The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is much more expensive than the Dell XPS 13 but offers superior performance for intensive engineering tasks, 3D rendering, and gaming with its more powerful processor and graphics. However, it's heavier and less portable with significantly less battery life, making it less ideal for on-the-go use. The Dell XPS 13, on the other hand, is more affordable, lightweight, and has longer battery life, suitable for general use and tasks not requiring intense graphics or processing power. Choose the Alienware if performance is a priority and you don't mind the extra weight and shorter battery life; opt for the XPS 13 for portability, longer battery usage, and general computing tasks. 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 m18 R1
Very good for general use
Excellent for engineering and design
Excellent for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
Excellent portability
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.2/10
7.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
281.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
442.0 nits
4.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
5.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 offers a larger screen with higher resolution, more RAM, and a more powerful CPU and GPU, enhancing performance for demanding tasks, but its size reduces portability and its battery life is shorter, making it less convenient for frequent travelers.
Gaming and AI
9.1/10
6.2/10
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for gaming and AI, while the Dell XPS 13 is only fair.
The Alienware m18 R1's superior Nvidia RTX GPU and high refresh rate screen are ideal for smooth and visually demanding gaming and 3D applications, while the XPS 13, with its integrated Iris Xe graphics and standard refresh rate, offers modest gaming capabilities and is better suited for general use and portability. Additionally, the Alienware's high-performance CPU and better screen quality support intensive tasks, whereas the XPS 13 prioritizes a balance of performance and mobility.
Engineering and Design
9.1/10
7.2/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
8.4/10
7.7/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is very good for content creation, while the Dell XPS 13 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.
Screen Quality
7.8/10
7.2/10
17.3in
SIZE
13.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
281.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
442.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize a crisp and vibrant display for everyday tasks, both the Dell Alienware m18 R1 and the Dell XPS 13 offer brilliant resolution and brightness, ensuring your general use experience is top-notch. For engineering and design work, accurate color representation is critical; these laptops deliver with their wide color gamuts, catering to professional creative needs. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fluid motion is key, the lower refresh rates on these screens may not provide the smooth visuals required for an optimal experience.
Battery
4.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has 4 hours of battery life. The Dell XPS 13 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
Poor
Excellent
17.3in
SIZE
13.4in
8.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.5 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the Dell Alienware m18 R1 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$2,600
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has a price of $2,600 and the Dell XPS 13 costs $1,399.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware m18 R1 to be very good for software development, while the Dell XPS 13 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.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.5/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 and Dell XPS 13 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 m18 R1 and the Dell XPS 13 compare to other laptops
"Dell's Alienware m18 delivers on its promises: This is a large, powerful gaming laptop with the premium flair and feel you expect from an expensive purchase. The drawbacks are really the price and battery life, which in context are reasonable. (We'd also like to see more ports on the laptop's sides.) This price tier exists for deep-pocketed enthusiasts, and if you’re considering anything in this range, the m18 isn’t an outlier. For the majority of shoppers, of course, all of these mighty 18-inch systems are likely too expensive."
"In the past, the XPS 13 was a hands-down contender for the best laptop on the market. But the Apple-silicon MacBook has since barrelled onto the scene, and it wipes the floor with most of the ultraportable Windows laptops that cross my desk on a daily basis. This XPS is no exception. Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, battery life is worse."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m18 R1 or the Dell XPS 13
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.
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.
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