Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch vs Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is the flagship option, delivering a jaw-dropping display with up to 1,600 nits peak brightness. In real-world use, its battery life of 18 hours makes it a must-have for professionals on the go. Meanwhile, the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H offers a more portable profile at 41.27 oz,. Here's the key difference: the MacBook Pro's Liquid Retina XDR display is a game changer for creatives, especially for photography and video editing. With 14.2 inches of stunning visuals, it outshines the Dell's 13.4-inch IPS display, which caps at 500 nits. If you're serious about your work, the Apple MacBook Pro is worth every penny for its exceptional performance and display quality.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
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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
✓ 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
- • Generous port selection including HDMI 2.1, SDXC, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports
- • Excellent build quality available in the new 'Space Black' finish (reduces fingerprints)
- • Battery life remains impressive despite high performance (up to 18 hours video playback)
✗ Cons:
- • Expensive starting price with expensive upgrades for RAM and SSD
- • No user-upgradeable components (RAM and SSD are soldered)
- • The notch at the top of the display cuts into the menu bar area
- • Under maximum load, the fans can become audible (though quieter than most PC laptops)
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Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
✓ 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?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is the better buy for most people - its 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display at 1,600 nits blows away the Dell's 500 nits. That said, grab the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) if you want a lighter laptop at 41.27 oz and prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch if: you need a top-tier display for photo and video editing, want long battery life for all-day usage, or require high performance with up to 128 GB RAM.
Choose the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H if: you want a lightweight laptop for casual use, prefer a more affordable price point, or need a user-replaceable storage option. (13.4" display, 41.98 oz weight)
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 Pro 14-inch excels if you value class-leading liquid retina xdr display with 1,600 nits peak brightness. 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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