Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch vs Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch crushes the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H in display quality: 3024 x 1964 vs 2880 x 1800. If you're serious about visual work, the Pro's stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1,600 nits peak brightness is a game-changer. Meanwhile, the Dell XPS 13 offers a more compact design and lighter weight, making it a strong fit for portability. So, if you’re after a laptop that excels in performance and graphics, the MacBook Pro is worth every penny, but if you need something lighter for everyday tasks, the Dell XPS 13 has its merits too. Key specs: Display: 14.2" vs 13.4" and Weight: 56.79 oz vs 41.98 oz.
Why compare these? The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (premium flagship) and Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (high-end) represent different approaches to laptops. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple MacBook | Dell XPS |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.9★ (3,372 reviews) | 4.5★ (63 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Class-leading Liquid Retina XDR display with 1,600 nits peak brightness | Ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest |
| Main Drawback | Expensive starting price with expensive upgrades for RAM and SSD | 3K OLED option is locked to 60Hz, unlike the 120Hz IPS panels |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Premium |
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Apple M3 Pro (11 or 12-core) OR Apple M3 Max (14 or 16-core)
Apple M3 Pro (14 or 18-core) OR Apple M3 Max (30 or 40-core)
16-core Neural Engine
Active (Dual fan cooling system)
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 Pro 14-inch vs Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
| Criterion | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch | Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(3,372)Best Buy | ★4.5(63)Best Buy |
Processor | Apple M3 Pro (11 or 12-core) OR Apple M3 Max (14 or 16-core) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) |
Graphics | Apple M3 Pro (14 or 18-core) OR Apple M3 Max (30 or 40-core) | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated) |
AI Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU) |
Cooling | Active (Dual fan cooling system) | Air (Dual fans with heat pipes) |
RAM | 18 GB (M3 Pro) / 36 GB (M3 Max) Unified Memory | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Unified Memory architecture; configurable up to 128GB at purchase) | No (Soldered) |
Storage | 512 GB or 1 TB SSD | 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Storage Upgrade | No (Soldered; configurable up to 8TB at purchase) | Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot; user-replaceable) |
Display Size | 14.2" | 13.4" |
Resolution | 3024 x 1964 (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 XDR (Mini-LED; 10,000+ local dimming zones) | Options: IPS (FHD+/QHD+) or OLED (3K+ Touch) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz (ProMotion) | 120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED) |
Brightness | 1,000 nits (Sustained XDR) / 1,600 nits (Peak HDR) / 600 nits (SDR) | 500 nits (IPS) / 400 nits (OLED) |
Color Gamut | Wide color (P3); True Tone | 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 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Charging; DisplayPort; up to 40Gb/s) | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Data, Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1) |
Video Ports | 1x HDMI 2.1 (Supports up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz) | 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 | 72.4 Wh (Lithium-polymer) | 55 Wh (Integrated) |
Charger | 70W (11-core M3 Pro) or 96W (12-core M3 Pro & M3 Max) USB-C Adapter | 60 W USB-C AC adapter |
Weight | 1,610 g (M3 Pro) / 1,620 g (M3 Max) (3.55 - 3.57 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 Pro 14-inch
Apple M3 Pro (11 or 12-core) OR Apple M3 Max (14 or 16-core)
Apple M3 Pro (14 or 18-core) OR Apple M3 Max (30 or 40-core)
16-core Neural Engine
Active (Dual fan cooling system)
18 GB (M3 Pro) / 36 GB (M3 Max) Unified Memory
No (Unified Memory architecture; configurable up to 128GB at purchase)
Pros
- Class-leading Liquid Retina XDR display with 1,600 nits peak brightness
- M3 Max configuration rivals high-end desktop performance in a portable chassis
Cons
- Expensive starting price with expensive upgrades for RAM and SSD
- No user-upgradeable components (RAM and SSD are soldered)
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?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is the better buy for most people - its 3024 x 1964 display crushes the Dell XPS 13's 2880 x 1800. That said, grab the Dell if you need something lighter; it's lighter and easier to carry around.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch if: you need the best display for photography, you want top-tier performance for video editing, or you require long battery life for all-day use. (14.2" display, 56.79 oz weight)
Choose the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H if: you prefer a lighter laptop for travel, you want a stylish design with modern features, or you need a more budget-friendly option. (13.4" display, 41.98 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.9★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 3,372 reviews vs 63
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Dell XPS
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch edges ahead with a 4.9★ 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 Pro 14-inch or Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H?
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is the better choice if you prioritize class-leading liquid retina xdr display with 1,600 nits peak brightness. 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 (4.9★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch and Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H?
Key differences: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch offers class-leading liquid retina xdr display with 1,600 nits peak brightness, 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 Pro 14-inch expensive starting price with expensive upgrades for ram and ssd. 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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