When choosing between the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the Dell Latitude 14 7490, consider that the MacBook Pro offers a higher resolution display, longer battery life, and generally more modern hardware with a custom Apple chip that is well-suited for creative tasks like video editing or design. Its build quality is very robust, and it runs macOS, which can be a deciding factor if you prefer Apple's ecosystem. On the other hand, the Dell Latitude 14 7490 provides a larger screen, more ports for connecting peripherals, and runs Windows 10 Pro, making it a good fit for business environments or users who prefer or require Window's compatibility. The Dell also offers more storage and memory at a typically much lower price point. However, it might not match the MacBook's performance for more demanding tasks, and it's built with older hardware. If portability is a priority, both models are quite light and compact, but the MacBook is slimmer and has slightly less weight. 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 for engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Best in class battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 14 7490
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020).
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
7.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
20.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.5 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Dell Latitude 14 7490 are both good for general use, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is somewhat better.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 offers a high-quality display, efficient CPU for smooth performance, and is known for long-lasting battery life and strong build quality, making it ideal for users who prioritize screen clarity and durability in a highly portable device. On the other hand, the Dell Latitude 14 7490 also delivers reliable performance with good battery life and is typically more cost-effective, appealing to those who want a balance of performance and value without sacrificing portability for everyday tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
6.5/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.8/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Software Development
7.8/10
7.1/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Dell Latitude 14 7490 are both good for software development, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
7.6/10
6.7/10
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 14 7490 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The MacBook Pro 13 (2020) provides a high-resolution Retina display with bright and vibrant colors, which makes it excellent for general use and engineering tasks where color accuracy is crucial. However, its screen doesn't offer a high refresh rate, rendering it less suitable for 3D applications where smooth motion is key. The Dell Latitude 14 7490, with fair screen quality, offers a suitable resolution and brightness for general tasks, but lacks the superior color gamut coverage needed for high-end design work and the high refresh rate desired for gaming and 3D content.
Battery
20.0 Hours
9.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has 9.5 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
Very Good
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Dell Latitude 14 7490 both have very good portability, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.4/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,249
$300
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a price of $1,249 and the Dell Latitude 14 7490 costs $300.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490 is poor.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) with its own 8-core GPU and high screen quality is somewhat capable for 3D work but may not run many popular games due to macOS compatibility issues; meanwhile, the Dell Latitude 14 7490, despite having a lower-tier Intel UHD Graphics 620 and standard screen refresh rate, is fair for gaming and 3D tasks primarily due to Windows 10 Pro's broader gaming compatibility.
Content Creation
7.8/10
7.3/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Dell Latitude 14 7490 are both good for content creation.
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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the Dell Latitude 14 7490 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."
"The Dell Latitude 7490's got the speed you need (and then some), a keyboard that's comfortable enough for writing all day long and a battery that supports a full 8-hour workday. If only the display were brighter and it managed heat better. If you need every minute of battery life you can get, the extended-battery version of the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 lasts 8 hours longer than the Latitude 7490, but its display is much less colorful."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) or the Dell Latitude 14 7490
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
103,395
Recommendations made
22,403
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.