The Alienware m16 R2 a rarity among modern laptops. This is because, usually after a major overhaul, gadget makers like to keep new models on the market as long as possible to minimize production costs. But then his predecessor Launched with a new design last year, the company has redesigned the entire system for 2024, while also limiting how big a GPU can fit inside. So what gives? The thing is, by looking at the configurations people actually bought, Alienware was able to rework the m16. gaming laptop it’s a great recipe for a balanced notebook with a sleeker design, better battery life, and a more affordable starting price.
Design
There are so many changes to the chassis of the M16 R2 that it’s hard to believe it’s from the same line. Not only did Alienware get rid of the R1’s bulky bezels and chin, but the machine is now more portable. It weighs more than 20 percent to 5.75 pounds (down from 7.28 pounds) and is also significantly more compact at 9.8 inches deep (previously 11.4 inches). For some style points, Alienware added RGB lighting around the perimeter of the touchpad. This result is a huge improvement for anyone looking to take a laptop on the go. It fundamentally changes the system from something like a desktop replacement to a portable all-in-one.
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The Alienware m16 R2 is a great example of a laptop designed with its customers in mind, as it’s not as powerful as its predecessor, but it’s more compact, has longer battery life, and a more affordable starting price than before.
- Fast 240Hz display
- Better battery life than expected
- Unique design
- Good port selection
- Solid value
- No HDR support
- The screen could be brighter
- Grilled vents
Critically, despite being smaller, the m16 R2 still has plenty of connectivity options. On the sides are two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a microSD card reader, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. On the back there are two USB-C ports (one supports Thunderbolt 4, the other supports DisplayPort 1.4), a full-size HDMI 2.1 connector and a dedicated barrel plug for power. Overall, I like this arrangement because moving some of the ports to the back of the laptop helps reduce clutter. I wish Alienware had relocated the Ethernet jack and one of the USB-C ports, as I tend to reach for the latter more often.
Screen
The m16 R2 has a single display option: a 16-inch 240Hz panel with QHD+ (2560 x 1600) resolution. It’s perfectly fine, and for competitive players, the high refresh rate can be valuable during matches where potential advantages matter. But you don’t get any support for HDR, so colors don’t look as good as they do on a system with an OLED screen. Additionally, brightness is good at around 300 nits, which might not be a big deal if you prefer gaming at night or in darker environments. However, if you plan to take this somewhere with large windows or lots of sunlight, games and movies may look a bit dim. It’s not a deal breaker, I just wish this model had other display options like before.
Performance
While the sleeker design of the M16 R2 is a big plus, it’s less room for an indispensable GPU. So, unlike its predecessor, the largest compatible card is the NVIDIA RTX 4070. This may be unfortunate for performance enthusiasts, but Alienware says it made the change after seeing only a small percentage of buyers opt for the RTX 4080 graphics in the older model. . However, R2 can still hold its own when playing AAA titles. In Cyberpunk 2077 At 1080p and ultra graphics, it hit 94fps, just barely behind what we saw. ASUS ROG G16 (95 fps) with the more powerful 4080. And while the performance gap widened slightly when I turned on ray tracing, the m16 still produced a very playable frame rate of 62 fps (compared to 69 fps for the G16).
Battery life
One of the biggest benefits of the M16 R2’s redesign is that it allows Alienware to install a larger 90Wh battery compared to the 84Wh pack in its predecessor. Couple that with components and fans that are better suited to the type of performance this machine delivers, and you get more longevity. In our summary test, the m16 R2 lasted 7 hours and 51 minutes, the longer of the two. Razer Blade 14 (6:46) and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (7:29) and just shy of what we get from a similar spec XPS 16 (8:31). However, it’s still not as good as the ASUS G16’s 9:17. Regardless, the ability to go longer between charges is never a bad thing. Meanwhile, for those looking to pack super light, one of the m16 R2’s USB-C ports on the back supports power input, although you won’t get the full 240 watts of power you get on Alienware’s included brick.
Collection
For 2024, it would be very easy for Alienware to give the m16 a major feature update and call it a day. But it didn’t happen. Instead, the company looked at its customers’ preferences and gave it an update to match. So while it may not be as high-performing as before, the R2 is still a very capable gaming laptop with a more compact chassis, improved battery life, and an RTX 4050 starting at under $1,500. Of course, I wish it had a display. brighter and had another panel option, but getting the 240Hz standard is pretty cool.
Indeed, the biggest argument against the m16 R2 is that for high-spec systems like our $1,850 review unit with an RTX 4070, the ASUS ROG G16, which has the same GPU, brighter and more colorful OLED display and screen, costs $150 more. you can spend dollars. lighter design at less than a full pound. But for people looking for a good value gaming machine that can do a little bit of everything, the m16 R2 has a lot of value.
