The MacBook Pro M4 features a Liquid Retina XDR display with a maximum SDR brightness of up to 1000 nits. This is particularly useful in bright environments, making it easier to view content outdoors. Additionally, it can reach a peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR content, which is ideal for watching high dynamic range videos or working with HDR media[1][4][7].
In contrast, the Dell XPS 15 models vary in brightness depending on the specific display configuration. Some versions of the XPS 15, particularly those with OLED panels, can achieve higher brightness levels than others. For instance, some OLED models have been reported to reach up to 636 nits in brightness tests, which is significantly brighter than the typical 500 nits found in many non-OLED configurations[3][6]. However, other versions might only reach around 391 nits or 358 nits, depending on the specific model and display technology used[6][9].
Overall, the MacBook Pro M4 offers a consistent high brightness across its models, especially with its ability to automatically adjust to 1000 nits in bright environments. The Dell XPS 15, while capable of high brightness with OLED panels, varies more widely in brightness depending on the specific display technology used. For HDR content, the MacBook Pro M4's peak brightness of 1600 nits gives it a significant advantage over most XPS 15 models.
Citations:[1] https://gregbenzphotography.com/photography-reviews/a-photographers-review-of-the-new-m4-macbook-pro/
[2] https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-15-9500-laptop/xps-15-9500-setup-and-specifications/display?guid=guid-73e1ca36-2dcd-41d4-b0bd-abbae75a1deb&lang=en-us
[3] https://www.laptopmag.com/features/macbook-pro-16-inch-vs-dell-xps-15
[4] https://support.apple.com/en-my/121552
[5] https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-15-7590-laptop/xps-15-7590-setup-and-specifications/display?guid=guid-b5960c74-4eef-48f9-9b5f-382cfd4ae103&lang=en-us
[6] https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/dell-xps-15-vs-macbook-pro-16/
[7] https://everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-m4-10-core-cpu-10-core-gpu-14-2024-specs.html
[8] https://gzhls.at/blob/ldb/6/7/8/8/57022b4ec135f7a3df5d5092447fa5c6b769.pdf
[9] https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/apple-macbook-pro-14-max-vs-dell-xps-15/