Dell G15 Gaming (2024) vs Dell G16 (2024)
The Verdict
Both laptops target gaming enthusiasts with strong 14th-gen Intel processors and high-refresh displays, but serve different priorities. The G15 offers a 15.6-inch 1920x1080 165Hz display with up to 8 hours of battery life, making it more suitable for users balancing gaming with portability and everyday productivity. Its lighter weight (5.63 lbs) and extended battery runtime are practical advantages for travel. The G16 steps up significantly with a larger 16-inch 2560x1600 240Hz QHD+ panel that delivers sharper visuals and smoother gameplay, paired with a more powerful Core i7-14700HX featuring 20 cores versus the G15's 16 cores. However, the G16's battery life drops to just 6 hours mixed use, and it's heavier at 6.22 lbs. Connectivity favors the G16 with three USB-A ports, Thunderbolt, and SD card support compared to the G15's two USB-A ports. At $100 more, the G16's superior display and processing power justify the cost for competitive gamers and creative professionals who prioritize performance over mobility. The G15 remains the smarter choice for balanced users who value longer battery life and easier portability without sacrificing gaming capability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Dell G15 Gaming (2024) if…
- →RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at a competitive $1,099 price point
- →86 Wh battery is generous for a budget gaming laptop
- →165Hz display is smooth for competitive shooters
Buy the Dell G16 (2024) if…
- →RTX 4060 delivers solid 1440p gaming performance
- →240Hz QHD+ display is smooth for fast-paced games
- →Affordable entry into Core i7-HX gaming laptops
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Dell G15 Gaming (2024)
Pros
- RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at a competitive $1,099 price point
- 86 Wh battery is generous for a budget gaming laptop
- 165Hz display is smooth for competitive shooters
- 14th-gen i7 HX processor handles both gaming and productivity
- Dual M.2 slots allow easy storage expansion
Cons
- All-plastic build feels cheap and creaks under pressure
- FHD resolution on a 15.6-inch panel looks grainy up close
- 5.63 lbs is heavy for daily campus carry
- Speakers are weak and tinny
- Fan noise is loud under gaming loads
Dell G16 (2024)
Pros
- RTX 4060 delivers solid 1440p gaming performance
- 240Hz QHD+ display is smooth for fast-paced games
- Affordable entry into Core i7-HX gaming laptops
- Generous USB-A and full-size SD card port
- Upgradeable RAM and SSD
Cons
- Heavy at 2.82 kg with a large power brick
- Display brightness of 300 nits is mediocre
- Battery drains in around 6 hours under light use
- Plastic chassis feels less premium
- Fans get loud under gaming load
Full Specifications
| Spec | Dell G15 Gaming (2024) | Dell G16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 5.63 lbs (2.55 kg) | 2.82 kg |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic with matte finish |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 10.4 x 1.05 inches | 365.0 x 272.6 x 24.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 3 |
| USB-C ports | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 86 Wh | 86 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 15.6 inches | 16.0 inches |
| Type | IPS anti-glare | QHD+ IPS 240Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 165Hz | 240Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 300 | 300 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 16 cores (8P + 8E) | 20-core (8P+12E) |
| Chipset | Intel Core i7-14650HX (14th Gen) | Intel Core i7-14700HX |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Dell products or all Dell products. View full details for the Dell G15 Gaming (2024) or the Dell G16 (2024).