Alienware is a tech subsidiary of the Dell brand that designs game-specific desktops, laptops, monitors, and accessories. They are one of the most popular gaming brands in the world with a wide range of products.
Alienware laptops are renowned for their legendary design, unmatchable performance, and stunning aesthetics. They are considered some of the most powerful gaming laptops in the world.
Two of the most popular series of laptops, the Alienware x15 and m15 have various variants, and people are often confused about which one to get. If you are looking for a detailed comparison between the two, then you have come to just the right place.
In this guide, we will be exploring both laptops in detail, comparing their feature and specifications, to provide you with the perfect analysis and help you choose the better one. Let’s get right to it:
Contents
Alienware x15 R2 VS Alienware M15 R7 – An In-Depth Comparison
Before we dive into a detailed analysis, let’s take a quick look at the comparison table to see where the similarities and differences lie between the two laptops. These laptops have further variants, which will be shared in the following table.
| Laptop Name | Alienware X15 R2 | Alienware M15 R7 |
| Display Details | ||
| Display Size | 15.6 Inch | 15.6 Inch |
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080
2560 x 1440 |
1920 x 1080
2560 x 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz
240 Hz 360 Hz |
165 Hz
240 Hz 360 Hz |
| Display Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Max Brightness | 400 Nits | 400 Nits |
| CPU Details | ||
| CPU(s) | Intel Core i7 12700H
Intel Core i9 12900H |
Intel Core i7 12700H
Intel Core i9 12900H AMD Ryzen 7 6800H AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX |
| Base Frequency | 2.3 – 2.5 GHz | 2.3 – 3.3 GHz |
| Turbo Frequency | 4.7 – 5.0 GHz | 4.7 – 5.0 GHz |
| Cores | 14 Cores | 14 Cores (Intel)
8 Cores (AMD) |
| Threads | 20 Threads | 20 Threads (Intel)
16 Threads (AMD) |
| Integrated GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
AMD Radeon 680M |
| GPU Details | ||
| Dedicated GPUs | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti |
| TGP | 125 – 145 Watts | 95 – 140 Watts |
| Advanced Optimus | Yes | Yes |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Size | 6 GB to 16 GB | 4 GB to 16 GB |
| Memory (RAM) | ||
| Available RAM | 16 GB, 32 GB | 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5 | DDR5 |
| Clock Speed | 5200 MHz | 4800 MHz |
| Total RAM Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Max RAM | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Storage | ||
| Storage Size | 256 GB – 4 TB | 256 GB – 4 TB |
| Storage Type | SSD (M2) | SSD (M2) |
| Storage Slots | 2 | 2 |
| NVMe | Yes | Yes |
| Bus | PCI-E Gen 4 | PCI-E Gen 4 |
| Sound | ||
| Audio Chip | Realtek ALC3281 | Realtek ALC3254 |
| Speakers | 2 Tweeters, 2 Subwoofers | 2 Speakers |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 2 | 2 |
| Wireless Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi Chip | v6E | v6E |
| Bluetooth Chip | V5.2 | V5.2 |
| Connectivity Ports | ||
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Type A
2x USB 3.2 Type C |
2x USB 3.2 Type A
1x USB 3.2 Type C |
| Thunderbolt 4 | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Port | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 |
| DisplayPort | No | No |
| Audio Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | No | Yes |
| SD Card Reader | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 87 Wh | 56 Wh, 87 Wh |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Replaceable | No | No |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charge Power | 240 Watt | 180 Watt, 240 Watt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Dimensions | 14.16 x 10.92 x 0.49-0.63 inches | 14.02 x 10.73 x 0.51-0.81 inches |
| Weight | 5.01 Lbs | 5.34 Lbs |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | 67.3% (Approx) | 69.1% (Approx) |
| Side Bezels | 7.2 mm | 5.4 mm |
Now that we have established what the primary similarities and differences are from a technical point of view, let’s dive into a detailed analysis of the two laptops.
Performance
In terms of performance, I would say that the Alienware x15 r2 takes the lead. It comes with an equally powerful processor but has more clock speed on the RAM.
While Alienware m15 r7 does provide more upgradability options, which will significantly enhance its overall performance, at base levels the x15 r2 easily takes the lead.
The reason is the integration of low-powered RAM with higher clock speeds which counts where it matters. So, when you are using performance-intensive apps or gaming rigorously, this speed will stand out and allow the former to perform better.
Even on the benchmarks, the x15 r2 has scored better in terms of performance standards. However, when you upgrade the RAM to its maximum, the m15 r7 takes the lead as its RAM can be upgraded to 64 GBs while the x15 r2 is limited to only 32 GBs.
Gaming
Both laptops almost provide equal specs in terms of CPU, GPU, and performance components. While you certainly have more options with the latter of the two, in terms of gaming, their performance is pretty much the same.
However, if you have maxed out the specs, then you will get to experience better performance in the m15 r7. Also, it really depends on which dedicated GPU you have. While both laptops provide equal options, you must know that having a more powerful GPU would certainly lead to better gaming performance.
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Display
Both laptops offer the same display size and the same resolution options. However, when it comes to screen-to-body ratio, the m15 r7 offers slightly more screen than the x15 r2.
Hence, even if minor as a thread, the m15 r7 takes the lead in terms of display size. You have more screen space, which means you will get to experience a more immersive viewing experience.
Most people won’t be able to tell the difference between the two, but for a passionate gamer, even a fraction of an inch counts. The thinner side bezels in m15 r7 provide you with slightly larger screen space.
Battery Life
The m15 r7 provides you with 2 options. You can choose the 56 Wh or 86 Wh battery depending on the specs you are choosing. On the other hand, the x15 r2 has only an 87 Wh option.
While the rest of the specs about the battery are similar as both are Lithium-ion and support fast charging, this minor altercation can make all the difference.
The x15 r2, having a more powerful battery, provides a little more battery life and allows you to enjoy gaming or whatever you are doing on the laptop for a little longer. While the difference is little, it does provide the x15 r2 an edge over the m15 r7.
Connectivity Options
There are some significant differences between both laptops in terms of connectivity options. In terms of wireless connectivity, both laptops offer similar chipsets for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, when it comes to ports and other connectivity options, there are noticeable differences.
The x15 r2 comes with additional USB Type-C slots, 2 in total, and also an SD card reader, which is absent in the m15 r7. On the other hand, the latter has an additional USB Type-A slot and an Ethernet port, which is not present in the former.
So, considering the USB Type-C as a necessity in the modern world, we would rank the x15 r7 a bit higher because it has two USB Type-C ports. However, it does take a little blow because of the lack of an Ethernet port.
Having no Ethernet port is not taken lightly by passionate gamers who do not rely on wireless connectivity and want a LAN connection for better internet speed. So, in that aspect, the m15 r7 takes the lead by providing one RJ45 Ethernet port.
Portability
Both laptops are almost have same size but in terms of weight, the x15 r2 is slightly lighter than the m15 r7. While the weight difference is only 0.32 pounds, it does give the x15 r7 an edge.
So, in terms of portability, I would suggest that x15 r7 takes the lead. It is slightly more portable than the other laptop and provides lower weight. On the other hand, while m15 r7 does weigh slightly more, it is justifiable considering its upgradability options.
Pros & Cons of Alienware x15 r2
Pros
Has an additional USB Type-C Port
Comes with SD Card Reader
Has Higher-Clock RAM
Larger Battery means More Battery Life
Weighs slightly less than the other laptop
Cons
No Ethernet Port
Lower Screen-to-Body Ratio
RAM Upgrade Limited to 32 GB
Pros & Cons of Alienware m15 r7
Pros
Has an Additional USB Type-A Port
Comes with RJ45 Ethernet Port
RAM Can Be Upgraded to 64 GB
More Screen-to-Body Ratio
Thinner Bezels
Cons
Slightly Heavier than the other laptop
Has Only 1 USB Type-C Port
No SD Card Slot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between x15 and m15?
There are only a few differences between the two laptops. One significant difference is in connectivity options. The x15 r2 has 2 USB Type-C ports but only 1 USB Type-A port, while the m15 r7 has 2 USB Type-A and only 1 USB Type-C port.
Which is better m15 r7 or x15 r2?
It is not easy to name one as the better between the two. The above guide provides you with a detailed analysis and allows you to make a decision for yourself. In my opinion, I would consider the m15 r7 to be a better choice.
Which is more powerful in Alienware m15 r7 or x15 r2?
Both laptops are equally powerful in terms of CPU and GPU. However, when it comes to RAM, you have more upgradability options in m15 r7 compared to the x15 r2. So, the m15 r7 will take the lead on the performance benchmarks when maxed out.
Wrapping Up!
Summing it all up, both Alienware x15 r2 and m15 r7 are popular gaming laptops that come with amazing specs and features. While both laptops are similar in many aspects, there are some differences between the two.
However, the differences between the laptops are very minor. These differences are identifiable only in design and contribute little to the performance difference between the laptops.
In terms of performance and gaming, both laptops offer similar performance. If I were to choose one, I would definitely go with the Alienware m15 r7 because of several reasons.
First of all, the m15 r7 provides more upgradability options in terms of RAM, which allows you to boost the performance of the laptop and upgrade RAM up to 64 GB. Secondly, it comes with an Ethernet port which is monumental for a gamer. That’s all.