Alienware x16 R2 vs Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)
49.3Performance30.7
49Display26.5
86.7Battery33.3
35.5Portability76.6
5 spec wins — Alienware x16 R23 spec wins — Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)
InnoReviews verdict
Alienware x16 R2 wins this laptop face-off, 55 to 38.5, pulling ahead mainly in battery (+53) and display (+23). Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Alienware x16 R2
- Stronger performance score: 49 vs 31
- Stronger display score: 49 vs 27
- Stronger battery score: 87 vs 33
- 300% higher Refresh rate: 240 Hz vs 60 Hz
- 100% higher RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB
Reasons to pick the Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)
- Stronger portability score: 77 vs 36
- 51% lower weight: 1.3 kg vs 2.66 kg
- 33% higher Peak brightness: 400 nits vs 300 nits
- Lower launch price: $699 vs $2,100
Display
| Spec | Alienware x16 R2 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 16 ″+31% | 12.2 ″ |
| Panel type | IPS LCD | LCD (glass, convertible touchscreen, MPP 2.0/USI 2.0 stylus support) |
| Resolution | 2560x1600 | 1920x1200 |
| Refresh rate | 240 Hz+300% | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 300 nits | 400 nits+33% |
Performance
| Spec | Alienware x16 R2 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Core Ultra 9 185H optional) | Intel Core 3 304 |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (RTX 4070, RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 optional) | Intel Graphics (1 Xe3 core, up to 2.3GHz) |
| RAM | 16 GB+100% | 8 GB |
| RAM type | LPDDR5X-7467 (soldered) | DDR5-6400 (SO-DIMM) |
| Storage | 1,024 GB+100% | 512 GB |
| Storage type | PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (two M.2 slots) | M.2 2230 NVMe SSD |
Battery
| Spec | Alienware x16 R2 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 90 Wh+80% | 50 Wh |
| Charging | — | 60 W |
Design
| Spec | Alienware x16 R2 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.66 kg | 1.3 kg+51% |
| Thickness | 18.6 mm | 18.5 mm+1% |
| Material | All-metal chassis | Overmolded shock-absorbing TPU over plastic with an internal metal structure |
Connectivity
| Spec | Alienware x16 R2 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, mini DisplayPort, microSD, 3.5mm audio jack | 4x swappable Expansion Cards (2x rear Thunderbolt 4, 2x front USB 3.2 Gen 2; USB-C/USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, microSD/SD options), 3.5mm combo jack |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 (Intel BE213) |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Webcam | 1080p (HDR) + IR camera | 1080p 30fps (2MP OmniVision OV02C sensor, 80° FOV), hardware privacy switch |
| Biometrics | IR face (Windows Hello) | None on this configuration — fingerprint reader is bundled only with the Core 5 320/Core 7 350 pre-built tiers, not Core 3 304 |
Software
| Spec | Alienware x16 R2 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Fedora 44 (KDE Plasma) (Windows 11 Home/Pro option available) |
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