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- Best overall: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
- Best budget: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
- Best premium: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max, 36GB unified memory, 1TB SSD
- Best for travel: Dell XPS 14 9440 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Choose Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro for demanding creative work and a larger display.
- Choose Dell XPS 14 9440 for a more compact Windows laptop with a sharp OLED screen.
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3 is the lower-cost choice for everyday tasks.
- Compare screen, memory, weight, operating system, and port needs before choosing.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch and Dell XPS 14 9440 suit different priorities: a 16-inch screen and strong creative-work performance versus a compact 14.5-inch OLED display. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify which laptops make the clearest Black Friday 2026 picks.
The best choice depends on your operating system, workload, and how often you carry your laptop. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro is the stronger all-around premium pick for many creators; Dell XPS 14 9440 is a compelling Windows alternative for people who value portability and OLED contrast. The recommendations below also cover lower-cost and convertible options.
How We Picked
- Compared processor, memory, storage, and display specifications across each named configuration.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product reviews for recurring notes on comfort, portability, and everyday usability.
- Prioritized clearly differentiated picks for creative work, travel, premium use, and everyday value.
- Considered operating system, available ports, screen format, and the practical needs of each target buyer.
- Selected exact configurations so the listed specifications make the comparisons easy to check.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display size | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD | Creative work and premium everyday use | 16.2 inches | 24GB | 512GB |
| Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max, 36GB unified memory, 1TB SSD | Advanced media and graphics work | 16.2 inches | 36GB | 1TB |
| Dell XPS 14 9440 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | Portable Windows use and OLED | 14.5 inches | 16GB | 512GB |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition with Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Business travel and typing | 14 inches | 32GB | 1TB |
| ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Students and OLED value | 14 inches | 16GB | 1TB |
| HP Spectre x360 14 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD | Touchscreen and convertible use | 14 inches | 16GB | 1TB |
| Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD | Everyday macOS and value | 15.3 inches | 16GB | 512GB |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD is the best premium creative laptop for people who need a spacious screen and strong performance. The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD's 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display runs at up to 120Hz.
Best for: Creative professionals and power users who prefer macOS
- Display
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz
- Memory
- 24GB unified memory
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Chip
- Apple M4 Pro
- Large, high-resolution display with a smooth refresh rate
- 24GB unified memory suits demanding creative workflows
- Three Thunderbolt 5 ports plus HDMI and SDXC
- Larger and heavier than the 14-inch-class alternatives
- The macOS platform is not a fit for every Windows workflow
Is the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for creators who value a large 16.2-inch display, 24GB unified memory, and a capable Apple silicon platform for demanding work.
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#2
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max, 36GB unified memory, 1TB SSD
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max, 36GB unified memory, 1TB SSD is the best high-performance laptop for professionals handling intensive media and graphics work. The configuration combines a 16.2-inch 120Hz display with 36GB of unified memory.
Best for: Advanced video, 3D, and graphics workflows
- Display
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz
- Memory
- 36GB unified memory
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Chip
- Apple M4 Max
- 36GB unified memory supports larger projects
- 1TB SSD provides more built-in storage
- Large XDR display suits detailed visual work
- More capability than most everyday users need
- A large laptop for frequent commuting
Is the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max is worth considering for professionals whose projects benefit from 36GB unified memory and 1TB storage. Everyday browsing and office tasks do not require this much performance.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Dell XPS 14 9440 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
The Dell XPS 14 9440 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD is the best compact Windows laptop for travelers who want an OLED screen. The Dell XPS 14 9440 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD's 14.5-inch OLED panel offers a sharp 3.2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Windows users seeking a premium, portable OLED laptop
- Display
- 14.5-inch 3.2K OLED, 120Hz
- Memory
- 16GB RAM
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Compact screen size is easier to carry than a 16-inch laptop
- OLED panel provides rich contrast and a fast refresh rate
- Windows compatibility suits a wide range of work setups
- 16GB memory is less generous than premium MacBook configurations
- The 14.5-inch screen offers less workspace than a 16-inch display
Is the Dell XPS 14 9440 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Dell XPS 14 9440 is a strong option for Windows users who want a portable laptop with a 14.5-inch 3.2K OLED display. Check that 16GB memory and 512GB storage suit your apps and files.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition with Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition with Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best business laptop for frequent travelers who need a light 14-inch computer. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition with Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD's selected configuration offers 32GB memory and a 1TB SSD.
Best for: Business travel, office productivity, and typing
- Display
- 14-inch display
- Memory
- 32GB RAM
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Weight
- About 2.17 pounds
- Lightweight design is convenient for frequent travel
- 32GB memory and 1TB storage offer room for work tasks
- ThinkPad keyboard layout suits long typing sessions
- Business-first design is less focused on entertainment
- Display specifications depend on the exact configuration
Is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is a practical Black Friday 2026 pick for business travelers who value a roughly 2.17-pound frame, 32GB memory, and 1TB of storage. Confirm the display option before purchase.
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#5
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best value-focused OLED laptop for students and everyday Windows users. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD's 14-inch OLED panel pairs a 3K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Students and everyday laptop buyers who want OLED
- Display
- 14-inch 3K OLED, 120Hz
- Memory
- 16GB RAM
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- High-resolution OLED screen in a compact size
- 1TB SSD gives more room for apps and documents
- A sensible balance for study and everyday tasks
- 16GB memory is less suited to heavy creative workloads
- OLED screen and performance settings affect battery life
Is the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA is a well-rounded option for students and everyday users who want a 14-inch 3K OLED display and 1TB storage. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD's 16GB memory fits general productivity better than very large creative projects.
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#6
HP Spectre x360 14 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The HP Spectre x360 14 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD is the best convertible laptop for people who want a touchscreen with laptop and tablet modes. The HP Spectre x360 14 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD's 14-inch OLED display and 360-degree hinge support flexible use.
Best for: Note-takers and users who want a convertible design
- Display
- 14-inch OLED touchscreen
- Memory
- 16GB RAM
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Hinge
- 360-degree convertible design
- Touchscreen and hinge offer several working positions
- OLED screen is suited to video and visual content
- 1TB SSD provides ample space for everyday files
- Convertible design adds features that traditional laptop buyers can not need
- 16GB memory is modest for professional creative workloads
Is the HP Spectre x360 14 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The HP Spectre x360 14 suits people who use touch input, take notes, or want a laptop that folds into tablet mode. The 14-inch OLED screen and 1TB SSD make the named configuration versatile for everyday work.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD is the best budget-minded Mac for everyday users who want a larger screen without choosing a Pro model. The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD's 15.3-inch display gives common productivity tasks more room.
Best for: Everyday macOS use, students, and budget-minded buyers
- Display
- 15.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified memory
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Chip
- Apple M3
- Large screen in a fanless, thin laptop design
- 16GB unified memory suits common daily tasks
- A more approachable route into macOS than MacBook Pro
- Display refresh rate is lower than the Pro models
- Not designed for the heaviest sustained professional workloads
Is the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3 is a good Black Friday 2026 choice for everyday Mac users who want a 15.3-inch display and 16GB unified memory. Choose a Pro model for demanding sustained creative work.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, the MacBook Pro 16-inch or Dell XPS 14?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro offers a larger 16.2-inch display, while the Dell XPS 14 9440 gives Windows users a more portable 14.5-inch OLED laptop. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your work and preferred operating system.
Choose Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro for a spacious screen, 24GB unified memory, and macOS applications. Choose Dell XPS 14 9440 for a compact Windows machine and a 3.2K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. My pick for most people with serious creative workloads is the MacBook Pro; regular office users should compare the smaller XPS against lower-cost options.
Is the Dell XPS 14 a good alternative to the MacBook Pro?
The Dell XPS 14 9440 is a strong alternative for Windows users who prefer a 14.5-inch OLED screen over the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch’s 16.2-inch display. Its smaller footprint suits commuting and mixed office use.
Dell XPS 14 9440 pairs a 3.2K OLED screen with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage in the configuration listed here. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro offers 24GB unified memory and a larger XDR display, making it a stronger fit for many demanding creative workflows. Check software compatibility first, especially for specialist apps and work environments.
Which laptop is better for creative work?
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro is the stronger creative-work pick for people who need 24GB unified memory and a 16.2-inch display. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max steps up to 36GB unified memory for larger professional projects.
Dell XPS 14 9440 remains a good Windows option for photo work and everyday creative tasks, particularly for buyers who value its OLED contrast and compact size. Screen choice matters as much as processor choice: a larger display gives timelines and editing panels more room. Match the laptop to your apps, project size, and storage needs.
Which laptop is best for travel and portability?
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition weighs about 2.17 pounds, making it the lightest clear travel pick among the listed configurations. Dell XPS 14 9440 also offers a smaller 14.5-inch format than either 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Choose Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition for a business-focused laptop with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. Choose Dell XPS 14 9440 if a vivid OLED display and Windows compatibility rank higher. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch provides more screen space but takes up more room in a bag. Skip it if your priority is the lightest daily carry.
Which laptop offers the best value for everyday use?
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3 is the value pick for everyday Mac users who want a 15.3-inch screen and 16GB unified memory. ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA is a good Windows alternative with a 14-inch 3K OLED display and 1TB SSD.
For email, study, video calls, and office documents, a MacBook Pro’s extra performance is not essential for every buyer. Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3 keeps the macOS experience and offers a large screen; ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA prioritizes OLED and Windows. Compare the exact configuration, memory, storage, and ports rather than choosing by product family alone.
Buying Guide
Choose a screen size that fits your routine
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch models give work and creative projects a 16.2-inch canvas. Dell XPS 14 9440 and ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA are easier to carry, with 14.5-inch and 14-inch displays. Consider desk space and bag size.
Match memory to your workload
Apple MacBook Pro configurations start at 24GB unified memory in this guide, while several Windows picks have 16GB RAM. Choose 32GB or more for large projects and heavier multitasking; 16GB is appropriate for general productivity.
Check operating system and software
Apple MacBook Pro and Apple MacBook Air run macOS; Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, and HP options run Windows. Verify your essential apps, accessories, and workplace tools support the platform before making a Black Friday choice.
Compare ports and storage before checkout
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch includes Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, and SDXC connectivity. Other laptops vary by model and configuration. Select at least 512GB storage for everyday use, or 1TB for larger media libraries and project files.
Look beyond the headline discount
Compare the exact processor, display, memory, and SSD configuration for each listing. Black Friday 2026 shopping is most useful when you compare like-for-like models and prioritize features you will use daily.
FAQ
MacBook Pro 16 inch vs Dell XPS 14: which is better for students?
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M3 is a good student pick for everyday macOS use, while ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405MA suits students who want Windows and a 3K OLED screen. Choose Dell XPS 14 9440 for a more premium compact Windows option.
Is the Dell XPS 14 good for video editing?
Dell XPS 14 9440 is suitable for everyday video editing and visual work, with a 14.5-inch 3.2K OLED display and Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro offers 24GB unified memory and more screen space for heavier projects.
Which MacBook Pro 16-inch configuration should I buy?
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro, 24GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD is the balanced choice for many demanding users. Choose Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Max for projects that benefit from 36GB memory and 1TB storage.
Is a 14-inch laptop too small compared with a 16-inch laptop?
Dell XPS 14 9440 has a 14.5-inch display that improves portability, while Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch has a larger 16.2-inch screen for multitasking and creative timelines. Choose based on your workspace needs and how often you carry the laptop.
What should I check when buying a laptop on Black Friday 2026?
Compare the exact model configuration, processor, memory, storage, display, and return terms. Dell XPS 14 9440 listings can differ from one another, just as MacBook Pro configurations vary. Confirm the named variant matches your workload before checkout.