© Krisda / Shutterstock.com
Alienware and MacBook are two popular types of laptops. One is built for writing papers, editing videos and photos, and everything, while the other is made for gaming. So, it only makes sense to pit them against each other and see which one is right for you. MacBook Pro vs. Alienware, will come out on top?
MacBook Pro vs. Alienware: Side By Side Comparison
| MacBook Pro (2021) | Alienware m15 R3 (2020) | |
| Starting Price/ As Configured | $2,399/$4,199 | $1,169/$3,629 |
| CPU | 2.9-GHz Intel Core i9-8950HK CPU | 2.2-GHz Intel Core i7-8750H CPU |
| RAM | 32GB | 32GB |
| Storage | 2TB SSD | Dual 1TB NVMe PCIe SSDs |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Pro 560X GPU | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU/ Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Display | 15.4 inches, 2880 x 1600, Retina Display with TrueTone technology | 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080, 60 or 144 Hertz |
| Battery Life (hours: minutes) | 10:21 | 6:25 |
| Size | 13.8 x 9.5 x 0.6 inches | 14.3 x 10.8 x 0.7-0.8-inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds | 4.8 pounds |
MacBook Pro vs. Alienware: 4 Must-Know Facts
- MacBook Pros have incredible displays, especially with the addition of TrueTone technology.
- Alienware laptops are more targeted toward gamers.
- MacBooks are more targeted toward all-around computer users.
- The Alienware laptop is the way to go if you are looking for a wide selection of I/O.
MacBook Pro (2021)
Alienware m15 R3 (2020)
- High-end materials like magnesium alloy, copper and steel provide a premium, lightweight and performance-driven gaming experience with iconic AlienFX lighting
- 144Hz 300nits 7ms Full HD for smooth, high-speed motion graphics
- Alienware Cryo-Tech optimizes component cooling, which maximizes overall performance and keeps your laptop cool to the touch
- FHD display with 7ms response time, 800:1 contrast ratio, 144Hz refresh rate and 300-nit brightness for pulse-racing gameplay
- At just 4.65lb and under 20.5mm, the new Alienware m15 is the thinnest laptop in Alienware history—even lighter and leaner than our previous m15
MacBook Pro vs. Alienware: What’s the Difference?
Design
Both laptops have a distinct design language that makes it easy to notice them across the room. MacBook Pro has a more subdued sleek design that can blend in but stand out simultaneously. Alienware laptops stick out. You cannot hide when using an Alienware laptop.
The MacBook Pro does not break the mold of previous models, and to Apple’s credit, why fix it if it’s not broken? It has a slim space grey aluminum chassis with simple rounded corners. Some people may feel the 8-year-old design is becoming monotonous. But there is a reason that this laptop tends to end up in every cafe.
With an almost entirely different design language, the Alienware m15 R3 screams for you to look at it in love or hate. The angular edges and aggressive vents look like it is from space or at least some sci-fi universe. The glowing alien head crowning the lid invites you to probe deeper to unlock its secrets.
Display
Their differences do not end with the laptop chassis design. One is clearly made for general use across many uses, and the other is lasered in on gaming.
The Alienware m15 R3’s display is perfect for gaming at either 60Hz or 144Hz. The 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 panel is incredibly vibrant, with the 60-Hz screen able to reproduce 150 percent of the sRGB color gamut while the 144-Hz display hit 154 percent.
MacBooks are known for their gorgeous displays, and the 2021 MacBook Pro does not disappoint. The 15.4-inch, 2880 x 1800 panel, is the first to feature Apple’s TrueTone technology. This TrueTone technology is supposed to adjust the color balance depending on the color temperature the laptop is in.
I/O and Ports
With the evergrowing trend of slimming down laptops and including just USB-C or thunderbolt ports, some may be disappointed that MacBook Pro continues this trend. But Alienware has a plethora of I/O to utilize.
The surprisingly slim battle station features a trio of USB 3.0 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI 2.0, mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, a headphone jack, and a proprietary port for Alienware’s Graphics Amplifier.
Performance
Performance can represent a lot of different things. If we are talking about overall performance, it is hard to beat a MacBook Pro, especially one fully specced out. However, if we are talking about strictly gaming performance, Alienware is a top performer.
In the Geekbench performance test, the two laptops were not too far off from each other. The MacBook scored 23,138, and the m15 R3 was slightly behind at 21,450. So, with a slight victory, the MacBook does beat out Alienware when it comes to productivity.
Switching to gaming, the results are flipped. In the Dirt 3 benchmark, the Alienware hit an impressive mark of 123 frames per second, whereas the MacBook hit 83fps. We would not say that MacBook is the outright loser in this category as it still scored a very playable score. The Alienware did beat it, though. And with a Windows machine, you will have a much better time gaming.
Price and Value
Let’s face it, neither of these laptops pocket-friendly. But there will always be a slight premium for an Apple product, which will be a reality for some time. And even though the Alienware m15 R3 is the cheaper notebook, the $3,269 tag for a top-spec machine isn’t cheap.
Both are premium products and priced justifiably, and we will rank them equally. So if you want a Mac laptop, you are stuck with MacBooks. And the same goes for Alienware. If you want an Alienware laptop, expect to pay more than other Windows laptops.
MacBook Pro vs. Alienware: Which One Is Right For You?
Both of these laptops are amazing feats of laptop engineering. But to get down to brass tax, if you want something that runs macOS or Mac-specific software, go for the MacBook Pro. The Alienware laptop will not be able to sway that, no matter how powerful you spec it out.
If you want to game on your laptop and like Alienware’s aesthetics, the m15 R3 is the perfect laptop for you. You cannot go wrong with either laptop. Just be sure to weigh what features matter more to you, and you will be happy with your decision.
Up Next…
Interested in reading more laptop reviews? Click on the links below:
- The 5 Best Macbook Air Alternatives: Thin, light, and powerful, the Macbook Air is something of a hard act to follow. Here are 5 laptops, however, which come pretty close.
- Best MacBooks For Students in 2022: Reviewed and Ranked: They’re considered to be safer, more robust, easy to use, and esthetically pleasing, making them the “students’ laptop”. Which option is the best choice for you?
- The Best Gaming Laptops – Reviewed and Ranked: What brands are best avoided? Which ones come with the right graphics cards and processors? Discover the best products, right here.
