Apple
MacBook Pro 16" (2024)
Laptops
$2,499List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
MacBook Pro 16" (2024) vs Dell XPS 16 (2024)
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Dell
Dell XPS 16 (2024)
Laptops
$2,199List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Tied overall. Dell XPS 16 is cheaper.
- The 10 rankable overall specs split 5 to 5.
- Saves $300 at list price.
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.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the Dell XPS 16 has no HDMI port. the Dell XPS 16 has a 60 Hz display.
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 16" (2024) | Dell XPS 16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| SizeDisplay | 16.2 inches | 16.3 inches |
| PanelDisplay | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | OLED touch |
| ProcessorPerformance | Apple M3 Max | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H |
| MemoryPerformance | 36GB unified | 32GB LPDDR5x |
| Claimed battery lifeBattery | Up to 22 hours video | ~8–12 hours mixed use |
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 16" (2024)
Reasons to choose it
- M3 Max sustained performance
- Mini-LED XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion
- 18+ hour video playback battery
Worth considering
- No touchscreen
- Soldered RAM and SSD
- macOS-only software
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
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
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
Requires dedicated 16" laptop bag compartment
Lap Ergonomics & Vent Placement
Apple
Standard hinge exhaust
Dell
Vapor chamber exhausts rear; heavy GPU workload warms lap
Total Travel Weight (Chassis + Charger)
Apple
Standard carry weight
Dell
4.70 lb laptop + 130W brick = ~5.8 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 MacBook Pro 16" or the Dell XPS 16?
Dell XPS 16 costs $300 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the MacBook Pro 16" or Dell XPS 16?
MacBook Pro 16" 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 16" or the Dell XPS 16?
For travel, buy the MacBook Pro 16". Leads 3 of 4 rankable travel specs; Dell XPS 16 takes 1. Claimed battery life: Up to 22 hours video vs ~8–12 hours mixed use
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 29 specs tracked here, 19 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.