Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro: Which Should You Buy?

MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13 are two premium notebook options for sale in the market. Both promise good performance for professional use, and sleek looks, and received updates in 2020, competing directly in retail. While Dell’s new model has the latest Intel chips in all available versions, Apple’s computer still features eighth-generation processors in its most basic version.

In addition, both have the Iris Plus Graphics solution in the most powerful options, promising up to 80% more performance in some activities. Prices start at $999 for XPS 13 and $1,299, the most affordable price for MacBook Pro on the apple site. Check out more details on high-end laptops below to find out which one is worth more to you.

MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13 Features

Dell XPS 13MacBook Pro
Pricefrom $999from $1,229
ProcessorIntel Core i5 1035G1 or Intel Core i7 1065G7Intel Core i5 1038NG7
RAM8 or 16 GB LPDDR4X8, 16, or 32 GB LPDDR3 or LPDDR4X
Video cardIntel Iris PlusIntel Iris Plus
Storage512 GB or 1 TB SSD256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB SSD
Screen13.3 inch Full HD or 4K touch13.3 inches 2560 x 1600 pixels
Battery52 Watts58 Watts
Weight1.27 kg1.4 kg
Source: Dell / Apple

Design

With a very attractive design and an aluminum chassis, the Dell XPS 13 has gained larger keys, making the keyboard occupy the computer surface from end to end. The touchpad is also bigger than in previous versions, bringing a glass surface and rest for the handles with a carbon fiber finish. Regarding connections, the Dell XPS 13 brings two USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 3.0 technology, one of them used to charge the equipment. There is also a microSD card reader and 3.5 mm auxiliary input for headphones.

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MacBook Pro has a classic Apple design, special gray or silver metallic finish, and is only 1.56 cm thick. An important differential is the Magic Keyboard, which replaces the problematic butterfly system. The connections, in turn, offer two or four Thunderbolt 3.0 ports, DisplayPort input, and USB 3.1, plus a headphone connector.

Screen

MacBook Pro 16

MacBook Pro features a 13.3-inch LED display with IPS technology, offering a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. That should mean a comfortable experience and very high levels of detail. The new Dell XPS comes with almost 7% more display than previous versions, as the lower edge of the screen has decreased. With that, it’s more than 90% of the screen-to-body ratio, according to the brand. The model also arrives with Full HD or 4K versions, and the higher resolution screen also offers touchscreen support.

Performance

Macbook Pro Screen

Both models should offer advanced performance as they use Intel eighth or tenth-generation processors with at least four high cores and clocks. For the newer chip models, there is also the gain in graphics performance from Iris Plus Graphics, which promises to hit head-on with simpler dedicated video cards.

Another point worth mentioning on the models is the presence of high-capacity SSDs in all versions: both XPS 13 and MacBook Pro offer 512 or 1 TB storage. Apple’s computer can be configured with 256GB or even more, reaching 4TB in SSD, increasing both the available space to store files and the computer’s performance and price.

Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Pro also feature preset versions of 8 or 16GB of RAM, but Apple’s website indicates that users can change MacBook settings to purchase the model with up to 32GB of RAM. Apple laptops have versions with LPDDR3 and LPDDR4X memory, while the Dell model appears only with LPDDR4X. This standard is aimed at thinner devices with lower power consumption.

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Battery

MacBooks Pro features a 58 Watts battery, which Apple says should be enough for up to 10 hours of simple everyday use. The Dell XPS 13, in turn, promises up to 18 hours of battery life, which is a very positive number compared to other products in the segment. It is worth mentioning that the chips used in the computer are from the Ice Lake line, which focuses on good energy efficiency.

Extra resources

One of the key features of the MacBook Pro is the presence of the Touch Bar, which promises easy access to applications and increases the possibilities for interaction. The models also carry the Apple T2 Security Chip, which promises to increase the level of security of information present on the laptop.

Regarding the Dell XPS 13, it is worth mentioning the support for Wi-Fi 6, the latest technology that promises speeds up to 40% higher. It is worth mentioning that, to take advantage of the connection, it is necessary to have a router compatible with the technology.

Price and Availability

Prices vary according to the specifications chosen. The Dell XPS 13 part of the $999 value version with Core i3, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD, while the midrange model, which brings 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and Core i7 processor with Intel Iris Plus graphics, can be purchased for $1,349. The high-end version, with the main differential being the 4K screen with a touch-sensitive surface, costs $1,699.

The MacBook Pro is priced starting at $1,229, in a version that brings 8th generation Core i5, 8 GB of RAM in the LPDDR3 standard, and 256 GB SSD. Raising the storage to 512GB, the computer appears for at least $1,499.

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Finally, the top-of-the-line options, bringing the tenth generation Core i5 chip and Iris Plus Graphics card and 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM cost $1,799 or $1,999, with 512 GB or 1 TB SSD, respectively. It is worth mentioning that Apple allows increasing these specifications at the time of purchase, and the values can reach up to $4,098, with 4 TB in SSD, 32 GB RAM, and Core i7 chip of the tenth generation.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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