Dell XPS 13 Review: A New Standard for Mainstream Windows Laptops
The Dell XPS 13 is a refined, premium laptop with excellent battery life and a great design, but limited CPU and GPU performance
The Dell XPS 13 has returned as a top-notch Windows-based laptop, offering a great balance of design, battery life, and performance. Weighing in at just 2.2 pounds, this laptop is perfect for students or mainstream users who don't need extreme CPU or GPU power. With up to 15 hours of battery life, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and a starting price of $699, the XPS 13 is an attractive option.
Design and Features
The XPS 13 boasts a sleek, all-aluminum chassis with rounded edges and a premium feel. The laptop is available in two colors: silver "sky" and darker gray "storm". The design is reminiscent of Apple's MacBook Neo, but the XPS 13 feels better in the hands, with a more tapered edge and a lighter weight. The port selection is limited to two USB-C ports, both of which support DisplayPort 2.1 and charging. While the laptop lacks a headphone jack, it includes a keyboard backlight, which is a nice touch.
Performance Comparison
We tested both the 8GB and 16GB models of the XPS 13, comparing their performance to the MacBook Neo and other Windows laptops. The results are as follows:
| Laptop | RAM | CPU | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell XPS 13 | 8GB | Intel Series 3 Core 5 320 | 512GB SSD | $699 |
| Dell XPS 13 | 16GB | Intel Series 3 Core 5 320 | 512GB SSD | $899 |
| MacBook Neo | 8GB | Apple M2 | 256GB SSD | $699 |
| Chuwi UniBook | 8GB | Intel Core 3 304 | 512GB SSD | - |
| Dell XPS 14 | 16GB | Intel Core Ultra 7 355 | 1TB SSD | $2,000 |
Productivity and Gaming Performance
In terms of productivity, the XPS 13 performed well, but its CPU and GPU limitations were evident. The laptop struggled with demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, with the integrated Intel Xe graphics only suitable for retro titles and 2D side-scrollers. The 16GB model outperformed the 8GB model in most benchmarks, thanks to its increased memory capacity.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 13 is an excellent mainstream Windows laptop, offering a great design, long battery life, and decent performance. While it may not be a powerhouse, it's perfect for everyday tasks like web browsing, document creation, and streaming. With a starting price of $699, it's an attractive option for students and mainstream users. However, those who need more CPU or GPU power may want to consider other options.
