Let’s break it down across performance, design, battery life, and overall value to help you make the right investment.
Performance: MacBook Pro M3 vs. Dell XPS 15 (2025)
The MacBook Pro M3 features Apple’s new 3nm M3 chip, designed for creators running Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Xcode. The M3 Max variant offers up to 40 GPU cores and 128GB unified memory, ideal for video editing, animation, and music production.
The Dell XPS 15 (2025) counters with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU—offering better compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Premiere Pro and After Effects. Its discrete GPU gives it an edge in 3D rendering, gaming, and machine learning workflows.
Learn more about Apple’s M3 chip architecture from Apple’s official newsroom.
Verdict: Choose MacBook for macOS-optimized workflows and unmatched battery life; go with Dell if you rely on GPU-heavy Windows apps.
Display & Design: Retina XDR vs. OLED
MacBook Pro M3 offers a 14.2- or 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1,600 nits peak brightness, ideal for HDR content creators. Apple’s mini-LED tech provides excellent color accuracy and sharp contrast.
The Dell XPS 15 (2025) comes with a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touch display, offering stunning blacks and color vibrancy. Its near-borderless InfinityEdge design is perfect for immersive viewing.
Verdict: The MacBook offers a brighter, color-accurate screen; Dell brings OLED beauty and touch capability.
Battery Life: M3 Efficiency Beats Windows Again
When it comes to longevity, the MacBook Pro M3 dominates with up to 22 hours of usage on a single charge, thanks to its energy-efficient Apple Silicon.
The Dell XPS 15 (2025) lasts up to 12-13 hours, which is good for a high-performance Windows laptop but still falls short for all-day creators.
Verdict: If portability and battery life are key, MacBook is the clear winner.
Ports & Ecosystem: Apple vs. Windows Flexibility
MacBook Pro M3 brings back HDMI, SD card slots, and supports Thunderbolt 4. Combined with iCloud, AirDrop, and handoff features, it creates a seamless Apple ecosystem for creators using iPhones and iPads.
Dell XPS 15 (2025) offers Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, and a full-size SD card reader. It’s more open to peripherals and gaming accessories, making it better for users who need Windows flexibility.
Also read Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2025 on our blog.
Verdict: Apple wins on seamless integration; Dell wins on hardware flexibility.
Pricing and Value
The MacBook Pro M3 starts at $1,999 for the base 14-inch model and climbs up to $3,999+ for the fully specced 16-inch Max version.
The Dell XPS 15 starts around $1,699, offering similar performance at a more accessible price point. However, high-end configs with the RTX 4070 also cross the $3,000 mark.
Verdict: Dell offers more affordable entry points; MacBook brings long-term ecosystem value.
Final Verdict: Which Laptop Should Creators Buy in 2025?
Both machines are industry-leading, but your choice should reflect your software preferences and workflow.
Choose the MacBook Pro M3 if you prioritize battery life, macOS integration, and optimized creative apps.
Opt for the Dell XPS 15 (2025) if you need powerful GPU performance, Windows flexibility, and a gorgeous OLED touchscreen.
In short, both laptops are winners—your software stack and ecosystem preferences will be the deciding factor.
