Face Off: Dell XPS 15 vs. Apple MacBook Pro 15 vs. Asus ZenBook Pro UX501

Before we dive into the nitpicking, we should mention that all three models have great workmanship from top to bottom so even the "worst" in this category is still very good all around. The standout model in terms of quality and style is still the MacBook as its all-aluminum chassis provides excellent rigidity and an arguably wider appeal than both the XPS 15 and UX501. However, its attractive unibody design does sacrifice end-user maintenance and hardware accessibility compared to most other notebooks.

Dell's XPS 15 comes in at a very close second with its combination of carbon fiber, aluminum, and silicon-based finish. Case quality is just as sturdy as the MacBook with no noticeable weak areas. In fact, the notebook is almost as thin and light as the MacBook Pro 15 at 18.5 mm and 2.02 kg, respectively, with more user-friendly maintenance and troubleshooting. It does, however, have a slightly larger footprint than the Apple.

The UX501 is one of the most well-rounded ZenBooks from Asus. It has got the signature spun-metal finish of most Zen devices with smooth aluminum palm rests, chrome edges and corners, and metal casing. We list the model here in third place because of its plastic interior frame and slightly weaker rigidity on the usual notebook weak spots. It's also the largest, thickest, and heaviest of the three in comparison. Maintenance is still better than the Apple, but its 10 Torx screws are a bit much and removal is not as simple as on the Dell.

Winner: Apple MacBook Pro 15

It's another close call here as all three models have the core connections covered. Some important differences include the lack of secondary storage on the Apple, while both the Dell and Asus can be configured with internal 2.5-inch SATA bays at the expense of smaller battery packs. The primary PCIe x4 slot in the ZenBook provides the fastest transfer rates by far, which is a feature not included on the MacBook Pro 15 until the 2015 model.

The very slight edge goes to Apple for its more versatile dual Thunderbolt ports that can at least partly make up for the MacBook having less USB ports and smaller internal storage. It's certainly costlier to utilize and many users may cringe at the idea of carrying dongles, so the Dell or Asus are still good choices nonetheless.

Winner: Apple MacBook Pro 15

The three displays trade blows in a number of key aspects. The UX501 offers the highest display resolution and thus crispest image, but suffers from more inaccurate colors out-of-the-box and a weaker backlight. Dell's XPS 15 is the brightest with the deepest contrast, but colors aren't as accurate as they could be. The 2013 MacBook Pro 15 has excellent colors and grayscale without needing any calibration, but carries a lower native resolution, slightly smaller display size, and no touchscreen.

The UX501 is rated for 100 percent sRGB color coverage, so it may benefit the most from a careful calibration. Our measured gamut coverage shows a much smaller percentage than what is advertised that may be attributed to an incorrect .icc profile setting on our factory test model. Asus has assured us that sRGB coverage is 95 percent at the very least for retail units.

An outright winner is a tough call for these high quality IPS displays. Users who need accurate colors can consider the Apple or Asus, though a calibration is definitely recommended for the latter. On the other hand, the brighter display of the XPS 15 will mean an easier time outdoors.

Winner: Tie

While the Core i7 CPUs are at a near stalemate and should be more than enough for the target audience, the GPU differences here are very wide. Part of the reason is because we are comparing two 2013 models with a model from 2015, so an updated comparison is definitely on our list as soon as Dell launches the new XPS 15.

The high-end GTX 960M in the Asus is essentially a rebranded 860M, yet it is still leagues above the GT 750M on both the Dell and Apple. This Maxwell card scores 80 to 100 percent higher than the GT 750M in 3DMark benchmarks, and gaming performance differences are even greater. The UX501 doubles as a respectable gaming notebook since it shares many of the same features as the Asus ROG G501.

More benchmarks and comparisons between the GTX 960M and GT 750M can be found on our dedicated GPU pages.

System Noise & Temperature

All models are silent when idling or under low processing loads. The MacBook Pro 15 has the loudest maximum fan noise, but its automatic fan control is much more reserved with a smoother increase/decrease than both the Dell and Asus. Thus, it's actually quieter than both under day-to-day loads with the potential to be loudest under heavier gaming loads.

The Dell is on the opposite end of the spectrum. It attempts to remain silent for as long as possible until a higher CPU temperature is reached. This method has a tendency to pulsate from quiet to loud compared to the steadier Apple approach. Asus is similar to Apple in this regard, but its fans are more sensitive and will begin spinning sooner when under low stress conditions.

Surface temperatures are warmest on the Dell, which is perhaps unsurprising as it would shut itself down during our stress tests. The MacBook Pro 15 and UX501 have similar temperature profiles despite the Asus having a more powerful GPU and thicker chassis.

In general, the UX501 runs just a little warmer than the Apple. It's another very close call between the two with no real clear winner.

Winner: Tie -- Apple MacBook Pro 15 and Asus ZenBook Pro UX501

The integrated Li-Ion Polymer batteries are all of relatively high capacities considering the thin form factor and size -- Even large 17-inch gaming notebooks carry similar capacities. Runtimes between the Dell and Apple are very similar under our standard testing conditions as reported below in minutes. Even so, Apple's MacBook edges out the Dell just slightly. The Asus fares worse at several hours less partly due to the more powerful GPU.

Note that our XPS 15 and UX501 models used for this test are not equipped with 2.5-inch SATA bays. If users choose to configure with the optional bays, then both battery capacities and runtimes will be cut by approximately two-thirds.

Winner: Apple MacBook Pro 15