Apple MacBook Air 13" M2 vs Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Air M2 delivers premium build quality, exceptional performance, and industry-leading efficiency in a compact 2.7-pound chassis. Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560x1664, 500 nits) and M2 chip with 10-core GPU provide outstanding performance for creative work and demanding tasks. Battery life reaches 18 hours, and the aluminum unibody design feels luxurious. Dell's Inspiron 15 (2024) targets budget-conscious users, offering a larger 15.6-inch screen, expandable storage (512GB base), and dual connectivity (USB-A, HDMI, SD card). However, its plastic chassis, dimmer 250-nit display (1920x1080), and standard Intel/AMD processors deliver adequate performance for everyday computing but lag significantly in speed and thermal efficiency. MacBook Air justifies its $600 premium through superior craftsmanship, processing power, and longevity. For professionals and power users, the M2 MacBook Air is the clear choice. Budget shoppers prioritizing screen size and connectivity will appreciate the Inspiron 15, though performance compromises are notable.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M2 if…
- →Stunning redesign with flat edges and slim 0.44-inch profile
- →MagSafe charging returns — frees up both USB-C ports
- →1080p FaceTime camera is a massive upgrade over the M1 Air
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" M2
Pros
- Stunning redesign with flat edges and slim 0.44-inch profile
- MagSafe charging returns — frees up both USB-C ports
- 1080p FaceTime camera is a massive upgrade over the M1 Air
- Liquid Retina display is brighter and slightly larger at 13.6 inches
- Fanless M2 chip handles 4K video editing silently
Cons
- 256 GB base SSD uses single NAND chip — notably slower writes than M1 Air
- 8 GB base RAM requires a $200 upgrade for serious work
- Still limited to one external display without workarounds
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion option
- Midnight color is a fingerprint magnet
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" M2 | Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Ventura | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 1.65 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Plastic chassis with aluminum palm rest |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 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 | 52.6 Wh | 54 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 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, 10-core GPU | 10-core (Intel) / 6-core (AMD) |
| Chipset | Apple M2 | 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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