MacBook Pro 14 (M3) vs Dell Precision 5480
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MacBook Pro 14 (M3) | Dell Precision 5480 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 11,800 | 11,500 | +2.6% |
| Processor | Apple M3 | Intel Core i5-13500H | — |
| Graphics | Integrated 10-Core GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | — |
| Display | 14.2" 3024x1964 | 14.0" 1920x1200 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 16 | 10 | +60.0% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.55 | 1.48 | +4.7% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 512GB | 16GB / 512GB | — |
| Max configuration | 16GB / 1024GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | macOS | Windows 11 Pro | — |
| Price (USD) | $1,599–$1,999 | $2,300–$4,400 | -30.5% |
- 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: MacBook Pro 14 (M3) or Precision 5480?
MacBook Pro 14 (M3) advantages
- Battery life (+38%)
- Affordability (+30%)
Dell Precision 5480 advantages
- Portability (+5%)
- Base memory (+50%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M3) if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M3) if you want the best value.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 14 (M3) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
MacBook Pro 14 (M3) vs Dell Precision 5480: which should you choose?
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 — 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) vs Dell Precision 5480: 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 ultrabook/creator versus a mainstream 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 8 GB / 512 GB and 16 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 MacBook Pro 14 (M3) better than the Dell Precision 5480?
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 MacBook Pro 14 (M3) and the Dell Precision 5480?
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 MacBook Pro 14 (M3) if long unplugged battery life is essential. Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you carry it around all day.
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.