Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) vs Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the premium option here, but don't overlook the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, which offers a high-refresh display. The XPS 13's specs deliver a compelling experience with its 120Hz refresh rate and sleek design that might just sway you. However, the XPS 13's 2880 x 1800 resolution crushes the Air's 2560 x 1664, providing a sharper visual experience for creative work or binge-watching your favorite shows. Key specs: Display: 13.6" vs 13.4" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H are high-end laptops competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple MacBook | Dell XPS |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (1,823 reviews) | 4.5★ (63 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing | Ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest |
| Main Drawback | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) | 3K OLED option is locked to 60Hz, unlike the 120Hz IPS panels |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Air (Dual fans with heat pipes)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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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)
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) | Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,823)Amazon | ★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)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
No (Unified Memory architecture)
Pros
- Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
Cons
- Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Air (Dual fans with heat pipes)
16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s)
No (Soldered)
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
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
Which one is better?
Grab the XPS 13 if you want a superior display with sharper resolution and 120Hz refresh rate - it's lighter too.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you need longer battery life for all-day use, prefer macOS, or want to connect two external monitors. (13.6" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H if: you prioritize a higher resolution display, enjoy a modern design, or want a more responsive keyboard with tactile feedback. (13.4" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,823 reviews vs 63
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Significantly faster M3 Priority
Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Ultra-modern, minimalist design Priority
Ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest
→ Choose Dell XPS
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) or Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H wins if you value ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) and Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H?
Key differences: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) offers significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, while Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H stands out with ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest. Consider that Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) base model starts with only 8gb ram and 256gb storage (slow ssd speeds on 256gb). Meanwhile, Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 3k oled option is locked to 60hz, unlike the 120hz ips panels. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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