We're setting aside Apple and Samsung's smartphone rivalry with a comparison review of the newly-announced MacBook Pro 2016 versus the Ultrabook Notebook 9.

To start with, take note that the MacBook Pro has three variants: 13 and 15-inch models with Touch Bar, and a 13-inch model without the Touch Bar. The Samsung Notebook 9 also has two similar-sized models, but runs only on Windows 10, while the MacBook Pro runs on macOS Sierra with an option for a Windows installation via Boot Camp.

Apple's mobile machine wins the display department by providing a higher resolution (up to 2880x1800) than the Notebook 9's Full HD (1920x1080) display. The MacBook also features its high-pixel-density Retina display for clearer text, video and images.

When it comes to thickness and weight, the Samsung Notebook 9 claims its throne by being a bit thinner than the MacBook Pro: 0.53 inches for the 13-inch Samsung Notebook vs. Apple's 0.59 inches for the 13-inch variant. Samsung's machine is also lighter with 1.9lbs vs Apple's 3.02lbs.

Performance-wise, Apple included more powerful components to the MacBook Pro by putting 6th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors that have higher clock speeds than the Notebook 9. The MacBook Pro is also configurable to include up to 16GB of RAM, while the Notebook 9 only supports up to 8GB.

Both laptops claim up to 12 hours of continuous use. When it comes to port availability, the MacBook Pro's controversial use of two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports may be a pet peeve for users with older devices. Notebook 9, on the other hand, has more port options as it provides two USB 3.0 ports, one USB Type-C and three display ports.

One of MacBook Pro's unique feature is the Touch Bar, an OLED strip that dynamically changes its contents based on the current active application. Intended to be a replacement for the function keys, this feature may not be the best for users who are already used with using function keys for certain workloads.

The Samsung Notebook, on the other hand, unfortunately doesn't have a touch screen, but its swivel may be reclined for up to 180 degrees. The keyboard doesn't have a backlight, however.

The Notebook 9 has a starting price of $1000, far less than the MacBook's $1399 for the non-Touch Bar version, and $1799 for the Touch Bar variant.

In conclusion, the Apple MacBook may have a better performance and newer features but with a higher cost, while Samsung's light and thin Ultrabook takes the cake for the best performance at its price point.