Apple MacBook Air 13" M1 vs Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Air M1 delivers exceptional performance and build quality at $999, featuring the revolutionary M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU paired with 18-hour battery life and a stunning 2560x1600 Retina display. Dell's Inspiron 15 offers better value for budget-conscious users at $599, with a larger 15.6-inch 1080p screen, expandable 512GB storage, and modern connectivity including HDMI and SD card slots. Performance-wise, the M1 significantly outpaces Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 processors in single-threaded tasks and efficiency. However, the Inspiron provides more practical ports and upgrade flexibility for Windows users needing legacy connectivity. Dell's plastic chassis and dimmer 250-nit display pale against Apple's aluminum construction and superior brightness. Choose the MacBook Air if you prioritize performance, longevity, and premium build quality. Select the Inspiron 15 if you need a larger screen, maximum port variety, and Windows compatibility on a tighter budget.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M1 if…
- →M1 chip was a generational leap — outperforms most Intel laptops
- →Completely fanless and silent under all workloads
- →18-hour battery life from a 49.9 Wh cell is remarkable efficiency
Buy the Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) if…
- →Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
- →Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
- →Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M1
Pros
- M1 chip was a generational leap — outperforms most Intel laptops
- Completely fanless and silent under all workloads
- 18-hour battery life from a 49.9 Wh cell is remarkable efficiency
- Ultra-lightweight at 2.8 lbs for all-day portability
- Excellent value — often found discounted well below $999
Cons
- Only supports one external display natively
- 8 GB base RAM is tight for demanding multitasking
- Webcam is only 720p — poor by modern standards
- Only two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports — no MagSafe
- Older wedge design lacks the modern flat aesthetic of M2 Air
Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
Pros
- Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
- Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
- Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price
- Lightweight at 1.65 kg for a 15.6-inch laptop
- Expandable storage via second M.2 slot
Cons
- 250-nit display brightness is dim for any non-indoor use
- 60Hz refresh rate feels behind modern standards
- 8 GB base RAM needs upgrading for comfortable multitasking
- Plastic chassis feels basic compared to aluminum competitors
- Webcam is only 720p — poor for video calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M1 | Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Big Sur | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1.29 kg) | 1.65 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Plastic chassis with aluminum palm rest |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches | 358.5 x 235.6 x 16.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Capacity | 49.9 Wh | 54 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.3 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 400 | 250 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB PCIe NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU | 10-core (Intel) / 6-core (AMD) |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Intel Core i5-1335U / AMD Ryzen 5 7530U |
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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.
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