What To Know
- In terms of build quality, both laptops are constructed from premium materials, with the MacBook Air featuring an aluminum unibody and the XPS 13 Plus using a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber.
- The MacBook Air M2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, while the XPS 13 Plus offers up to 12 hours of battery life.
- The XPS 13 Plus is more upgradable than the MacBook Air M2, allowing you to replace the battery and other components in the future.
In the realm of 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 battery life. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two exceptional laptops to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air M2 retains the iconic wedge-shaped design of its predecessors, while the XPS 13 Plus takes a more radical approach. Its edge-to-edge display and minimalist design give it a futuristic look. In terms of build quality, both laptops are constructed from premium materials, with the MacBook Air featuring an aluminum unibody and the XPS 13 Plus using a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber.
Display
The MacBook Air M2 has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels. The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, features a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. While both displays offer excellent clarity and color accuracy, the XPS 13 Plus’s OLED panel provides deeper blacks and a wider color gamut.
Performance
The MacBook Air M2 is powered by Apple’s M2 chip, which offers a significant performance boost over the previous M1 chip. The XPS 13 Plus is available with 12th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. In general, the M2 chip provides better performance in most tasks, including content creation, video editing, and gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for ultraportable laptops. The MacBook Air M2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, while the XPS 13 Plus offers up to 12 hours of battery life. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
Connectivity
The MacBook Air M2 has a limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a MagSafe 3 port. The XPS 13 Plus takes minimalism to the extreme, featuring only two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The MacBook Air M2 has a comfortable backlit Magic Keyboard with a scissor-switch mechanism. The XPS 13 Plus has a redesigned keyboard with larger keycaps and a capacitive haptic touchpad that provides a satisfying clicky feel.
Operating System
The MacBook Air M2 runs on macOS Ventura, which offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of productivity apps. The XPS 13 Plus uses Windows 11, which provides a familiar experience for users accustomed to the Windows operating system.
Price
The MacBook Air M2 starts at $1,199, while the XPS 13 Plus starts at $1,299. However, the XPS 13 Plus offers more configuration options, allowing you to customize the laptop to suit your specific needs.
The Ultimate Choice
The choice between the Apple MacBook Air M2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you value performance and battery life, the MacBook Air M2 is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more striking design and a wider port selection, the XPS 13 Plus is worth considering. Both laptops are exceptional ultraportable devices that will meet the needs of demanding users.
Beyond the Conclusion: Additional Considerations
Ecosystem: If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Air M2 will seamlessly integrate with your other devices.
Upgradability: The XPS 13 Plus is more upgradable than the MacBook Air M2, allowing you to replace the battery and other components in the future.
Touchscreen: The XPS 13 Plus offers an optional touchscreen display, while the MacBook Air M2 does not.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better camera?
A: The XPS 13 Plus has a better camera with a 1080p resolution and a wider field of view.
Q: Can I use an external monitor with either laptop?
A: Yes, both laptops support external monitors via their Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: The MacBook Air M2 offers better gaming performance than the XPS 13 Plus due to its more powerful M2 chip.
