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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 6, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
The Dell XPS 13 shines with its 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and smoother scrolling experiences. In real-world use, you'll appreciate the MacBook's fanless design, allowing for silent operation during tasks. On the flip side, if you need more storage from the get-go, the XPS comes standard with 512GB, double the MacBook's base model, which may save you from upgrading sooner than later.
📱 Display: 13.6" vs 13.4"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz⚖️ Weight: 43.74 oz vs 41.98 oz
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
★4.9
(2,424)•Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Graphics:Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Passive (Fanless silent design)
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Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
★4.5
(63)•Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Graphics:Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
AI Engine:Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Cooling:Air (Dual fans with heat pipes)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
13.6"Winner
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
13.4"
Refresh Rate
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
60 Hz
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED)Winner
Performance2 specs
RAMKey
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s)Winner
Storage
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer)
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
55 Wh (Integrated)
Design1 specs
Weight
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
1,240 g (2.7 lbs)
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
1,170 g (2.6 lbs) [OLED] / 1,190 g (2.62 lbs) [IPS]Winner
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
macOS (Sonoma or later)
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Windows 11 Home or Pro
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Wi-Fi 7 (Intel Killer BE1750); Bluetooth 5.4
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
★4.9(2,424)Best Buy
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
★4.5(63)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(2,424)Best Buy | ★4.5(63)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU) |
Cooling | Passive (Fanless silent design) | Air (Dual fans with heat pipes) |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture) | No (Soldered) |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot; user-replaceable) |
Display Size | 13.6" | 13.4" |
Resolution | 2560 x 1664 (Native) | Options: 1920x1200 (FHD+), 2560x1600 (QHD+), or 2880x1800 (3K+) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) | 16:10 |
Screen Type | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) | Options: IPS (FHD+/QHD+) or OLED (3K+ Touch) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED) |
Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits (IPS) / 400 nits (OLED) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3) | 100% sRGB (FHD+) / 100% DCI-P3 (QHD+/OLED) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Magic Keyboard) | US English (Zero-lattice) with Capacitive Touch Function Row |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (Ambient light sensor) | Yes |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) | Fingerprint reader (Power button) + IR Face Recognition |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FHD RGB+IR camera |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Data, Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1) |
Video Ports | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) | DisplayPort 2.1 via Thunderbolt 4 |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) | No (Requires USB-C to 3.5mm adapter) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7 (Intel Killer BE1750); Bluetooth 5.4 |
Battery | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 55 Wh (Integrated) |
Charger | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) | 60 W USB-C AC adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) | 1,170 g (2.6 lbs) [OLED] / 1,190 g (2.62 lbs) [IPS] |
Build Material | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure | CNC-machined Aluminum + Gorilla Glass 3 (Victus on OLED) |
Operating System | macOS (Sonoma or later) | Windows 11 Home or Pro |
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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Rating:★4.9(2,424)Best Buy
Processor:Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Graphics:Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
AI Engine:16-core Neural Engine
Cooling:Passive (Fanless silent design)
RAM:8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
RAM Upgrade:No (Unified Memory architecture)
Storage:256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
Storage Upgrade:No (Soldered)
Display Size:13.6"
Resolution:2560 x 1664 (Native)
Aspect Ratio:16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch)
Screen Type:Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Brightness:500 nits
Color Gamut:Wide color (P3)
Keyboard Layout:US English (Magic Keyboard)
Keyboard Backlight:Yes (Ambient light sensor)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint reader)
Webcam:1080p FaceTime HD camera
USB Ports:2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort)
Video Ports:USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed)
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones)
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
Battery:52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer)
Charger:30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs)
Weight:1,240 g (2.7 lbs)
Build Material:100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure
Operating System:macOS (Sonoma or later)
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- • First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
- • Completely silent fanless operation
- • Exceptional build quality with a bright 500-nit P3 display
- • MagSafe 3 charging frees up both Thunderbolt ports for peripherals
✗ Cons:
- • Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
- • Zero user-upgradeability for RAM or storage
- • Thermal throttling can occur under sustained heavy workloads due to lack of fans
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Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Rating:★4.5(63)Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Graphics:Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
AI Engine:Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Cooling:Air (Dual fans with heat pipes)
RAM:16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s)
RAM Upgrade:No (Soldered)
Storage:512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Storage Upgrade:Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot; user-replaceable)
Display Size:13.4"
Resolution:Options: 1920x1200 (FHD+), 2560x1600 (QHD+), or 2880x1800 (3K+)
Aspect Ratio:16:10
Screen Type:Options: IPS (FHD+/QHD+) or OLED (3K+ Touch)
Refresh Rate:120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED)
Brightness:500 nits (IPS) / 400 nits (OLED)
Color Gamut:100% sRGB (FHD+) / 100% DCI-P3 (QHD+/OLED)
Keyboard Layout:US English (Zero-lattice) with Capacitive Touch Function Row
Keyboard Backlight:Yes
Biometrics:Fingerprint reader (Power button) + IR Face Recognition
Webcam:1080p FHD RGB+IR camera
USB Ports:2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Data, Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1)
Video Ports:DisplayPort 2.1 via Thunderbolt 4
Audio Ports:No (Requires USB-C to 3.5mm adapter)
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 7 (Intel Killer BE1750); Bluetooth 5.4
Battery:55 Wh (Integrated)
Charger:60 W USB-C AC adapter
Weight:1,170 g (2.6 lbs) [OLED] / 1,190 g (2.62 lbs) [IPS]
Build Material:CNC-machined Aluminum + Gorilla Glass 3 (Victus on OLED)
Operating System:Windows 11 Home or Pro
✓ Pros:
- • Ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest
- • IPS panel options (FHD+/QHD+) finally support smooth 120Hz refresh rates
- • Exceptional build quality with CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus/3
- • Wi-Fi 7 ready for future-proof wireless connectivity
- • Compact and lightweight (approx 2.6 lbs) for high portability
✗ Cons:
- • 3K OLED option is locked to 60Hz, unlike the 120Hz IPS panels
- • No physical function keys; uses capacitive touch row which lacks tactile feedback
- • Headphone jack (3.5mm) has been removed; requires a dongle
- • Limited I/O with only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports
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Which one is better?
Grab the Dell XPS 13 if you prioritize a higher refresh rate for gaming - it's 120Hz vs 60Hz, providing a smoother experience.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need all-day battery life for travel, you prefer a silent fanless design, or you work with multiple external monitors. (13.6" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H if: you want a higher refresh rate for gaming, you require more base storage, or you value a modern design with a glass palm rest. (13.4" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) excels if you value significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is better if you prioritize ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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