Alienware 16 Area-51 review
The Alienware Alienware 16 Area-51 ranks as the #114 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #7-ranked performance among 17 laptops. Consider the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 or Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware 16 Area-51 is a high-quality gaming laptop with impressive performance results in a unique chassis. While it may not be the most portable notebook, its qualities make it well-suited for desktop use. The keyboard is amazing, and the screen is still very adequate despite not being an OLED or mini LED display. Battery life is disappointing, but this may not be a concern if you plan to keep the laptop stationary. Overall, the Area-51 is worth considering if you prioritize performance, portability isn't a top priority, and you want a visually appealing laptop with all the necessary ports.
Build
The Alienware 16 Area-51 boasts an impressive build quality with its unique chassis design. The laptop's dimensions are ideal for desktop replacement, but it may not be the most portable option. Despite this, the device's sturdy construction and premium materials make it feel solid in hand. The 16-inch form factor offers a comfortable typing experience on the impressive keyboard, while the ample port selection ensures that users have plenty of connectivity options at their disposal. For an improved build, Alienware 16X Aurora is worth considering.
Display
The display on the Alienware 16 Area-51 is adequate, but not impressive. The native resolution is QHD, which is beneficial for gaming, but not ideal for general productivity or media consumption. While it's decent for its price point, the display doesn't stand out in terms of color accuracy or brightness. It's a typical laptop screen - good enough for most users, but not great. However, if you're a gamer who prioritizes performance over display quality, this might not be an issue. Overall, the display is just average and doesn't add much to the overall value proposition of the Area-51. You might want to check out Alienware 16X Aurora, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Performance
The Alienware 16 Area-51 delivers impressive performance, thanks to its RTX 5080 GPU running at maximum TGP. In synthetic tests, Time Spy shows the laptop performing within expectations for its hardware. In real-world scenarios, the laptop achieves solid results in 1080p and QHD, with only demanding games dropping below 60 FPS in QHD. The use of DLSS and MFG further enhances performance in games like Cyberpunk, reaching up to 220 FPS. Overall, the Area-51's performance is strong, making it a great option for gamers who want high-quality visuals and smooth gameplay. Take a look at Acer Predator Helios 18 - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware 16 Area-51's battery life is unfortunately not its strongest suit. With an estimated runtime of around 4-5 hours in light use, it falls short of its competitors. While this may be forgivable given the laptop's desktop replacement nature, it's still a notable disadvantage for those who need portability. Charging time is relatively quick, taking about an hour to reach 80% capacity from empty. Despite this, the Area-51's impressive performance and overall package make it a compelling choice for gamers.
Connectivity
The Alienware 16 Area-51 boasts an impressive array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, ensuring seamless connectivity. The keyboard is also noteworthy, offering a great typing experience. However, battery life falls short compared to competitors. Overall, this laptop shines in its unique design and performance capabilities. It’s worth checking out Alienware 16X Aurora, delivering remarkable connectivity.
Features
The Alienware 16 Area-51 boasts an impressive feature set, including a 16-inch display, customizable RGB lighting, and a backlit keyboard. It also sports a unique chassis design with ample ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and an HDMI port. Additionally, it's equipped with up to 64GB of RAM and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 580 graphics. Give Alienware 16X Aurora a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware 16 Area-51 boasts an impressive keyboard, decent screen, and strong performance results. However, its battery life is a letdown, falling short compared to competitors. Despite this, the laptop's unique design, ample ports, and reasonable price point make it a compelling choice for desktop-replacement gaming laptops.
Pros
1. The keyboard is amazing
2. All ports are available, making it great for desktop replacement
3. Performance results are impressive
4. It looks simply awesome with its unique chassis
5. Adequate screen quality for gaming purposes
6. DLSS and MFG are at your disposal for smoother gaming experience
7. Fan noise is well-handled, offering a good compromise between noise and performance
8. Reasonable price point considering its qualities
Cons
1. Not the most portable notebook due to its size
2. Battery life is not great, especially compared to competition
3. Sweaty hands may occur if you push the laptop too hard near exhausts
4. CPU impact on synthetic tests can be all over the place
5. Limited portability makes it less suitable for travel or frequent movement
6. May experience artifacts when using MFG in some games
7. Latency hit occurs with MFG, which may not be desirable for some users
8. Not ideal for those prioritizing battery life and portability
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features