Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD
Core Ultra 9 · 16GB · 2024 · 2TB SSD
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
M5 · 15.3″ Liquid Retina · 1.51 kg
MacBook Air 15" (M5) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD lands at 91 and MacBook Air 15" (M5) at 94. That puts MacBook Air 15" (M5) ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Air 15" (M5) if…
- ✓Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- ✓10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 81).
Portability
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on portability (88 vs 84).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on display (90 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $2,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD | MacBook Air 15" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core Ultra 9 | — |
| RAM | 16GB | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Storage | 2TB SSD | ▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Display | — | 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | — | 1.51 kg |
| Ports | — | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
- +Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- +10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −Heavier at 1.51 kg
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −No ProMotion
FAQ: Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD vs MacBook Air 15" (M5)
Which is better, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD or MacBook Air 15" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD worth the price? +
At $2,499, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Air 15" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,299, MacBook Air 15" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in battery.
Does Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD or MacBook Air 15" (M5) 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 battery life, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD or MacBook Air 15" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 81). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB · 2TB SSD or MacBook Air 15" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on portability (88 vs 84). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.