Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs Dell G16 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's M4 MacBook Air excels as an ultraportable productivity machine with exceptional 18-hour battery life, superior display brightness (500 nits), and refined build quality,ideal for professionals prioritizing efficiency. Dell's G16 targets a different audience with its 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz gaming display, more powerful Intel i7-14700HX processor (20 cores), and expandable storage, though it sacrifices portability and offers only 6-hour battery life. For general work, creative tasks, and travel, the MacBook Air's efficiency and lightweight design (1.24 kg vs 2.82 kg) dominate. If gaming, video editing requiring raw CPU cores, or a larger screen justifies desk-bound computing, the Dell competes on raw specs. At similar prices, the MacBook Air's ecosystem integration, thermal efficiency, and day-long battery make it the stronger all-rounder for most users.
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 G16 (2024) if…
- →RTX 4060 delivers solid 1440p gaming performance
- →240Hz QHD+ display is smooth for fast-paced games
- →Affordable entry into Core i7-HX gaming laptops
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 G16 (2024)
Pros
- RTX 4060 delivers solid 1440p gaming performance
- 240Hz QHD+ display is smooth for fast-paced games
- Affordable entry into Core i7-HX gaming laptops
- Generous USB-A and full-size SD card port
- Upgradeable RAM and SSD
Cons
- Heavy at 2.82 kg with a large power brick
- Display brightness of 300 nits is mediocre
- Battery drains in around 6 hours under light use
- Plastic chassis feels less premium
- Fans get loud under gaming load
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | Dell G16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 2.82 kg |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Plastic with matte finish |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 365.0 x 272.6 x 24.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 1 |
| USB-A ports | — | 3 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 6 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 86 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 16.0 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | QHD+ IPS 240Hz |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 240Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 300 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 20-core (8P+12E) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core i7-14700HX |
Related Comparisons
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.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all Dell products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 or the Dell G16 (2024).