Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro vs Dell G16 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro commands premium pricing with superior display technology, delivering a stunning 3456 x 2234 Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED panel at 120Hz with 1600 nits brightness, ideal for creative professionals. Battery life reaches an impressive 22 hours, paired with the efficient M2 Pro chip offering 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU performance. Dell's G16 2024 targets budget-conscious users with a faster 240Hz QHD+ display optimized for gaming, Intel Core i7-14700HX processing, and three USB-A ports for broader connectivity. However, the Dell suffers from merely 6 hours battery life and thicker, heavier plastic construction. Performance-wise, the i7-14700HX excels in raw multithreaded tasks, but the M2 Pro dominates efficiency and longevity for daily workflow. At roughly half the price, the Dell offers better gaming and port versatility, yet the MacBook's exceptional display, build quality, and battery endurance justify premium positioning for professional content creators requiring extended mobility.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro if…
- →Outstanding 22-hour battery life for a 16-inch professional laptop
- →Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- →M2 Pro handles demanding creative workloads like 4K video editing
Buy the Dell G16 (2024) if…
- →RTX 4060 delivers solid 1440p gaming performance
- →240Hz QHD+ display is smooth for fast-paced games
- →Affordable entry into Core i7-HX gaming laptops
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro
Pros
- Outstanding 22-hour battery life for a 16-inch professional laptop
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- M2 Pro handles demanding creative workloads like 4K video editing
- Excellent port selection including HDMI, SD card, and MagSafe
- Fantastic six-speaker sound system with spatial audio
Cons
- Heavy at 2.14 kg — not ideal for frequent travel
- 16 GB base RAM should be 32 GB at $2499
- M3 Pro lineup arrived months later making this a short-lived generation
- macOS limits gaming compared to Windows alternatives
- No Face ID — relies on Touch ID in the keyboard
Dell G16 (2024)
Pros
- RTX 4060 delivers solid 1440p gaming performance
- 240Hz QHD+ display is smooth for fast-paced games
- Affordable entry into Core i7-HX gaming laptops
- Generous USB-A and full-size SD card port
- Upgradeable RAM and SSD
Cons
- Heavy at 2.82 kg with a large power brick
- Display brightness of 300 nits is mediocre
- Battery drains in around 6 hours under light use
- Plastic chassis feels less premium
- Fans get loud under gaming load
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro | Dell G16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Ventura | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.14 kg | 2.82 kg |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | Plastic with matte finish |
| Dimensions | 355.7 x 248.1 x 16.8 mm | 365.0 x 272.6 x 24.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 1 |
| USB-A ports | — | 3 |
| USB-C ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 22 hours wireless web | Up to 6 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 100 Wh | 86 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16.2 inches | 16.0 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | QHD+ IPS 240Hz |
| Resolution | 3456 x 2234 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 240Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 300 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe (configurable to 8 TB) | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB unified | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU | 20-core (8P+12E) |
| Chipset | Apple M2 Pro | Intel Core i7-14700HX |
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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