Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB
Core Ultra 9 · 16GB · 2024
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
MacBook Air 13" (M5) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB lands at 91 and MacBook Air 13" (M5) at 94. That puts MacBook Air 13" (M5) ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Air 13" (M5) if…
- ✓10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- ✓16 GB unified memory baseline
- ✓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 13" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 81).
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 84).
Display
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $1,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB | MacBook Air 13" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core Ultra 9 | — |
| RAM | 16GB | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) |
| Storage | — | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Display | — | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | — | 1.23 kg |
| Ports | — | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
- +10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- +16 GB unified memory baseline
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −No ProMotion 120 Hz display
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −Two ports total
FAQ: Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB vs MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Which is better, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (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 worth the price? +
At $1,999, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Air 13" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,099, MacBook Air 13" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in portability.
Does Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB or MacBook Air 13" (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 or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 81). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on portability (96 vs 84). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.