Dell XPS 13 9300 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Dell XPS 13 9300 | MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 3,800 | 15,200 | -75.0% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G1 | Apple M2 Max | — |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated 38-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 13.4" 1920x1200 | 16.2" 3456x2234 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 11.5 | 17 | -32.4% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.20 | 2.15 | -44.2% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 256GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 32GB / 1024GB | 64GB / 2048GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $999–$1,899 | $3,499–$4,299 | -71.4% |
- MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) is about 75% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 11.5h).
- Dell XPS 13 9300 is the more portable at 1.20 kg.
Verdict: XPS 13 9300 or MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max)?
Dell XPS 13 9300 advantages
- Portability (+44%)
- Affordability (+71%)
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+75%)
- Battery life (+32%)
- Base memory (+75%)
- Screen size (+17%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Dell XPS 13 9300 if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Dell XPS 13 9300 if you want the best value.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Dell XPS 13 9300 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max): which should you choose?
Dell XPS 13 9300 — Dell ultrabook/creator laptop (2020) with the Intel Core i5-1035G1 and Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 13.4-inch 1920x1200 display, 1.2 kg and about 11.5 h battery; from $999.
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2023) with the Apple M2 Max and Integrated 38-Core GPU, 32GB RAM, a 16.2-inch 3456x2234 display, 2.15 kg and about 17 h battery; from $3,499.
Dell XPS 13 9300 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max): MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) is about 75% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 11.5h). Dell XPS 13 9300 is the more portable at 1.20 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (15,200 vs 3,800), pairing the Apple M2 Max with Integrated 38-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick.
Portability and battery
The Dell XPS 13 9300 is easier to carry at 1.20 kg (vs 2.15 kg), and the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) lasts longer unplugged (about 17 h vs 11.5 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 8 GB / 256 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 XPS 13 9300 better than the MacBook Pro 16 (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 16 (M2 Max) is about 75% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 11.5h).
What is the main difference between the Dell XPS 13 9300 and the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max)?
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) is about 75% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 11.5h). Dell XPS 13 9300 is the more portable at 1.20 kg.
Which is better value?
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Dell XPS 13 9300 if you carry it around all day. Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (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.