Dell XPS 15 (2024) vs Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16"
The Verdict
Dell's XPS 15 commands a $600 premium with meaningful advantages in display technology and processing power. Its OLED panel delivers superior contrast and color accuracy at 3456x2160 resolution, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with 16GB LPDDR5x RAM handles demanding creative work effortlessly. Battery life edges ahead at 13 hours, and the dual Thunderbolt ports provide superior connectivity for professionals. Lenovo's IdeaPad 5 Pro counters with strong value positioning, offering a larger 16-inch IPS screen at 120Hz (better for scrolling), capable Ryzen 7 performance, and respectable 12-hour battery life at nearly 40% lower cost. Weight difference is minimal (1.86kg vs 2.0kg). For content creators prioritizing color accuracy and raw performance, the XPS 15 justifies its cost. Budget-conscious users seeking solid everyday performance and larger screen real estate should prefer the IdeaPad 5 Pro.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Dell XPS 15 (2024) if…
- →Gorgeous 3.5K OLED touchscreen with vivid colors
- →32 GB RAM standard at this price tier
- →Premium CNC aluminum chassis
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16" if…
- →2.5K 120Hz display is exceptional for a sub-$900 laptop
- →Ryzen 7 8845HS with Ryzen AI for local AI processing
- →75 Wh battery delivers genuine all-day use for productivity
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Dell XPS 15 (2024)
Pros
- Gorgeous 3.5K OLED touchscreen with vivid colors
- 32 GB RAM standard at this price tier
- Premium CNC aluminum chassis
- Includes USB-A and HDMI alongside Thunderbolt
- Upgradeable SSD and memory
Cons
- OLED display can exhibit burn-in over time
- Base model ships with integrated Iris Xe graphics only
- Battery drains faster with OLED on
- Runs warm under sustained load
- Fan noise noticeable during CPU-heavy tasks
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16"
Pros
- 2.5K 120Hz display is exceptional for a sub-$900 laptop
- Ryzen 7 8845HS with Ryzen AI for local AI processing
- 75 Wh battery delivers genuine all-day use for productivity
- Full-size HDMI and SD card reader — no dongles needed
- 16-inch display is ideal for split-screen multitasking
Cons
- 350-nit brightness is dim for outdoor use
- No Thunderbolt — USB-C only for charging and peripherals
- 4.41 lbs is heavier than ultrabook competitors
- No discrete GPU option for light gaming
Full Specifications
| Spec | Dell XPS 15 (2024) | Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16" |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.86 kg | 4.41 lbs (2.0 kg) |
| Material | CNC machined aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 344.4 x 230.1 x 18.0 mm | 14.06 x 9.99 x 0.68 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-A ports | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours mixed use | Up to 12 hours |
| Capacity | 86 Wh | 75 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 15.6 inches | 16 inches |
| Type | OLED touch | IPS |
| Resolution | 3456 x 2160 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 400 | 350 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 32 GB LPDDR5x | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) | 8 cores / 16 threads |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS |
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.
Explore more in laptops, see all Dell products or all Lenovo products. View full details for the Dell XPS 15 (2024) or the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16".