Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB
Core Ultra 9 · 16GB · 2024
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199
MacBook Air 15" (M4) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB lands at 91 and MacBook Air 15" (M4) at 93. That puts MacBook Air 15" (M4) ahead by 2 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 15" (M4) if…
- ✓Silent fanless M4
- ✓Excellent battery
- ✓Huge bright display
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" (M4)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on battery (96 vs 81).
Portability
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on portability (94 vs 84).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M4) more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $1,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB | MacBook Air 15" (M4) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core Ultra 9 | — |
| RAM | 16GB | 16/24/32 GB |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M4 (10C CPU / 10C GPU) |
| Storage | — | 256 GB – 2 TB |
| Display | — | 15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864 |
| Weight | — | 1.51 kg |
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 15" (M4)
- +Silent fanless M4
- +Excellent battery
- +Huge bright display
- −Only 2 TB3 ports
- −Single external display (M4 base)
- −No ProMotion
FAQ: Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB vs MacBook Air 15" (M4)
Which is better, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 15" (M4) worth the price? +
At $1,199, MacBook Air 15" (M4) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.
Does Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB or MacBook Air 15" (M4) 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 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on battery (96 vs 81). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 16GB or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on portability (94 vs 84). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.