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·
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers superior graphics and computing power, making it ideal for gaming, 3D rendering, and machine learning applications. However, it is heavier and has a shorter battery life, which could be a drawback for users who need mobility and all-day battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, on the other hand, is lighter and usually offers better battery performance, making it more suitable for general use, frequent travel, or work in places without easy access to power outlets, though it won't handle intensive tasks as well as the Alienware. 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 build quality
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good for content creation
- Excellent portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.9
6.6
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
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 ThinkBook 13x is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a high-end GPU and a high refresh rate display, making it well-suited for immersive gaming and 3D work, where graphics performance is essential. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while having a decent screen quality and processor, does not match the Alienware's GPU capabilities or screen refresh rate, resulting in a less optimal experience for gaming and 3D applications.
Screen Quality
8.2
8.2
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x likely boast high-resolution displays with excellent color accuracy and brightness, which contribute to their very good screen quality for general use and engineering design by providing sharp visuals and true-to-life colors. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fast-paced action is common, their screens may have lower refresh rates, leading to less fluid motion and hence a poor viewing experience for these specific tasks. Their emphasis on color gamut coverage, vital for precise engineering and design work, doesn't align with the high refresh rate priority of gaming and 3D rendering.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has 8 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
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.6
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,650
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.9
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both good for general use.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its high-performance CPU and ample RAM, excels in handling demanding tasks and gaming, offering a vibrant screen but at the expense of portability and battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while still providing sufficient power for general use, prioritizes portability with its lighter design and longer battery life, and also offers a high-quality screen, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go users who also value screen clarity.
Engineering and Design
8.4
7.9
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware m16 R2 to be very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its superior CPU, ample RAM, and high-end GPU, excels in handling demanding engineering software and delivering a crisp display for design work. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while offering good screen quality and performance, prioritizes portability and has a quieter operating noise, but may not match the Alienware in raw power for intensive tasks.
Content Creation
7.9
8.0
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 9.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 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."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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.
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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. MSI Pulse GL66
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. HP Omen 17
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
