Apple MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro vs Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro dominates across virtually every metric that matters for professional work. Its Liquid Retina XDR display delivers 1600 nits of peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate compared to the Dell's modest 250-nit IPS panel, making creative work significantly more enjoyable. Performance differences are stark: the M2 Pro's 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU handily outpace Intel or AMD mobile processors in the Inspiron, translating to faster compilation, video editing, and rendering. Battery life extends to 17 hours versus 12 hours, while superior connectivity includes three Thunderbolt ports and MagSafe charging. Build quality distinctly favors Apple with premium aluminum construction versus the Dell's plastic chassis. However, the Inspiron serves budget-conscious users needing basic productivity, offering expandable storage and familiar Windows software at one-third the price. For content creators and professionals, the MacBook Pro's investment yields substantially better returns. Casual users and students on tight budgets should consider the Dell despite its limitations.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro if…
- →Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- →ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling
- →M2 Pro delivers outstanding multi-core performance for creative pros
Buy the Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) if…
- →Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
- →Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
- →Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro
Pros
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling
- M2 Pro delivers outstanding multi-core performance for creative pros
- Excellent port selection — HDMI, SD card, MagSafe, and 3 Thunderbolt
- 17-hour battery life despite the high-performance chip
Cons
- Starting price of $1,999 is steep
- 16 GB base RAM should be 32 GB at this price point
- 3.5 lbs is heavier than the M2 Air or 13-inch Pro
- Notch in the display can be distracting
- No Face ID — still relies on Touch ID
Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
Pros
- Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
- Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
- Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price
- Lightweight at 1.65 kg for a 15.6-inch laptop
- Expandable storage via second M.2 slot
Cons
- 250-nit display brightness is dim for any non-indoor use
- 60Hz refresh rate feels behind modern standards
- 8 GB base RAM needs upgrading for comfortable multitasking
- Plastic chassis feels basic compared to aluminum competitors
- Webcam is only 720p — poor for video calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro | Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Ventura | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) | 1.65 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Plastic chassis with aluminum palm rest |
| Dimensions | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches | 358.5 x 235.6 x 16.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 3 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Capacity | 70 Wh | 54 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR Mini-LED | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 250 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB (configurable to 8 TB) | 512 GB PCIe NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB / 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU | 10-core (Intel) / 6-core (AMD) |
| Chipset | Apple M2 Pro | Intel Core i5-1335U / AMD Ryzen 5 7530U |
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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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