Dell Precision 5480 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Dell Precision 5480 | MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 11,500 | 15,200 | -24.3% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-13500H | Apple M2 Max | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Integrated 30-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 14.0" 1920x1200 | 14.2" 3024x1964 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 10 | 14 | -28.6% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.48 | 1.60 | -7.5% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 16GB / 512GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 32GB / 1024GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $2,300–$4,400 | $3,099 | -25.8% |
- MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) is about 24% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h).
- Dell Precision 5480 is the more portable at 1.48 kg.
Verdict: Precision 5480 or MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max)?
Dell Precision 5480 advantages
- Portability (+8%)
- Affordability (+26%)
MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+24%)
- Battery life (+29%)
- Base memory (+50%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you want the best value.
Value for money
Dell Precision 5480 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Dell Precision 5480 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max): which should you choose?
Dell Precision 5480 — Dell mainstream laptop (2024) with the Intel Core i5-13500H and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB RAM, a 14-inch 1920x1200 display, 1.48 kg and about 10 h battery; from $2,300.
MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2023) with the Apple M2 Max and Integrated 30-Core GPU, 32GB RAM, a 14.2-inch 3024x1964 display, 1.6 kg and about 14 h battery; from $3,099.
Dell Precision 5480 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max): MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) is about 24% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h). Dell Precision 5480 is the more portable at 1.48 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (15,200 vs 11,500), pairing the Apple M2 Max with Integrated 30-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick. Note these serve different roles — a mainstream versus a ultrabook/creator machine — so raw speed is only part of the story.
Portability and battery
The Dell Precision 5480 is easier to carry at 1.48 kg (vs 1.60 kg), and the MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) lasts longer unplugged (about 14 h vs 10 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 16 GB / 512 GB and 32 GB / 1024 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dell Precision 5480 better than the MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max)?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) is about 24% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h).
What is the main difference between the Dell Precision 5480 and the MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max)?
MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) is about 24% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h). Dell Precision 5480 is the more portable at 1.48 kg.
Which is better value?
Dell Precision 5480 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you carry it around all day. Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.