Although the performance of Dell XPS 13 was not as expected after its release earlier in 2015 and was not able to meet the features of its competitor Apple’s MacBook Pro 13, after incorporating their laptop with Intel Skylake processors the all new Del Xps seems to be an undeniably one of the best Windows laptops in the market. So, which one is better – MacBook or Dell? Let us have a detailed look at their features and their abilities.
MacBook Pro 13 Vs Dell Xps 13
Contents
Design
Both Dell and Apple are brilliant examples of ultraportable laptops, that have been designed flawlessly, although powerful but none without their weakness. The outlook is remarkable, the Dell XPS 13 has a wedge design, carbon-fibre keyboard, slim, a bit sulkier frame of aluminium and soft to touch while the MacBook has a much of a slab like but a classy design splendid in matte silver. Both of them have been crafted well holding on to high-quality in every inch – firm, sturdy and capacitive to everyday knocks and crashes. Weight wise Dell Xps 13 might take a lead here – it weighs 1290 g which is 200 g less in overall volume compared to MacBook that weighs 1580 g. Dell has kept the screen bezels of left, top and right part of the screen to a preposterously thin 5 mm. This also makes MacBook look a bit outmoded in front of Dell.
Screen
Both the laptops are using high DPI IPS LCD panel that is considered the best technically. In terms of sharpness and pixel count, Dell is better compared to MacBook. Although to most eyes there would be hardly any difference seen in terms of crispness but there definitely is a difference in their numbers. Moreover, Dell uses a 16:9 screen while MacBook uses 3:2 ratio aspect display. While Dell could be great to watch movies the latter is definitely a great screen to work on comfortably. Dell features dynamic contrast that adjusts the backlight according to what is displayed on the screen. Although this effect is not refined enough to even been seen most of the time but the problem is that you don’t have the option to turn this feature off. This said Dell has one advantage over MacBook and that is a touchscreen which holds a scratch-proof Gorilla glass.
Keyboard
Overall, keyboards of both the laptops are great to look at as well as smooth under the fingers. Both their keyboards are meant to provide pleasure even if you need to type for long periods. The difference can be seen in their touchpads. While Dell XPS 13 features a small touchpad comprising of average, mechanically integrated buttons of Apple’s MacBook has used the Force Touch technology that responds magically for to various levels of pressure on its wide glass-top touchpad.
Even though Dell features a more mechanical keyboard, the touchpad is smooth, responsive and precise. It just happens that Apple’s touchpad is better, more responsive and a bit high-tech because of the OS X’s integrated multi-touch gesture controls.
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Battery Life and Performance
With the Skylake CPU Dell seems to be a clear winner whereas MacBook still runs on Broadwell chip. However, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in terms of performance in both usability and responsiveness. Boot times and app launch for both seem to be upright. There could be a difference in which configuration you pick for yourself and here Dell could take the lead with Core i7- 6500U while Macbook sticks to 2.9GHz Core i5 Broadwell and Core i7 chips. The MacBook leads in terms of storage with its PCIe that beats Dell when it comes to writing speeds. MacBook clearly lasts for 21 hours 58 minutes at half brightness screen whereas Dell XPS 13’ s screen dies after 11 hours 31 minutes.
Price and Verdict
Dell XPS 13 has been priced at £1,149 inclusive VAT whereas Apple MacBook Pro 13 costs £1,199 inclusive VAT. There is not much of a price difference nor are they, in terms of looks and design, both are wonderful patterns of ultraportable laptops. Those who are looking for a laptop specifically for work should settle for a MacBook while those looking for games and personal use can settle for Dell XPS 13.
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