Despite a lower graphics ceiling, the R2 is much rounder than its predecessor.
The Alienware m16 R2 is a rarity among modern laptops. Indeed, gadget manufacturers usually want to keep new models on the market for as long as possible after a major redesign in order to minimize manufacturing costs. After the launch of its predecessor last year with a new design, the company has redesigned the entire system again for 2024, while limiting the size of a GPU. So, what is it? The trick is that by taking a look at the configurations actually purchased, Alienware was able to reorganize the m16 into a gaming laptop with a sleeker design, better battery life and a affordable entry price, which is a great recipe for a balanced laptop.
Design
There are so many changes in the chassis of the m16 R2 that it is hard to believe that it comes from the same line. Not only has Alienware removed the large glasses and the chin from the R1, but the machine is now much more portable. The weight has dropped by more than 20% to 5.75 pounds (compared to 7.28 pounds) and is also significantly more compact with a depth of 9.8 inches (compared to 11.4 inches previously). For some style points, Alienware has added RGB lighting around the perimeter of the touchpad. This result is a major upgrade for anyone who wants to take the laptop with them on the go. It fundamentally changes the system from a desktop replacement to a portable all-rounder.
Alienware m16 R2
A solid all-rounder for games and more
The Alienware m16 R2 is a great example of a laptop suitable for its customers, because although it is not as powerful as its predecessor, it is more compact, has a longer battery life and a affordable entry price than before.
Critically, the M16 R2, although smaller, still offers a wide range of connectivity options. On the sides there are two USB 3.2 type-a ports, a microSD card reader, an Ethernet jack and a 3.5 mm audio jack. On the back there are two USB-C slots (one supports Thunderbolt 4, the other has DisplayPort 1.4), a full-size HDMI 2.1 port and a proprietary barrel jack for power supply. In general, I like this arrangement, because moving some ports to the back of the laptop helps to reduce clutter. That said, I wish Alienware had changed the location of the Ethernet jack and one of the USB-C ports, because I’m looking for the latter much more often.
Show
The m16 R2 has a single display option: a 16-inch panel at 240 Hz with a QHD + resolution (2,560 x 1,600). It is quite usable and for competitive players, this high refresh rate could be valuable in games where the potential benefits count. However, you don’t get HDR support, so the colors don’t seem as strong as on a system with an OLED display. In addition, the brightness is ok at around 300 Nits, which may not be a big problem if you want to play at night or in darker environments. But if you plan to carry this to a place with large windows or a lot of sunlight, games and movies can seem a little stuffy. That said, this is not a decisive factor, I just wish this model had other display options like the previous one.
Performance
Alienware M16 R2 connectors on the right side
On the right side of the laptop there are two USB 3.2 type-A ports and a microSD card reader.
While the more elegant design of the m16 R2 is a big plus, the compromise is less space for a beefy GPU. Unlike its predecessor, the largest suitable card is an NVIDIA RTX 4070. this may be a disadvantage for performance enthusiasts, but Alienware said that it made this change after only a small part of buyers opted for RTX 4080 graphics on the old model. That said, the R2 can still hold its own when playing AAA titles. In Cyberpunk 2077 with 1080p and ultra graphics, it reached 94 FPS, barely behind what we saw from the ASUS ROG G16 (95 FPS) with a more powerful 4080. And although the performance gap increased slightly when enabling ray tracing, the m16 still offered a very playable frame rate of 62 FPS (compared to 69 fps on the G16).
Battery life
One of the biggest advantages of the redesign of the m16 R2 is that Alienware was able to install a larger 90 WH battery than the 84 WH battery of its predecessor. When you combine this with components and fans that are better suited to the performance of this machine, you get improved durability. In our Run-down Test, the m16 R2 lasted 7 hours and 51 minutes, which is longer than the Razer Blade 14 (6:46) and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (7:29), and just below what we saw from a similarly equipped XPS 16 (8:31). That said, it’s still not as good as the ASUS G16’s time of 9:17. anyway, the ability to go longer between charges is never a bad thing. For those looking to pack super light, one of the M16 R2’s USB-C ports on the back supports power, although you won’t get the full 240 watts like you do with the included Alienware building block.
