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Its a cheaper machine with, as well see below, less powerful components on its roster.
Things get a little blurred when you get closer to $3,000.
(Image credit: Future)
This machine caps out at an RTX 4070, which can be achieved at a $2,049.99 price tag.
This ones a tie.
The Alienware M16 R2 occupies the cheaper, entry-level seats.
(Image credit: Future)
Both rigs converge at the RTX 4070, the mid-range wunderkind with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM.
Thats a little odd considering its using the same processors and weaker graphics options.
The X16stillfeatures that massive cooling shelf to the rear.
It makes it difficult to find suitable backpacks for transport and takes up far more space on a desk.
I was elated, then, when the Alienware M16 R2 shipped without this shelf for the first time.
However, its undeniable that the X16looksbetter.
That extra pizazz comes with more RGB options for those LED-heads as well.
The X16looksbetter, but from my testing the M16feelsbetter.
Overall, the Alienware X16 R2 looks better and is made from higher quality materials for longer term durability.
However, the M16 features a more portable design in its more compact footprint and slightly lower weight.
The difference is immediately noticeable.
The M16s tracking is smooth and clicks are fast, but the actual clicks feel softer and more shallow.
The X16 has a much crisper click to it, with more travel and a deep, robust feel.
Both the X16 and M16 are available with Alienwares base keyboard, though theyre again delineated by their series.
However, the X16 can also be configured with a CherryMX fully mechanical deck as well.
Side by side, the standard AlienFX X-Series and M-Series keyboards are fairly similar.
These are particularly nice keys in both instances, among the best I tend to test in gaming laptops.
The M16 has a much safer separate button above the main keyboard area.
This doesnt translate into better color reproduction, but it certainly makes the screen feel a little more impactful.
Its also configurable with an FHD+ display running at a whopping 480Hz.
This one goes to the cheaper rig.
That being said, youre still getting one of these ports on the M16 as well.
Everything else remains the same between the two devices, besides from the placement.
Performance
I tested an RTX 4080 Alienware X16 and an RTX 4070 M16.
(Image credit: Future)
As expected, the RTX 4080 Alienware X16 R2 performs better than the RTX 4070 M16 across in-game benchmarks.
Both machines are in the upper-middle of their classes.
Each Alienware laptop draws pretty average numbers out of its hardware, tie-ing in overall performance.
(Image credit: Future)
