MacBook Pro M3 VS Dell XPS 15

Published October 12, 2025 • 10 min read • 4 views

Head-to-Head Comparison

MacBook Pro M3
MacBook Pro M3
$1999
Price at launch or current MSRP
Overall Winner
Dell XPS 15
Dell XPS 15
$1899
Price at launch or current MSRP

The MacBook Pro M3 and the Dell XPS 15 are both high-end laptops with powerful processors, excellent displays, and robust build qualities. However, they cater to different user preferences. The MacBook Pro is favored for its seamless macOS integration and superior battery life, whereas the Dell XPS 15 shines in display quality and camera performance.

Quick Specs Comparison

Specification MacBook Pro M3 Dell XPS 15
Display Size 14 inches 15.6 inches
Processor M3 Pro or M3 Max Intel Core i7-9750H
RAM 8GB - 64GB 16 GB
Storage Options 512GB - 8TB 512GB - 2TB
Main Camera 10MP 48MP (dual cameras)
Battery 79.7 watt-hours 63 Whr
Charging Speed 96W USB-C Power Adapter 45W charger
Weight 1.7 lb (14-inch model) 4.3 lbs
Price $1999 $1899

Overall Scores

MacBook Pro M3

9.5
WINNER
Performance 9.8/10
Camera 7/10
Display 8.3/10
Battery 9.2/10
Build Quality 9.5/10
Software 10/10
Value 8.8/10

Dell XPS 15

9
RUNNER-UP
Performance 9.4/10
Camera 9.5/10
Display 10/10
Battery 8.5/10
Build Quality 9.2/10
Software 7.5/10
Value 7.8/10

Detailed Analysis

Design & Build Quality

Winner: MacBook Pro M3

The MacBook Pro M3 boasts a sleek, lightweight design with aluminum construction that offers durability and portability. The XPS 15 is also well-built but slightly heavier.

Display Quality

Winner: Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 features a superior OLED display with wide color gamut and high contrast ratio, making it ideal for content creators. However, the MacBook Pro M3's Retina Display is also highly impressive.

Performance

Winner: MacBook Pro M3

The MacBook Pro M3, powered by Apple’s M3 chip, offers superior performance and efficiency compared to the Dell XPS 15's Intel processor. The MacBook handles demanding tasks effortlessly.

Camera System

Winner: Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 includes a high-resolution dual camera setup, ideal for video calls and photography. The MacBook Pro M3's single camera is still good but not on par with the XPS 15.

Battery Life

Winner: MacBook Pro M3

The MacBook Pro M3 has a longer battery life, lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge, compared to the XPS 15's average performance of around 8 to 9 hours.

Software & Ecosystem

Winner: MacBook Pro M3

The MacBook Pro runs macOS, which offers a seamless user experience and integrates well with other Apple devices. The Dell XPS 15's Windows OS is solid but lacks the cohesive ecosystem of macOS.

Final Verdict

The MacBook Pro M3 emerges as a winner due to its superior performance, battery life, and seamless software integration. However, the Dell XPS 15 offers excellent display quality and camera capabilities.

Choose MacBook Pro M3 if:

  • Superior performance with M3 chip
  • Longer battery life
  • Seamless macOS ecosystem
  • Lightweight and durable design

Choose Dell XPS 15 if:

  • Excellent OLED display
  • High-resolution dual camera setup
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Affordable pricing compared to MacBook Pro M3

Where to Buy

MacBook Pro M3

$1999

Price at launch or current MSRP

Dell XPS 15

$1899

Price at launch or current MSRP

Prices may vary by retailer and configuration