Dell XPS 13 Plus vs. Apple MacBook Air M1

The Dell XPS 13 Plus represents half of the brand new 13-inch XPS lineup, providing the next efficiency and extra modern machine in comparison with the extra inexpensive XPS 13. Each are among the many best laptops in the marketplace. Apple’s MacBook Air M1 is the old-school selection, hanging onto an inexpensive design that’s been refined over a few years into one of many best MacBooks you should buy.

Whereas the XPS 13 Plus is dearer than the MacBook Air M1, the distinction isn’t great. Due to this fact, for those who’re in search of a transportable powerhouse, you’ll seemingly have them each in your shortlist. However which is healthier?

Specs

Value and configurations

Design

There’s no faulting the MacBook Air M1’s design, on condition that its tapered chassis kicked off the skinny and lightweight laptop computer development. The brand new MacBook Air M2 adopts the blockier look of the latest MacBook Professionals, however there’s nothing improper with the unique aluminum machine. And the construct high quality is second to none. The XPS 13 Plus seems rather a lot like earlier XPS 13 fashions on the surface, with a streamlined aluminum chassis with double anodized chrome edges. Open it up, although, and Dell’s newest has a futuristic look because of an edge-to-edge keyboard, LED perform keys, and clean glass palm relaxation with a hidden touchpad. It, too, is extremely well-built, and selecting between these two laptops on their designs comes right down to very personalised tastes.

Talking of keyboards, the XPS 13 Plus has massive keycaps and a cushty format, with switches that aren’t terribly deep however present a handy guide a rough, exact response. The MacBook Air M1, nonetheless, sports activities Apple’s Magic Keyboard, and it’s one of the best round. The switches are additionally shallow however present an much more exact really feel with wonderful suggestions. You’ll be able to sort shortly and precisely on each keyboards, however the MacBook’s is healthier. Each laptops even have haptic touchpads, and Dell’s model is responsive throughout the whole floor and mimics bodily buttons. The MacBook Air’s Drive Touchpad, once more, is even higher, benefiting from Apple’s years of expertise with the expertise. The XPS 13 Plus has LED perform keys that don’t present any benefit for customers however slightly exist to maintain the chassis skinny.

Each laptops are restricted to simply two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, however the MacBook Air M1 retains the three.5mm audio jack that the XPS 13 Plus dropped. On the identical time, the Dell has extra up-to-date wi-fi connectivity. One XPS 13 Plus benefit is its capability to natively drive two exterior shows whereas the MacBook Air M1 is restricted to only one.

Lastly, each machines have 720p webcams which are behind the curve, whereas the XPS 13 Plus incorporates an infrared digicam for Home windows 11 Hi there passwordless login by way of facial recognition. The MacBook Air M1 makes use of a Contact ID fingerprint reader on the facility button. Each strategies work shortly and reliably for logging in.

Efficiency

	Dell XPS 13 Plus (Core i7-1280P)	Apple MacBook Air M1 (M1)
Geekbench 5 (single / multi)	Bal: 1,316 / 8,207 Perf: N/A	Bal: 1,727 / 7,585 Perf: N/A
Handbrake (seconds)	Bal: 170 Perf: 94	Bal: 156 Perf: N/A
Cinebench R23 (single / multi)	Bal: 1,311/ 6,308 Perf: 1,650 / 7,530	Bal: 1,479 / 6,680 Perf: N/A

Show and audio

The MacBook Air M1 has a 13.3-inch 16:10 Liquid Retina IPS show operating at 2,560 x 1600. It’s nice for productiveness work, with sufficient brightness and distinction and respectable colours. The XPS 13 Plus’s 13.4-inch 3456 x 2160 OLED contact panel is spectacular, nonetheless. It’s simply as vivid however boasts extremely large and correct colours and deep distinction with inky blacks.

You can even go for Full HD+ non-touch and contact IPS shows and a UHD+ contact IPS show with the XPS 13 Plus. There’s little doubt, although, that the OLED show is superior for productiveness, creativity, and media streaming wants. Notice the enormous distinction in distinction within the desk beneath; OLED shows are in a complete different league.

	Dell XPS 13 Plus (OLED)	Apple MacBook Air M1 (IPS)
Brightness (nits)	386	389
AdobeRGB gamut	99%	100%
sRGB gamut	100%	79%
Accuracy (DeltaE, decrease is healthier)	0.83	1.29
Distinction ratio	386,030:1	1,130:1

Each laptops have twin audio system that pump out clear sound with adequate quantity. You’ll need a pair of headphones to greatest get pleasure from your TV exhibits and flicks with each.

Portability

The XPS 13 Plus is smaller in all dimensions than the MacBook Air M1, and simply barely lighter. Nonetheless, each laptops are small and lightweight sufficient to hold wherever.

The place the MacBook takes house a robust win is within the effectivity of Apple’s M1 processor. In our internet searching and native video battery checks, the MacBook Air M1 nearly doubled the XPS 13 Plus’s longevity and can final for greater than a day’s work whereas the Dell will want a recharge to make it properly previous lunch.

	Dell XPS 13 Plus (Core i7-1280P)	Apple MacBook Air M1 (M1)
Internet searching	8 hours, 0 minutes	14 hours, 34 minutes
Video	9 hours, 20 minutes	18 hours, 28 minutes

The MacBook Air M1 is easier however cheaper