2,200
$1,699
$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 Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
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Key similarities
Engineering and Design
8.2
8.1
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 offers high-end CPU, GPU, and ample RAM which excel in handling engineering software and tasks that require significant processing power, though it is heavier which affects portability. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also provides good performance with a focus on screen quality and modular design but might not match the Alienware in raw power, making it better suited for on-the-go use with a balance between performance and portability.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) 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 Dell Alienware m15 R7 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m15 R7 | Framework Laptop 16 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,200 | $1,699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.7'' x 0.94'' | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.93 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.02" | 14.04" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.73" | 10.63" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 85 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 300 nits | 490 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware m15 R7
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Brandon Hill | October 2022
"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."
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m15 R7 or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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.
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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