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Updated January 10, 2024·
Selecting between the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and the Dell Alienware x14 R1 depends on your primary use. If long battery life and a quiet, fanless operation matter, along with a higher quality build and keyboard, the MacBook Pro is well-suited for general use and might benefit those in the creative industry due to its screen color accuracy. Alternatively, the Alienware x14 gives you a more powerful processor and graphics card, larger storage, and more RAM, designed for heavier tasks like engineering software, 3D rendering, and gaming, but with a reduced battery life and added weight. Both laptops have backlit keyboards, but the Alienware features customizable RGB lighting. The MacBook Pro is slimmer and lighter, making it more portable, whereas the Alienware's additional ports and higher refresh rate display are better for gaming and connectivity. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022)
- Best in class overall build quality
- Best in class battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Alienware x14 R1
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.5
7.6
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 with its integrated Apple M2 GPU and a screen refresh rate of 60Hz offers modest performance for 3D applications and less compatibility with popular games due to macOS limitations. In contrast, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 comes with a high-performing discrete Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, making it well-suited for demanding gaming and 3D tasks on the more widely supported Windows platform.
Engineering and Design
7.5
8.2
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is very good for engineering and design, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is good.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is preferred for engineering and design tasks because it boasts a more powerful Intel processor coupled with Nvidia's RTX 3060 graphics, twice the RAM, and a faster screen refresh rate, crucial for tasks like 3D rendering and real-time simulations. Although the Apple MacBook Pro 13 with its M2 chip and high-resolution display delivers strong performance for various creative workloads, the Alienware excels with its gaming-grade GPU and additional RAM, which substantially aid in demanding engineering and visualization tasks; however, it is slightly heavier, potentially affecting portability compared to the MacBook Pro.
Screen Quality
7.6
7.9
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
497.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
411.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware x14 R1 for general use, and engineering and design, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 boasts a high-resolution Retina display known for its color accuracy, including wide color gamuts like DCI-P3, which is crucial for engineering and design, but it offers a standard refresh rate not ideal for 3D applications. The Dell Alienware x14 R1, with its good resolution and decent color coverage, provides a balanced experience for general use and engineering tasks, though it lacks the high refresh rate sought after by gamers and professionals working with 3D content. For everyday tasks that prioritize clarity and color fidelity, the MacBook Pro excels, while the Alienware's screen meets various needs but falls short for the high-speed demands of gaming and 3D rendering.
Battery
20.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has 9 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.0 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Alienware x14 R1 both have very good portability, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0
8.5
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$800
$1,201
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has a price of $800 and the Dell Alienware x14 R1 costs $1,201.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.8
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
497.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
411.0 nits
20.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022), with its Apple M2 CPU and 8 GB of RAM, offers solid performance and excellent battery life for general use, paired with a high-quality IPS screen that is bright and color-accurate, all in a lightweight and portable design. On the other hand, the Dell Alienware x14 R1, despite being slightly heavier, brings higher performance with an Intel i7 CPU and 16 GB of RAM, an ample amount of storage, and a quality screen, best suited for those who need additional power for tasks beyond general use while also valuing portability.
Content Creation
7.9
7.9
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8
7.7
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Alienware x14 R1 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and the Dell Alienware x14 R1 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | Dell Alienware x14 R1 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$800 | $1,201 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2022 | August 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12'' x 8.4'' x 0.61'' | 12.7'' x 10.3'' x 0.57'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3 lbs | 4.06 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.97" | 12.66" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.36" | 10.34" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M2 | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 20 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58.2 Wh | 80 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.3" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 497 nits | 411 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 4 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 3 | 4 | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022)
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NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | June 2022
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
Dell Alienware x14 R1
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | March 2022
"The Alienware X14 series is thinner, but also slower than the competition. With the X series, you get plenty of modern technology: Intel Alder Lake CPUs, GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. However, the slim design has some drawbacks, just like its larger siblings. The shifted hinge position results in a very deep device with a large footprint compared to the competition."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) or the Dell Alienware x14 R1
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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