Deciding between the Dell XPS 14 and the MacBook Pro 14 can be challenging. Both are premium laptops boasting sleek designs, powerful Performance, and long battery life.
But which one reigns supreme? Let’s break it down for all users, from casual web browsers to creative professionals.
Display
Dell XPS 14: Display
- 1200p IPS: The base configuration features a 14.5-inch FHD+ (1,920 x 1,200) IPS non-touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- 3.2K OLED: Alternatively, you can opt for the 3.2K OLED display, which offers a higher resolution of 3,200 x 2,000 pixels and runs at 120Hz.
MacBook Pro 14: Display
- The MacBook Pro 14 boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display across all configurations.
- Mini-LED XDR Panel: The base configuration features the same mini-LED XDR panel.
- OLED Comparison: While neither XPS 14’s display options match the MacBook Pro’s screen, the 3.2K OLED is closer.
Brightness and Refresh Rate:
- The MacBook Pro’s display supports a higher 120Hz refresh rate.
- It’s significantly brighter, reaching 1,000 nits, compared to the XPS 14’s 500 nits (or 400 nits on the OLED variant).
- For outdoor use, the MacBook Pro’s display is the better choice.
The XPS 14 boasts superior color accuracy, while the MacBook Pro 14 shines significantly brighter. Both offer similar sharpness, yet the XPS 14’s OLED display delivers notably deeper blacks, resulting in superior contrast. Notably, Apple provides its mini-LED display at a lower cost, while Dell charges a $300 premium to upgrade from its standard IPS panel to OLED.
Design:
Dell XPS 14:
Aesthetic:
- The XPS 14 features a sleek, modern design with a premium aluminum chassis.
- Its slim profile and edge-to-edge display contribute to an elegant appearance.
Build Quality:
- Dell has paid attention to detail, ensuring a sturdy build and refined finish.
- The carbon fiber palm rest adds a touch of sophistication.
Ports and Connectivity:
- The XPS 14 offers a good selection of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and an SD card slot.
- The inclusion of legacy ports ensures compatibility with various accessories.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
- The keyboard is comfortable for typing, with backlighting for low-light conditions.
- The large glass trackpad provides smooth and precise navigation.
Overall Impression:
The XPS 14 exudes a professional and minimalist vibe for work and leisure.
MacBook Pro 14:
Design Language:
- Apple continues its iconic design language with the MacBook Pro 14.
- The slim aluminum unibody construction is instantly recognizable.
Bezel and Display:
- The narrow bezels around the Liquid Retina XDR display create an immersive experience.
- The flat edges give it a modern and sophisticated look.
Keyboard and Touch Bar:
- The MacBook Pro 14 features the Magic Keyboard with a comfortable typing experience.
- The Touch Bar (if included) adds functionality and a futuristic touch.
Color Options:
- Apple offers the MacBook Pro 14 in classic Space Gray and Silver.
- The color choice allows users to express their style.
Overall Impression:
The MacBook Pro 14’s design is synonymous with elegance, simplicity, and attention to detail.
Both laptops exhibit exceptional build quality. It’s challenging to pinpoint any weaknesses, as they both demonstrate minimal creaking or flex, showcasing solid construction throughout.
Performance:
Dell XPS 14: Processor Options:
- The XPS 14 offers an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with integrated Intel Arc graphics.
- It comes with 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB storage.
MacBook Pro 14: Processor:
- The MacBook Pro 14 is powered by Apple’s M3 chip, which outperforms the XPS 14’s Intel processors.
The XPS 14 is equipped with Intel’s latest Meteor Lake CPUs, including the Core Ultra 7 155H and 165H models, boasting 16 cores (six Performance and eight Efficient) and 22 threads with varying clock speeds. In contrast, the MacBook Pro 14 offers a selection between M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max CPUs. We evaluated the M3 Max variant, featuring 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores, representing the top-tier chipset available for the MacBook Pro.
However, determining the closest Apple M3 configuration in Performance to the XPS 14 remains uncertain. While the XPS 14 falls behind in single-core Performance with the M3, it slightly outpaces multi-core Performance. On the other hand, the M3 Pro and M3 Max significantly surpass the XPS 14 in CPU performance.
Graphics performance is a notable aspect, particularly as the XPS 14 marks Dell’s first venture into discrete graphics within such a compact laptop. Our GPU test in Cinebench R24 illustrates the performance comparison between the RTX 4050 and the MacBook Pro.
The XPS 14 prioritizes quieter and cooler operation, with surface temperatures on the keyboard and palm rests remaining remarkably cool to the touch, even under load.
Battery Life
Dell XPS 14:
- The XPS 14 offers decent battery life, but it’s not exceptional.
- With typical usage (web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking), you can expect around 8 to 10 hours of battery life.
- Remember that if you opt for the 3.2K OLED display, it may consume more power than the base Full HD+ screen.
- Dell provides fast charging, so you can quickly charge the battery.
MacBook Pro 14:
- Apple has optimized the MacBook Pro 14 for impressive battery performance.
- Under similar usage conditions, you can expect 10 to 12 hours of battery life.
- The M1 chip’s efficiency plays a significant role in extending battery longevity.
- Additionally, the Liquid Retina XDR display is designed to be power-efficient.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
Dell XPS 14:
Keyboard:
- Upon opening the XPS 14, one immediately notices its distinctive keyboard and trackpad
- features a seamless haptic feedback trackpad, wholly concealed from view.
- Comparable to the MacBook Pro, it utilizes motorized haptics, delivering exceptional quality and matching the width of its counterpart.
Trackpad:
- The XPS 14’s trackpad is not visible when the laptop is closed.
- It stretches from the Windows key to the left arrow button.
- While larger than Apple’s trackpad, it provides a smooth experience.
- Overall, the XPS trackpad offers a different feel than the MacBook’s.
MacBook Pro 14:
Keyboard:
- The MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 boasts a spacious keyboard with physical function keys.
- The keys are tactile and have ample travel, making typing comfortable.
Trackpad:
- Apple’s trackpad is known for its precision and responsiveness.
- While slightly smaller than the XPS 14’s, it provides an excellent user experience.
- The MacBook Pro’s trackpad is seamlessly integrated into the design.
Operating System
Dell XPS 14:
Operating System: The XPS 14 runs on Windows 11.
Features and Applications:
- Windows 11 offers a wide range of features and applications.
- It’s known for its flexibility, compatibility with various software, and customization options.
- Windows users appreciate its extensive software library and gaming capabilities.
Integration with Other Devices: While not as seamless as macOS, Windows 11 allows integration with other devices, including Android phones and Microsoft services.
MacBook Pro 14
Operating System: The MacBook Pro 14 operates on macOS Sonoma.
Features and Applications:
- macOS is renowned for its user-friendly interface, smooth Performance, and stability.
- It seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watch.
- The Mac App Store provides a curated selection of applications.
Security Features: macOS emphasizes security with features like Gatekeeper, FileVault, and regular system updates.
Workflow and Creativity: Many professionals in creative fields prefer macOS for its robust tools like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Xcode.
Ports and Expandability
Dell XPS 14: Ports:
- The XPS 14 features the following ports:
- Three USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4
- One 3.5mm audio jack
- MicroSD card reader
Unfortunately, it lacks a full-size SD card slot.
Expandability: While the XPS 14 has fewer ports than the MacBook Pro, it still offers decent connectivity options. You can use adapters or hubs to expand its capabilities.
MacBook Pro 14: Ports:
The MacBook Pro 14 boasts a better selection of ports:
- Three Thunderbolt ports
- HDMI 2.1
- Full-size SD card slot
- One 3.5mm audio jack
The dedicated SD card slot is a notable advantage for photographers and content creators.
Expandability: Apple’s laptop provides more versatility, especially for those who rely on SD cards or need HDMI connectivity.
Price
Dell XPS 14:
- The base configuration of the XPS 14 starts at $1,499.
- Depending on your preferences (such as display options and storage upgrades), the price can go up to $3,399.
MacBook Pro 14:
- The MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 is priced at $1,999 for the base model.
- Additional configurations (such as increased storage or RAM) will affect the final price.
Dell XPS 14 vs. MacBook Pro 14: Specs
| Specs | Dell XPS 14 | MacBook Pro 14 |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H (24MB Cache, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) | Apple M3 (8-core) Apple M3 Pro (11-core, 12-core) Apple M3 Max (14-core, 16-core) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | macOS Sonoma |
| Display | 14.5″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge non-touch display, 500-nit | 14.2-inch 16:10 Liquid Retina XDR 3024 x 1964, 120Hz |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5x Dual Channel at 6400MT/s | 18GB, 18GB unified memory |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive | 512GB, 512GB SSD Configurable to 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB; 8TB (M3 Max only) |
| Keyboard | Platinum Backlit English Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader | Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Ambient light sensor |
| Touchpad | Multi-touch gesture-enabled precision touchpad with haptic function, Seamless glass touchpad with haptics. | Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures |
| Ports | 3 Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB Type-C™) with Power Delivery and DisplayPort One headset (headphone and microphone combo) port | Three Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for: Charging DisplayPort Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s) USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s) |
| Battery Life | 69.5 watt-hour | 72.4 watt-hour |
Final Thoughts
Comparing the MacBook Pro and XPS 14 reveals nuanced differences. The MacBook Pro excels with superior features like port selection, screen brightness, speakers, and keyboard. However, individual preferences, ecosystem loyalty, and operating system familiarity are crucial in purchasing decisions.
While both laptops offer high quality, the XPS 14 falls short in battery life and Performance compared to the MacBook Pro, particularly with the M3 Pro or M3 Max configurations. Apple’s ecosystem perks like AirDrop, SharePlay, iMessage, and iCloud further enhance its appeal, especially for iPhone users.
Conversely, the XPS 14 boasts platform advantages such as touchscreen capability, an IR camera, and compatibility with PC gaming. It is a compelling option for gamers, offering a sleek design. However, the MacBook Pro delivers superior Performance and value for content creation and video editing.
FAQ
Q. How do the GPUs compare between Dell XPS 14 and MacBook Pro 14?
A. Regarding graphic Performance, theXPS 14 and MacBook Pro 14 feature different GPUs. While the MacBook Pro 14 offers the m3 Max chip for enhanced graphics capabilities, the Dell XPS 14 provides options like the RTX 4050 for users who require a more powerful GPU.
Q. What are the critical differences between Dell XPS 14 and MacBook Pro 14?
A. When comparing the Dell XPS 14 and MacBook Pro 14, some key differences include the GPU, CPU, battery life, display options, and operating system they run on. The MacBook Pro 14 offers the M3 Pro and M3 Max chip options, while the Dell XPS 14 features graphics like the RTX 4050.
Q. Which laptop offers better battery life, Dell XPS 14 or MacBook Pro 14?
A. The 14-inch MacBook Pro offers longer battery life than the XPS 14. Apple’s MacBook Pro 14 comes with a power-efficient M3 chip that helps extend battery performance, while Dell’s XPS 14 has features that can affect battery life differently.
Q. How do the display options compare between Dell XPS 14 and MacBook Pro 14?
A. Dell XPS 14 and MacBook Pro 14 offer 14-inch displays but differ in panel technology and features. TheMacBook Pro 14 has an OLED panel that enhances color contrast and viewing experience, while the XPS 14 uses a high-brightness display with options for a 120Hz refresh rate.
