Alienware X15 R2 review: gaming laptop delivers on performance and style

With its distinctive design, good performance, and plenty of RAM, the Alienware X15 R2 is a good choice for work and play.

An Alienware X15 R2 gaming laptop on a wooden table
(Image: © Future / Ian Evenden)

Our Verdict

A 15-inch gaming laptop makes for a powerful and versatile machine, and Alienware’s new X15 R2 is both of those things, along with being well-made and pleasing to look at – if you can put up with the RGB lighting. The choice of components and plenty of RAM ensures games and other demanding tasks are dealt with smartly, but the short battery life means this is a laptop best used at home.

For

  • Powerful
  • Fairly thin
  • Good connectivity

Against

  • More expensive than some competitors
  • Poor battery life
  • Small trackpad

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Alienware X15 r2: Key specs

CPU: Intel Core i7 12700H
RAM: 32GB DDR5
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080Ti
Storage: 1TB SSD
Screen: 15.6in 1080p 165Hz
OS: Windows 11 Pro
Connectivity: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 1 Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 1x audio jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Micro SD card reader
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions: 15.90 x 359.70 x 277.33 mm
Weight: 2.27 kg

Dell’s thinnest gaming laptop from the Alienware sub-brand, the Alienware X15 R2 is a slender but dense slab of metal and plastic built around a 15-inch, 1080p screen that’s not touch sensitive.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Verdict
8

out of 10

Alienware X15 R2

A 15-inch gaming laptop makes for a powerful and versatile machine, and Alienware’s new X15 R2 is both of those things, along with being well-made and pleasing to look at – if you can put up with the RGB lighting. The choice of components and plenty of RAM ensures games and other demanding tasks are dealt with smartly, but the short battery life means this is a laptop best used at home.

Ian Evenden

Ian Evenden has been a journalist for over 20 years, starting in the days of QuarkXpress 4 and Photoshop 5. He now mainly works in Creative Cloud and Google Docs, but can always find a use for a powerful laptop or two. When not sweating over page layout or photo editing, you can find him peering at the stars or growing vegetables.

Read more
MSI Creator A16
MSI Creator A16 AI+ review: A creative powerhouse with AI smarts
HP Omen 35L gaming PC
HP Omen 35L review: but seriously, it’s all fun and games
Asus Zenbook A14
ASUS Zenbook A14 review: this Copilot+ laptop’s been on a diet
An HP Envy x360 15
HP Envy x360 15 review: affordable 2-in-1 laptop covers (most of) the creative basics
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition review: a snappy business dresser
Dell Inspiron 14
Dell Inspiron 14 (5441) review: cut-price Snapdragon performance
Latest in Laptops
An image representing the Maxon Redshift update with Apple MacBook M3 optimisation
Maxon's Redshift update finally adds M3 optimisation for MacBooks
ASUS Vivobook Pro 16
ASUS Vivobook Pro 16 review: budget-friendly laptop for creatives
An HP Omen Transcend 16 laptop
HP Omen Transcend 16 review: sleek gaming laptop is not quite transcendental
A blue ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) on a carpeted floor
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) review: beautiful, lightweight, powerful OLED laptop gets an AI boost
Asus Zenbook Duo laptop
Wild new laptop design from Asus could be a game-changer for creatives
MacBook Pro M3 deal
Apple's newest MacBook Pros are at the best prices yet in after-Christmas deals
Latest in Reviews
Atomfall review; a soldier in a post-apocalyptic landscape stands vigilant, overlooking a futuristic, ominous structure in the distance
Atomfall PS5 review: kitsch design and a playful nod to British folk horror
A Lenovo Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 laptop on a colourful table
Lenovo Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 review: getting down to business
Assassins Creed Shadows review; a vibrant digital illustration portrays a dynamic confrontation between a samurai and a ninja, set against a dramatic red background
Assassin's Creed Shadows PS5 review: feudal Japan at its most beautiful
ABS Cyclone Ruby
I've tested the ABS Cyclone Ruby gaming PC, and it could be a good option for creatives too
Revopoint Miraco Plus
Revopoint Miraco Plus 3D Scanner review: better than all the rest?
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo review: portable but not powerful