Dell
Dell XPS 13 (2024)
Laptops
$1,299List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Dell XPS 13 (2024) vs MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Laptops
$3,499List 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 Pro 16" (M4 Max).
- Leads 8 of 12 rankable overall specs; Dell XPS 13 takes 4.
- Memory: 36 GB unified memory vs 16 GB LPDDR5x
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.
Claimed battery life: Up to 24 hours video streaming / 17 hours… vs Up to 14 hours
Dell XPS 13 is $2,200 cheaper. Pay the difference only if memory matters to you.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) has no touchscreen. the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) has macOS, not Windows. the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) weighs over 4 lb (1.8 kg). 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 | Dell XPS 13 (2024) | MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| SizeDisplay | 13.4 inches | 16.2 inches |
| PanelDisplay | OLED InfinityEdge touch | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED (nano-texture optional) |
| ProcessorPerformance | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 cores, Intel AI Boost NPU) | Apple M4 Max (16-core CPU: 12 performance + 4 efficiency, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| MemoryPerformance | 16 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s) | 36 GB unified memory (configurable up to 128 GB) |
| Claimed battery lifeBattery | Up to 14 hours (IPS) / ~10 hours (OLED) | Up to 24 hours video streaming / 17 hours wireless web |
Showing 5 of 29 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
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
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Reasons to choose it
- Unrivaled M4 Max CPU/GPU sustained performance
- Liquid Retina XDR with up to 1,600 nits HDR and optional nano-texture glass
- Three high-speed Thunderbolt 5 ports (up to 120 Gb/s)
Worth considering
- Heavy at 4.7 lb (2.14 kg)
- Expensive high-end configuration
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
What three years could cost
Dell XPS 13
3-Year Estimated Total$1,334
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
3-Year Estimated Total$3,499
Commuter Portability & Lap Comfort Check
Real-world travel weight including chargers, bag fit, and lap thermals.
Backpack Sleeve Compatibility
Dell
Ultra-compact 11.6 in footprint (nearly 11" tablet sized)
Apple
Standard laptop bag sleeve
Lap Ergonomics & Vent Placement
Dell
Dual fans exhaust at hinge; bottom can warm up under load
Apple
Standard hinge exhaust
Total Travel Weight (Chassis + Charger)
Dell
2.60 lb laptop + 60W Type-C adapter = ~3.1 lb total carry
Apple
Standard carry weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
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.
Apple: 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 Dell XPS 13 or the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)?
Dell XPS 13 costs $2,200 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)?
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) has this deal-breaker: no touchscreen. No pen or touch input for marking up PDFs or sketching.
Which is better for travel, the Dell XPS 13 or the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)?
Tied on travel. Dell XPS 13 is cheaper. The 4 rankable travel specs split 2 to 2. Saves $2,200 at list price.
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 29 specs tracked here, 17 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.