If you prioritize a more lightweight and compact device with a strong build and potentially higher resale value, the MacBook Pro 13 (2020) may suit you well, especially if you're embedded in the Apple ecosystem or value their operating system. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 usually offers more screen real estate and ports, along with better upgradeability, at a lower price point. This could be better for tasks that benefit from a larger display or require more connectivity options, like engineering or multitasking with multiple applications. However, you would compromise on the portability that the MacBook provides. Consider the Dell if you need better performance per dollar and don't mind a bulkier laptop, while the MacBook is great for on-the-go usage with robust software integration. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Best in class battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 16 5630
Very good for general use
Very good for content creation
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
8.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
20.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is very good for general use, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) with its Apple M1 chip is praised for its long battery life and portability due to a lighter frame and smaller screen, making it well-suited for day-to-day tasks, though its lower storage and memory could be limiting for heavy usage.
Screen Quality
7.6/10
6.8/10
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 for general use, AI, and engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has a better screen for software development.
For general use, the MacBook Pro 13's screen offers superior resolution and brightness, making it suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing and video streaming. When it comes to engineering and design, the MacBook Pro stands out with its wide color gamut, providing accurate color representation necessary for professional photo editing and graphic design. However, for 3D applications, the MacBook Pro falls short due to its lower refresh rate, which is less optimal for the smooth rendering demands of 3D graphics and gaming, areas where higher refresh rates are crucial.
Battery
20.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.3in
SIZE
16.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,249
$849
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a price of $1,249 and the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 costs $849.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) with its Apple M1 GPU provides decent 3D performance for less demanding tasks, but many popular games don't run on its macOS, limiting its gaming potential. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 16 5630's Intel i7-1360P Iris Xe graphics can handle gaming and 3D applications more compatibly with Windows 11, albeit with a standard screen refresh rate that is not ideal for high-end gaming that requires faster screen updates.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.7/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.2/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) excels in engineering and design use with its high-quality display and top-tier keyboard combined with a lightweight design for portability, though it has less processing power and memory compared to the Dell Inspiron 16 5630, which offers a larger screen, more RAM, and a more powerful CPU.
Content Creation
7.8/10
8.1/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 16 5630 to be very good for content creation, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8/10
7.9/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.2/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 compare to other laptops
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) or the Dell Inspiron 16 5630
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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