Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) vs Dell XPS 14 (2023)
The Verdict
Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro offers a compact aluminum chassis at 3.1 lbs with Intel 10th Gen processing, while Dell's XPS 14 delivers a larger 14.5-inch display with a more powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor and superior 120Hz refresh rate. Dell edges ahead with 13 hours of battery life versus Apple's 10 hours, plus an SD card slot and OLED display option. However, Apple provides superior port selection with four Thunderbolt connections compared to Dell's two, and macOS remains optimized for creative professionals. Dell's $1499 pricing undercuts the MacBook Pro significantly while offering better raw performance specs and larger screen real estate. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing speed and display quality, the XPS 14 represents better value. Mac loyalists and those needing maximum port connectivity should still consider the MacBook Pro.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) if…
- →4 Thunderbolt 3 ports — double the lower-end 13-inch models
- →16 GB RAM standard in the 4-port configuration
- →Supports multiple external displays unlike M1 models
Buy the Dell XPS 14 (2023) if…
- →120Hz display is smooth and responsive for everyday work
- →Thunderbolt 4 ports support fast external displays and storage
- →Solid build quality with premium aluminum and carbon fiber
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020)
Pros
- 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports — double the lower-end 13-inch models
- 16 GB RAM standard in the 4-port configuration
- Supports multiple external displays unlike M1 models
- Excellent Retina display with P3 wide color and True Tone
- Reliable Intel ecosystem with broad software compatibility
Cons
- Dramatically outperformed by the M1 chip in both speed and efficiency
- 10-hour battery life is nearly half the M1 MacBook Pro
- Fans spin up frequently and loudly under moderate loads
- Touch Bar is widely disliked and was later discontinued
- Thermal throttling limits sustained performance
Dell XPS 14 (2023)
Pros
- 120Hz display is smooth and responsive for everyday work
- Thunderbolt 4 ports support fast external displays and storage
- Solid build quality with premium aluminum and carbon fiber
- Good 69.5 Wh battery capacity for the form factor
- Optional OLED display upgrade for creative professionals
Cons
- Fan noise is noticeable under sustained workloads
- No USB-A ports may require dongles
- 1.68 kg is heavier than ultrabook competitors
- Webcam quality is average for the price
- Soldered RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) | Dell XPS 14 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Big Sur | Windows 11 Pro |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) | 1.68 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum and carbon fiber |
| Dimensions | 12.0 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches | 319 x 226 x 18.0 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | — | |
| USB-C ports | 4 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 4 | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 13 hours |
| Capacity | 58 Wh | 69.5 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.3 inches | 14.5 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS | IPS LCD (OLED optional) |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 500 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB (configurable to 4 TB) | 512 GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB LPDDR5 |
| Cores | 4 cores / 8 threads | 10-core (6P + 4E) |
| Chipset | Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (10th Gen) | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H |
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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