Dell XPS 15 (2025)
Core Ultra 9 · RTX 4070 · 15.6″ OLED
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Dell XPS 15 (2025) lands at 90 and MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Dell XPS 15 (2025) if…
- ✓Stunning 15.6″ OLED
- ✓Best-in-class build
- ✓Solid creator performance
Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) if…
- ✓Outstanding battery under load
- ✓XDR mini-LED display
- ✓Silent sustained performance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on cpu (97 vs 92).
Battery life
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on battery (96 vs 80).
Portability
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on portability (88 vs 86).
Display
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on display (98 vs 96).
Value for money
Dell XPS 15 (2025)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Dell XPS 15 (2025) more score per dollar ($2,499 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 15 (2025) | MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H | — |
| GPU | RTX 4070 Laptop | — |
| RAM | Up to 64 GB | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified |
| Storage | Up to 4 TB | ▲ Up to 8 TB SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ OLED 3456×2160 | ▲ 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz |
| Weight | ▲ 1.92 kg | 2.14 kg |
| Chip | — | Apple M4 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU) |
| Battery | — | 100 Wh |
| Ports | — | 3× TB5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 |
| OS | — | macOS 15 |
Dell XPS 15 (2025)
- +Stunning 15.6″ OLED
- +Best-in-class build
- +Solid creator performance
- −Thermals can spike
- −Only 2× USB-C
- −Battery trails MacBook
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
- +Outstanding battery under load
- +XDR mini-LED display
- +Silent sustained performance
- −Premium pricing
- −Limited gaming library
- −Ports starboard-heavy
FAQ: Dell XPS 15 (2025) vs MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Which is better, Dell XPS 15 (2025) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Dell XPS 15 (2025) worth the price? +
At $2,499, Dell XPS 15 (2025) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in display.
Is MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in display.
Does Dell XPS 15 (2025) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, Dell XPS 15 (2025) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on cpu (97 vs 92). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, Dell XPS 15 (2025) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on battery (96 vs 80). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.