Dell Precision 5480 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M3)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Dell Precision 5480 | MacBook Pro 14 (M3) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 11,500 | 11,800 | -2.5% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-13500H | Apple M3 | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Integrated 10-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 14.0" 1920x1200 | 14.2" 3024x1964 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 10 | 16 | -37.5% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.48 | 1.55 | -4.5% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 16GB / 512GB | 8GB / 512GB | — |
| Max configuration | 32GB / 1024GB | 16GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $2,300–$4,400 | $1,599–$1,999 | +43.8% |
- MacBook Pro 14 (M3) is about 3% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M3) lasts longer on battery (16h vs 10h).
- Dell Precision 5480 is the more portable at 1.48 kg.
Verdict: Precision 5480 or MacBook Pro 14 (M3)?
Dell Precision 5480 advantages
- Portability (+5%)
- Base memory (+50%)
MacBook Pro 14 (M3) advantages
- Battery life (+38%)
- Affordability (+30%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M3) if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you run heavy multitasking, VMs or large projects.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 14 (M3) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Dell Precision 5480 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M3): 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 (M3) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2023) with the Apple M3 and Integrated 10-Core GPU, 8GB RAM, a 14.2-inch 3024x1964 display, 1.55 kg and about 16 h battery; from $1,599.
Dell Precision 5480 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M3): MacBook Pro 14 (M3) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 14 (M3) is about 3% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M3) lasts longer on battery (16h vs 10h). Dell Precision 5480 is the more portable at 1.48 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 14 (M3) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (11,800 vs 11,500), pairing the Apple M3 with Integrated 10-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 1.55 kg), and the MacBook Pro 14 (M3) lasts longer unplugged (about 16 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 8 GB / 512 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 (M3)?
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 (M3) is about 3% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M3) lasts longer on battery (16h vs 10h).
What is the main difference between the Dell Precision 5480 and the MacBook Pro 14 (M3)?
MacBook Pro 14 (M3) is about 3% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M3) lasts longer on battery (16h vs 10h). Dell Precision 5480 is the more portable at 1.48 kg.
Which is better value?
MacBook Pro 14 (M3) 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 (M3) if long unplugged battery life is essential.
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.