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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
If you're focused on heavy gaming or graphics work, the Dell Alienware offers superior performance, but it's heavier and has a shorter battery life, which makes it less ideal for travel or long periods away from a power source. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is more budget-friendly, offers excellent performance for general and business tasks, and its portability and longer battery life make it ideal for on-the-go users who need reliability and endurance over raw power. Choose the Alienware for power and gaming, or the ThinkPad for cost-efficiency, durability, 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
- Good for gaming and AI
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
- Very good for general use
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good portability
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.9
8.5
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its high-performance CPU and generous RAM, excels in tasks that require significant computing power, but its bulkiness and shorter battery life make it less convenient for on-the-go use; whereas the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, while still delivering solid performance, offers a balance of good screen quality, longer battery life, and greater portability, which enhances its suitability for daily tasks and enhances its overall versatility for varied general use contexts. Both laptops have quality keyboards and ample storage, but for users prioritizing mobility and all-day use, the ThinkPad T14 stands out, while those needing extra performance for demanding applications may lean towards the Alienware m16 R2 despite its heft and energy demands.
Gaming and AI
7.9
6.7
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, making it superior for smooth gaming and handling 3D applications; however, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, while having adequate processing power and screen quality, falls short in delivering the same level of immersive visual experience due to a less powerful GPU and lower refresh rate.
Software Development
7.6
8.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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
6.9
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 likely offers vibrant and accurate colors along with high resolution, which suits general tasks and engineering design well but falls short for gaming due to a lower refresh rate. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14, while having a good balance of resolution and brightness for daily tasks and sufficient color accuracy for design work, may not provide the smoothness required for 3D usage because of its mediocre refresh rate. Both laptops, though adequate for productivity and professional work, might not satisfy gamers or 3D artists who prefer high refresh rates for fluid visuals.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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
2.9 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has very good portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,650
$1,241
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 costs $1,241.
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Key similarities
Engineering and Design
8.4
8.0
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 boasts a high-powered CPU, abundant RAM, and a top-tier GPU, which are crucial for demanding engineering and design tasks, along with a superior screen quality for fine-detail work, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 offers a balance between performance and portability with a reliable keyboard, making it a solid choice for engineering purposes where mobility and typing comfort are also considered. However, the ThinkPad may have lower-grade speakers and generate more operational noise when compared to the Alienware's typically quieter performance, despite its lesser portability due to size and weight.
Content Creation
7.9
8.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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
8.0
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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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How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $1,241 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | September 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 12.5'' x 8.9'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 2.96 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 12.51" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 8.93" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 39.3 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 321 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1440p | |
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 | 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 | N/A | |
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 T14
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Benjamin Herzig | December 2023
"We like a lot about this laptop. It has many ports, with the inclusion of RJ45-Ethernet as a defining feature. WWAN is upgradable for maximum flexibility and the ThinkPad has many security functions. Working with the ThinkPad input devices is a lot of fun, and Lenovo puts in a serviceable Low Power panel. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U delivers a great performance and does not drain the battery fast. Fan noise and temperatures are nothing special, but also far away from bad. With the user replaceable keyboard, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 has a special feature rarely present on most modern laptops."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
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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