Choosing between an iPad and a Dell XPS 16 isn’t really a like-for-like decision — it’s a choice between two different ways of working. The iPad Pro is Apple’s most powerful tablet, built around touch, the Apple Pencil, and iPadOS. The Dell XPS 16 is a full Windows laptop aimed at creative professionals and power users who need desktop-class software and a discrete graphics card. This iPad vs Dell XPS 16 comparison breaks down the specs, design, performance, and value of both devices so you can decide which fits your workflow, budget, and portability needs.
iPad Pro (M4) Overview
The iPad Pro was updated in 2024 with the M4 chip, an improved display, and other hardware changes, unveiled at an Apple event in May 2024. It comes in two sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch, starting at $999 and $1,299 respectively. The headline feature is a new OLED display, along with the M4 chip and a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory. It’s also the thinnest device Apple has ever made, at 5.1mm thick for the larger model. 2024 ipad pro release specs features price +3
The iPad Pro is designed primarily for users who want tablet portability with pro-level performance: digital artists, video editors on the go, students, and professionals who rely on iPadOS apps and the Apple Pencil. It runs iPadOS rather than a full desktop operating system, which shapes what it can and can’t do compared to a laptop.
Dell XPS 16 Overview
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) was introduced alongside the XPS 13 and XPS 14 at CES 2024, replacing the previous-generation XPS 15 and 17. At the top of the lineup, it can be configured with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor with 16 cores running up to 5.1 GHz, up to 64GB of LPDDR5x-7467 memory, up to 4TB of PCIe4 SSD storage, and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU rated at 60W. It shares its design language with the XPS 14, featuring a borderless trackpad, a capacitive function row, and a redesigned keyboard. dell xps 2024 laptops are now available for 1300 and up +2
The XPS 16 targets creative professionals, engineers, and power users who need a full Windows environment, discrete graphics for tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, and desktop-class software compatibility — something no tablet, including the iPad Pro, can fully replicate.
iPad Pro vs Dell XPS 16: Key Specifications
| Specification | iPad Pro (M4, 2024) | Dell XPS 16 (9640) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iPadOS | Windows 11 Home/Pro |
| Processor | Apple M4 (9-core or 10-core CPU depending on storage tier) | Intel Core Ultra 7 (155H/165H) or Core Ultra 9 185H |
| Graphics | Integrated 10-core GPU (M4) | Intel Arc (integrated) or NVIDIA RTX 4050/4060/4070 (discrete) |
| Display Size | 11-inch or 13-inch | 16.3-inch |
| Display Type | Tandem OLED, ProMotion (up to 120Hz) | FHD+ IPS (120Hz) or 4K+ OLED touch (90Hz) |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB, depending on configuration | 16GB up to 64GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 256GB up to 2TB | 512GB up to 4TB SSD |
| Battery | Not officially disclosed in Wh | 99.5Wh |
| Starting Price | $999 (11-inch) / $1,299 (13-inch) | $1,899 |
| Weight | Roughly 460–580g depending on size | Around 2.13kg |
Note: Some specifications — particularly RAM tier and CPU core count — vary by exact model and storage configuration on both devices. Always check the specific SKU before purchasing.
Design and Build Quality
The 2024 iPad Pro has a renewed design and is the thinnest iPad to date — about 5.1mm for the 13-inch model — with a repositioned front camera now placed horizontally alongside the Face ID sensors. It’s available in silver and space black finishes. Its aluminum unibody and glass front give it a premium, minimalist feel typical of Apple’s tablet line. xatakamovilxatakamovil
The XPS 16 uses a CNC-machined aluminum chassis with Gorilla Glass, available in Graphite and Platinum finishes. It’s a substantially larger and heavier device, as expected of a 16-inch laptop with a discrete GPU, but it retains Dell’s signature minimalist design with a nearly invisible trackpad and a redesigned capacitive keyboard row. notebookcheck-cn
In short: the iPad Pro wins decisively on portability and thinness, while the XPS 16 offers a more traditional laptop build meant for desk-based productivity rather than handheld use.
Performance Comparison
The M4 chip in its top configuration has a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, while a lower configuration (tied to storage tier) has only 9 CPU cores. Independent testing found the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air to be the fastest tablets tested at the time, outperforming competitors from Lenovo, Google, and Samsung. For everyday tasks, creative apps, and even many pro workflows within iPadOS’s constraints, the M4 iPad Pro is extremely capable. kowatektomsguide
The XPS 16’s Core Ultra 7 155H configuration runs 16 threads at up to 4.8 GHz, paired with an RTX 4070 laptop GPU rated at 60W TDP. This combination of a full x86 processor and discrete NVIDIA graphics gives the XPS 16 an edge for sustained, heavy workloads — video rendering, 3D modeling, and GPU-accelerated software — that go beyond what iPadOS apps are typically designed to handle, even with a fast chip like the M4. notebookcheck-cn
The practical difference isn’t raw chip speed alone; it’s software. The XPS 16 runs full desktop applications (Adobe Premiere Pro, professional CAD tools, PC games) natively, while the iPad Pro is limited to iPadOS and App Store software, which is often optimized differently and doesn’t support the same breadth of professional-grade programs.
Features and Technology
The M4 chip includes a Neural Engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second, and Apple states it is more powerful than any neural processing unit in a competing AI PC as of the chip’s launch. The chip also adds a new Media Engine with AV1 decode support for more efficient playback of high-resolution streaming video. The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and a redesigned Magic Keyboard, extending its versatility for note-taking, sketching, and light productivity. macworldmacworld
The XPS 16 includes an Intel AI Boost NPU as part of its Core Ultra processor, along with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Connectivity includes multiple Thunderbolt/USB4 ports, DisplayPort output, a 3.5mm audio jack, a microSD card reader, and a fingerprint reader for biometric login. Unlike the iPad Pro, the XPS 16 offers native multi-monitor support, full file-system access, and compatibility with a vast range of peripherals via its ports. notebookcheck-cnchannelonline
Speed and Efficiency
Apple states the M4 delivers the same performance as the M2 chip while using half the power, and matches the performance of the latest PC chip in a thin-and-light laptop while using a quarter of the power. This efficiency translates into strong battery life and a fanless design in most iPad Pro configurations. macworld
The XPS 16, in independent testing of the reviewed configuration, delivered around 10 hours and 16 minutes of battery life — respectable for a laptop with a discrete GPU and a high-resolution OLED display option, but notably shorter than what Apple’s tablets typically achieve, largely because of the more power-hungry x86 architecture and dedicated graphics card. yahoo
Display and Hardware
The 13-inch iPad Pro’s display is a Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR panel with 2752-by-2064-pixel resolution at 264 PPI, ProMotion adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz, 1000 nits SDR brightness, and up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. Camera hardware includes a 12MP wide lens at f/1.8 and a 12MP ultra-wide lens at f/2.4. wibiwibi
The XPS 16 offers two display choices: a 1920 x 1200, 120Hz non-touch LCD panel, or a 3840 x 2400, 90Hz touchscreen OLED panel. The OLED option supports HDR and reaches 139 PPI at that larger screen size. Its webcam is a 1920 x 1080 standard camera paired with an infrared sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition. dell xps 2024 laptops are now available for 1300 and up +2
While the XPS 16’s OLED panel has a higher raw resolution, the iPad Pro’s display achieves a notably higher pixel density and peak brightness, which matters for tasks like photo and video editing where color accuracy and sharpness are critical.
Compatibility and Usability
The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, a touch-first operating system built around apps from the App Store. It supports multitasking, Stage Manager for a more desktop-like window layout, and accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. However, it does not run traditional desktop software, and file management is more restricted than on a full OS.
The XPS 16 runs Windows 11, giving it full compatibility with the entire ecosystem of Windows software, from professional creative suites to enterprise tools and PC gaming. This makes it more flexible for users whose work depends on specific desktop applications that don’t have iPadOS equivalents. wccftech
For everyday browsing, media consumption, and lightweight productivity, both devices are easy to use. For professional, software-dependent workflows, the XPS 16’s full OS gives it a clear usability advantage.
Price and Value
The iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model, with prices increasing significantly for higher storage tiers that also unlock more RAM and CPU/GPU cores. The Dell XPS 16 starts at $1,899, though the specific configuration reviewed by one outlet carried an MSRP of $3,399, and pricing rises further with higher-end CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage options. arynewsyahoo
Exact pricing varies by region, retailer, and configuration, and can change over time with promotions or generational updates — always check current listings before buying. Broadly speaking, the base iPad Pro is the more accessible entry point, while the XPS 16 sits in a higher price bracket reflecting its discrete graphics and full laptop hardware.
Pros and Cons
iPad Pro Pros
- Extremely thin, light, and portable
- High-density OLED display with excellent brightness
- Efficient M4 chip with strong battery life
- Wide accessory ecosystem (Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard)
iPad Pro Cons
- iPadOS limits access to many professional desktop applications
- Storage and RAM tiers are tied together, limiting configuration flexibility
- No discrete GPU for heavy rendering or gaming workloads
Dell XPS 16 Pros
- Full Windows 11 compatibility with professional software
- Optional discrete NVIDIA RTX graphics for demanding tasks
- Configurable up to 64GB RAM and 4TB storage
- Multiple high-speed ports (Thunderbolt/USB4, microSD)
Dell XPS 16 Cons
- Significantly heavier and less portable than a tablet
- Higher starting price than the iPad Pro
- Shorter battery life than the iPad Pro in real-world testing
- No HDMI or USB-A ports without an adapter
Which One Is Suitable for Different Users?
- Best for portability: iPad Pro — its slim design and light weight make it far easier to carry and use on the move.
- Best for professional creative software: Dell XPS 16 — full Windows compatibility supports industry-standard desktop applications.
- Best for battery efficiency: iPad Pro — the M4 chip’s power efficiency generally outlasts the XPS 16 in everyday use.
- Best for gaming or GPU-intensive work: Dell XPS 16 — its optional RTX graphics handle rendering, editing, and gaming far better.
- Best for budget-conscious buyers: iPad Pro — its base configuration has a lower starting price than the XPS 16.
- Best for multitasking with expandable storage/RAM: Dell XPS 16 — configurable up to 64GB RAM and 4TB storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPad Pro more powerful than the Dell XPS 16?
It depends on the task. The M4 chip is very fast for a tablet, but the XPS 16’s Core Ultra processors paired with discrete NVIDIA graphics generally handle sustained, professional-grade workloads better.
Can the iPad Pro replace a laptop like the Dell XPS 16?
For many everyday and creative tasks, yes — but iPadOS still can’t run the full range of desktop software that Windows supports on the XPS 16.
Which is better for video editing, iPad Pro or Dell XPS 16?
The XPS 16, especially with an RTX GPU configuration, is generally better suited to demanding, professional video editing workflows.
Does the Dell XPS 16 have better battery life than the iPad Pro?
No — the reviewed XPS 16 configuration achieved around 10 hours and 16 minutes of battery life, generally shorter than what Apple’s iPad Pro typically delivers. yahoo
Is the iPad Pro cheaper than the Dell XPS 16?
Yes, the base iPad Pro starts lower in price than the base XPS 16 configuration, though prices rise on both as you add storage, RAM, or a better display/GPU.
Which is better for students, the iPad Pro or the XPS 16?
The iPad Pro’s portability, battery life, and Apple Pencil support often suit note-taking and light coursework better, while the XPS 16 suits students needing specific Windows-only software.
Does the iPad Pro support a mouse and keyboard like a laptop?
Yes, it supports external keyboards, trackpads, and the Magic Keyboard accessory, though the underlying OS remains touch-first rather than a full desktop environment.
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro and Dell XPS 16 serve fundamentally different needs. The iPad Pro is the better choice for anyone prioritizing portability, battery efficiency, and a refined touch/pen experience, backed by Apple’s efficient M4 chip. The Dell XPS 16 is the stronger option for users who need full desktop software compatibility, discrete graphics power, and greater configuration flexibility for RAM and storage.
Neither device is a direct upgrade over the other — the right choice comes down to whether your priority is a lightweight, efficient tablet for creative and everyday tasks, or a full-powered Windows laptop built for professional, software-intensive work.