Performance: Silicon vs Silicon
Apple’s new M4 chip is built on a 3nm process and packs serious power. With up to 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores, it offers a noticeable jump in speed over the previous M3 line. Multitasking is seamless, 4K video editing is faster, and power efficiency is unmatched. The MacBook M4 boots instantly, handles heavy apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro with ease, and barely breaks a sweat under load.
On the other hand, the Dell XPS 15 (2025) offers Intel’s 14th-gen Core Ultra chips with dedicated NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics (or higher depending on the config). This makes it a better choice for users who rely on GPU-heavy tasks, like 3D rendering or gaming. Windows 11 Pro also brings new AI-powered features that creatives and developers will appreciate.
If you’re into creative workflows on macOS, the MacBook wins in terms of speed and battery efficiency. But for raw graphics power and broader app compatibility, the XPS 15 holds its ground.
Display and Design
The MacBook M4 features a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering 120Hz refresh rates and stunning color accuracy. It’s slim, silent (thanks to fanless design in lower models), and crafted from 100% recycled aluminum.
Meanwhile, the Dell XPS 15 sports a 15.6-inch OLED 4K+ touch display with rich blacks and sharp contrasts. It has a more traditional keyboard layout and includes more ports, including USB-A and SD card slots, which photographers and videographers love.
Both laptops are premium, but the MacBook leans minimalist, while the XPS offers more flexibility and expandability.
Battery Life and Portability
Here’s where Apple shines. The MacBook M4 offers up to 20 hours of battery life, thanks to its energy-efficient chip. It’s also lighter than the XPS 15, making it more travel-friendly.
The Dell XPS 15 gives you around 10-12 hours, depending on workload and screen resolution. While decent, it’s not quite on Apple’s level.
Price: Value for Your Money
Pricing varies depending on specs. The base MacBook M4 starts around $1,699, with higher-end versions exceeding $2,500. You’re paying for tight hardware-software integration and long-term macOS updates.
The XPS 15 starts near $1,499, and maxed-out models can approach $2,800. However, you get more GPU power and broader support for games and legacy software.
Final Verdict
If you’re deep into Apple’s ecosystem and value battery life, efficiency, and sleek design, the MacBook M4 is a smart investment. But if you need a powerful all-rounder with better gaming and port options, the Dell XPS 15 (2025) is hard to beat.
No matter your choice, both laptops deliver serious performance for 2025—and are worth every penny.
