What To Know
- The XPS 17 has a rated battery life of up to 13 hours, which is impressive for a laptop of its size and performance.
- The Dell XPS 17 starts at $1,399 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
- The Alienware x17 is more expensive than the XPS 17, with a starting price of $2,099 for the base model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
In the realm of high-end laptops, the Dell XPS 17 and the Alienware x17 stand out as two formidable contenders. Both devices boast exceptional performance, stunning displays, and premium build quality. However, they cater to different audiences and have distinct advantages and disadvantages. This comprehensive comparison will guide you through the key differences between the Dell XPS 17 and the Alienware x17, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Design and Build Quality
Dell XPS 17: The XPS 17 exudes sophistication with its sleek and minimalist design. It features a CNC-machined aluminum chassis that is both durable and lightweight. The InfinityEdge display with ultra-narrow bezels creates an immersive viewing experience, while the precision touchpad and backlit keyboard provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Alienware x17: The x17 embraces a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic. Its chassis is made of magnesium alloy and features a honeycomb-like vent system for efficient cooling. The customizable RGB lighting and optional CherryMX mechanical keyboard cater to the preferences of gaming enthusiasts.
Display
Dell XPS 17: The XPS 17 offers a stunning 17-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. It supports HDR content, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios. The 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for productivity tasks and content creation.
Alienware x17: The x17 features a 17.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels or 2560 x 1440 pixels. It offers a refresh rate of up to 360Hz, which is ideal for competitive gaming. However, the IPS panel has slightly inferior color accuracy and contrast compared to the XPS 17’s OLED display.
Performance
Dell XPS 17: The XPS 17 is powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core i7 or i9 processors, which provide ample performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development. It comes with up to 64GB of RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD for fast storage.
Alienware x17: The x17 is equipped with Intel’s latest 12th-generation Core i7 or i9 processors, which offer significantly improved performance over the previous generation. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and can be configured with up to a 4TB NVMe SSD.
Graphics
Dell XPS 17: The XPS 17 features NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3050 or 3060 graphics card, which provides decent performance for gaming and creative applications. However, it is not as powerful as the graphics cards found in the Alienware x17.
Alienware x17: The x17 offers a wider range of graphics options, including NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3060, 3070, 3080, and 3080 Ti. These graphics cards provide exceptional performance for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Dell XPS 17: The XPS 17 has a rated battery life of up to 13 hours, which is impressive for a laptop of its size and performance. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and display settings.
Alienware x17: The x17 has a slightly shorter battery life, with a rated runtime of up to 10 hours. Again, this may vary in practice, especially when gaming or performing other demanding tasks.
Connectivity
Dell XPS 17: The XPS 17 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, a full-size HDMI port, and a microSD card reader.
Alienware x17: The x17 also provides a wide range of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a mini-DisplayPort, and an Ethernet jack.
Price
Dell XPS 17: The Dell XPS 17 starts at $1,399 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The price increases depending on the configuration and selected options.
Alienware x17: The Alienware x17 is more expensive than the XPS 17, with a starting price of $2,099 for the base model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Again, the price varies based on the selected configuration and options.
Final Thoughts: The Right Choice for Your Needs
Both the Dell XPS 17 and the Alienware x17 are exceptional laptops that cater to different audiences. The XPS 17 is an ideal choice for professionals, content creators, and those who prioritize portability, while the Alienware x17 is a better option for gamers and those who demand the highest possible performance. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which laptop has the better display?
A: The Dell XPS 17 has a superior OLED display with better color accuracy and contrast, while the Alienware x17 has a higher refresh rate for gaming.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The Alienware x17 offers more powerful graphics cards and the latest Intel processors, providing better performance for demanding tasks.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life?
A: The Dell XPS 17 has a slightly longer rated battery life, but real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
