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MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB — M3 · 16GB · 2024
Apple

MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB

M3 · 16GB · 2024

90
/ 100
From $1,299
VS
Dell XPS 15 (2025) — Core Ultra 9 · RTX 4070 · 15.6″ OLED
Dell

Dell XPS 15 (2025)

Core Ultra 9 · RTX 4070 · 15.6″ OLED

90
/ 100
From $2,499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB lands at 90 and Dell XPS 15 (2025) at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB if…

  • ✓Current-gen silicon
  • ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
  • ✓Manufacturer warranty

Pick Dell XPS 15 (2025) if…

  • ✓Stunning 15.6″ OLED
  • ✓Best-in-class build
  • ✓Solid creator performance
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

Dell XPS 15 (2025)

CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work

Dell XPS 15 (2025) leads on gpu (88 vs 85).

Battery life

Tie

Unplugged endurance for travel and campus

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Portability

Tie

Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Display

Dell XPS 15 (2025)

Panel quality for creative and media work

Dell XPS 15 (2025) leads on display (96 vs 86).

Value for money

MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $2,499).

MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB 90
vs
90 Dell XPS 15 (2025)

Score breakdown

MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB
90
cpu 90
gpu 85
display 86
battery 80
portability 85
Dell XPS 15 (2025)
90
cpu 92
gpu 88
display 96
battery 80
portability 86

Specs side-by-side

MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB versus Dell XPS 15 (2025) — full spec comparison
Spec MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB Dell XPS 15 (2025)
CPU
M3
▲ Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
RAM
16GB
▲ Up to 64 GB
Release year
2024
—
GPU
—
RTX 4070 Laptop
Storage
—
Up to 4 TB
Display
—
15.6″ OLED 3456×2160
Weight
—
1.92 kg

MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB

Pros
  • +Current-gen silicon
  • +Competitive spec-for-dollar
  • +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
  • −Battery varies by config
  • −Some SKUs heavy
  • −RAM often soldered

Dell XPS 15 (2025)

Pros
  • +Stunning 15.6″ OLED
  • +Best-in-class build
  • +Solid creator performance
Cons
  • −Thermals can spike
  • −Only 2× USB-C
  • −Battery trails MacBook

FAQ: MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB vs Dell XPS 15 (2025)

Which is better, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or Dell XPS 15 (2025)? +

Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB worth the price? +

At $1,299, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in cpu.

Is Dell XPS 15 (2025) worth the price? +

At $2,499, Dell XPS 15 (2025) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in display.

Does MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or Dell XPS 15 (2025) 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, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or Dell XPS 15 (2025)? +

Dell XPS 15 (2025) — leads on gpu (88 vs 85). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.

Which is better for display, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or Dell XPS 15 (2025)? +

Dell XPS 15 (2025) — leads on display (96 vs 86). Panel quality for creative and media work.