Both the Dell XPS and the MacBook Pro can serve as great laptops with incredible performance.
However, when it comes to the Dell XPS vs MacBook Pro, the MacBook Pro takes the lead due to its advanced M1 processor, which allows for improved performance and outstanding battery life.
Let's take a more detailed look into each of these laptops and how they differ from each other.
This will give you a better idea about why the MacBook Pro is ahead of the game.
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Dell XPS vs MacBook Pro — Specs
First let's start with a simple overview of the specs.
| Specs | Dell XPS* | MacBook Pro* |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 | Apple M1 |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6” | 12 x 8.4 x 0.6” |
| RAM | 8 GB or 16 GB (up to 32GB) | 8 GB or 16 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB or 512 GB (up to 2 TB) | 256 GB or 512 GB (up to 2 TB) |
| Ports | 2 USB-C, 3.5-mm jack, microSD | 2 USB-C, 3.5-mm jack |
| Display | 13.4 inches | 13.3 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds | 3 pounds |
That's just a rough overview of the specs.
Let's dig into each of the models individually.
MacBook Pro (with M1)
2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB...
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
- 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
- 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
- Superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
- Active cooling system sustains incredible performance
- 13.3-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness for vibrant colors and incredible image detail
- FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for clearer, sharper video calls
The MacBook Pro is an Apple product that has a screen display size of 13.3 inches. It is known most significantly for its advanced M1 processor that can enhance the overall performance of this laptop in a considerable manner.
For instance, the M1 processor not only improves the battery life by regulating battery usage during different tasks but also allows you to carry out more complex tasks without losing out on too much battery life.
It can offer up to 20 hours of battery life along with a graphics speed that is five times more than their laptops that do not contain this processor.
It has Apple's macOS operating system, multiple applications and an intuitive Magic keyboard that can provide several settings that you can access conveniently.
The MacBook Pro offers RAM of either 8 GB or 16 GB. It also comes with multiple storage options ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB that you can pick from depending on your requirements.
This laptop comes in Apple's classic colors of Space Grey and Silver. It includes two ports along with a port for your headsets. The MacBook Pro additionally offers screen protection as well as a one-year warranty period.
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Pros
- It comes with a Magic Keyboard that offers an efficient and intuitive experience. This keyboard also includes a touchpad and Touch ID for added security.
- The M1 processor can provide improved performance and long-lasting battery life that can work well for all kinds of tasks.
- It includes an efficient cooling mechanism that can prevent the MacBook Pro from heating up even during intensive tasks.
- The graphics run five times faster, offering high-quality graphics without compromising on speed.
- It comes with several privacy options that can allow you to make adjustments to protect your data in an effective way.
- It comes with a one-year warranty period for easier repairs and replacements.
Cons
- It does not offer an additional slot for MicroSD cards.
- There is no 32 GB RAM option.
Dell XPS
Dell XPS 13 (9310), 13.4- inch FHD+ Touch Laptop - Intel Core...
- 13.4" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display
- 11th Generation, Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor (12MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz)
- 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x Memory Onboard, 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
- 13.4" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display
- 11th Generation, Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor (12MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz)
- 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x Memory Onboard, 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics with shared graphics memory
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5.1
The Dell XPS is a laptop that has a screen display size of 13.4 inches. It provides you the option of choosing between 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB of random-access memory (RAM) as well as between hard drive storage options that range from 256 GB to 2 TB.
It uses an i7 core processor developed by Intel. It comes in two different color combinations that you can pick from, including a platinum silver exterior and black interior and a frost exterior and white interior.
Made from an aluminum chassis, the Dell XPS is light and durable. The screen is made using Gorilla glass that offers protection against shocks and scratches.
It uses a Windows 10 operating system and is compatible with Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as a MicroSD card. You can also connect compatible headphones and microphones to the designated port.
It also has an anti-glare display, with some models offering an anti-reflective display as well. Its backlit keyboard also comes with a fingerprint sensor.
The Dell XPS comes with one-year protection or warranty period in case you need to make any repairs or replacements.
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Pros
- The Dell XPS comes with an accessible keyboard that offers a fingerprint sensor as well. This can ensure additional security for the laptop.
- It includes multiple ports—two for Thunderbolt 4 USBs, one for a headset as well as a slot for a MicroSD card.
- It comes with an Intel Iris Xe Graphics card that provides high-quality graphics that can make usage more seamless.
- Its Gorilla glass screen ensures shock and scratch protection while its sidewalls are double-anodized to prevent components from chipping away.
- It is light, with a weight of 2.6 pounds that makes it portable.
- It comes with a one-year warranty period for easier repairs and replacements.
Cons
- The i7 processor model of the Dell XPS is slightly more expensive as compared to the MacBook Pro M1.
- It does not have a long-lasting battery life that can withstand both light and intensive tasks.
Dell XPS vs MacBook Pro—Comparison Guide
We can now take a look at some of the key differences between the Dell XPS and the MacBook Pro in detail.
Processor
The main point of distinction between the Dell XPS and the MacBook Pro is the processor. In fact, this is what allows the MacBook Pro to be an overall better choice.
The MacBook Pro comes with the M1 processor that was designed by Apple. This processor is much faster than that of Dell and can withstand intensive usage as well, including gaming and streaming, without overheating to a significant extent.
This advanced technology makes it more efficient than Dell's i7 processor that is developed by Intel. Dell's processor can be efficient as well but can run short when it comes to advanced usage. It also tends to depend on the usage levels of the user.
Interestingly, the MacBook Pro also offers Intel's i5 or i7 core processor that can allow you more flexibility in terms of usage and performance.
Display
In terms of the display, both the Dell XPS and the MacBook Pro are more or less equal. Both of them have a screen display size of around 13 inches, which can work as a good size for conveniently using the laptop.
In terms of the screen resolution on the display, the Dell XPS tends to be slightly better off due to the pixels. However, the MacBook Pro offers a high-quality display as well with a good aspect ratio along with color reproduction. The Retina display is also much more efficient in the MacBook Pro.
The Dell XPS offers a touch screen option as well whereas the MacBook Pro does not.
Graphics
The graphics of both the MacBook Pro and the Dell XPS are of great quality and speed. This can offer a good experience when it comes to usage, especially for tasks such as gaming and streaming.
However, the MacBook Pro runs ahead in terms of graphics since it offers a rapid and reliable speed that is generally five times faster than the Dell XPS as well as previous MacBook models. These graphics are also integrated.
Overall, the MacBook Pro can offer better machine learning, responsiveness, color and technology in terms of graphics and performance.
The graphics of the Dell XPS are quite good as well due to the Intel Iris Xe Graphics card. However, this does not fully compare to the MacBook Pro's M1 processor that takes the cake in this case as well.
Design
In terms of design, the MacBook Pro comes in two different colors which include Space Grey and Silver. It includes a touch bar as well as a touch ID option, making it accessible and secure.
It also has an aluminum build along with Apple's Magic Keyboard that can give you a variety of functions on the keyboard section itself, making it intuitive and accessible.
The Dell XPS also comes in two different color combinations of either silver and black or silver and white. The keyboard is also quite efficient and accessible, although it lacks the variety that the MacBook can offer.
Battery Life
The MacBook Pro runs ahead of the Dell XPS in terms of battery life due to its advanced M1 processor. This processor allows the laptop to conserve battery when performing simpler or less complex tasks. This can allow for more efficiency during intensive tasks.
Further, the M1 processor can allow the MacBook Pro to run for twice the number of hours as the Dell XPS as well as previous MacBook Pro models. In fact, the MacBook Pro can run up to 20 hours of battery life in a single usage, depending on the tasks that you carry out.
The Dell XPS also has a good battery life with good playback time but falls short of the MacBook Pro in this case. It also does not meet its level in terms of lasting through tasks of varying intensities.
Performance
Due to the M1 processor, the MacBook Pro is much more reliable and quicker as compared to the Dell XPS. This is because the advanced processor can allow you to run several tasks at once on the MacBook Pro without losing out on speed.
For instance, the MacBook Pro can allow you to keep multiple tabs open along with other applications, media and more.
While the Dell XPS also offers this kind of function, it can slow down a bit after extended usage, especially in terms of maintaining a good balance between multiple tasks.
Connectivity
Both the Dell XPS and the MacBook Pro offer two USB-C ports, both of which are of the Thunderbolt variety. The Dell XPS has one port on each side, while the MacBook Pro puts both the ports on the same side.
Dell XPS also offers a headphone jack along with a MicroSD reader while the MacBook Pro only offers a headphone jack.
Apart from that, both these models offer high and reliable connectivity levels in terms of Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth.
Storage
When it comes to storage, the Dell XPS and MacBook Pro fare equally well as both of them offer 256 GB or 512 GB models. This can allow you to pick your storage size depending on your specific requirements. In both cases, you can also extend the storage levels up to 2 TB through the respective brands.
The RAM (or random access memory) is 8 GB or 16 GB for both these models, although the Dell XPS can be brought up to 32 GB as well.
Security
There are several security and protection options provided for both the Dell XPS and the MacBook Pro.
The MacBook Pro's M1 processor chip, along with the macOS, allows you to protect your data in advanced ways. It also includes an Enclave coprocessor that offers security features such as Apple Pay and Touch ID. The overall encryption on this model is also quite advanced.
There is also sufficient screen protection to prevent damage.
The Dell XPS has great security measures in place as well. The keyboard also offers a fingerprint reader for additional security. The double sealing and scratch protection features can protect it from shocks and scratches as well.
Final Verdict—Dell XPS vs MacBook Pro
This Dell XPS vs MacBook Pro comparison guide has taken you through all the relevant information about each of these laptops, including their main specifications in terms of processor, display, storage levels, connectivity, size, design and more.
We have also seen the differences between the two along these dimensions. Through these, it is clear the MacBook Pro is the better choice due to its M1 processor that offers better battery life and performance.
The MacBook Pro is also ahead in terms of the overall design and display quality, although the Dell XPS is a good contender in this case and offers better connectivity and RAM options.
Overall, however, the M1 processor is what allows the MacBook Pro to emerge as the winner.
2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB...
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
- 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
- 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
- Superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
- Active cooling system sustains incredible performance
- 13.3-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness for vibrant colors and incredible image detail
- FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for clearer, sharper video calls
