Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB
Core Ultra 9 · 32GB · 2024
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 16 (9640) · 32GB lands at 91 and MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
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 91).
Battery life
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on battery (96 vs 81).
Portability
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on portability (88 vs 84).
Display
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on display (98 vs 86).
Value for money
Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GBSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB more score per dollar ($2,299 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB | MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core Ultra 9 | — |
| RAM | 32GB | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M4 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU) |
| Storage | — | Up to 8 TB SSD |
| Display | — | 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz |
| Weight | — | 2.14 kg |
| Battery | — | 100 Wh |
| Ports | — | 3× TB5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 |
| OS | — | macOS 15 |
Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
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 16 (9640) · 32GB vs MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Which is better, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB worth the price? +
At $2,299, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in cpu.
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 16 (9640) · 32GB 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 16 (9640) · 32GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on cpu (97 vs 91). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on battery (96 vs 81). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.