The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is more expensive but offers higher performance suitable for intensive tasks like gaming and engineering, with a high-quality display, more memory, and a powerful processor and graphics card. In contrast, the Gateway 14.1" is more affordable and may still be adequate for general use, with a decent display but limited performance due to less memory and a basic processor, less suitable for demanding applications. 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 x14 R1
Good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 14.1"
The Gateway 14.1" has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware x14 R1.
Key differences
General Use
7.8/10
5.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
411.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
8.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for general use, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 triumphs in general use over the Gateway 14.1" due to its superior CPU, significant RAM advantage, higher quality screen, and greater portability, bolstered by a robust battery life and effective heat management. In contrast, the Gateway 14.1" falls short with a less powerful CPU, minimal RAM, a dimmer screen with low color coverage, and a lower-quality build, making it less ideal for demanding tasks and prolonged use.
Gaming and AI
7.6/10
5.4/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for gaming and AI, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 outperforms the Gateway 14.1" in gaming and 3D tasks due to its superior Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card and higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, which provides smoother visuals and better rendition of fast-paced scenes compared to the Gateway's Intel UHD Graphics 600 and 60Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, the Dell's high-quality screen, backed by better color coverage and a powerful Intel i7 processor, enhances the overall gaming experience and performance, while the Gateway's lower-tier Celeron processor and screen with reduced brightness and color range limit its capacity for such demanding applications.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
5.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is very good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is equipped with a powerful Intel i7 CPU, substantial RAM, and an Nvidia RTX GPU, making it suitable for demanding engineering and design tasks; its high-quality screen also contributes to a better visual experience for these activities. In contrast, the Gateway 14.1" uses a significantly less capable Intel Celeron CPU, minimal RAM, and basic Intel UHD Graphics, which are insufficient for complex software used in engineering and design, and its screen, while full HD, does not offer the same level of detail and color accuracy.
Content Creation
7.9/10
5.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for content creation, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
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
7.7/10
5.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for software development, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
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
7.9/10
6.0/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.1in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
411.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a better screen than the Gateway 14.1" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 offers a high-resolution display with strong brightness, making text sharp and colors vibrant, which enhances readability and overall viewing pleasure. In the realm of engineering and design, this laptop provides broad color coverage, essential for precision in color work, ensuring that designs render accurately to industry standards. However, for gaming and 3D, the refresh rate of the Alienware screen may not be sufficient to deliver the smooth motion required by high-speed visuals, while the Gateway, with an adequate display for everyday tasks and casual design work, falls short for both professional color work and high-refresh-rate gaming needs.
Build Quality
8.5/10
5.1/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good build quality, while the Gateway 14.1" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,201
$99
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a price of $1,201 and the Gateway 14.1" costs $99.
"The Alienware X14 series is thinner, but also slower than the competition. With the X series, you get plenty of modern technology: Intel Alder Lake CPUs, GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. However, the slim design has some drawbacks, just like its larger siblings. The shifted hinge position results in a very deep device with a large footprint compared to the competition."
"The Gateway Ultra Slim 14" is surprisingly quiet with long battery life. The inexpensive Gateway excels at maximizing performance per dollar with lots of RAM and storage, super-quiet fan, and a long battery life. It can even house up to two M.2 SSDs which we weren't expecting from such a cheap system. However, the iffy reliability of the keyboard and USB-C port on our test unit means users should double-check for these potential issues immediately after purchasing."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware x14 R1 or the Gateway 14.1"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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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