💻 Dell Pro 16 vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
AI-powered analysis across 22 matched specifications
Performance Overview
Scores based on quantifiable specification values (1-10 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Dell Pro 16 Dell | MacBook Air 15" (M5) Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 / 7 (Series 2, vPro optional) | Apple M5 — 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU with per-core Neural Accelerators, 16-core Neural Engine |
| CPU cores | -- | 10-core CPU |
| Graphics | Intel Arc / Graphics integrated | 10-core GPU with per-core Neural Accelerators |
| Discrete GPU | Integrated Intel graphics | Integrated Apple silicon GPU (part of M5 SoC) |
| Memory & storage | ||
| Maximum memory | ✓Up to 64 GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM (2 slots) | Up to 32 GB unified memory (LPDDR5x, 153 GB/s) |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM (2 slots) | Unified memory (LPDDR5x, 153 GB/s) |
| Maximum storage | 2× M.2 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD bays (up to 4 TB total) | Up to 4 TB SSD |
| Display | ||
| Display size | 16.0" | 15.3" |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1200 | 2880 × 1864 |
| Brightness | 250 nits | ✓500 nits |
| Panel | 16.0" FHD+ (1920 × 1200) anti-glare, 250 nits, 16:10 | Liquid Retina (IPS), P3 wide colour, True Tone |
| Connectivity | ||
| Thunderbolt / USB4 ports | 2× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, PD, DP1.4) | 2× Thunderbolt 4 |
| Ports | 2× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, PD, DP1.4), 2× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45 GbE, microSD, 3.5 mm combo, Smart Card optional | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm combo |
| Physical | ||
| Weight (from) | From 1.86 kg (4.10 lb) | ✓1.51 kg (3.3 lb) |
| Dimensions | 358.0 × 250.0 × 19.5 mm | 340.4 × 237.6 × 11.5 mm |
| Security & management | ||
| Intel vPro | Intel Core Ultra 5 / 7 (Series 2, vPro optional) | N/A — Apple silicon (Secure Enclave) |
| Secured-core PC | -- | N/A — Secured-core PC is a Windows feature; Apple silicon uses the Secure Enclave |
| Copilot+ PC (40+ TOPS NPU) | -- | N/A — Copilot+ PC is a Windows programme; Apple ships Apple Intelligence |
| Battery | ||
| Battery capacity | 4-cell 64 Wh (ExpressCharge 1.0) | ✓66.5 Wh — up to 18 hrs video streaming, 15 hrs wireless browsing |
| Rated battery life | ExpressCharge 1.0 | Up to 18 hrs video streaming, 15 hrs wireless browsing |
| Support | ||
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro / IoT Enterprise LTSC, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | macOS Tahoe (with Apple Intelligence) |
| Base warranty | 1-year ProSupport (extendable to 5-year ProSupport Plus) | 1-year limited; AppleCare+ for Business extends to 3 years + ADP |
Expert Analysis
For businesses where IT management and hardware expandability are critical, the Dell Pro 16 is the better choice. It offers up to 64 GB of user-upgradeable DDR5 memory, dual M.2 SSD slots for up to 4 TB total storage, and a comprehensive port selection including USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and RJ-45 Ethernet. Optional Intel vPro and a Smart Card slot cater to enterprise security needs. However, its 250-nit, 1920x1200 display and 1.86 kg weight lag behind the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5), which shines with a vibrant 500-nit Liquid Retina panel, a sleek 1.51 kg design, and excellent battery life—up to 18 hours of video streaming from its 66.5 Wh battery. The MacBook Air’s M5 chip delivers strong performance and Apple Intelligence, but its unified memory is capped at 32 GB and soldered shut, limiting future upgrades. Ports are scarce: only two Thunderbolt 4 connectors and a headphone jack. For UK businesses choosing between them, the Dell suits desk-bound power users and IT departments needing serviceability, while the Apple is ideal for mobile executives valuing screen quality and all-day portability.
Ready to proceed?
Not sure which one fits your environment?
Our UK specialists will recommend the right option for your workload and send itemised pricing — vendor-neutral, no obligation.
Response within 4 business hours · 20+ yr UK reseller
Want to compare different products or add more to this comparison?
Open Interactive Comparison Tool →Made your choice? Spread the cost.
Whichever you choose, you don't have to pay for it all upfront — finance your new hardware from £79/mo ex VAT on hire purchase or lease. Compare monthly payments and terms in seconds.
See finance from £79/mo →Indicative estimate · subject to change · no credit check at this stage · hire purchase, lease & subscription for UK businesses
Indicative illustration only. Servnet Limited is not authorised or regulated by the FCA and does not provide financial advice or arrange finance. All finance opportunities are referred to Number Eight Business Finance. Finance policy
Talk to a UK specialist
Get expert advice or a no-obligation quote — servers, storage, networking, maintenance, finance and cloud. We reply the same working day.