Battle of the Ultrabooks: Which is the Best MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 Plus?
What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the MacBook Air M2 and the XPS 13 Plus to help you make an informed decision.
- However, if you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, a wider selection of ports, and a haptic touchpad, the XPS 13 Plus is a strong contender.
- The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a higher resolution OLED display, while the MacBook Air M2 has a Liquid Retina display with better color accuracy.
In the realm of premium ultraportable laptops, the Apple MacBook Air M2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus stand as formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and impressive displays. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the MacBook Air M2 and the XPS 13 Plus to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air M2 inherits the iconic wedge-shaped design of its predecessor, featuring a slim profile and a durable aluminum unibody construction. In contrast, the XPS 13 Plus adopts a more minimalist approach with its zero-step edge-to-edge display and a CNC-machined aluminum chassis. Both laptops are incredibly thin and lightweight, making them ideal for on-the-go professionals.
Display
The MacBook Air M2 boasts a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels. It offers excellent color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. The XPS 13 Plus features a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. It delivers stunning visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors, but its glossy finish can be prone to reflections.
Performance
The MacBook Air M2 is powered by Apple’s M2 chip, which offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor. It features an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, providing ample power for everyday tasks and demanding workloads. The XPS 13 Plus is equipped with Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, which are also highly capable. However, the M2 chip has been praised for its superior efficiency and battery life.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops. The MacBook Air M2 delivers exceptional battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. The XPS 13 Plus offers respectable battery life, lasting around 12 hours with moderate usage.
Connectivity
The MacBook Air M2 features a limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports and a headphone jack. The XPS 13 Plus goes a step further with three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports but lacks a dedicated headphone jack. Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The MacBook Air M2 retains the Magic Keyboard with a scissor-switch mechanism, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The XPS 13 Plus introduces a new haptic touchpad that replaces traditional physical buttons. While it offers a sleek and modern look, some users may prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons.
Software
The MacBook Air M2 runs on macOS Ventura, which offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of apps, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. The XPS 13 Plus comes pre-installed with Windows 11, providing compatibility with a vast library of software and peripherals.
Price and Value
The MacBook Air M2 starts at $1,199, while the XPS 13 Plus starts at $1,299. Both laptops offer a premium experience, but the MacBook Air M2 provides better value for money thanks to its superior performance and battery life.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The choice between the MacBook Air M2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, battery life, and a sleek design, the MacBook Air M2 is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, a wider selection of ports, and a haptic touchpad, the XPS 13 Plus is a strong contender.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
In addition to the MacBook Air M2 and the XPS 13 Plus, there are several other ultraportable laptops worth considering. These include the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, the Lenovo Yoga 9i, and the HP Spectre x360. Each of these devices offers unique features and advantages, so it’s important to research and compare them carefully before making a decision.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a higher resolution OLED display, while the MacBook Air M2 has a Liquid Retina display with better color accuracy.
2. Which laptop is more portable?
Both laptops are extremely portable, but the MacBook Air M2 is slightly lighter and thinner.
3. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The MacBook Air M2 has significantly better battery life than the XPS 13 Plus.
4. Which laptop is more powerful?
The MacBook Air M2 has a more powerful M2 chip, while the XPS 13 Plus offers Intel‘s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors.
5. Which laptop is better for students?
Both laptops are suitable for students, but the MacBook Air M2 is a more affordable option with excellent battery life and performance.
