Alienware x16 R2vsAcer Predator Helios 16

We compare these two popular phones to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget better.

Alienware
Alienware x16 R2
x16 R2

Quick Stats

The Alienware X16 R2's CPU performance is disappointing due to a struggling Core i9 processor.
The Alienware x16 R2's sturdy magnesium alloy construction provides impressive durability with sleek high-quality craftsmanship overall.
The Alienware x16 R2's display falls short of expectations, making it dim and merely average overall.
The Alienware x16 R2 boasts powerful features, including a strong RTX 48 GPU and customizable lighting options.
Acer
Acer Predator Helios 16
Predator Helios 16

Quick Stats

The Acer Predator Helios 16 excels in performance, delivering smooth frame rates and stunning visuals at max settings seamlessly always.
The Acer Predator Helios 16's build feels decent but not premium, with a top lid prone to fingerprints and creaks.
The Acer Predator Helios 16's display shines with vibrant colors and crisp textures, perfect for gaming and multimedia.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 boasts a powerful Intel Core i9 processor with advanced features inside.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
Alienware x16 R2
#81
Acer Predator Helios 16
Winner
#79
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Alienware x16 R2
#445
Acer Predator Helios 16
#144
Winner
Display
Alienware x16 R2
#175
Acer Predator Helios 16
#164
Winner
Performance
Alienware x16 R2
#109
Acer Predator Helios 16
#1
Winner
Build
Alienware x16 R2
#423
Acer Predator Helios 16
#396
Winner
Features
Alienware x16 R2
#19
Winner
Acer Predator Helios 16
#192

Note: Lower rank number indicates a better position in category.

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Alienware Alienware x16 R2
Acer Acer Predator Helios 16
up to 32GB
up to 64GB
up to 16384GB SSD
up to 8000GB SSD
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
Intel Core i9-13900HX
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (Laptop, 175W)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (Laptop, 175W)
2x 2230 / 2280 M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 See photo
2x 2280 PCIe NVMe 4.0 x4 See photo

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

Alienware x16 R2

Strengths

I absolutely love the look and feel of this laptop
The speakers are truly excellent
Gaming has been really solid
Temperatures on the palmrest and the keyboard remained excellent through even the heaviest gaming sessions
Alienware Command Center has many profiles to allow you to choose between quiet gaming right up to the F1 Max fans mode
Battery life is great, no issue there
100 wat PD support through both of the USBC ports and on our testing it was absolutely excellent
The 36 wat Gan PSU is a new addition this year and performs well

Weaknesses

The screen's brightness (300 nit) is dimmer than all of its peers
CPU performance is very lackluster
There are just much better options available at this price point for gaming
Heat pumps out of the sides when heavily gaming, which considering that it's its sole reason for existing was quite disappointing
Anyware Command Center software is one of my least favorite pieces of software for controlling any laptop out there
Battery life test was pretty poor in our usual test of streaming YouTube over wi-fi at 200 nits of brightness (6 hours and 34 minutes)
The laptop's heat output did annoy me when heavily gaming directly on the laptop
There are better options available if you don't care about the size, such as the Alienware M18

Acer Predator Helios 16

Strengths

The powerful graphics and processor combo and great display are spot on for this price point.
It's simply one of the best laptops to play demanding games on.
The keyboard above the touchpad has keys that press and rebound with the right level of tension, and they're stiff enough to avoid accidental presses.
Each key dips in the middle, guiding your fingers into position during hectic gaming sessions.
The 2560 x 1600 pixel display, with a refresh rate of 240Hz is bright, detailed, and colorful, with pin-sharp faces, crisp particle effects, and suitably foreboding dark areas.
The touchpad is ultra responsive to movements, taps, and zoom swipes. Not once did my tap fail to register, and not once did it mistake a tap for a mouse click.
The keys on the keyboard are stiff enough to avoid accidental presses, and they're guided into position by each key dipping in the middle.
The laptop's cooling system is immaculate, with the body barely getting hotter than lukewarm when powering through recent games at max settings.

Weaknesses

No specific cons listed for this device

Read Full Reviews

Alienware x16 R2

The Alienware X16 R2 is a laptop that promises exceptional gaming performance in a compact package. However, my experience with this device was marred by several disappointing aspects. The 300 nit screen falls short compared to its peers, the CPU performance is underwhelming, and the heat generated during intense gaming sessions is considerable. While the speakers are excellent and gaming has been solid, these shortcomings make it challenging to recommend this laptop at its current price point.

Acer Predator Helios 16

Here's a rewritten introduction in 77 words: The Acer Predator Helios 16 is a powerhouse laptop designed for gaming enthusiasts. Packed with a high-end Intel Core i9 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, this machine delivers exceptional performance. With 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it's well-equipped to handle demanding games on their highest settings. The laptop also features a stunning 2560x1600 display with a 240Hz refresh rate. But does its impressive specs translate to a seamless gaming experience? I put this beast through its paces to find out.

Need help choosing?

Read our detailed reviews to understand which device is better for your specific needs and budget.

Read Alienware x16 R2 ReviewRead Acer Predator Helios 16 Review

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