Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro vs Dell XPS 13 (2023)
The Verdict
The Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro and Dell XPS 13 (2023) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Dell XPS 13 (2023) is the cheaper of the two at $1,299 versus $1,999, a difference of about $700. The Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro stands out for m5 pro: 18-core cpu with super cores, 4x ai performance vs m4, while Dell XPS 13 (2023) is praised for stunning infinityedge four-sided borderless display. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro if…
- →M5 Pro: 18-core CPU with super cores, 4x AI performance vs M4
- →Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
- →Up to 24 hours battery life
Buy the Dell XPS 13 (2023) if…
- →Stunning InfinityEdge four-sided borderless display
- →Incredibly compact and lightweight at 2.59 lbs
- →Premium CNC machined aluminum build quality
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro
Pros
- M5 Pro: 18-core CPU with super cores, 4x AI performance vs M4
- Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
- Up to 24 hours battery life
- Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip
- Starts at 1TB storage
Cons
- $1999 starting price
- No touchscreen
- Non-upgradable RAM and storage
Dell XPS 13 (2023)
Pros
- Stunning InfinityEdge four-sided borderless display
- Incredibly compact and lightweight at 2.59 lbs
- Premium CNC machined aluminum build quality
- 12th-gen Intel P-series processor handles productivity well
- Excellent keyboard with 1.0 mm travel and good tactile feedback
Cons
- Only USB-C/Thunderbolt ports — no USB-A or HDMI
- 51 Wh battery is small for all-day use under heavy loads
- Webcam is 720p — subpar for video calls
- Soldered RAM means no upgrades after purchase
- Fan noise is noticeable under sustained workloads
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro | Dell XPS 13 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS 17 | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.55 kg | 2.59 lbs (1.17 kg) |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | CNC machined aluminum |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 22.1 x 1.55 cm | 11.63 x 7.86 x 0.55 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 2 |
| USB-C ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Capacity | 72.4 Wh | 51 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 13.4 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR, nano-texture option | IPS anti-reflective |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 500 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 1 TB / 2 TB / 4 TB | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 24 GB / 48 GB | 16 GB LPDDR5 |
| Cores | 18 cores (6 super + 12 performance) | 12 cores (4P + 8E) |
| Chipset | Apple M5 Pro (18-core CPU, 20-core GPU) | Intel Core i7-1360P (13th Gen) |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Dell XPS 13 (2023) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro
- Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro vs MSI GE76 Raider
- Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro vs HP OMEN 17
- Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro vs Dell G15 Gaming (2024)
- Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro vs Apple MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro
- Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro
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.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all Dell products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro or the Dell XPS 13 (2023).