Apple MacBook Pro 13vsAlienware Area-51m R2

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

Apple
Apple MacBook Pro 13
MacBook Pro 13

Quick Stats

Upgrading to 16GB RAM makes a significant difference, eliminating performance issues and lag.
The 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro's build is a masterclass in minimalist design and exceptional premium quality overall.
The MacBook Pro 13's display is a highlight with plenty bright and color-accurate panel, however outdated bezels exist.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 boasts an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine for impressive performance.
Alienware
Alienware Area-51m R2
Area-51m R2

Quick Stats

The Alienware Area-51m R2 delivers exceptional performance, thanks to its desktop CPU and powerful graphics cards seamlessly.
The Alienware Area-51m R2's build quality is exceptional, providing a solid and premium feel to the laptop.
The standout feature of the Alienware Area-51m R2 is its vibrant, sharp, and slim display with impressive clarity and brightness.
The Alienware Area-51m R2 boasts upgradable components, including graphics card and CPU, for enhanced performance.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
Apple MacBook Pro 13
#485
Alienware Area-51m R2
Winner
#484
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Apple MacBook Pro 13
#867
Alienware Area-51m R2
#149
Winner
Display
Apple MacBook Pro 13
#182
Winner
Alienware Area-51m R2
#592
Performance
Apple MacBook Pro 13
#665
Alienware Area-51m R2
#287
Winner
Build
Apple MacBook Pro 13
#134
Winner
Alienware Area-51m R2
#433
Features
Apple MacBook Pro 13
#23
Winner
Alienware Area-51m R2
#213

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

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13
Alienware Alienware Area-51m R2
up to 32GB
up to 64GB
up to 2000GB SSD
up to 32000GB SSD + up to 2000GB HDD
Intel Core i7-8557U
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Laptop)

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

Apple MacBook Pro 13

Strengths

The MacBook Pro 13 with 16GB of RAM feels like a totally different machine, like a PRO and non-Pro laptop. With an extra 8 GB of RAM I am witnessing a totally different machine.
The battery life is excellent, lasting for ages even when editing or playing games. The 20 hours of claimed battery life is no joke with all M1 battery-powered machines.
The panel is plenty bright and colour-accurate, making it suitable for creative work such as graphic design and video edits.
The speakers are great and deliver satisfying results, although not as immersive as other options.

Weaknesses

8GB of RAM may be insufficient for resource-hungry tools and tasks, leading to hesitation and slowness when needed most.
CleanMyMac X often needs to remind you to free up disk space and memory resources, which can become a daily habit.
The baseline 8GB M1 MacBook Pro is snappy in basic tasks but becomes hesitant and slow when working with resource-hungry tools.
The need for frequent restarts and force quitting can be frustrating and may compromise work efficiency.

Alienware Area-51m R2

Strengths

Upgradable components
Desktop CPU and powerful graphics cards
Comfortable design
Repairability

Weaknesses

Large size and weight
Two power bricks required for full performance
New form factor for graphics cards means old ones won't fit
Big price tag
Read Full Reviews

Apple MacBook Pro 13

Choosing the right MacBook Pro can be a daunting task, especially when deciding between the baseline M1 model and the upgraded 16GB variant. I know this firsthand, having made the mistake of purchasing an 8GB M1 initially. But after switching to the 16GB version, I discovered a whole new level of performance. In this review, I'll share my experience with the 16GB M1 MacBook Pro and explore why RAM matters in this powerful machine.

Alienware Area-51m R2

The Alienware Area-51m R2 is a behemoth of a laptop that dares to be different in a world of slim gaming machines. With a desktop-grade CPU and upgradable components, including a powerful graphics card, it's designed for the serious gamer who wants unparalleled performance without compromise. The trade-off? A laptop that's big, heavy, and requires two power bricks to reach its full potential. But is this bulk worth it?

Need help choosing?

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

Read Apple MacBook Pro 13 ReviewRead Alienware Area-51m R2 Review

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