Apple
MacBook Air 15" (M3)
Laptops
$1,299List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
MacBook Air 15" (M3) vs Dell XPS 13 (2024)
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Dell
Dell XPS 13 (2024)
Laptops
$1,299List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the MacBook Air 15" (M3).
- Leads 5 of 8 rankable overall specs; Dell XPS 13 takes 3.
- Claimed battery life: Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback vs Up to 14 hours
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
Size: 15.3 inches vs 13.4 inches
Same list price, so the spec lead is the whole story.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the MacBook Air 15" (M3) has no touchscreen. the MacBook Air 15" (M3) has macOS, not Windows. Tick them under deal-breakers if that rules it out.
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | MacBook Air 15" (M3) | Dell XPS 13 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| SizeDisplay | 15.3 inches | 13.4 inches |
| PanelDisplay | Liquid Retina IPS LED | OLED InfinityEdge touch |
| ProcessorPerformance | Apple M3 (8-core CPU) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 cores, Intel AI Boost NPU) |
| MemoryPerformance | 16GB unified | 16 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s) |
| Claimed battery lifeBattery | Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback | Up to 14 hours (IPS) / ~10 hours (OLED) |
Showing 5 of 29 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
MacBook Air 15" (M3)
Reasons to choose it
- Completely fanless silent operation
- Slim 11.5mm aluminum design with massive battery life
- Vibrant Liquid Retina display with dual external monitor support
Worth considering
- Display limited to 60Hz without ProMotion
- Base model memory and storage are soldered and non-upgradable
Dell XPS 13 (2024)
Reasons to choose it
- Minimalist sleek design with ultra-thin bezels
- High-resolution OLED screen options
- Extremely portable at under 2.6 lb
Worth considering
- Only two USB-C ports and no 3.5mm headphone jack
- Capacitive touch function row instead of physical keys
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
What three years could cost
MacBook Air 15" (M3)
3-Year Estimated Total$1,299
Dell XPS 13
3-Year Estimated Total$1,334
Commuter Portability & Lap Comfort Check
Real-world travel weight including chargers, bag fit, and lap thermals.
Backpack Sleeve Compatibility
Apple
Standard laptop bag sleeve
Dell
Ultra-compact 11.6 in footprint (nearly 11" tablet sized)
Lap Ergonomics & Vent Placement
Apple
Standard hinge exhaust
Dell
Dual fans exhaust at hinge; bottom can warm up under load
Total Travel Weight (Chassis + Charger)
Apple
Standard carry weight
Dell
2.60 lb laptop + 60W Type-C adapter = ~3.1 lb total carry
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Apple: What to watch for
Dell: What to watch for
- Ergonomics
Capacitive touch function row lacks physical travel and tactile feedback.
- Hardware Quirk
Zero headphone jack and only 2 USB-C ports.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the MacBook Air 15" (M3) or the Dell XPS 13?
Both list at the same price.
What is the biggest catch with the MacBook Air 15" (M3) or Dell XPS 13?
MacBook Air 15" (M3) has this deal-breaker: no touchscreen. No pen or touch input for marking up PDFs or sketching.
Which is better for travel, the MacBook Air 15" (M3) or the Dell XPS 13?
For travel, buy the MacBook Air 15" (M3). Leads 3 of 4 rankable travel specs; Dell XPS 13 takes 1. Claimed battery life: Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback vs Up to 14 hours
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 29 specs tracked here, 21 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.