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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
For high-end gaming or intensive tasks like 3D modeling and video editing, the Alienware offers superior performance and graphics, but at a higher price and with less portability due to its weight and size. On the other hand, the Inspiron provides adequate performance for everyday use like web browsing, office applications, and media consumption, is lighter and easier to carry, and has a longer battery life, all while being more budget-friendly. Choose the Alienware for power and gaming, and the Inspiron for casual use and mobility. 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 m16 R2
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3530
- Good portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.9
6.3
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a more powerful GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D performance, making it a strong choice for those activities. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530, while still capable, has a less robust GPU and lower screen refresh rate, resulting in more modest performance that's acceptable for less demanding gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.4
6.9
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has top-tier CPU, RAM, and GPU which excel in demanding engineering applications, and its high-quality screen provides clarity for detailed work, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers adequate performance for standard engineering tasks at a more affordable cost, but with a noticeable step down in screen excellence and graphical performance. Although both offer decent keyboards and speakers, the Alienware's bulk and noise may be a drawback for some, whereas the Inspiron is lighter and quieter, making it more comfortable for extended use in quieter environments.
Content Creation
7.9
7.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both good for content creation, though the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
8.2
6.6
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its higher resolution and brighter display, offers sharper and more vibrant visuals for general use and detailed work in engineering and design, where color accuracy is crucial. However, its lower refresh rate makes it less suitable for gaming and 3D tasks, which require smoother motion for an immersive experience. The Dell Inspiron 15 3530, while having fair screen quality, lacks the superior color coverage and brightness that professionals need for precision tasks, and its modest refresh rate isn't ideal for the demands of high-speed gaming and animation.
Portability
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has good portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
6.2
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,650
$722
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 costs $722.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.4
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.9/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both good for general use.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its high-performing CPU and ample RAM, excels in handling intensive tasks and gaming, providing a sharp display but is less portable and has shorter battery life, making it ideal for power users who prioritize performance and screen quality over mobility. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530, while offering sufficient performance for everyday tasks with reasonable screen quality, boasts longer battery life and better portability, suitable for users who need a balance between functionality and ease of carrying around.
Software Development
7.6
7.2
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 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
6.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 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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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | Dell Inspiron 15 3530 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $722 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 3.64 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 14.11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i5-1335U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 220 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware m16 R2
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LaptopMag
Momo Tabari | January 2024
"Alienware’s m16 R2 is a solid gaming laptop that leaves much to be desired, particularly in its quest to fulfill your needs as a product for productivity. Battery life under eight hours and a dim display are both vital issues for something that will accompany you through school projects or a workday. However, the Alienware m16 R2 is an exceedingly powerful gaming laptop, consistently being one of the best in our performance tests when compared against similar products. Even then, its display is lacking color, its fans get pretty darn loud, and its speakers aren’t punchy enough to rise above that noise."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the Dell Inspiron 15 3530
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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