The Dell Alienware x14 R1 offers stronger performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming, with a high-quality build and better heat management, but it is less portable and more expensive. Meanwhile, the MSI Bravo 15, while more affordable and with a larger screen, has less computing power, lower build quality, and a shorter battery life, making it less suitable for intensive tasks. If portability and budget are your top concerns, the MSI Bravo 15 may suit you; if you require higher performance and better construction for demanding applications and gaming, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is the better option. 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
Very good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good portability
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Bravo 15
The MSI Bravo 15 has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware x14 R1.
Key differences
General Use
7.8/10
7.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
411.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
267.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.9/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Bravo 15 are both good for general use, though the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is somewhat better.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is preferred for general use over the MSI Bravo 15 because of its higher-quality CPU and double the RAM, leading to better overall performance. Additionally, the Alienware x14 R1 boasts superior screen quality and longer battery life, but it is also heavier and less portable than the MSI Bravo 15, which may be a consideration for users who prioritize mobility.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.0/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Bravo 15 is good.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1, with its higher-tier CPU and GPU, more RAM, and premium screen, offers robust performance for demanding engineering and design tasks, whereas the MSI Bravo 15, while competent, has less RAM and a mid-range CPU, impacting complex project handling and multitasking. Both are capable machines, but the Alienware's superior specs translate to smoother operation in resource-intensive applications; conversely, the MSI might offer better portability and quieter operating noise due to its less power-intensive components.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Bravo 15 are both good for content creation, though the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is somewhat better.
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
6.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for software development, while the MSI Bravo 15 is only fair.
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
6.9/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
411.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
267.0 nits
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a better screen than the MSI Bravo 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is equipped with a panel that offers vibrant colors and crisp resolution with ample brightness, which makes it excellent for everyday tasks and professional design work, but its lower refresh rate limits the smoothness required for high-end gaming and 3D applications. Conversely, the MSI Bravo 15, while also providing a good resolution and brightness for general tasks, doesn't offer the wide color gamut needed for precision in engineering and design, and similarly falls short for gaming and 3D content due to a refresh rate that isn't as high as dedicated gaming laptops. Therefore, for those heavily invested in gaming or 3D work, neither laptop would be ideal, but for general use and engineering, the Dell offers a superior visual experience.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Bravo 15 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
Very Good
Fair
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.9 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good portability, while the MSI Bravo 15 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.7/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good build quality, while the MSI Bravo 15 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,201
$862
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a price of $1,201 and the MSI Bravo 15 costs $862.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Bravo 15 are both good for gaming and AI.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is well-suited for gaming and 3D applications with its Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and high 144Hz screen refresh rate, which enable smooth and detailed visuals. Conversely, the MSI Bravo 15, with a slightly less powerful Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU and the same 144Hz refresh rate, offers competent gaming and 3D performance at a potential cost advantage, but with a tradeoff in GPU power compared to the Alienware.
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How the Dell Alienware x14 R1 and the MSI Bravo 15 compare to other laptops
"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."
"Overall, the MSI Bravo 15 C7U is a great gaming device for the masses that isn’t too pricey. The capable hardware (for the price range), the 144Hz display, and the comfortable keyboard are one of the things that should attract buyers who don’t want to spend a fortune on a new gaming laptop."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware x14 R1 or the MSI Bravo 15
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.
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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