Apple
MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro)
Laptops
$1,999List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro) vs Dell XPS 14 (2024)
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Dell
Dell XPS 14 (2024)
Laptops
$1,699List 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 Dell XPS 14.
- Leads 5 of 9 rankable overall specs; MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro) takes 4.
- Memory: 32 GB LPDDR5x vs 24GB unified
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: 14.5 inches vs 14.2 inches
It is also $300 cheaper.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the Dell XPS 14 has no HDMI port. 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 Pro 14" (M4 Pro) | Dell XPS 14 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| SizeDisplay | 14.2 inches | 14.5 inches |
| PanelDisplay | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | 3.2K OLED InfinityEdge touch (or FHD+ IPS) |
| ProcessorPerformance | Apple M4 Pro (12-core CPU) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 cores: 6P + 8E + 2 Low Power E, Intel AI Boost) |
| MemoryPerformance | 24GB unified | 32 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s) |
| Claimed battery lifeBattery | Up to 24 hours video playback | Up to 12 hours (IPS) / ~8-9 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 Pro 14" (M4 Pro)
Reasons to choose it
- Unmatched performance per watt with whisper-quiet cooling
- 120Hz ProMotion mini-LED screen reaching 1,600 nits HDR
- Complete port selection including HDMI 2.1 and SDXC slot
Worth considering
- Memory and storage are soldered and non-upgradable
- No touch screen or pencil support
Dell XPS 14 (2024)
Reasons to choose it
- Dedicated NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU in a compact 14.5-inch footprint
- Vibrant 3.2K 120Hz InfinityEdge OLED touch display
- High-quality quad-speaker array with deep bass response
Worth considering
- Heavier than typical 14-inch ultrabooks at 3.7 lb (1.68 kg)
- 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 Pro 14" (M4 Pro)
3-Year Estimated Total$1,999
Dell XPS 14
3-Year Estimated Total$1,729
Commuter Portability & Lap Comfort Check
Real-world travel weight including chargers, bag fit, and lap thermals.
Backpack Sleeve Compatibility
Apple
Fits standard 14" backpack laptop compartments
Dell
Standard laptop bag sleeve
Lap Ergonomics & Vent Placement
Apple
Side intake vents with rear exhaust; rare fan ramp on lap
Dell
Standard hinge exhaust
Total Travel Weight (Chassis + Charger)
Apple
3.50 lb laptop + 70W/96W brick = ~4.3 lb total carry
Dell
Standard carry weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Apple: What to watch for
- Ergonomics
Sharp front perimeter chassis edge can press into wrists.
Dell: What to watch for
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 Pro 14" (M4 Pro) or the Dell XPS 14?
Dell XPS 14 costs $300 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro) or Dell XPS 14?
MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro) has this deal-breaker: no touchscreen. No pen or touch input for marking up PDFs or sketching.
Which is better for travel, the MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro) or the Dell XPS 14?
For travel, buy the MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro). Leads 4 of 4 rankable travel specs. Claimed battery life: Up to 24 hours video playback vs Up to 12 hours
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 29 specs tracked here, 20 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.