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Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" vs Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ

Welcome to our detailed yet straightforward comparison of two significant laptops - the sleek Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the gaming powerhouse Dell Alienware 13 R3. In this direct comparison, we'll examine their features, performance, and design with precise accuracy. We aim to provide a balanced and unbiased view of both models, emphasizing the unique advantages they offer. Whether you're a creative professional attracted to the MacBook Pro's Retina display or an enthusiastic gamer drawn by Alienware's solid performance, we have got everything you need. So sit back, relax, and allow us to navigate this tech matchup. Let's determine which laptop genuinely aligns with your lifestyle and needs. Remember, it's not purely about specs—it's about how those specs apply to your daily use.

Performance

System and application performance

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
32
Gaming

Performance in popular 3D games

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
32
Display

Viewing angle, color accuracy...

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
71
Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
53
Connectivity

Ports, webcam and other interfaces

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
51
Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
57
Battery Life

Potential battery life

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
44
Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
36
Design

Materials, durability and portability

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
69
Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
60

Design Comparison

Size Comparison

When looking at the design features of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3", it's essential to consider various factors that can greatly influence user experience. Let's explore how these design decisions impact usability and visual attractiveness for diverse user requirements:

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15

  • Weight and Portability:
  • The MacBook Pro weighs 4.5 pounds, making it lightweight and portable, perfect for students or professionals who are often on the move.
  • Ergonomics:
  • With a slim profile of just 0.7 inches and measuring 14.1 x 9.7 inches, this laptop boasts a sleek and compact design suitable for on-the-go use or in tight spaces.
  • Materials and Build Quality:
  • Apple's distinctive aluminum unibody construction provides durability and a high-end feel, guaranteeing sustained performance paired with a contemporary look.
  • Unique Design Features:
  • The fanless design enhances quiet operation, reducing distractions during intensive tasks or multimedia consumption.
  • User-Friendly Elements:
  • The backlit keyboard, multiple USB and Thunderbolt ports, HDMI output, external memory slot, and stereo speakers improve connectivity and convenience for different tasks.

Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3"

  • Weight and Portability:
  • Weighing 5 pounds, the Alienware laptop is slightly heavier but still manageable for users who prioritize performance over extreme portability.
  • Ergonomics:
  • With a thickness of 0.9 inches and dimensions of 15.4 x 10.2 inches, it offers a robust yet slightly bulkier design suitable for users seeking a more substantial build.
  • Materials and Build Quality:
  • Gamers and tech enthusiasts are drawn to the Alienware series for its robust and stylish design, which combines durability with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Unique Design Features:
  • The device offers versatile connectivity options with RJ45 ports for wired connections and sleep-and-charge USB ports.
  • User-Friendly Elements:
  • Backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt ports, HDMI output, external memory slot, stereo speakers, front camera, and audio jack cater to multimedia experiences while offering flexibility in usage scenarios.

Screen Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
ResolutionQHDQHD
Screen Size15.4"13.3"

Comparing the screen features of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" involves evaluating aspects like screen resolution, size, and display technology to gauge their impact on tasks such as gaming and professional graphic design.

Screen Resolution:

  • The Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" features a high resolution of 2880 x 1080 pixels, delivering clear details and sharp images on its 15.4-inch display. The Dell Alienware 13 R3, in contrast, features a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution on its compact 13.3-inch screen.

Screen Size: The MacBook Pro's larger screen size provides a more immersive experience, perfect for tasks requiring additional screen space or multitasking. The compact design of the Alienware laptop appeals to users who value portability without sacrificing visual performance.

Display Technology:

  • Both laptops have IPS LCD displays with LED backlighting, providing vivid colors and broad viewing angles.
  • Both screens also feature an anti-reflection coating that minimizes glare and enhances visibility in different lighting environments.

Influence on Gaming:

  • Gamers might opt for the MacBook Pro's larger screen size to elevate their gaming experiences with enhanced graphics and immersive gameplay.
  • The MacBook Pro offers a high resolution for sharper visuals, catering to those who value clear display. On the other hand, the Alienware with its slightly smaller but high-resolution screen may interest gamers seeking a blend of portability and visual performance.

Influence on Professional Graphic Design: Graphic designers will find value in the color accuracy and clarity provided by the IPS displays of both laptops for working on detailed designs. The MacBook Pro's larger screen size can be beneficial for designers working on intricate projects that require more workspace.

Ultimately, if you value a bigger screen for an immersive gaming or design experience, the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" could be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if portability is key and you don't want to compromise on visual quality, the Dell Alienware 13 R3 presents a strong option with its high-resolution display in a compact size.

Hardware Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
RAM16GB16GB
Storage Size1000GB512GB

When comparing the hardware of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.6GHz / 16GB / 512GB, it's essential to analyze critical components such as CPU, GPU, and RAM that greatly affect performance across different applications. Let's explore a comprehensive comparison:

CPU:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15": Boasts a potent Intel Core i7 processor clocking in at a maximum speed of 4 GHz and equipped with 8 threads.
  • Dell Alienware 13 R3: Comes with an Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor clocked at 2.6 GHz.

Performance Impact: The MacBook Pro's higher clock speed enables faster processing, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing or software development in comparison to the Alienware.

GPU:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15": The specs did not include details about the GPU.
  • Dell Alienware 13 R3: Renowned for its high-performance NVIDIA graphics that deliver exceptional visuals for gaming and multimedia tasks.

Performance Impact: The Dell Alienware's dedicated GPU guarantees enhanced gameplay and superior graphic rendering, catering to gaming enthusiasts and professionals utilizing graphic-intensive applications.

RAM:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15": Features 16GB of RAM running at 1600 Mhz.
  • Dell Alienware 13 R3: Provides equivalent RAM capacity while running at a higher speed of 2400 Mhz.

Performance Impact: The increased RAM speed of the Dell Alienware enhances multitasking capabilities and boosts system responsiveness, enabling seamless operation of multiple applications concurrently.

Storage:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15": Offers a larger internal storage capacity of 1000GB using flash storage technology.
  • Dell Alienware 13 R3: Provides a slightly smaller internal storage of 512GB also utilizing flash storage.

Performance Impact: The MacBook Pro's increased storage capacity enables users to store more data locally, providing an advantage for those working with large multimedia files or software installations that demand significant disk space.

In summary, the Apple MacBook Pro offers excellent CPU performance and storage capacity, while the Dell Alienware shines with its superior RAM speed and dedicated GPU for improved graphics performance. Your decision between these laptops should align with your specific needs, whether focused on demanding computing tasks like video editing or immersive gaming experiences.

Battery Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ
Battery Life9 hours3 hours

When you analyze the battery performance of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Dell Alienware 13 R3 13.3" Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.6GHz / 16GB / 512GB, certain crucial distinctions emerge.

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15":

  • Battery Life: Provides an impressive 9 hours of battery power. Battery Power: Comes with a 6600 mAh battery for consistent performance.
  • This model includes a Magsafe power adapter for convenient and secure charging.

Dell Alienware 13 R3 with Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.6GHz, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB storage capacity: Battery Life: Offers a shorter battery life of approximately 3 hours, significantly less than the MacBook Pro.

  • USB Ports with Sleep and Charge Functionality: Equipped with USB ports that allow for charging while in sleep mode.

The Apple MacBook Pro impresses with extended battery life and higher capacity, providing enhanced flexibility and productivity for users on the move. In contrast, the Dell Alienware model includes distinctive features such as sleep and charge USB ports but may need more frequent recharging, particularly during extended periods without access to power sources.

Considering your usage needs and reliance on portability, the MacBook Pro's robust battery performance may better suit users requiring longer untethered operation without compromising productivity. However, if features like sleep and charge USB ports are essential for your workflow and you don't mind shorter battery life or are often near power sources, the Alienware model could still be a suitable choice.

Verdict

Why Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"?

  • The Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" offers excellent portability and lightweight design, making it ideal for users frequently on the move.
  • The MacBook Pro provides an impressive 9-hour battery life, ensuring extended productivity without constant recharging.
  • Apple's MacBook Pro features a high-resolution 15.4-inch display with clear details and sharp images for immersive viewing experiences.

Why ?

  • Superior dedicated GPU for enhanced gaming and graphic performance.
  • High RAM speed for improved multitasking capabilities and system responsiveness.
  • Sleek design with robust build quality appealing to gamers and tech enthusiasts.