Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro vs Dell XPS 13 (2025)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro delivers superior performance with its 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, paired with 24GB unified memory versus Intel's 8-core setup and 16GB RAM. Display quality distinctly favors the Pro: its 1600-nit Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED with 120Hz ProMotion vastly outperforms the XPS 13's 400-nit 60Hz OLED screen, particularly for professional creative work. Battery endurance tips significantly toward Apple at 22 hours versus 14 hours. Dell wins on portability (1.17kg vs 1.60kg) and price ($700 savings), plus offers useful SD card and HDMI ports. The XPS 13 suits Windows users seeking ultraportability and value, while the MacBook Pro targets professionals demanding maximum performance, display excellence, and ecosystem integration. For most users, the MacBook Pro's capabilities justify its premium pricing.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro if…
- →Powerful M4 Pro performance in a portable chassis
- →Bright mini-LED ProMotion display
- →Long battery life around 22 hours
Buy the Dell XPS 13 (2025) if…
- →13.4-inch OLED display with perfect blacks and vivid color
- →Intel Core Ultra 7 with NPU for Copilot+ features
- →Incredibly light at 2.6 lbs in a premium aluminum body
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro
Pros
- Powerful M4 Pro performance in a portable chassis
- Bright mini-LED ProMotion display
- Long battery life around 22 hours
- Three Thunderbolt 5 ports for high-speed I/O
- Excellent build quality and speakers
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Base RAM bumped to 24 GB raises entry cost
- Notch in display divides opinion
- No cellular or touchscreen option
Dell XPS 13 (2025)
Pros
- 13.4-inch OLED display with perfect blacks and vivid color
- Intel Core Ultra 7 with NPU for Copilot+ features
- Incredibly light at 2.6 lbs in a premium aluminum body
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed peripherals
- Near-borderless InfinityEdge display maximizes screen-to-body ratio
Cons
- Only two USB-C ports — no USB-A, HDMI, or SD card slot
- 60Hz OLED limits smooth scrolling
- Keyboard has controversial zero-travel function row
- Fan noise is noticeable under sustained load
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro | Dell XPS 13 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.60 kg | 2.6 lbs (1.17 kg) |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | Aluminum and woven glass fiber |
| Dimensions | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm | 11.63 x 7.84 x 0.57 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | — |
| SD card | — | |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 2 |
| USB-C ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 22 hours wireless web | Up to 14 hours |
| Capacity | 72.4 Wh | 55 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 13.4 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | OLED |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 24 GB unified | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Cores | 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU | 8 cores (4P + 4E) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 Pro | Intel Core Ultra 7 265V |
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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