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Updated March 22, 2024·
When considering the Dell Alienware m16 R2, you're looking at a high-performance laptop that excels in demanding tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, or machine learning, offering a robust experience at a premium price with likely shorter battery life and less portability. On the other hand, the Dell Latitude 5430 offers a more budget-friendly option that's better suited for general use or business tasks, with greater portability and longer battery life, but it doesn't have the power needed for high-end, resource-intensive applications. Choose the Alienware if performance is a priority and the Latitude if you need cost-effectiveness 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 keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 5430
- Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
7.9
7.2
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
248.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.4/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Dell Latitude 5430 are both good for general use, though the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is somewhat better.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 provides robust performance with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, handling demanding applications smoothly with a high-quality screen perfect for both work and entertainment; however, its heavier build and shorter battery life make it less portable and suitable for extended use without power. On the other hand, the Dell Latitude 5430 offers a balance of efficient performance, lighter weight, and longer battery life, making it more portable and suitable for those on the go, but it still maintains a good screen and enough power for general use, albeit with less capability for highly demanding tasks.
Gaming and AI
7.9
6.0
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Latitude 5430 is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a more powerful GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, essential for smooth and detailed gaming and 3D applications; whereas the Dell Latitude 5430, while capable of handling less demanding tasks, may not provide the same level of performance or visual fluidity due to its more modest GPU and lower refresh rate. Even though both have capable CPUs and good screen quality, the Alienware's hardware is fine-tuned to meet the high demands of intensive graphic use, making it a better choice for serious gaming and 3D work.
Engineering and Design
8.4
6.5
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Latitude 5430 is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 boasts more powerful CPU, larger RAM capacity, and a superior GPU, which are crucial for demanding tasks in engineering and design, plus it typically has a high-quality screen for detailed visuals. In comparison, the Dell Latitude 5430 offers modest performance suitable for less intensive work, with the added benefits of greater portability and a quieter operation, which might appeal to users who prioritize mobility and a quieter working environment.
Content Creation
7.9
7.2
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Dell Latitude 5430 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.
Software Development
7.6
7.1
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Dell Latitude 5430 are both good for software development, though the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is somewhat better.
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
6.1
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
248.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5430 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the superior resolution, panel type, and brightness of the Dell Alienware m16 R2 screen provide clear and vivid imagery, making it very good for activities like browsing and video streaming. The screen quality of the Dell Latitude 5430 is fair; while it may have a decent display for everyday tasks, it lacks the high resolution and brightness of the Alienware, which could make the viewing experience less vibrant. However, when it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the Alienware's poorer refresh rate could result in less fluid motion compared to screens optimized for those tasks, even if its resolution and panel type are considered.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Dell Latitude 5430 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
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Latitude 5430 has very 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
7.4
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Dell Latitude 5430 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,650
$790
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the Dell Latitude 5430 costs $790.
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How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Dell Latitude 5430 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $790 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 12.7'' x 8.4'' x 0.76'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 3.01 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 12.65" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 8.35" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i5-1235U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 58 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 | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 248 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware m16 R2
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Latitude 5430
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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