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Updated March 22, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Lenovo ThinkPad P16, consider that the Alienware is tailored for gaming with high-end graphics and processing power, which is ideal if you demand top-tier performance for gaming or creative applications but at the cost of battery life and portability. On the other hand, the ThinkPad P16 offers robust build quality and professional features suitable for engineering and business applications, with better battery life and ease of carrying, but it may not match the Alienware's performance in the most demanding tasks or latest games. Choose the Alienware for cutting-edge gaming and the ThinkPad for business and engineering work where you value durability and portability with sufficient performance. 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
- Good for gaming and AI
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad P16
- Very good for general use
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good battery life
- Excellent speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.9
6.9
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
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
7.5/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 typically has a high-end GPU and a screen with a fast refresh rate, making it well-suited for gaming and 3D tasks that require smooth visuals and quick response times. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16, while also equipped with a quality GPU and capable CPU, often focuses more on screen quality and may have a lower refresh rate, which is why it's not as optimal for gaming where split-second timing is crucial.
Software Development
7.6
8.4
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is very good for software development, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 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
8.2
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
569.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has a better screen for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Lenovo ThinkPad P16 boast high-resolution displays with bright panels, making text and images crisp and easy to view. When it comes to engineering and design, these laptops excel with wide color gamuts ensuring accuracy for color-critical work. However, their refresh rates are not as high as gaming-specific laptops, which is why they fall short for Gaming and 3D tasks where smooth motion and quick screen updates are crucial.
Battery
6.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has 10 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
Poor
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
6.5 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
1.2in
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,650
$1,449
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 costs $1,449.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
8.0
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
569.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad P16 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its high-quality CPU, ample RAM, and superior screen quality, generally outperforms in tasks that demand power and vibrant display, but it's less portable and has a shorter battery life, making it less ideal for on-the-go usage. In comparison, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 offers a balance with a good CPU and RAM, excellent keyboard, and more manageable size and longer battery life, catering well to mobile professionals who need a reliable machine for general use without compromising on performance.
Engineering and Design
8.4
8.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Lenovo ThinkPad P16 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 typically offers high-end CPU, GPU, and ample RAM, matched with superior screen quality, making it ideal for demanding engineering and design tasks that require robust performance and visual clarity. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16, while also providing strong performance components suitable for engineering and design, often emphasizes durability and a comfortable keyboard, trading off some portability and higher operating noise compared to thinner laptops.
Content Creation
7.9
8.2
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad P16 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.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Lenovo ThinkPad P16 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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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | Lenovo ThinkPad P16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $1,449 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 14.3'' x 10.5'' x 1.2'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 6.5 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 14.3" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 10.5" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i7-12800HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 4 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 94 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 569 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 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 | 2 | 2 | |
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
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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."
Lenovo ThinkPad P16
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Eric Grevstad | February 2023
"It's only a few months since we gave the MSI CreatorPro X17 one of our rare 4.5-star ratings and our top mobile workstation honor, but the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 matches that achievement in a more premium overall build. Ultimately, its build quality, screen, and keyboard give our latest Editors' Choice nod to the Lenovo—it's enough of a monster on almost all fronts that it simply cannot be ignored."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the Lenovo ThinkPad P16
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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