Alienware x14 R2 review
The Alienware Alienware x14 R2 ranks as the #290 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 75. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #283-ranked performance among 7 laptops. Consider the Acer Aspire Vero 16 or Acer Chromebook Spin 714, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware x14 R2 is a slim 14-inch laptop that packs a punch despite its compact size. With great performance in 3D modeling and photo editing, this laptop is a strong contender for those who need power on-the-go. The 4K export times are impressive, but the 6K export time is a bit slower than some other laptops. Considering its thin and light design, excellent performance, and affordable price point (around $1,200-$1,249), the Alienware x14 R2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact powerhouse. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Build
The Alienware x14 R2 boasts an impressive build quality. The laptop's aluminum chassis exudes premium feel, despite its slim design. Weighing in at 3.5 pounds, it's remarkably light and portable. The keyboard deck is sturdy, with a satisfying click to each key. The touchpad, while small, responds accurately. Notably, the laptop's build doesn't compromise on cooling, with vents cleverly designed to keep components at safe temperatures. Overall, the x14 R2's construction feels robust and well-thought-out, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium slim laptop experience. Its overall design is sleek and modern, suiting a wide range of users. It’s worth checking out Acer Predator Helios 18, delivering remarkable build.
Display
The display on the Alienware x14 R2 is a highlight of the laptop. It boasts 296 nits of screen brightness at 100% sRGB, 91% Adobe RGB, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut accuracy with a Delta E of 1.71. This ensures vivid and lifelike colors in various scenarios. However, I had hoped for more screen brightness to cater to users who prefer a higher setting. Overall, the display is impressive, especially considering its slim design. Give Acer Predator Helios 18 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled display.
Performance
The Alienware x14 R2 impresses with its performance, despite being thin and light. In 3D modeling, it scores 208 in Autodesk 3ds Max, 203 in PTC Creo, 301 in Autodesk Maya, and 102 in SolidWorks. Its optimized design allows it to perform well even with 16GB of RAM, scoring a respectable 7,236 in Photoshop. The laptop's 4K export time is one of the best I've seen this year, taking only 2 minutes and 11 seconds. However, its 6K export time is less impressive, taking 22 minutes and 18 seconds. Overall, the x14 R2 offers great performance for its size and price point, making it a compelling choice for those who need a slim yet powerful laptop. Get your hands on Acer Predator Helios 500 if you're looking for better performance.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware x14 R2's battery life is somewhat disappointing, lasting around 6 hours and 35 minutes with streaming video playback. Considering its Intel Core i7 processor, this time could be considered below average. However, it's worth noting that this laptop has historically been known for not being power-efficient. A more power-efficient option might be the Intel Core Ultra or Ryzen 9 processors found in other laptops. The battery life is a trade-off for the laptop's slim design and great performance.
Connectivity
The Alienware x14 R2 boasts impressive connectivity options. A single USB-A port and two USB-C ports provide ample flexibility for peripherals and charging. An HDMI 2.1 output enables seamless connection to external displays, while an SD card reader is a welcome addition. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 ensure reliable wireless connections. The lack of an Ethernet port may be a drawback for some users, but the overall connectivity suite is robust and meets most modern computing needs. You might prefer Acer Predator Helios Neo 18, designed with an upgraded connectivity for a better experience.
Features
The Alienware x14 R2 boasts a 16:10 display with up to 296 nits brightness, 100% sRGB, and 80.5Wh battery life yielding 6 hours 35 minutes streaming video playback. It features a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12600H processor, 16GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, making it suitable for heavy tasks like 3D modeling and video editing. For a superior features, Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 could be the right choice.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware x14 R2's support and maintenance features are worth mentioning. The laptop has a sturdy design with minimal screen bounce, making it ideal for travel. However, the battery life could be improved, lasting around 6 hours and 35 minutes of streaming video playback. Upgrades and repairs might be challenging due to its slim design, which may require professional assistance. Nevertheless, the device's performance is impressive, particularly in 3D modeling and photo editing tasks.
Pros
1. The laptop provides great performance for heavy tasks such as 3D modeling, Photoshop, and 4K export.
2. It has a fast processor, with a score of 7,236 in Photoshop, which is impressive considering it only has 16GB of RAM.
3. The laptop can handle 4K export times of just 2 minutes and 11 seconds, making it one of the best results I've seen on my channel this year.
4. It has a great performance benchmark section, with scores of 208 for Autodesk 3ds Max, 203 PTC Creo, 301 for Autodesk Maya, and a 102 for solid works.
5. The laptop is very well optimized, making it a great contender if you're considering a Photoshop laptop, especially someone who wants something thin and on-the-go friendly.
6. It's available at an affordable price point of around $1,200 - $1,249.
Cons
1. The battery life is not great, with only 6 hours and 35 minutes of streaming video playback, which is less than I had hoped for.
2. The laptop has historically known to be not the most power-efficient processors, making it less suitable if you're looking for better battery life.
3. There's a bit of screen wobble, which might be an issue for some users.
4. It can struggle with 6K export times, taking around 22 minutes and 18 seconds.
5. The laptop is not the most power-efficient processor, making it less suitable if you're looking for better battery life.
6. There's minimal screen bounce, but a bit of screen wobble which might be an issue for some users.
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