Dell
Dell XPS 16 (2024)
Laptops
$2,199List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Dell XPS 16 (2024) vs MacBook Air 13" (M3)
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
MacBook Air 13" (M3)
Laptops
$1,099List 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 16.
- Leads 5 of 9 rankable overall specs; MacBook Air 13" (M3) takes 4.
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x vs 16 GB unified memory
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: 16.3 inches vs 13.6 inches
MacBook Air 13" (M3) is $1,100 cheaper. Pay the difference only if memory matters to you.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the Dell XPS 16 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 16 (2024) | MacBook Air 13" (M3) |
|---|---|---|
| SizeDisplay | 16.3 inches | 13.6 inches |
| PanelDisplay | OLED touch | Liquid Retina IPS LED |
| ProcessorPerformance | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Apple M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| MemoryPerformance | 32GB LPDDR5x | 16 GB unified memory |
| Claimed battery lifeBattery | ~8–12 hours mixed use | Up to 18 hours Apple TV app / 15 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 16 (2024)
Reasons to choose it
- 3.2K OLED touchscreen
- Windows software and game compatibility
- Carbon-fiber / aluminum build
Worth considering
- Battery life trails the MacBook
- Can get warm under load
- No MagSafe-style magnetic charge by default
MacBook Air 13" (M3)
Reasons to choose it
- Exceptional battery life (up to 18 hours)
- Fanless completely silent operation
- Compact lightweight design (2.7 lb)
Worth considering
- Supports only up to two external displays with lid closed
- Base model starts at 256GB storage
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
What three years could cost
Dell XPS 16
3-Year Estimated Total$2,199
MacBook Air 13" (M3)
3-Year Estimated Total$1,124
Commuter Portability & Lap Comfort Check
Real-world travel weight including chargers, bag fit, and lap thermals.
Backpack Sleeve Compatibility
Dell
Requires dedicated 16" laptop bag compartment
Apple
Ultra-thin 0.44 in profile; slips into any bag sleeve
Lap Ergonomics & Vent Placement
Dell
Vapor chamber exhausts rear; heavy GPU workload warms lap
Apple
Fanless zero-noise design; stays comfortably cool on lap
Total Travel Weight (Chassis + Charger)
Dell
4.70 lb laptop + 130W brick = ~5.8 lb total carry
Apple
2.70 lb laptop + 35W dual charger = ~3.2 lb total carry
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 16 or the MacBook Air 13" (M3)?
MacBook Air 13" (M3) costs $1,100 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Dell XPS 16 or MacBook Air 13" (M3)?
MacBook Air 13" (M3) 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 16 or the MacBook Air 13" (M3)?
For travel, buy the MacBook Air 13" (M3). Leads 3 of 3 rankable travel specs. Claimed battery life: Up to 18 hours Apple TV app / 15 hours… vs ~8–12 hours mixed use
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.