The Alienware m16 R2 marks a significant shift in design philosophy for Alienware’s gaming laptops. Moving away from the bulky designs of its predecessors, the m16 R2 embraces a more conventional aesthetic, akin to the Razer Blade or ROG Zephyrus G14. This redesign results in a more refined gaming experience, addressing several shortcomings of the previous generation while maintaining a distinct Alienware identity. While initially hampered by pricing concerns, recent adjustments make the m16 R2 a compelling option in the competitive gaming laptop market.
A Welcome Price Drop Changes the Game
This review, originally published on February 15, 2024, has been updated to reflect recent pricing changes. The initial configurations of the Alienware m16 R2 were considered overpriced, impacting its overall score and recommendation status. However, Dell has introduced a more affordable starting configuration at $1,500, featuring an RTX 4050, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. A highly recommended upgrade to the RTX 4060 is available for just $100 more, offering a substantial performance boost. The higher-tier RTX 4070 configuration is priced at $1,900. These adjusted prices align better with other 2024 Intel Core Ultra gaming laptops.
Furthermore, the RTX 4060 model is currently available for $1,400, representing excellent value. This competitive price point elevates the m16 R2 to a recommended buy, boosting its score to a 7 out of 10. We hope to see similar price reductions for the RTX 4070 model in the future. While other 16-inch RTX 4060 laptops are available at even lower prices, the m16 R2 justifies its premium with distinct Alienware features and build quality. Competitors like the ROG G16 offer high-end OLED screens and thinner chassis, but the m16 R2’s value proposition at $1,400 remains strong.
Specifications and Pricing
| Feature | Alienware m16 R2 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.93 x 14.33 x 9.81 inches |
| Weight | 5.75 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| Graphics | RTX 4060, RTX 4070 |
| RAM | 16GB (2x8GB) GDDR6 |
| Display | 16-inch 2560 x 1600 240Hz 3ms |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Touch | No |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x MicroSD card slot, 1x 3.5mm headset jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1, Optional WWAN |
| Webcam | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 90 watt-hour |
| Price | $1,449+ |
Currently, Alienware offers a limited selection of display and processor options for the m16 R2. Future configurations will include up to a Core Ultra 9 processor, 8TB of storage, and 64GB of RAM.
A Modernized Design
The second-generation m16 features a complete redesign, slimming down to 0.94 inches and shedding 1.42 pounds compared to its predecessor. This 16-inch laptop, while still larger than competitors like the Razer Blade 16, adopts a more conventional hinge, a smaller bottom bezel, and a centered touchpad with RGB outlining. The most notable change is the removal of the “thermal shelf” and the circular ring light, signifying a move towards a more understated aesthetic.
While embracing a more streamlined look, the m16 R2 retains signature Alienware elements like the illuminated logo, honeycomb vent pattern, and “racing stripe” branding. The build quality is decent, though the materials used don’t convey a high-end feel. Crucially, the redesign addresses the awkward keyboard positioning of the original m16, providing larger palm rests and a more comfortable typing experience.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard is a highlight of the m16 R2, featuring 1.8mm key travel, per-key RGB backlighting, and a comfortable layout. The centered touchpad, now outlined with RGB lighting, is a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, the touchpad’s plastic surface detracts from the overall tracking experience.
Ports and Connectivity
Despite the removal of the thermal shelf, the m16 R2 retains rear-facing ports, including power, HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2. The sides house two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, Ethernet, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. The positioning of the USB-A ports on the right side might be inconvenient for right-handed users. The replacement of the full-size SD card slot with a microSD card slot is a minor drawback.
Display: A Solid, if Unexceptional, Panel
The m16 R2 features a 2560 x 1600 240Hz IPS panel with a 3ms response time, Nvidia G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. While a solid display for gaming, it lacks the vibrancy and color accuracy of OLED or mini-LED options found in competitors. Its peak brightness of 289 nits is also somewhat dim. While understandable given the m16’s positioning within Alienware’s lineup, the absence of a more premium display option is a missed opportunity.
Performance: Intel Core Ultra and RTX 4070 Deliver
The m16 R2 is among the first gaming laptops to utilize Intel’s Meteor Lake Core Ultra processors. The Core Ultra 7 155H, while also found in less powerful laptops, performs admirably in the m16 R2 thanks to its 45-watt power limit. While not as powerful as the 14th-gen Raptor Lake Refresh HX chips, the Core Ultra 7 is more than capable for gaming, productivity, and content creation.
| Benchmark | Result |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single/multi) | 2366 / 12707 |
| Handbrake (seconds) | 63 |
| Cinebench R24 (single/multi) | 103 / 1040 |
| PCMark 10 Complete | 7028 |
Gaming performance is excellent, with the RTX 4070 outperforming other laptops in 3DMark Time Spy. The m16 R2 handles demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 with respectable frame rates. However, the fan noise can be quite loud under load. Memory and storage are expandable, with an extra m.2 slot available for additional storage.
Battery Life, Webcam, and Speakers
Battery life is as expected for a gaming laptop, offering around six and a half hours of local video playback. The webcam, despite its 1080p resolution, struggles in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The speakers are underwhelming, unsuitable for media consumption or video calls. However, the inclusion of an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition is a welcome addition.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Mid-Range Market
The Alienware m16 R2 successfully modernizes its design and addresses key issues from the previous generation. Its performance is commendable, and the recent price adjustments make it a competitive option in the mid-range gaming laptop market. While the display and touchpad could be better, the m16 R2 offers a solid gaming experience in a more refined package. For those seeking a balance of performance, portability, and distinct Alienware aesthetics, the m16 R2 is worth considering.
