Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs Dell XPS 15 (2024)
The Verdict
MacBook Air M4 excels as a ultraportable workhorse with exceptional battery longevity (18 hours), lighter weight (2.7 lbs), and M4's efficient performance for everyday tasks. Dell XPS 15 targets power users seeking a larger 15.6" OLED display (3456×2160, superior color accuracy), more RAM (32GB), faster storage (512GB standard), and Intel's multi-threaded prowess for video editing and development. M4 delivers superior single-threaded performance and macOS optimization, while XPS 15's 16-core processor and expandable storage suit demanding workflows. Battery life favors Apple significantly at 18 versus 13 hours. Port selection differs strategically: MacBook prioritizes Thunderbolt/USB-C, while Dell maintains legacy USB-A and SD card slots. At $1099, the MacBook Air M4 offers exceptional value for portability and productivity. For creative professionals needing a larger canvas and maximum processing power at $1499, XPS 15 justifies its premium. Choose MacBook Air M4 for everyday efficiency; select XPS 15 for power-intensive creative work.
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 XPS 15 (2024) if…
- →Gorgeous 3.5K OLED touchscreen with vivid colors
- →32 GB RAM standard at this price tier
- →Premium CNC aluminum chassis
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 15 (2024)
Pros
- Gorgeous 3.5K OLED touchscreen with vivid colors
- 32 GB RAM standard at this price tier
- Premium CNC aluminum chassis
- Includes USB-A and HDMI alongside Thunderbolt
- Upgradeable SSD and memory
Cons
- OLED display can exhibit burn-in over time
- Base model ships with integrated Iris Xe graphics only
- Battery drains faster with OLED on
- Runs warm under sustained load
- Fan noise noticeable during CPU-heavy tasks
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | Dell XPS 15 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 1.86 kg |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | CNC machined aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 344.4 x 230.1 x 18.0 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | — |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 13 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 86 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | OLED touch |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 3456 x 2160 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
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.
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