Sound quality is incredible, largely due to the 360-degree spatial audio with quad speakers and Dolby Atmos. You can clearly hear each instrument, separate from each other and any vocals, while heavy bass loses very little in terms of integrity even at higher volumes.
The new Dell XPS 13 is based on the Plus in terms of its keyboard, with an edge-to-edge design achieved by removing the lattice and a touchpad and wrist rest made entirely from Gorilla Glass with no visible boundaries. The touch-based toolbar also makes its return which, while visually impressive, is just as inaccessible as it’s always been. Both the touchpad and toolbar use haptic feedback in order to give the feeling of pressing a button. But while it can generally work for the former, the latter makes it impossible to know if you hit the right ‘button’ unless you can see it.
Port selection is still absolutely abysmal as it only has two USB Type-C ports, with no combo jack to speak of (RIP if you do audio editing because only Bluetooth works here). It does come with an adapter for the Type-A port but Dell could have easily fit at least one of those and a jack on the actual laptop.
(Image credit: Future)
Like other AI PCs, the Dell XPS 13 features AI Copilot+ integration and the infamous Copilot key that Microsoft shoehorned into all its AI laptop keyboards. This key works and automatically connects you to the general Copilot chatbot – a nice little trick but ultimately not very useful.
Dell XPS 13 9345: Benchmarks
Here’s how the Dell XPS 13 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
3DMark Steel Nomad: 501; Fire Strike: 5,635; Time Spy: 1,925; Wild Life Unlimited: 16,819Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 11,128GeekBench 6.3: 2,797 (single-core); 14,635 (multi-core) PCMark 10 (Home Test): 5,49525GB File Copy: 20.01 secondsHandBrake 4k to 1080p encoding: 4:47 minutesCrossMark Overall: 1,396; Productivity: 1,300; Creativity: 1,564; Responsiveness: 1,232Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 19:26:24Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (1080p, Ultra): 21 fps; (1080p, Low): 22 fps
Testing out the Copilot feature on the Dell XPS 13, it works as well as other AI PCs I’ve tried out so far. The chatbot has three levels – creative, balanced, and precise – and all three work quite well. I used my standard testing parameters including math questions, a mock interview, and a novel outline, and each answer cited several sources and made logical sense. There are also other plugins for additional tasks like other conversation types and shopping help.
There are two other features included in Microsoft Paint, Cocreator and Image Creator, that are both powered by AI models. The former turns your drawings into an AI-generated picture, which varies based on the style you choose and the level of ‘creativity’ (how much the finished product is based on your own art versus AI generation). Image Creator, the standard AI image generator, uses a credit system that awards you 50 credits upon sign-up and requires you to pay for more. You’re better off just using the free Cocreator as it’s essentially the same.
(Image credit: Future)
The Windows 11 AI Recall, which was set to launch along with Windows AI PCs, is still unavailable as of this writing due to being kicked back to the Windows Insider Program once the manifold security issues were exposed.
Recall works by creating a database of information on your PC through screenshots automatically taken every few seconds, building up a library of images you can search through AI. However, the Recall database, containing all the data from those screenshots and the overall history of your PC usage, is stored in plain text (in an SQLite database).
This makes it almost effortless for hackers to obtain highly sensitive information such as finances, passwords, work data, and more. It remains to be seen whether this feature will make a comeback, but that solely depends on if Microsoft can fix these massive security issues.
The Dell XPS 13’s benchmark results are very impressive, standing neck and neck with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7’s own results. The Qualcomm CPU alone carries the laptop, maintaining high levels of performance regardless of the amount of tasks being carried out in the background. Each of these benchmark scores showcases the full range of this laptop in terms of handling productivity work, conference calls, streaming, and more.
Like the other AI PCs released in 2024, the Dell XPS 13 laptop I tested had a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU. It not only delivers amazing results in benchmark testing but then translates those results into performance that far outstripes that of earlier XPS 13 models.
While I personally never experienced the same level of performance issues as with the Surface series before the Laptop 7, the Del XPS 13 line did have some hiccups here and there. For example, the XPS 13 Plus I previously reviewed had severe overheating problems that resulted in some sections of the laptop reaching scalding high temperatures. This also impacted performance as it would throttle the CPU.
Thankfully, while this most recent XPS 13 does get a bit warm when pushed to its limits, it doesn’t approach the extremes of before. This means that performance remains consistent no matter how long you run your laptop, perfect for handling heavier workloads.
(Image credit: Future)
The battery life for the Dell XPS 13 is by far the best out of the Snapdragon-powered laptops that I’ve tested. Under normal use, the battery lasts up to 20 hours with a ‘low’ of over 18 hours.
When continuously video streaming, the battery lasts on average for 17 and a half hours. The fact that a Dell laptop can match and even surpass many of the best MacBook models in battery life is something I would have never expected, but it’s clear Qualcomm has truly outdone itself.
The only downside to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite CPU is that the ARM support, while incredible compared to prior iterations, still has a few compatibility hiccups – mainly dealing with gaming. But even that improves constantly and the vast majority of users won’t even notice the hiccups as it doesn’t impact everyday use.
Dell XPS 13: Price & availability
How much does it cost? starting price is $1,299 / £1,099 including VAT / AU$2,299 When is it available? Available now Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The starting price for the Dell XPS 13 13.4-inch model is $1,299 / £1,099 including VAT / AU$2,299, netting you a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage in the US, UK, and Australia. Other configurations go up to 64GB/2TB in specs, which will cost $2,499.99 / £1,823.99 including VAT / AU$3,999.60.
It’s far pricier than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and M3 MacBook Air 13-inch but comes with overall much better specs including a superior processor, so if you’re looking for more of an Ultrabook , then this is the choice for you.
Dell XPS 13: Specs The Dell XPS 13 13.4-inch model starts with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage with an FHD+ (1920 x 1200) touch display. The highest configuration goes up to 64GB RAM and 2TB in storage with a 3K OLED (2880 x 1800) touch display.
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Dell XPS 13 specs
Header Cell – Column 0 Dell XPS 13 (base)
Dell XPS 13 (highest config)
Price Starting at $1,299 / £1,099 including VAT / AU$2,299
$2,499.99 / £1,823.99 including VAT / AU$3,999.60
Display FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 60Hz HDR Touchscreen
3K OLED (2880 x 1800), 60Hz HDR Touchscreen
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
Graphics Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
NPU Qualcom Hexagon, 45 TOPS
Qualcom Hexagon, 45 TOPS
RAM Up to 64GB LPDDR5x
Up to 64GB LPDDR5x
Storage Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Ports 2x USB 4 Type C
2x USB 4 Type C
Connectivity WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Battery 55WHr
55WHr
Weight 2.6lbs (1.19kg)
2.6lbs (1.17kg)
Dimensions 11.62 x 7.84 x 0.58 ins (295.3 x 199.1 x 14.8 mm)
11.62 x 7.84 x 0.58 ins (295.3 x 199.1 x 14.8 mm)
Should you buy the Dell XPS 13?
(Image credit: Future)
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Dell XPS 13 score card
Header Cell – Column 0 Notes
Rating
Value Though pricey, it’s worth the cost largely in part due to improvements from the CPU
4 / 5
Design As always, the XPS 13 line is sleek and stunning though that toolbar needs to go
4.5 / 5
Performance Excellent performance all around, no issues with slowdown or stuttering even with multiple tasks open
5 / 5
Battery This is the best AI PC battery life by far – it even surpasses some MacBook models
5 / 5
Average total The Dell XPS 13 (2024) is the best of the of line due to great specs, performance, design, and battery life
4.6 / 5
Buy the Dell XPS 13 if…
Don’t buy it if…
Dell XPS 13: Also consider If my Dell XPS 13 review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider…
How I tested the Dell XPS 13?
I tested the Dell XPS 13 for a week I tested it using productivity and creative applications I stress-tested the battery using the TechRadar movie test
First, I tested the general weight and portability of the Dell XPS 13 by carrying it around in a laptop bag. After I set it up, I ran several benchmarks to thoroughly test out the new Qualcomm processor. Finally, I used a variety of programs and applications to test out both battery life and general performance during work-like conditions.
The Dell XPS 13 is meant to be a portable laptop with a thin and light chassis. I had to spend a good amount of testing not only on performance issues but also looking for any ventilation issues. I also tested out battery life to see how long it could last off AC power.
I’ve tested plenty of gaming PCs and laptops, making me more than qualified to understand benchmark test results and how to properly stress test machines to see how well they perform as a work machine.
Read more about how we test
First reviewed August 2024
