Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs Dell G15 Gaming (2024)
The Verdict
MacBook Air M4 and Dell G15 serve fundamentally different purposes at the same $1099 price point. Apple's offering excels in portability, delivering a svelte 2.7-pound chassis with exceptional battery life reaching 18 hours, making it ideal for professionals prioritizing mobility. The M4 chip with 10-core CPU and GPU handles creative work efficiently, while the 500-nit Liquid Retina display provides excellent color accuracy at 2560x1664 resolution. However, base storage is limited to 256GB. Dell's G15 targets gamers and power users with a significantly more powerful Intel Core i7-14650HX featuring 16 cores, nearly double the CPU muscle. Its 165Hz refresh rate gaming display crushes the MacBook's 60Hz panel for fast-paced gameplay. Storage doubles to 512GB with expandability, and ports include legacy HDMI plus USB-A connectivity. The tradeoff is weight: 5.63 pounds versus 2.7, plus only 8 hours battery life. Choose MacBook Air M4 for ultraportable productivity and creative work with superior battery endurance. Select Dell G15 if gaming, video editing, or demanding software development matters more than portability, and you value higher refresh rates and legacy port support.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 if…
- →M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- →16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- →Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
Buy the Dell G15 Gaming (2024) if…
- →RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at a competitive $1,099 price point
- →86 Wh battery is generous for a budget gaming laptop
- →165Hz display is smooth for competitive shooters
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4
Pros
- M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- 16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
- 18-hour battery life rivals the 15-inch model
- Fanless, completely silent operation
Cons
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion or high-refresh option
- 256 GB base storage requires upgrading for most users
- Only two Thunderbolt ports limits connectivity
- 13.6-inch screen feels cramped for multitasking
Dell G15 Gaming (2024)
Pros
- RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at a competitive $1,099 price point
- 86 Wh battery is generous for a budget gaming laptop
- 165Hz display is smooth for competitive shooters
- 14th-gen i7 HX processor handles both gaming and productivity
- Dual M.2 slots allow easy storage expansion
Cons
- All-plastic build feels cheap and creaks under pressure
- FHD resolution on a 15.6-inch panel looks grainy up close
- 5.63 lbs is heavy for daily campus carry
- Speakers are weak and tinny
- Fan noise is loud under gaming loads
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | Dell G15 Gaming (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 5.63 lbs (2.55 kg) |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 14.2 x 10.4 x 1.05 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB-C ports | 2 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 8 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 86 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | IPS anti-glare |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 165Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 300 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16 cores (8P + 8E) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core i7-14650HX (14th Gen) |
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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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