In 2024, the ongoing debate of Mac vs Windows continues to captivate tech enthusiasts and users alike.
To make a more informed decision, we decided to purchase both—the highest-end 15-inch MacBook Air and the latest Dell XPS 15—within a budget of $2000. We’ve put these two machines head-to-head to answer the ultimate question: which one will reign supreme in 2024?
Table of Contents
Unboxing: First Impressions Matter
Both the MacBook Air and Dell XPS 15 excel in the unboxing experience, but Dell slightly edges out Apple this time. The XPS’s presentation feels premium with machined aluminum and carbon fiber accents, while Apple sticks to its minimalist charm with its color-matched braided MagSafe charger.
Dell takes an initial lead by offering more in the box, including an extra USB-C hub. But Apple’s MagSafe stands out in terms of practicality. Accidentally tripping over the Mac’s power cable won’t yank the laptop off the table, while Dell’s traditional charger can create a high-stakes situation if tugged.
Design & Build: Durability Showdown
Historically, Apple has been praised for its structural integrity, and the 15-inch MacBook Air is no exception, featuring a 100% aluminum enclosure. Surprisingly, the XPS 15 holds its own, also boasting machined aluminum paired with a carbon fiber palm rest. Both laptops feel solid and durable, but neither stands out as vastly superior.
However, when it comes to ports, Dell wins hands-down. Despite being slim, the XPS 15 packs three ultra-fast USB-C ports, an SD card slot, and a security lock port. Apple’s approach to ports is minimalist, offering only two USB-C ports.
Screen & Webcam: Pixels and Clarity
When it comes to display, Apple’s Retina Display remains a showstopper. With a resolution of 2880×1864, it delivers 2.5 times more pixels than Dell’s 1920×1200 display. The glossy MacBook screen excels in color representation and sharpness, making it a better choice for creative professionals like editors and designers.
The MacBook Air also wins the webcam battle. Its 1080p camera is noticeably superior to the 720p camera on the Dell XPS 15, offering better skin tone accuracy, exposure, and consistency.
Performance: Spec Sheet Showdown
Performance is where things get interesting. At first glance, Windows seems like a clear winner in terms of raw specs. The Dell XPS 15 comes with a 13th gen Intel Core i7, which offers 14 cores and can boost up to 5 GHz, compared to the MacBook Air’s M2 chip with just 8 cores.
However, the real magic of Apple’s M2 chip lies in its software optimization. While the Dell might outperform the Mac on benchmark tests, Apple’s custom chip delivers smoother performance in its own apps like Final Cut Pro and Safari, making it an excellent option for day-to-day tasks and creative work.
One significant factor: the MacBook Air maintains its performance even on battery power, while Windows machines, including the XPS, tend to throttle down when unplugged.
Battery Life: The Clear Mac Advantage
The MacBook Air crushes the Dell XPS 15 in the battery life category. While the Dell manages a respectable 7 hours of usage, the MacBook Air boasts an impressive 10 to 12 hours on a single charge. For professionals who work on the go, this can be a game-changer.
Additionally, the MacBook’s efficient M2 chip allows it to fully charge in about 140 minutes with a 30-watt charger, while the Dell’s bulkier 150-watt charger still takes longer to juice up.
Software: Mac OS vs Windows 11
Mac OS Ventura offers a more streamlined, visually cohesive experience, with emphasis on order and simplicity. Windows 11, however, shines in its customization potential. You can theme Windows, tweak settings, and even make it look like a Mac if you want. For users who love to personalize their system, Windows is the clear winner here.
But Mac OS edges out Windows in stability and security. With fewer third-party drivers and more consistent app performance, the Mac feels more reliable. Plus, macOS is historically less susceptible to malware due to its smaller user base compared to Windows, which remains a major target for cyber attacks.
Audio: Clear Victory for Mac
Apple takes a comfortable win in the audio department. Despite having smaller speakers, the MacBook’s six-speaker system delivers cleaner, richer sound, especially for vocals. The Dell’s quad-speaker system is decent but falls short when it comes to reproducing accurate sound, making it less ideal for media creation.
Gaming & Compatibility: The Windows Stronghold
When it comes to gaming, Windows is still king. If gaming is a priority, Dell (or any high-powered Windows gaming machine) is your best bet. The XPS 15 may not be a dedicated gaming rig, but it offers significantly better gaming performance than the MacBook Air.
On the flip side, Mac shines in the creative workspace. Apple’s optimized apps like Final Cut Pro run smoother, and the MacBook is an excellent choice for video editors, photographers, and coders.
Conclusion: Which is better
So, Mac or Windows? For creatives and those who prioritize a sleek, powerful, and reliable system, the MacBook Air is the winner. It’s more efficient, better optimized for creative workflows, and offers a more luxurious user experience overall.
On the other hand, if you value customization, need more ports, or love to game, Windows—and particularly the Dell XPS 15—might be the better choice.
Ultimately, the winner depends on your specific needs. But in the battle of Mac vs Windows in 2024, Mac takes the crown in my book.
FAQ
What Lasts Longer: Mac or Windows?
Both Mac and Windows computers have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of longevity. Macs are known for their durability and long-term support, with some users still running older models smoothly. However, Windows PCs can also be incredibly durable, especially with proper care and maintenance. Ultimately, both platforms have the potential to last for many years with good care.
Mac vs Windows for Programming
Both platforms have strong communities and tools for software development. However, Mac is often favored by programmers for its:
Stability: Macs are known for their stable and reliable performance, which is essential for long development sessions and debugging.
Developer Tools: Apple offers a comprehensive suite of developer tools specifically designed for macOS, making it a popular choice for iOS and macOS app development.
Mac vs Windows for Students
For students, the choice comes down to:
Budget: Windows PCs are often more affordable, making them an attractive option for students with limited budgets.
Software Needs: If you’re a creative student working with Adobe Creative Cloud, Macs may be more suitable due to optimized performance. However, Windows PCs are also compatible with Adobe software.
Mac vs Windows for Work
The best platform for work depends on your industry and job requirements:
Creative Professionals: Macs are popular among designers, video editors, and other creative professionals for their ease of use and performance.
Business Professionals: Windows PCs are widely used in business environments for their compatibility with enterprise software and legacy systems.
Why Windows is Better Than Mac?
Affordability: Windows PCs generally offer a wider range of price points, making them a more accessible option for budget-conscious users.
Hardware Compatibility: Windows has a significantly larger ecosystem of compatible hardware, giving you more choices when building a PC or upgrading components.
Gaming Performance: Windows remains the dominant platform for PC gaming, with a wider selection of titles and better optimization for high-performance gaming.