Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD
Core Ultra 7 · 16GB · 2024 · 1TB SSD
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
M3 Max · 16GB · 2023 · 2TB SSD
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD lands at 89 and MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD at 93. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSDCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD leads on cpu (93 vs 89).
Battery life
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSDUnplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD leads on battery (83 vs 79).
Portability
Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSDWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD leads on portability (86 vs 82).
Display
TiePanel quality for creative and media work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSDSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD more score per dollar ($1,899 vs $3,699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD | MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | ▲ Core Ultra 7 | M3 Max |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Release year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | ▲ 2TB SSD |
Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD vs MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
Which is better, Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD worth the price? +
At $1,899, Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD worth the price? +
At $3,699, MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in cpu.
Does Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD 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 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD — leads on cpu (93 vs 89). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, Dell XPS 14 (9440) · 16GB · 1TB SSD or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD — leads on battery (83 vs 79). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.