Apple
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB
M3 · 16GB · 2024
90
/ 100
From $1,299
VS
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
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
| 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.