Dell XPS 15 (2025)
Core Ultra 9 · RTX 4070 · 15.6″ OLED
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
MacBook Air 13" (M5) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Dell XPS 15 (2025) lands at 90 and MacBook Air 13" (M5) at 94. That puts MacBook Air 13" (M5) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Dell XPS 15 (2025) if…
- ✓Stunning 15.6″ OLED
- ✓Best-in-class build
- ✓Solid creator performance
Pick MacBook Air 13" (M5) if…
- ✓10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- ✓16 GB unified memory baseline
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
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 13" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 80).
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 86).
Display
Dell XPS 15 (2025)Panel quality for creative and media work
Dell XPS 15 (2025) leads on display (96 vs 88).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $2,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 15 (2025) | MacBook Air 13" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H | — |
| GPU | RTX 4070 Laptop | — |
| RAM | ▲ Up to 64 GB | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Storage | Up to 4 TB | ▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Display | ▲ 15.6″ OLED 3456×2160 | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi |
| Weight | 1.92 kg | ▲ 1.23 kg |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 15 hours |
| Ports | — | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
Dell XPS 15 (2025)
- +Stunning 15.6″ OLED
- +Best-in-class build
- +Solid creator performance
- −Thermals can spike
- −Only 2× USB-C
- −Battery trails MacBook
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
- +10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- +16 GB unified memory baseline
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −No ProMotion 120 Hz display
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −Two ports total
FAQ: Dell XPS 15 (2025) vs MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Which is better, Dell XPS 15 (2025) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Dell XPS 15 (2025) worth the price? +
At $2,499, Dell XPS 15 (2025) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in display.
Is MacBook Air 13" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,099, MacBook Air 13" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in portability.
Does Dell XPS 15 (2025) or MacBook Air 13" (M5) 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 15 (2025) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 80). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, Dell XPS 15 (2025) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on portability (96 vs 86). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.