I used the latest Dell XPS 13 for several weeks in December and was overwhelmed. Let me explain. As far as I know Dell as the brand, the XPS lineup was considered Cream Delacreme for laptops.
That’s why I scratched my head like my overwhelming experience with the XPS 13. Have you ever mistakenly heard that XPS is the pinnacle of Dell’s consumer laptop products? Was my perception misaligned?
And in January, when Dell announced the others, everything went down in place Streamlined Laptop Lineup. Now, Dell Computers will be slotted into three categories: Dell for regular consumers, Dell Pro for enthusiasts/professionals, and Dell Pro Max for heavy professionals. This meant goodbye latitude, Inspiron, XPS and more.
That’s when the last piece falls into place. The XPS 13 is never a bad laptop. But it was very numbers, the tickbox was boring and it quickly became clear that the sun had set in the XPS lineup on this laptop. That’s why Dell has created the best laptop possible on paper.
The XPS 13 makes noteworthy advancements in key areas such as battery life, display quality and performance thanks to Intel’s Lunar Lake processor, but it’s not without challenges.
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View and build quality
If there is one area where the XPS 13 really is better, it’s the display. The 4K tandem OLED screen offers breathtaking visuals with native 2880×1800 resolution. The colours are vibrant, the contrast is exceptional, and the brightness of 400 knit ensures ease of use even in outdoor settings. Whether you edit photos or edit streaming content, this display offers a premium viewing experience where laptops in your class rarely match.
The build quality of the laptop is equally impressive. Just over 1.2 kilograms it feels full without heavy weight, and the sturdy chassis gives off a sense of durability. There is no flexion or creak under pressure. The refined design is as eye-catching as ever. The 1080p webcam is another welcome touch that offers sharp image quality for video calls.
Performance and battery life
The XPS 13 provides smooth and responsive performance that is perfect for multitasking. Whether you’re juggling dozens of chrome tabs, joining video calls, or working with multiple virtual desktops, this laptop handles everything easily.
The battery life was impressive. In actual use, the laptop easily lasted 8-10 hours, and the battery revving down test clocked over 12 hours. This is an incredible feat of a laptop with an OLED display. It doesn’t quite match the durability of my own M2 MacBook Air or other Snapdragon x elite-powered laptops, but it’s still a big leap for Intel-based models.
Games and graphics
Although the XPS 13 is not built for gaming, the Intel Arc 140V Integrated Graphics card can run some modern titles. Games like Helldivers 2, Indiana Jones and The Gread Circle perform quite well in low to mid-range settings. Frame rates range from 40 to 50fps depending on the title. For laptops that focus on productivity, this level of gaming features is a great bonus.
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Design: Mixed bag
The XPS 13’s design is refined and modern, but some elements felt to me…
With a gapless layout and elastic keys, the keyboard is a departure from more traditional design. Some appreciate that minimalist aesthetic, while others feel that extended typing sessions are not comfortable. Similarly, the rows of capacitive functions provide a futuristic touch, but are not intuitive to use as they lack tactile feedback on the physical key.
The tactile trackpad is another divisive feature. It is refined and provides accurate control in most scenarios, but may register accidental clicks.
Port selection is minimal, only two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, no headphone jack. This is consistent with Dell’s vision for a streamlined design, but users relying on wired peripherals may need to invest in an adapter or hub.
Verdict: Contrast Laptop
The Dell XPS 13 is a laptop that does a lot of things right. Its stunning OLED display, improved battery life and solid performance make it a strong candidate for the thin, bright category. The build quality remains premium as ever, and the sophisticated design of the laptop will surely turn your head.
However, some design choices, especially keyboards, features lines, and limited port selections — may not appeal to everyone. These elements bring the XPS 13 back from being a truly outstanding laptop. The renowned XPS lineup deserved a better farewell.
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