Let’s look into the top-tier laptops available today: the MacBook Pro 16 with the newly introduced 5600M graphics card and the Dell XPS 17. These laptops are geared towards high-end users, with prices reflecting their premium status. Let’s explore the MacBook pro 16-inch vs Dell XPS 17, telling us which of these two powerhouse machines offers the best value and performance for your investment.
Design and Build Quality of The MacBook pro 16 inch vs Dell XPS 17
The MacBook pro 16 inch vs Dell XPS 17 are exemplary in terms of design and build quality. The MacBook Pro 16 features an all-aluminum space grey finish that exudes a sense of luxury and durability. On the other hand, the Dell XPS 17 showcases a modern carbon fiber design, which, while slightly thicker and heavier, provides a robust feel.
The MacBook Pro 16 weighs approximately 2 kilograms, making it relatively portable for a high-performance laptop. In contrast, the XPS 17’s weight varies between 2.1 kilograms with a 56Wh battery and 2.5 kilograms with a 97Wh battery. This weight difference can be a significant factor if portability is a key consideration, especially for those who frequently travel or commute with their laptops.
Display and Audio Quality
When it comes to displays, both laptops of the MacBook pro 16 inch vs Dell XPS 17 are equipped with stunning screens that are highly color-accurate and vibrant. The XPS 17 features a 4K+ touchscreen display that supports HDR 500 and Dolby Vision HDR, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals who require high resolution and touch capability. Additionally, the XPS’s screen is noted for its sharper resolution and ability to natively handle 4K content, which is beneficial for both viewing and editing high-definition media.
The MacBook Pro 16, while not offering 4K resolution, boasts a highly sharp display with excellent color accuracy and a peak brightness of 500 nits. The upcoming macOS Big Sur update will add HDR and Dolby Vision support to Safari, enhancing its multimedia capabilities.
Audio performance is another critical aspect where the MacBook Pro 16 excels. The speakers on the MacBook are among the best available on any laptop, delivering rich and immersive sound quality. Unfortunately, the XPS 17 reviewed here experienced speaker issues, which prevented a direct comparison. Users should be aware of potential audio performance variability with the XPS 17, though typically, its speakers are also highly rated.
Keyboard and Ports
The keyboard and touchpad experience on both laptops is exceptional, albeit with subtle differences. The Dell XPS 17’s keyboard offers a softer, rubbery feel, which some users might prefer, while the MacBook Pro 16’s keyboard is characterized by a more refined and premium typing experience. Both laptops feature large, responsive touchpads, with the MacBook’s touchpad standing out due to its superior gesture support in macOS.
Port availability is similar on both devices, with each offering four USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack. However, the Dell XPS 17 includes an additional full-size SD card reader, a feature that is particularly advantageous for video editors and photographers who frequently transfer media from their cameras.
Webcam and Biometric Security
The webcam quality on both laptops is relatively average, with both sporting 720p cameras positioned on the top bezel. The MacBook Pro 16 has a slight edge in camera quality, being less noisy in low-light conditions compared to the XPS 17. Both devices also include fingerprint readers for biometric security, but the XPS 17 adds an extra layer with its Windows Hello IR camera for facial recognition.
Performance
Performance is a crucial area of comparison, especially given the high price tags of these laptops. The Dell XPS 17 is equipped with an Intel i7-10875H processor and an NVIDIA RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU. This combination provides significant power for both creative and professional applications. The review model also includes 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, both of which are user-upgradable, offering future-proofing for users who may need more power down the line.
The MacBook Pro 16, on the other hand, uses last year’s 9th Gen Intel processors but includes the powerful AMD Radeon Pro 5600M GPU. This laptop also comes with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, though these components are not upgradable. Benchmark tests reveal some interesting results:
- In Cinebench R20, the XPS 17 is approximately 5.5% faster.
- Geekbench 5 shows the XPS 17 having a slight edge in single-core performance and a more significant 17.5% lead in multi-core performance.
- For graphics, Geekbench’s OpenCL test indicates the RTX 2060 Max-Q is nearly 80% faster than the 5600M.
However, real-world performance can vary. The MacBook Pro 16 performs better in certain graphics benchmarks like Unigine Valley’s OpenGL test, indicating it’s not just about raw numbers but also software optimization and specific use cases.
Gaming and Video Editing
While gaming is not the primary use case for these laptops, they both offer respectable performance. The XPS 17, with its RTX 2060 Max-Q, handles modern games at high settings and full HD resolution with ease. The MacBook Pro 16 can also game reasonably well, though its primary strength lies in creative applications.
For video editing, the software used can significantly impact performance. Running a 10-minute 4K export test in various editing software provided these results:
- In Premiere Pro, the XPS 17 completed the task in less than half the time of the MacBook Pro 16.
- In DaVinci Resolve, the XPS 17 was also faster, though by a smaller margin.
- Final Cut Pro on the MacBook Pro 16 remains highly optimized, making it a strong contender for users who prefer or require this software.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for many users. The MacBook Pro 16, with its larger 99.9Wh battery and lower resolution display, offers superior battery life, lasting around eight and a half hours of average use. The XPS 17, despite its 97Wh battery, delivers approximately six hours of usage, impacted by its higher resolution 4K display.
Pricing
For MacBook pro 16 inch vs Dell XPS 17, pricing varies significantly based on configuration and region. In the UK, the XPS 17 starts at £2,600, while in the US, it starts at $1,400 for models with integrated graphics. The reviewed model costs £2,750 or $2,850. The MacBook Pro 16 starts at £2,400 or $2,400, with the upgraded model featuring the 5600M GPU costing starts at £3,500 or $3,500. Despite the higher price, the MacBook Pro 16 includes last-gen processors, which may deter some buyers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MacBook pro 16 inch vs Dell XPS 17 are exceptional laptops, each excelling in different areas. The MacBook Pro 16 stands out for its design, audio quality, and optimization for Final Cut Pro. The Dell XPS 17, with its newer processor, higher resolution display, and better upgradeability, is a powerhouse for tasks requiring intense computational power and versatility.
The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize battery life, superior speakers, and the macOS ecosystem, the MacBook Pro 16 is a compelling choice. For those who need a more powerful GPU, a touchscreen, and upgradeable components, the Dell XPS 17 is likely the better option. Both laptops represent the pinnacle of design and performance, ensuring that whichever you choose, you’ll be getting one of the best devices on the market.
