Dell's XPS 15 has long been considered the premier Windows alternative to Apple's MacBook Pro, and the 2024 refresh aims to cement that reputation. With Intel's new Core Ultra processors, improved graphics options, and refinements to Dell's premium design language, can this laptop finally close the gap with Apple's M-series MacBooks? After weeks of intensive testing across creative workflows, productivity tasks, and everyday use, we have definitive answers.

Design and Build Quality

Dell continues to nail the premium laptop aesthetic with the XPS 15. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis feels incredibly solid, and the carbon fiber palm rest provides both durability and a luxurious texture that's comfortable during extended typing sessions.

At 4.31 pounds (1.96kg), it's slightly heavier than the MacBook Pro 16", but the weight distribution feels balanced. The platinum silver finish we tested resists fingerprints well, though the black carbon fiber interior does show oils from your hands over time.

Intel Core Ultra Performance

The Core Ultra 7 155H represents Intel's latest generation of hybrid processors, and the performance gains are substantial. The combination of Performance cores, Efficiency cores, and a dedicated NPU for AI tasks creates a well-rounded processor that handles both heavy workloads and battery-conscious tasks effectively.

In real-world testing, the XPS 15 handled 4K video editing in DaVinci Resolve smoothly, compiled large coding projects efficiently, and ran demanding creative applications without significant throttling.

Stunning OLED Display

The 15.6-inch 3.5K OLED display is simply gorgeous. With true blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors that cover 100% of DCI-P3, this screen is a joy for both creative work and media consumption. The 400-nit peak brightness is adequate for indoor use, though it can struggle in bright outdoor conditions.

Touch functionality is responsive and useful for certain workflows, though the glossy finish does attract fingerprints. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space than traditional 16:9 displays, improving productivity.

RTX 4060 Graphics Performance

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with 8GB of GDDR6 memory provides solid performance for creative workflows and gaming. It handles 3D rendering, video encoding, and machine learning tasks with ease, though it's not quite as efficient as Apple's integrated graphics in some scenarios.

Gaming performance is respectable, with most modern titles running at high settings at 1080p. The 3.5K native resolution requires some compromise in game settings for demanding titles, but the experience is generally smooth.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Dell has refined the XPS keyboard to near-perfection. The keys have excellent travel (1.3mm), satisfying feedback, and a layout that feels natural for extended typing sessions. The white backlighting is even and adjustable.

The precision trackpad is large and responsive, with excellent palm rejection. While it doesn't quite match the MacBook's trackpad for smoothness, it's among the best available on Windows laptops.

Ports and Connectivity

Port selection is adequate but not generous. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-A 3.2, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack cover most bases. However, heavy users may find themselves reaching for a hub, especially when using external displays and peripherals simultaneously.

WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 provide excellent wireless connectivity, with fast and stable connections in our testing.

Battery Life and Thermal Management

Battery life is the XPS 15's biggest compromise. The power-hungry OLED display and high-performance components limit endurance to 6-8 hours of mixed use. Creative work with the discrete GPU active can drain the battery in 3-4 hours.

Thermal management is generally good, with the dual-fan cooling system keeping temperatures reasonable during sustained loads. The laptop does get warm under the display during intensive tasks, but fan noise remains acceptable.

Audio Quality

The quad-speaker setup delivers surprisingly good audio for a laptop this thin. There's actual bass response, clear midrange, and crisp highs. While it won't replace dedicated speakers, it's perfectly adequate for video calls, casual media consumption, and background music.

Webcam and Microphone

The 1080p webcam produces sharp, well-exposed images with good color reproduction. The dual-microphone array captures clear audio while suppressing background noise effectively. For video conferencing, this setup is among the best available on Windows laptops.

Windows 11 and Dell Software

The XPS 15 ships with Windows 11 Pro and minimal bloatware. Dell's included software is actually useful, with Dell Optimizer providing intelligent performance management and thermal optimization based on your usage patterns.

The Dell Command Update utility keeps drivers current automatically, reducing maintenance headaches. Overall, the software experience is clean and professional.

Creative Performance

For creative professionals, the XPS 15 delivers excellent performance across Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk applications, and other professional software. The OLED display's color accuracy makes it suitable for photo editing and design work, while the RTX 4060 accelerates video rendering and 3D work effectively.

The combination of color-accurate display, good performance, and professional connectivity makes this laptop a solid choice for designers, photographers, and video editors who prefer Windows.

Value and Competition

At $2,649 as configured, the XPS 15 faces tough competition from Apple's MacBook Pro and other premium Windows laptops. The OLED display and RTX graphics provide clear advantages over the base MacBook Pro, but battery life and efficiency lag behind Apple's offering.

Compared to other Windows alternatives like the ThinkPad X1 Extreme or Surface Laptop Studio, the XPS 15 offers the best combination of display quality, performance, and build quality in this price range.