The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is an upper midrange laptop that costs more than the Dell Inspiron 16 5635, which is a lower midrange device. The MacBook Pro offers a high-quality Mini LED display that's brighter, with better color accuracy, making it superior for design and video editing tasks. It also comes with a more powerful Apple M1 Pro chip, providing better performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering software compared to the Dell's AMD processor. However, the Inspiron 16 offers twice the storage space, and runs Windows 11 Home which may be preferable for users dependent on Windows ecosystems or applications not compatible with macOS. The Dell laptop has a lesser screen quality and battery life, but it is more affordable, which makes it a suitable option for general use and gaming. Both have 16 GB of RAM, but the MacBook Pro's higher build quality and lightweight design enhance its portability and durability over the slightly heavier Inspiron 16. Consider the MacBook Pro if you prioritize top-notch performance and display quality and can justify the expense, while the Inspiron 16 could be a better choice for those on a budget or requiring a Windows laptop with ample storage. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
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 5635
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.3/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
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 5635 is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) stands out for engineering and design because of its powerful Apple M1 Pro CPU and GPU, high-resolution mini LED display, and color accuracy, making it ideal for tasks requiring intensive processing and detailed visuals.
Software Development
8.3/10
7.7/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 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.
Screen Quality
9.2/10
6.6/10
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
265.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 comes with a high-resolution display and exceptional brightness, making it ideal for general use, while its wide color gamut perfectly suits engineering and design needs by accurately representing colors. However, its standard refresh rate limits its effectiveness for 3D applications, which often benefit from higher refresh rates for smoother visuals. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 16 5635's display offers moderate resolution and brightness adequate for general tasks and engineering, but it lacks in both the advanced color accuracy demanded by professionals and the higher refresh rates preferred for gaming and 3D work.
Battery
13.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 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
4.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 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 5635 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$735
$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 5635 costs $735.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Dell Inspiron 16 5635 are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) excels in general use due to its high-resolution Mini LED screen offering excellent color accuracy and brightness, coupled with an efficient CPU, ample RAM, and a lightweight design that enhances portability while providing long battery life. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 also delivers a solid performance for general use with its capable AMD processor and integrated graphics, a larger IPS display, more built-in storage, and a good keyboard, although it has a shorter battery life and heavier build which might reduce its portability in comparison.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.3/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
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 5635 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
7.9/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 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.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 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."
"Compared to the previous year’s Inspiron, Dell upgraded the screen aspect ratio on this generation, but also transitioned to a more minimalistic centered keyboard flanked by up-firing speakers. The 16-inch screen is huge plus and I really appreciate the extra real estate without sacrificing the footprint much. This year’s model is a little larger than last, though, as the former model was already very small for a 15 incher."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the Dell Inspiron 16 5635
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
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
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