There's other options. The Dell XPS has top bezels smaller than the previous MBP while still having a front facing camera up top. I think it's an extra 1 mm across the top compared to the notchless part of the new MBPs. Based on my shitty photo measurements the notch actually takes up MORE surface area than just having a consistent slightly thicker bezel across.

Or perhaps they could have opted for an underscreen camera like the Fold 3 or something else?

I feel like this was done for branding to tie it into the iPhone.