Alienware x16 R1 review
The Alienware Alienware x16 R1 ranks as the #20 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 83. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #9-ranked performance among 20 laptops. Consider the Acer Swift 3 OLED or Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware x16 R1 is a formidable gaming laptop that checks all the right boxes for enthusiasts. The 16-inch QHD+ display with 240Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, making it perfect for gamers who crave fast-paced visuals. Add to this excellent CPU and GPU performance, competitive gaming capabilities, and an ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard, and you have a winner. However, the battery life falls short, lasting only around 4 hours on moderate use. The lack of a 4K or OLED display option is also a drawback. While the touchpad may be small, it's still responsive enough for everyday use. Considering its impressive specs and features, I believe the Alienware x16 R1 is worth the investment for serious gamers seeking portability in a 16-inch form factor. Just be prepared to sacrifice battery life for performance.
Build
The Alienware x16 R1 boasts a sleek build, making it one of the thinnest 16-inch gaming laptops on the market. The laptop's chassis is sturdy and well-constructed, with a smooth finish that gives off a premium feel. The lid can be opened with one finger, allowing for easy access to the interior. The keyboard deck features a spacious layout, complete with per-key RGB lighting and a satisfying mechanical typing experience courtesy of Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile keys. Overall, the x16 R1's build is impressive, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance gaming laptop in a compact form factor. If you're after top-notch build, consider Alienware m16 R1.
Display
The Alienware x16 R1's display is a highlight of the laptop. The 16-inch QHD+ screen offers vibrant colors and crisp text. The 240Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals for gaming, making it ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in games. While there are no OLED or 4K options available, the standard display still delivers impressive performance. However, some may find the lack of color accuracy and brightness a drawback. Overall, the display is a strong point of the Alienware x16 R1, making it a great choice for those who want a high-quality visual experience in their gaming laptop. It’s worth checking out Alienware m16 R1, delivering remarkable display.
Performance
The Alienware x16 R1's performance is a standout feature. The ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard provides a satisfying typing experience, while the 16-inch QHD+ display with 240Hz refresh rate offers seamless visuals. The CPU and GPU deliver excellent performance, making it ideal for competitive gaming. Notably, no major throttling was detected during testing. Battery life is relatively short, but this is expected in a laptop designed for gaming. Overall, the x16 R1's performance makes it an attractive option for gamers seeking a portable 16-inch gaming laptop. Give Alienware m16 R1 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware x16 R1's battery life is unfortunately its Achilles' heel, lasting only 4 hours and 18 minutes in the PC Mark 10 modern office battery test. The 90Wh battery also struggles to keep up with gaming demands, lasting a mere 1 hour and 7 minutes. This is not surprising given the laptop's powerful components. However, the charging speed is relatively fast, able to replenish the battery to full in about 2 hours. Overall, those seeking a long-lasting laptop may find this feature disappointing.
Connectivity
The Alienware x16 R1 boasts a robust connectivity setup. It features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless internet connections. The laptop also has two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort support, making it easy to connect peripherals and displays. Additionally, the keyboard has per-key RGB lighting, adding a touch of personalization to the overall design. Consider discovering the power of MSI GS76 Stealth, featuring the latest advancements in connectivity.
Features
The Alienware x16 R1 boasts a 16-inch QHD+ display with 240Hz refresh rate, providing an immersive gaming experience. The ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard offers excellent tactile feedback and per-key RGB lighting. A 90Wh battery powers the device, but delivers relatively short battery life, lasting around 4 hours in modern office tasks and 1 hour in gaming tests. You might prefer Alienware x16 R2, designed with an upgraded features for a better experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware x16 R1 offers excellent CPU and GPU performance, but its maintenance shortcomings outweigh its gaming prowess. The battery life is relatively short, and the lack of 4K or OLED display options are notable omissions. Nevertheless, the x16 R1's competitive gaming performance makes it a viable option for gamers.
Pros
1. The 16-inch QHD plus 240 hertz display is a great option
2. Ultra low profile mechanical keyboard was great with excellent feedback
3. Excellent CPU and GPU performance as well as Competitive Gaming performance
4. No major throttling detected, thinner than most 16-inch gaming laptops
5. Has excellent audio with a six-speaker sound system
Cons
1. Relatively short battery life of around 1 hour 7 minutes in gaming test
2. No 4K or even OLED option as far as the display is concerned
3. Touchpad is on the small side, especially for a 16 inch gaming laptop
4. The keyboard and touchpad are not perfect for everyday use
5. Not suitable for those who need long battery life
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