But those differences are few and far between, and do little to justify the scorchingly high price tag.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Dell.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
What’s new with the R2? Oh, this Intel sticker is different.
What’s new with the Alienware x16 R2?
So, whatisnew with the Alienware x16 R2?
Even if that madness is extremely reserved this time around compared to Alienware’s m-series gaming laptops.
This isn’t a small or light laptop, but it is decently slim and easy to hold.
Here are all the updates Dell made with the Alienware x16 R2:
That’s essentially it.
We see this trend continue through all the Alienware x16 R2 configurations.
The equivalent x16 R1 from last year (with a Core i9 instead) ran for $3,250.
It is relatively thin (18.6mm), and looks quite slim thanks to subtle curves and thoughtful lines.
Most of the chassis is constructed from aluminum, with magnesium alloy and steel used for reinforcement.
you could even customize the colors of the power button for different power states!
I think this is a genuinely really good looking laptop, and it’s built very well.
I just wish the spacebar enjoyed some lighting, too.
Finally, let’s talk about ports.
This time around, the entry-level QHD+, 165Hz panel is gone.
A microSD card slot, two USB Type-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB Type-A ports, a Mini DisplayPort, and the DC charging port.
Nothing meaningful has improved here.
Contrast is also average for an IPS LCD display, as is the color reproduction and white balance.
Everything isfinefrom a quality standpoint, butfineisn’t enough when you’re charging this much.
This isn’t a bad display, it’s just average when compared to the competition.
At the very least, performance is still exemplary.
In day-to-day use, the Alienware x16 R2 is a practically flawless performer.
In actual usage this difference is largely negligible, but you do see the difference in the benchmarks above.
Once again, the promised 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut is just barely missed, but this is still a fairly color accurate display.
The x16 R2 is smooth and responsive, but it’s not the smoothest or most responsive.
The x16 R2 is a stronger performer than the R1 when off the charger, too.
It mattered little what I threw at the x16 R2 because it handled it all at the highest tweaks.
The Alienware Command Center does feel much more performant and stable now.
This was with mostly default configs, how most users will use this laptop.
The SSD and other components aren’t massively throttled when on battery power, which is good for performance.
With the Alienware x16 R2, Alienware spared no expense.
The SSD is technically a little slower than last year, but it’s still very fast.(Image credit: Windows Central)
the result is one of the best keyboards on any gaming laptop, period.
This is one of the most responsive, comfortable keyboards I’ve had the pleasure of using.
I have zero complaints in this department.
In Cinebench 2024, the x16 R2 strangely underperformed in the multicore test, even after multiple attempts.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Trust me, it’s worth it.
The touchpad is less interesting.
In those times, it serves its purpose.
In CrossMark, the faster SSD and CPU speed of the R1 helped it stay ahead of the R2.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Also, the entire touchpad has full RGB lighting.
You do getWindows Hellofacial recognition, however, which makes signing in incredibly easy.
Elsewhere, matters are far more positive.
The Core Ultra 9 is a strong performer, but still behind the Core i9 in the R1.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Alienware has includedsixspeakers in the x16 R2, which should translate to fantastic audio.
For me, 40-50% was all I ever needed.
The sound quality is also good, with solid stereo separation and an appropriately wide soundstage tuned byDolby Atmos.
History is repeated in PCMark 10.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Mids also sound really good, with great clarity.
Plus, it’s loud enough to drown out the absurdly noisy fans.
Finally, the Alienware x16 R2 is on the cutting edge of wireless connectivity again.
When encoding a 4K video, the x16 R2 couldn’t quite keep up with other laptops in its category.(Image credit: Windows Central)
You get bothWi-Fi 7and Bluetooth 5.4.
Performance for both was rock solid, and I have absolutely no complaints.
Those problems are also gone.
Alienware’s circular rubber foot aims to funnel as much air as possible into the massive intake vents on the underside of the laptop.
It’s a big step forward overall, but it’s unfortunately not perfect.
I have no idea why this is, and it happens regardless of your performance configs.
Still, I can’t overlook how much grounded Dell has gained in the software department.
This time around, you can play games for longer without worrying about high temperatures or low performance.
Overall, the Alienware x16 R2 feels very good.
Except for the keyboard.
Of course, you’re able to always look to Alienware’s other laptops, too.
In 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark, the x16 R2 just barely beat its predecessor but still falls short of other RTX 4080 laptops.
You’re getting the same display and performance, but getting a more traditional design.
Battery life has significantly improved with the R2, but this is still a power hungry gaming laptop.
There aren’t many computers that last for less time than the Alienware x16 R2, but matters are improved here.
This is a wonderful gaming keyboard, paired with a pretty (but average) touchpad.
It’s a cramped touchpad, as expected, but it is glass and uses Microsoft Precision drivers.
This port selection isn’t the best, but you at least get a full Thunderbolt 4 port for enhanced connectivity.
Yeah, the software was a lot worse last year.
The hardware is stunning, and now the software has (mostly) caught up.
Not many laptops can compete with this in style and performance, but that’s not as important to every user.
The Alienware x16 R2 is a better laptop than last year, but that doesn’t mean it’s enough to be the best.
