Dell‘s XPS series has earned praise as one of the best Windows laptop lines around. Blending premium design with top-notch components, Dell XPS models set the standard for ultraportable performance. Two of the most popular options are the Dell XPS 13 and Dell XPS 15. But with similarities in name and reputation, it can be tricky to decide between the XPS 13 and 15.
That‘s why I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide comparing Dell‘s compact XPS 13 and the larger XPS 15. Read on for a detailed breakdown of specs, features, pricing, pros and cons and more to determine which XPS ultrabook is the best fit.
At a Glance: Dell XPS 13 vs Dell XPS 15
Before we dive deeper, here is a high-level overview of how the XPS 13 and 15 compete:
| Specs/Features | Dell XPS 13 | Dell XPS 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 13.4-inches | 15.6-inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 or 3840 x 2400 | 1920 x 1200 or 3840 x 2400 |
| Weight | Starting at 2.69 lbs | Starting at 4.22 lbs |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches | 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours video playback | Up to 8 hours video playback |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5, i7 or i9 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe (integrated) | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050/3050 Ti (discrete) |
| Memory | Up to 16GB LPDDR4x | Up to 64GB DDR5 |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe SSD | Up to 4TB PCIe SSD |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, microSD, headphone jack | 3x Thunderbolt 4, SD card reader, headphone jack |
| Starting Price | $949 | $1,299 |
As you can see, there is significant overlap when it comes to processing power, display quality, premium design and other aspects. However, the larger XPS 15 differentiates itself with discrete Nvidia graphics, more powerful CPU options, bigger screen real estate and superior sound. The XPS 13 counters with lighter weight and smaller overall size for better portability.
Next, let‘s take a deeper look at each laptop to understand all the ways they differ.
Dell XPS 13: Ultraportable Perfection
Let‘s kick things off with Dell‘s smallest XPS ultrabook. As the name suggests, the Dell XPS 13 packs a 13.4-inch display into a super slim and lightweight chassis. Tipping the scales at just 2.69 pounds for the non-touch model, the XPS 13 delivers go-anywhere portability without skimping on performance.
Inside its appealing and durable CNC machined aluminum body, the XPS 13 comes loaded with 12th Gen Intel Core processors up to a Core i7, 16GB LPDDR4x RAM and up to a 2TB PCIe SSD. You also get the latest Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. This hardware muscle combines with an InfinityEdge display, surrounded by tiny bezels, to create an immersive viewing experience.
While the base 1080p non-touch display gets the job done, I recommend upgrading to the stunning 4K+ (3840 x 2400) touch option to unlock the XPS 13‘s full potential. Touch support adds functionality while 500-nits of brightness and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification ensure vivid image quality. The 16:10 aspect ratio display gives you more vertical space than a traditional widescreen for browsing docs and web pages.
Outlasting the competition is also one of the XPS 13‘s strong suits. MobileMark 25 benchmark testing shows up to 13 hours and 20 minutes of video playback on the latest 2023 model. Rapid charging via ExpressCharge 2.0 gives you 80% capacity in about an hour.
Despite its compact footprint, Dell manages to squeeze in a decent port selection. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports provide speedy connectivity and charging in one along with the ability to drive external monitors. There’s also a handy microSD slot and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Finally, Dell backs the XPS 13 with excellent service and support options. Standard warranty includes 1 year of mail-in repairs after remote diagnosis. Extended warranty and accidental damage plans allow customization up to 4 years. Premium Support adds direct technical phone support among other benefits.
Dell XPS 13 Pros:
- Impressively thin and very lightweight
- Stunning near bezel-less InfinityEdge touch display
- Class-leading 13+ hour battery life
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processing
- Rapid ExpressCharge 2.0
- Thunderbolt 4 ports with charging/display support
- microSD slot for storage expansion
Dell XPS 13 Cons:
- Integrated graphics less capable for creative work or gaming
- 16GB RAM and 2TB storage limit could be restrictive for some
- Limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports
Dell XPS 15: Bigger and Badder
As the name implies, the centerpiece of the Dell XPS 15 experience is its roomy 15.6-inch 16:10 display. While resolution options max out at the same 4K+ (3840 x 2400) as the XPS 13, the larger screen provides more workspace. It also enables Dell to squeeze in a better webcam at 1080p.
Of course, with bigger screens come increased chassis size and weight. Although relatively portable for a 15-inch laptop, the XPS 15 tips the scale at 4.22 pounds for non-touch and 4.62 pounds for touch-enabled configurations. Dimensions grow to a still sleek 0.71 x 13.57 x 9.06 inches.
Extra space also allows Dell to outfit the XPS 15 with a killer speaker setup. A quad-speaker design with two tweeters and two woofers delivers booming, immersive audio. There’s also a detectable bass boost thanks to the down-firing subwoofer centered under the laptop. Dolby Atmos tuning rounds out the superb listening experience.
But it’s the processing power that truly sets apart the muscular XPS 15. Dell packs 12th Gen Intel Core i9 H-Series processors up to the flagship Core i9-12900HK inside. With 14 powerful cores and astonishing 5.2GHz Turbo boost potential, this beastly silicon chews through intensive workloads. Configuring up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB of speedy PCIe SSD storage maximizes performance too.
Nvidia‘s entry-level GeForce RTX 3050 and 3050 Ti discrete GPUs are also available on select XPS 15 models. While less capable than higher-end Nvidia graphics, the RTX 3050 Ti still speeds up video editing, 3D rendering and even triple-A gaming. If you need extra graphics horsepower on top of CPU muscle, the XPS 15 delivers.
In terms of drawbacks, the XPS 15‘s Achilles heel is somewhat shorter battery life compared to the XPS 13. MobileMark 25 testing indicates around 8 hours of video playback. The good news is the 56 and 86Wh battery options recharge to 80% in as little as one hour when using ExpressCharge Boost technology.
Dell XPS 15 Pros:
- Powerhouse performance from 12th Gen Core i9 processor
- Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti discrete GPU option for creators/gamers
- Giant 15.6-inch 16:10 near bezel-less touch display
- Booming quad-speaker setup with subs handles multimedia
- Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB PCIe SSD storage
- Same Thunderbolt 4 ports as XPS 13 but adds SD card reader
Dell XPS 15 Cons:
- Noticeably heavier at over 4 pounds
- Battery life capped at around 8 hours
- Expensive when maxed out with high specs
XPS 13 vs XPS 15: Which Should You Buy?
With an understanding of the key pros and cons behind Dell‘s 13-inch and 15-inch flagship ultrabooks, it‘s time to make a buying recommendation. In my opinion:
The Dell XPS 13 is ideal for students, travelers, business users and anyone who prioritizes lightweight and long battery life over peak computing power in an ultraportable Windows laptop.
Creators, hardcore gamers, developers and other power users instead will prefer the Dell XPS 15 for its bigger display, discrete GPU option and advantage in sheer processing muscle.
Where you land depends heavily on how you plan to use your new XPS notebook. But in general, I suggest the XPS 13 for everyday productivity given its slim design and endurance along with sufficient speed for things like email, documents, web browsing etc. Think best-in-class airline laptop.
The XPS 15 better suits jobs requiring processing punch – especially media editing and CAD work that leverage the discrete GPU. Binging movies and shows is also enhanced by the expansive 4K OLED touch display and booming speakers. This machine flexes performance over portability.
Either way, you‘re getting Dell‘s top-shelf ultrabook pedigree starting around $1,000. And I suggest purchasing extended warranties to match how long you plan to own your new XPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the XPS 13 and XPS 15 compare to the XPS 13 Plus and XPS 17?
A: The XPS 13 Plus debuted for 2023 as an alternate take on Dell‘s 13-inch ultrabook. It has a unique look with edge-to-edge keyboard, larger touchpad and Evo certification for advanced collaboration features. But the standard XPS 13 remains the standard bearer and crowd favorite. The XPS 17 is closest in size and power to the XPS 15 but has a productivity-boosting 17-inch display. Battery life takes a further hit however.
Q: Can the XPS 13 or XPS 15 handle gaming?
A: While not a gaming laptop replacement, the XPS 13 should handle casual and less demanding games very well thanks to 12th Gen Intel processing and Iris Xe graphics. The XPS 15 config with RTX 3050 Ti graphics can tackle AAA gaming at lower settings and framerates. Those wanting the best gaming experience should look at Alienware.
Q: How long do XPS laptops typically last?
A: The premium and durable metal construction of XPS models allows them to maintain excellent condition and usability for 3-5 years or longer in many cases. Protecting your investment with extended warranties ensures you get maximum lifespan. Proper maintenance like dust removal from fans helps too.
Q: What customization options do the XPS 13 and 15 offer?
A: Dell allows decent component flexibility when ordering online. Key areas to tailor to your needs and budget include display resolution/touch support, processor/GPU selection, RAM amount, and SSD storage space. Higher configs cost considerably more but let you maximize performance or features.
Q: Which has the better display?
A: Both Dell’s XPS 13 and 15 offer gorgeous, extremely thin-bezeled Infinity Edge touch displays with up to 4K+ resolution, 500 nits brightness, excellent color reproduction and more. The XPS 15‘s larger 15.6-inch screen real estate adds workspace but hurts battery runtimes. I’d give the XPS 13 the edge for everyday use but the XPS 15 brings more immersion for movies and games.
You can‘t go wrong picking Dell’s darling XPS 13 or more muscular XPS 15. These remain two of the top ultrabooks running Windows 11. Just be aware of their differences highlighted here when deciding the best option for your computing habits and lifestyle.
The XPS 13 priortizes supreme portability while still packing a punch. Creators and gamers needing extra performance will want to step up to the XPS 15 configuration with discrete graphics. Getting your priorities straight makes selecting your next premium laptop easy.
And no matter which XPS system you choose, expect a stunning display, respectable battery life given the power inside, and Dell’s customer-friendly support network there when you need it.
Now that you know how the Dell XPS 13 and XPS 15 compare and contrast across all specs and real-world use cases, which model has your name it? Let me know in the comments any other questions!
