If your top priority is performance, especially for tasks like video editing or 3D work, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 with its powerful M1 Pro chip outperforms the Dell Inspiron 16 5630. This MacBook also boasts a more vibrant Mini LED display with a higher refresh rate, ideal for creatives who need the best screen quality. However, it's less affordable than the Dell. The Dell Inspiron 16 5630, with its ample storage and capable Intel processor, stands as a more budget-friendly option and could suffice for day-to-day general use and moderate multitasking. The Dell model also runs Windows, which might be essential if you rely on software unavailable on MacOS, while the MacBook Pro works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem and offers macOS-exclusive features. Lastly, consider portability; the MacBook Pro is lighter and may be more convenient to carry around. Make your choice based on what's more vital for you: higher performance and display quality at a higher price, or adequate performance with a more familiar operating system at a more affordable cost. 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 14 (2021)
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Excellent battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 16 5630
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.7/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.2/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) stands out for engineering and design with its powerful CPU and GPU, high-resolution Mini LED screen, and superior color accuracy, making it exceptionally good for tasks that require visual precision and graphical performance.
Screen Quality
9.2/10
6.8/10
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) boasts a high-resolution display with a panel known for vibrant, accurate colors and exceptional brightness, making it ideal for both general use and tasks that require precise color representation, such as engineering and design work. However, its refresh rate isn't as high as what's typically desired in laptops used for 3D applications, where smooth motion is critical. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 offers a good-quality display that suits everyday tasks and can handle engineering and design work with decent color reproduction, but it lacks the high refresh rate necessary to deliver the best experience in gaming and 3D environments.
Battery
13.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 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
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) 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 14 (2021) 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
$1,905
$849
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 costs $849.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Dell Inspiron 16 5630 are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) excels in general use due to its high-performance Apple M1 Pro CPU and RAM, superior Mini LED screen quality, significant portability with a lighter weight and longer battery life, and top-tier keyboard and speaker quality. The Dell Inspiron 16 5630, while also very good for general use, offers more storage and a larger screen, but compromises slightly with a standard IPS panel, shorter battery life, and somewhat less portability due to being heavier.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.5/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
10.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Dell Inspiron 16 5630 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.1/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.2/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Dell Inspiron 16 5630 are both very 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.
Software Development
8.3/10
7.9/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) to be very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is good.
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 14 (2021) and the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 compare to other laptops
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) 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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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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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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.