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Updated March 22, 2024·
When considering the Dell Alienware m16 R2 versus the Framework Laptop, understand that the Alienware is built for high-end gaming and resource-intensive tasks with a heavier and bulkier design, which affects portability. It’s more expensive but offers top-tier graphics and processing power suitable for gaming and engineering software. Conversely, the Framework Laptop is designed for easy repair and upgrades, is more portable, and more environmentally friendly due to its modular design; it’s suitable for general use and lighter tasks. If your priority is performance for demanding applications and gaming, the Alienware is more appropriate. If you value portability, upgradability, and a lower price, the Framework is the way to go. 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
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Very good portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.9
6.3
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 boasts a high-end GPU and a screen with a fast refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth and immersive gaming and 3D experiences, while the Framework Laptop 13, even with a competent CPU and decent screen quality, has a less powerful GPU and lower refresh rate that may not handle games and 3D applications as effectively.
Engineering and Design
8.4
7.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 boasts high-performance CPU, GPU, and ample RAM which excel in demanding tasks like 3D rendering or complex simulations, paired with a high-quality screen that's great for precision work; however, it is less portable and can be noisy under load. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers solid performance with good CPU, RAM, and a high-quality display while being more lightweight for mobility, but its GPU may not handle intensive graphics tasks as well, and the focus on modularity might compromise speaker and keyboard quality to some extent.
Screen Quality
8.2
7.4
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 excels in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its high resolution and brightness, coupled with wide color coverage, making text sharp and colors accurate for detailed work. The Framework Laptop 13, while slightly less impressive, still delivers good screen quality with decent resolution and brightness for everyday tasks and sufficient color accuracy for engineering applications. However, both fall short for gaming and 3D applications as their screen refresh rates are lower, which is crucial for smooth motion and gameplay.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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.
Portability
Fair
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.8
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,650
$1,079
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.5
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers robust performance for demanding applications due to its high-end CPU and ample RAM, and it also boasts a superior screen for enhanced visuals, but its heaviness and shorter battery life make it less portable. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) provides a balance of solid performance with decent CPU and RAM, better portability due to its lighter weight and longer battery life, while still offering a quality screen but may not handle intense workloads as efficiently as the Alienware.
Content Creation
7.9
7.5
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.6
7.6
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Alienware m16 R2 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.
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How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | Framework Laptop 13 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $1,079 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 2.95 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 11.7" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 9.01" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i5-1340P | |
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 | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 55 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 472 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
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."
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the Framework Laptop 13 (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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