If haven’t heard, Dell has already introduced the upgraded version of the XPS 15 laptop with 7th gen Intel Kaby Lake processors. Even Apple refreshed its MacBook Pro range in 2016 with three models – two 13-inch models along with a 15-inch MacBook Pro. In this article, we put the 15-inch MacBook Pro in the ring with the new XPS 15. Has the new 2017 XPS 15 enough going on to take on the 2016 MacBook Pro? Let’s have a look at the key differences between the two in terms of price, specifications, and features.
2017 Dell XPS 15 vs 2016 MacBook Pro: Display
The new 2017 XPS 15 is offered in a choice of either a 15.6-inch Full HD Infinity Edge display or an UltraSharp Ultra HD Infinity Edge touch display with a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels.
On the other hand, the 15-inch 2016 MacBook Pro sports 2,880 x 1,800-pixel resolution Retina Display which Apple claims is 67% brighter along with a 67% higher contrast ratio, and also offers 25% more colors.
2017 Dell XPS 15 vs 2016 MacBook Pro: Hardware
The 2017 Dell XPS 15 gets upgraded with 7th Gen Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 100 graphics and a fingerprint reader. It comes in three different configurations featuring the Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, and Intel Core i7.
As far as memory goes, users can choose between 8GB RAM, 16GB RAM, or 32GB RAM while they can also choose among Intel HD Graphics 630 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 4GB GDDR5 video RAM. In terms of storage, the 2017 XPS15 is offered in a 500GB HDD with 32GB RAM or 1TB HDD storage with 32GB RAM. Also, it comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB SSDs as well.
Meanwhile, all models of the 15-inch 2016 MacBook Pro range come equipped with sixth-gen Core i7 processors. It also features Radeon Pro 450 or 455 graphics card with 2GB of memory. As far as RAM goes, the new McBook Pro only comes in a 16GB configuration.
In terms of storage, the 2016 MacBook Pro is available in 256GB and 512GB SSD options, which are further configurable to up to 1TB or 2TB. Another key feature of the new MacBook Pro is the rather nifty Touch Bar, Touch ID, and the new trackpad. But in the process, Apple probably forgot to add most of the ports including MagSafe.
The new 2017 Dell XPS 15 has a serious advantage here, as it comes with all your standard connectivity options which include an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, 2 USB 3.0 ports, SD card reader, and Thunderbolt 3.
2017 Dell XPS 15 vs 2016 MacBook Pro: Battery
Apple claims 10 hours of battery life with its MacBook’s 76.0-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. The 2017 XPS 15 is offered in a choice of 56Whr or 97Whr batteries, which should also offer a reasonably long battery life.
2017 Dell XPS 15 vs 2016 MacBook Pro: Price
The refreshed Dell XPS 15 notebook with 7th Gen Intel Core i3 processor is now available in the US starting at $999.99. While the 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro starts at a whopping $2499, which is priced significantly higher than the reasonably specced XPS 15.
Wrap Up
On paper, the 2017 XPS 15 seems to have it all to take on the new 15-inch MacBook Pro. It gets upgraded with the latest 7th gen Intel Kaby Lake processors and is priced significantly less than its rival.
There’s no denying that MacBook Pro is as close as it gets to a perfect laptop. But this time around, such a premium price tag seems unfair owing to a lack of ports. As is the case with Apple products, the MacBook Pro also comes at a premium price point. To put things in perspective, the cheapest 15-inch MacBook Pro is priced at $2499, while the top-of-the-line XPS 15 is priced at $2549.99.
Hence, anyone looking for a solid laptop that won’t drill an asteroid-sized hole in your bank account – the 2017 XPS 15 seems to offers the very latest in build quality, hardware, and performance.
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