Alienware M16 r2 vs X16 r2 Comparison - Which is the best 16' Alienware in 2024?

In this video we put the new Alienware M16 r2 and X16 r2 head to head to see which 16" Alienware gaming laptop is best in 2024!

*TIMESTAMPS*
0:00:00 - Intro
0:00:14 - Specs / Configuration Options
0:00:59 - Externals
0:02:22 - Ports
0:03:29 - RGB
0:04:57 - Deck Features
0:05:35 - Touchpads
0:06:02 - Keyboard
0:06:56 - Speakers
0:08:49 - Screens
0:09:24 - Webcam and Windows Hello
0:10:13 - Internals
0:11:57 - Performance
0:13:34 - Battery Life and Charging
0:14:11 - Conclusion

[Dr.Dp]

I'm convinced Alienware are cheaping out on their substandard screens because they're just assuming their customers are running them as desktop replacements, hooked upto expensive high end monitors most of the time.

[SecretRaccoon]

I'm the target customer for the m16 and i just got one on prime day sales for $1200. Loving it.

I needed a work laptop with a reliable build quality that i can trust for a few years and reliable battery life. I want to do a little gaming when I'm not working, or taking care of my kid. This let's me tone down the flash if I'm emailing from a coffee shop. but in the evening i can launch steam and play some games for an hour or 2 a couple times a week.

[kurosagi]

I'll be running my X16 R1 4080 to the ground before I look at a new laptop or go back to a full desktop. I've got it running at a comfortable temps at 75-80c peak with maxed UV allowed in bios, capping the CPU at 4ghz with the CPU and GPU capped at the default nvidia boost clock with UV running comfortably at 65-70c. Paired with a IET 500 cooling pad.

[private-nobody]

Another informative review; I hope Dell listen to you regarding the screens; thank you for what you do to help potential buyers.

[bealotcoolerifyoudid]

Omg Ricky ❤🎉
By the thumbnail I thought you'd grown yourself a very long hair.
Nice one. 😂

[blood.mirror]

Another excellent comparison. Thanks. 😊 I've always disliked the Alienware laptop monitor style with the raised "shelf" in the back because of the odd gaps at the bottom of the display corners. So I'm glad to see the M16 R2 with a more traditional display configuration.

[johnnylongvo]

thank you so much for all the comparisons. just bought the m16 r2 and should be coming Friday. x16 sold out yesterday on Dell’s special sale so it wasn’t meant to be

[WhiskyCardinalWes]

Half way through this video my wife walked by. She told me I shouldn't be watching you, you are a bad influence and that the monthly allotment for toys has been spent! I only had the weak reply of, "He has all the cool toys!"

I'm seriously thinking about the X16. I don't need it, but I do so want it!

[righteousryan]

It's been over a year since I've been using my x15 and I love it, although I do have some of my complaints. Normally, if I was buying, I like the top teir when it comes to gaming, but I actually think the M16 r2 looks really nice, especially the border lit track pad. The thin and light design style I like better than my old m15 R3, which was way to bulky and jagged. The new ones are modernized and fresh, and they have improved from the performance issues from the entry level x15 laptops.

[ajx]

Awesome, Thank you for your time David 👍

[metaspherz]

Thank you for the detailed comparison. I think I made the correct decision...
I upgraded from a 10-year-old 18" Intel i7 MSI gaming laptop to the M16 r2 with an RTX 4060, Intel Core Ultra 9 - 185H, 32GB RAM, which was discounted to $1499. It would've been + $300 for the RTX 4070, but I won't be gaming on it anyway (or very lightly). It's for my music production and A.I. Artwork and animations for my music creation when traveling, away from my music studio.
As a side note, I already own the Aurora R16 desktop with the RTX4080, Intel Core i9-14900KF, 4TB m.2 SSD, and 64GB for my gaming and music production. I upgraded the m.2 SSD and the RAM after purchase.
Now, I mentioned this because, I traded in my two-year-old Aurora R13, RTX3080, 16GB, 1 TB m.2 SSD for a whopping $966.
The final cost with tax for the M16 r2 was an affordable $660.
I am very happy with the transaction!
The trade-in value of Alienware used PCs should be considered when people decide which brand to buy. Especially for those who sell their old PC to help offset the new purchase.

[TechnicolorTube]

The m16 is very compelling for the mid-low end. After sales it will most likely be very well priced. Unfortunate that Alienware is going another year with dim lower quality screens in their laptop line-up. It's possible the Meteor Lake chips are harder to cool, than Raptor Lake, as they are a on a smaller process node and thus a denser design. Or the first couple batches just have a bad paste job. Top notch video.

[donconklin]

Once again, great video! Wish you made this before I ordered my M16 R2 lol. I received it last week. I went with the Ultra 9, RTX 4070, 64MB Ram, 2GB HDD and threw on a 3 year pro warranty. Price with warranty was $3, 700. I am a loyal Alienware customer, I've purchased 3 of their laptops just recently (personal use). But I am extremely annoyed, as are other loyal customers. Limiting the RAM on the X16 while limiting the Graphics capability on the M16 seems like they are playing games...forcing us to pick one over the other. If anything, the M series is supposed to be the powerhouse and the X series is supposed to look prettier (while having some limitations). If the X16 had the capability for 64MB RAM, I would have went with the X. I should note that I also have an X14 (maxed) that I bought almost 2 years ago, in lunar white. Dell offered me $1, 150 for it but I love it and am not giving it back. Perhaps they will offer me a decent price for this M16 in 2 years as well, hopefully the screens and device configs are better. If not, I may just order my next laptop elsewhere.

I didn't realize only the M16 has the illuminated Alienware head on the keyboard, that's nice to know. I really like it on mine.

Also, I play alot of Diablo 4. It's not playable with the M16 R2 unplugged using the same configuration. My little X14 does a much better job on battery power using the rtx 3060 (32MBRam), which was the top config at the time.

[AlanHayabusaTMH]

I just bought this M16 and as user of the previous model of the other laptop… one of my big issues with it is having to reach to the back for everything. And it’s quite a burden to move around, just to bring that laptop to travel with me for work had to visit like 10 Samsonite stores to find a backpack to fit it alongside the charger. BTW yes the light on the back is cool but you never ever see it. And collects dust AF. 😂 So it was a no brainer for me to pick the M16 over the X16.

With the M16 It was really easy to pick a MacBook PRO Thule case to protect and take it everywhere with me, the charger is quite slim and doesn’t get hot like the X model does. I love that it’s less heavy and for me the material feels really premium. Also loved the On/Off Button on the middle. The HDR looks great for videogames on the go and connecting the laptop to an 8K OLED TV to play videogames is now pretty easy with the additional USB C port. And transitions easily to match the TV resolution. Audio likewise… I use headphones always so… Not much of a difference for me.

Loved your video It’s great to know I made a good choice… Didn’t knew I have available another port for an additional SSD. 🤩 I’ll try it soon for sure. I just installed 64GB DDR5 RAM on it and the games and 3D Software I use for work run freakin smoothly.

[sproductions]

what's your experience with the over heating with the x16 I've been doing research and I'm concerned about that I would like to have the 4080 GPU over the 4070, upgrading from the m17 r2 with a 2060 gpu

[arturoortiz]

Hey! What do you think about getting an alienware x15 r1? I want it for work (word, excel, whatsapp, internet browsing) and regular gaming, some triple A titles....

The thing that worries me most is how is going to perform in the future, the rtx 3070, the soldered 16gb ram and i7 11800h... (I found one brand new in 1100 usd), but also I found the m16 r2 (4070) in 2000 usd....

I prefer x15 design and white color, but in therms of specs m16 is my choice..

I have a build PC with a 4070 and a rog ally for some light gaming.

Any advice? Thanks!

[thnkux]

will u recommend Macbook pro m3 or X16 for work(graphic designing and video editing, some 3d rendering as well)

[Aberforth]

Is the m16 r2 better than the original m16? Because I have heard that the m16 stutters quite a lot and I'm wondering does the m16 R2 stutter? And does it do just fine against a bunch of other competitors? Great review by the way, you are helping me so much researching on Alienware!

[tnakirh]

Thanks for a thorough comparison, and advice.
I would go for the M16. It does make a lot of sense, but having a mechanical keyboard, is very very important for me. I have been having to slug around an external mechanical with my laptop, and I done with that. Can't stand the membranes regardless of how well they are designed.
Alienware could have given that option to their customer...

[sandermn]

I love my M16 R2 - the battery life alone is why I went with this laptop. Great review btw.