A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Gigabyte Aero 16, consider that the Alienware typically offers high performance suitable for gaming and demanding tasks, but it may be heavier and have less battery life, making it less portable. The Aero, while possibly less powerful, is often aimed at creative professionals with good color accuracy and may be lighter with longer battery life, which is great for on-the-go use; however, if maximum performance for gaming or intensive tasks is your priority, despite the price, the Alienware could be the right choice. 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 overall build quality
- Very good speakers
Advantages of the Gigabyte Aero 16
- Very good for general use
- Very good for content creation
- Good portability
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.2
8.4
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
368.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Gigabyte Aero 16 for gaming and AI, while the Gigabyte Aero 16 has a better screen for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Gigabyte Aero 16 both feature displays with high resolution and brightness, making them great for general tasks where clarity and visibility are key. However, the Aero 16 has a wider color gamut, appealing to engineers and designers who need accurate color reproduction for precise work. For gaming and 3D applications, the importance of a high refresh rate is not met by either, potentially leading to less fluid visuals in fast-paced environments.
Build Quality
8.5
7.8
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Gigabyte Aero 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,650
$1,260
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the Gigabyte Aero 16 costs $1,260.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
7.9
8.0
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
368.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.1/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Gigabyte Aero 16 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, is well-suited for a range of tasks, but its bulk and shorter battery life may not be ideal for on-the-go users; in contrast, the Gigabyte Aero 16, while also offering high performance through its CPU and RAM, boasts a superior screen quality and longer battery life, making it a more versatile option for both work and entertainment. Both laptops provide sufficient storage and have quality keyboards and speakers, but the Gigabyte Aero's better heat management and lower operating noise also contribute to a more comfortable user experience, especially during extended use.
Gaming and AI
7.9
7.8
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Gigabyte Aero 16 are both good for gaming and AI.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Gigabyte Aero 16 both feature powerful GPUs and high screen refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth gaming and effective 3D rendering. While both have strong CPUs and high-quality screens, their standout graphics capabilities and fluid display make them top options for demanding visual tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.4
8.6
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Gigabyte Aero 16 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has powerful CPU, RAM, and GPU capabilities for demanding tasks like engineering and 3D design, with a high-quality screen that enhances detailed work visibility, though it is less portable and may have louder operating noise. The Gigabyte Aero 16 also boasts similar high-end specs and a superior screen for color-sensitive design work, but it balances this with better portability, a nicer keyboard, and quieter speakers, which might make it a more versatile choice for users who also value mobility and multimedia experience.
Content Creation
7.9
8.2
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Gigabyte Aero 16 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 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
7.6
7.9
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Gigabyte Aero 16 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.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte Aero 16 has 7 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
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.0 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.8in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Gigabyte Aero 16 to have good portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Gigabyte Aero 16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | Gigabyte Aero 16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $1,260 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | October 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 14'' x 9.8'' x 0.88'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 5.07 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 14.02" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 9.78" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 2048 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 99 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | OLED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 368 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
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 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
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
See more
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."
Gigabyte Aero 16
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Isaac Rouse | May 2022
"The Gigabyte Aero 16 is a workstation laptop for light gaming. It's design is still muted, with a silver chassis alongside a black keyboard and trackpad that provides some contrast. The Gigabyte Aero’s full-size chiclet-style keyboard is enjoyable to type on thanks to its snappy feel and responsiveness. The 4K+ AMOLED display is good, but it could be better. It doesn’t handle true black very well and suffers from strong reflections and glare. The Gigabyte Aero excels at productivity performance and can keep up with other gaming laptops in 1080p. But it has very few ports and its refresh rate leaves a bit to be desired."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the Gigabyte Aero 16
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 Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Alienware m16 R2 vs. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
VS
Compare Dell Alienware m16 R2 vs. Acer Predator Helios 16
VS
Compare Dell Alienware m16 R2 vs. ASUS TUF Gaming A15
VS
Compare Gigabyte Aero 16 vs. ASUS ROG Strix G16
VS
Compare Gigabyte Aero 16 vs. ASUS ROG Flow X13
VS
Compare Gigabyte Aero 16 vs. Dell Alienware m17 R5
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
131,295
Recommendations made
28,448
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
