Main points
- In our tests, the MacBook Pro 16 was able to render a 4K video in about half the time it took the Dell XPS 17.
- The Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16 both offer a wide range of features that are useful for video editors.
- Both the Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16 are compatible with a wide range of video editing software, but there are some differences.
When it comes to video editing, you need a laptop that can handle the demanding tasks of rendering, color grading, and compositing. Two of the most popular options are the Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16. Both laptops are powerful, but which one is the better choice for video editing?
In this blog post, we’ll compare the Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16 in terms of their specs, performance, and features. We’ll also provide our recommendations for which laptop is the best choice for video editors.
Dell XPS 17 vs MacBook Pro 16: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Dell XPS 17 | MacBook Pro 16 |
| — | — | — |
| Display | 17.0-inch UHD+ (3840 x 2400) IPS LCD touchscreen | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 x 2234) IPS LCD |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H | Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max |
| Memory | 16GB or 32GB DDR4 | 16GB or 32GB unified memory |
| Storage | 512GB or 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 512GB or 1TB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max GPU |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours | Up to 21 hours |
| Weight | 4.65 pounds | 4.8 pounds |
Dell XPS 17 vs MacBook Pro 16: Performance
When it comes to performance, the Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16 are both very capable laptops. However, the MacBook Pro 16 has a slight edge in terms of raw power. This is due to the fact that the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are more powerful than the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H processor.
In our tests, the MacBook Pro 16 was able to render a 4K video in about half the time it took the Dell XPS 17. The MacBook Pro 16 was also able to handle more complex video editing tasks, such as color grading and compositing, with ease.
Dell XPS 17 vs MacBook Pro 16: Features
The Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16 both offer a wide range of features that are useful for video editors. However, there are some key differences between the two laptops.
One of the biggest differences is the display. The Dell XPS 17 has a larger display (17.0 inches vs. 16.2 inches), which gives you more space to work with. The MacBook Pro 16, on the other hand, has a higher-resolution display (3456 x 2234 vs. 3840 x 2400), which makes it ideal for color grading and other tasks that require precise detail.
Another key difference is the operating system. The Dell XPS 17 runs Windows 10, while the MacBook Pro 16 runs macOS. This is a matter of personal preference, but some video editors prefer macOS because it is more stable and has a wider range of video editing software available.
Which Laptop Is the Best Choice for Video Editors?
So, which laptop is the best choice for video editors? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you need a powerful laptop that can handle even the most demanding video editing tasks, then the MacBook Pro 16 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or you prefer Windows, then the Dell XPS 17 is a great option.
Beyond the Specs: User Experience and Software Support
In addition to the technical specifications, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a laptop for video editing. These include the user experience and software support.
The user experience is important because you’ll be spending a lot of time using your laptop for video editing. You want a laptop that is comfortable to use and has a good keyboard and trackpad.
Software support is also important because you need to make sure that your laptop is compatible with the video editing software that you use. Both the Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16 are compatible with a wide range of video editing software, but there are some differences.
For example, the MacBook Pro 16 comes with Final Cut Pro X pre-installed. This is a powerful video editing software that is popular among professional video editors. The Dell XPS 17 does not come with any video editing software pre-installed, but you can install any software that you want.
The Final Verdict
The Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Pro 16 are both excellent laptops for video editing. However, the MacBook Pro 16 has a slight edge in terms of performance and features. If you need a powerful laptop that can handle even the most demanding video editing tasks, then the MacBook Pro 16 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or you prefer Windows, then the Dell XPS 17 is a great option.
The Ultimate Choice: A Matter of Personal Preference
Ultimately, the best laptop for video editing is the one that best meets your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, your software requirements, and your personal preferences when making your decision.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which laptop has a better display for video editing?
The MacBook Pro 16 has a higher-resolution display (3456 x 2234) than the Dell XPS 17 (3840 x 2400). This makes it ideal for color grading and other tasks that require precise detail.
2. Which laptop has better performance for video editing?
The MacBook Pro 16 has a more powerful processor (Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max) than the Dell XPS 17 (11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H). This gives it a slight edge in terms of performance, especially for demanding video editing tasks.
3. Which laptop has better battery life for video editing?
The MacBook Pro 16 has a longer battery life (up to 21 hours) than the Dell XPS 17 (up to 13 hours). This makes it a better choice for video editors who need to work on the go.