Alienware m15 R5 review
The Alienware Alienware m15 R5 ranks as the #524 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #148-ranked connectivity among 14 laptops. Consider the Acer Enduro N3 or Acer TravelMate P4, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware m15 R5 is a solid package that offers improved CPU power, quieter system, and an amazing 1440p 240hz panel. Despite some minor niggles such as average battery life and speakers, this laptop comes in cheaper than its predecessor. The build quality is impressive, with Dell addressing concerns about soldered on wi-fi and ram modules. While not perfect, the m15 R5 is a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a high-performance gaming experience. Its value proposition makes it hard to ignore, making it worth considering for gamers on a budget.
Build
The Alienware m15 R5 boasts solid build quality, a notable improvement from previous models. The design is sleek and compact, with a sturdy aluminum body that feels premium to the touch. The keyboard and trackpad are also well-designed, providing a comfortable typing experience. The laptop's weight distribution is well-balanced, making it easy to carry around. Overall, the build quality of the m15 R5 is one of its standout features, making it feel like a high-end gaming laptop that can withstand heavy use. You may find Alienware x15 R1 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The Alienware m15 R5 boasts an impressive 1440p 240Hz display, making it a gamer's paradise. The panel is vibrant and crisp, offering an immersive visual experience. It's perfect for gaming at high resolutions, with smooth frame rates and minimal blur. The screen also excels when downscaled to 1080p, maintaining its sharpness and color accuracy. However, battery life takes a hit when paired with this high-performance display, lasting only around 4 hours and 30 minutes in our tests. Despite this, the display's quality is undeniable, making it a major selling point for gamers who crave the best visual experience possible. If you’re after a better display, Alienware x15 R1 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Alienware M15 R5 delivers impressive performance with its Ryzen 5000 series CPU. It outperforms Intel's 10th generation CPUs in single-core and multi-core Geekbench 5 scores. The 125W RTX 3070 GPU handles 1440p gaming smoothly, although it's a shame the power consumption isn't as efficient as expected. Benchmarks show CPU temperatures between 85-95°C and GPU temps in the late 70s. Despite this, the laptop remains playable during intense tasks, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking powerful performance. Acer Swift 16 AI might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware M15 R5's battery life is a letdown, lasting just 4 hours and 30 minutes with streaming at 50% brightness and volume. This underwhelming performance contradicts the Ryzen generation's reputation for better power efficiency. I'm eager to test the model with a 1080p panel to compare battery life and explore potential optimization opportunities. A decent battery life is essential, making this a notable drawback in an otherwise solid laptop package.
Connectivity
The Alienware m15 R5 boasts an impressive connectivity suite. On the left, you'll find two USB-A ports, one USB-C port with DisplayPort support, and an Ethernet jack for wired connections. The right side features three more USB-A ports, a miniDisplayPort, and an HDMI output. Connectivity-wise, this laptop is well-equipped for most users' needs. You might want to check out Acer Nitro 17, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Alienware M15 R5 boasts impressive features, including a 14.1-inch 1440p OLED display, up to a 125W RTX 3070 GPU, and a 10th-gen Intel Core i7-10870H CPU. The laptop also sports a sleek design, with customizable RGB lighting and a compact build. Other notable features include up to 64GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a rechargeable battery life of around 4 hours and 30 minutes in typical use cases. Take a look at Alienware x15 R1 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware m15 R5 has some notable improvements over its predecessor, including better CPU power, quieter system operation, and an excellent 1440p 240hz panel. However, battery life is a letdown, lasting only four hours and thirty minutes in my tests. Overall, this laptop feels like a solid purchase despite these small drawbacks.
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