Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro vs Dell XPS 14 (9440)
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro delivers superior performance and display quality, featuring the blazing-fast M4 Pro chip with 16-core GPU, a stunning 3024x1964 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED screen with 1600 nits brightness, and exceptional 22-hour battery life. Dell's XPS 14 counters with competitive Intel Core Ultra 7 processing, expandable storage, and a lower price point at $1699 versus $1999. However, the XPS suffers from a significantly dimmer 500-nits IPS display, standard 60Hz refresh rate, and merely 12 hours of battery endurance. Both feature aluminum construction and three Thunderbolt ports, but Apple's superior thermal efficiency, brighter display, and longer battery life justify the premium. For creative professionals prioritizing performance and display excellence, the MacBook Pro is the clear choice, while budget-conscious users might accept the Dell's compromises.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro | Dell XPS 14 (9440) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.60 kg | 1.74 kg |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | CNC aluminum and carbon fiber |
| Dimensions | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm | 320.0 x 215.5 x 18.0 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 3 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 22 hours wireless web | Up to 12 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 72.4 Wh | 69.5 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 14.5 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | InfinityEdge IPS non-touch |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 500 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 24 GB unified | 16 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 Pro | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
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 14 (9440)
Pros
- Striking minimalist CNC aluminum design
- Optional 3.2K OLED touch display
- Optional discrete RTX 4050 GPU
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus microSD
- Excellent quad speaker setup
Cons
- No USB-A or HDMI ports
- Capacitive function row lacks tactile feedback
- Seamless haptic touchpad has no visible borders
- Battery life below class-leading ultrabooks
- Premium price for the base configuration
Related Comparisons
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