Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024)
Apple's M4 MacBook Air outperforms the Dell XPS 13 Plus despite lower specs on paper. With its superior M4 chip delivering exceptional efficiency, the MacBook achieves 18-hour battery life versus Dell's 12 hours—a significant real-world advantage. macOS Sequoia offers seamless integration for Apple ecosystem users, while the 2560x1664 display provides sharper visuals than Dell's 1920x1200 panel. Dell compensates with double the storage (512GB vs 256GB base) and includes two Thunderbolt ports, though it oddly omits USB-C ports entirely—a puzzling design choice. The XPS 13 Plus feels premium with its CNC aluminum construction and touches Windows 11 Home for broader software compatibility. However, the MacBook's superior thermal efficiency, longer battery endurance, and more cohesive design philosophy make it the stronger choice. Choose the MacBook Air M4 unless Windows is non-negotiable or you specifically need maximum base storage.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 1.24 kg |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | CNC aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 295.3 x 199.0 x 15.3 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 0 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 0 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 12 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 55 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 13.4 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | InfinityEdge IPS non-touch |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 500 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
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 XPS 13 Plus (2024)
Pros
- Remarkably thin and light at 1.24 kg
- Striking futuristic design with zero-lattice keyboard
- Strong Intel Core Ultra performance
- Excellent build quality with premium aluminum finish
- Optional 4K OLED upgrade available
Cons
- Only two Thunderbolt ports — no USB-A, HDMI, or SD card
- Capacitive function row lacks tactile feedback
- Soldered RAM and SSD cannot be upgraded
- Battery life is merely average for an ultrabook
- Haptic touchpad has invisible borders
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