Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB
Core Ultra 9 · 32GB · 2024
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD
M3 Max · 16GB · 2023 · 512GB SSD
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB lands at 91 and MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD at 93. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD ahead by 2 points — a narrow 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 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB 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 · 512GB SSDCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD leads on cpu (93 vs 91).
Battery life
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSDUnplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD leads on battery (83 vs 81).
Portability
Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GBWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB leads on portability (84 vs 82).
Display
TiePanel quality for creative and media work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
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 $3,199).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB | MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | ▲ Core Ultra 9 | M3 Max |
| RAM | ▲ 32GB | 16GB |
| Release year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Storage | — | 512GB SSD |
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 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB vs MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD
Which is better, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD worth the price? +
At $3,199, MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in cpu.
Does Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB 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 16 (9640) · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD — leads on cpu (93 vs 91). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, Dell XPS 16 (9640) · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD — leads on battery (83 vs 81). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.