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Updated March 21, 2024·
When deciding between the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the MSI Stealth GS77, consider that while the Alienware may be less expensive, the MSI may offer superior build quality or different features that could justify the higher price. If you prioritize gaming or heavy graphical tasks, the performance differences between the two could be significant, with the higher-priced option potentially providing smoother gameplay or faster rendering times. However, if everyday tasks and casual usage are your main concerns, the Alienware might suffice and save you money. Always weigh the balance between cost and the specific performance needs you have. 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
- The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has no clear advantages over the MSI Stealth GS77.
Advantages of the MSI Stealth GS77
- Very good for general use
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
Key differences
General Use
7.9
8.4
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.4/10
The MSI Stealth GS77 is very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers high performance with its robust CPU and plenty of RAM, making it suitable for demanding tasks, but its bulk and shorter battery life can make it less ideal for on-the-go usage. The MSI Stealth GS77 also has a powerful CPU and ample RAM, with a high-quality screen and a slim design enhancing portability, though you may trade off some performance for these sleeker, more mobile features.
Screen Quality
8.2
8.3
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The MSI Stealth GS77 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m16 R2 for content creation, and software development.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI Stealth GS77 have high-resolution displays with rich colors and brightness, making them ideal for general use where clarity and visibility are key. Their broad color coverage caters to engineering and design professionals who need accurate color representation for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their lower refresh rates, compared to specialized gaming laptops, may lead to less smooth visuals, which is critical for fast-paced gaming experiences.
Cost
$1,650
$2,499
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the MSI Stealth GS77 costs $2,499.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
7.9
7.9
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth GS77 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both good for gaming and AI.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its strong GPU, supports gaming and 3D applications well, but the MSI Stealth GS77 offers superior gaming and 3D performance due to an even more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate. While both laptops have capable CPUs and good screen quality, these aspects play a supporting role in enhancing overall experience without being the primary drivers of performance in gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.4
8.7
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Stealth GS77 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its high-performance CPU, ample RAM, and powerful GPU, excels in handling demanding engineering software, while its screen quality ensures sharp and accurate visuals critical for design work. Conversely, the MSI Stealth GS77 also boasts similar high-end specs for intensive tasks but offers somewhat more portability, a comfortable keyboard, and quieter operation, making it a strong contender for users who frequently move around without compromising much on performance.
Content Creation
7.9
8.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth GS77 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
8.1
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth GS77 to be 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.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth GS77 has 6 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
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
6.1 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI Stealth GS77 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI Stealth GS77 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 MSI Stealth GS77 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | MSI Stealth GS77 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $2,499 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 15.7'' x 11.2'' x 0.79'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 6.17 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 15.65" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 11.16" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1440 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 305 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 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 | No | |
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 | 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."
MSI Stealth GS77
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | April 2022
"The MSI Stealth GS77 is better than the GS76... mostly. The GS77 is a few steps forward and a few steps back from the GS76. Improvements are numerous including the stronger and more rigid skeleton, higher resolution webcam, larger clickpad, easier serviceability, relatively similar battery runtimes, newer display options, and higher performance at about the same TDP and TGP levels as before. CPU performance is better than expected even when compared to other laptops with Core i7 or Core i9 processors. The newer model feels more substantial than the outgoing one for higher quality impressions as well."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the MSI Stealth GS77
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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