XPS - Organizer

Dell XPS 14 2026 and XPS 16 2026

2:00 am | January 6, 2026

As CES 2026 kicks off, right out of the gate, we have one of the biggest surprises of the show as far as laptops go, and that is the return of the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16.

Last year, Dell underwent a major overhaul of its laptop lines, consolidating them under a kind of grid scheme of Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max laptops, each with a base model, a Plus model, and a Premium version for different sizes.

It was controversial, for sure, and whether that controversy prompted Dell to change course or there was something in the sales performance of the rebranded laptops that gave Dell pause, whatever it was has given us back the iconic Dell XPS laptops, and it’s more than just a return to the old name.

The new Dell XPS lineup has had a solid redesign that at first sight goes a long way towards fixing the complaints I had with the last few generations of XPS laptops. It’s also powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 300 series processors, and by powered by Intel, I mean entirely.

With the new redesign, the XPS laptop is losing a discrete graphics option for the foreseeable future, which is putting a lot of trust in Intel’s new chips to deliver the mix of creative and productivity performance users expect from the XPS brand.

Whether the new Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16 achieve that balance remains to be seen, but for right now, these two laptops are a fantastic return for the beloved laptop line.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Price & availability

A Dell XPS 14 sitting on display — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

When is it out? The XPS 14 and XPS 16 go on sale January 6, 2026
How much is it? Starting at $2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16
Where can you get it? Only available in the US at launch, with global availability to follow

The Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16 will go on sale in the US on January 6, 2026, with a limited number of configurations, starting at $2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16. Lower-priced configurations will be launching soon, as will wider availability in the UK and Australia, though no dates or pricing for those regions have been given yet.

Without knowing what the specific specs of the initial configurations are, it’s hard to tell how much the price of the new XPS laptops will vary from earlier models. With RAM prices being what they are, I would not be surprised if they come in somewhat higher, but Dell is also better able to absorb those price hikes or negotiate volume pricing down, thanks to its size, so we’ll just have to keep an eye on it over the next few weeks and months before I can give it a proper value assessment.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Specs

Powered by Intel Core Ultra 300 series
No discrete graphics option

Dell XPS 14 2026 & Dell XPS 16 2026 specs
	Dell XPS 14	Dell XPS 16
Processor	Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H	Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
Graphics	Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics	Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics
NPU	Up to 50 TOPS	Up to 50 TOPS
Memory	Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600	Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600
Storage	Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0	Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0
Display	Up to 14-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED InfinityEdge touch display, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500	Up to 16-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) OLED InfinityEdge touch, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Ports	3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack	3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack
Battery	70WHr	70WHr
Webcam	8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello	8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello
Dimensions (W x D x H)	12.19 x 8.26 x 0.58 ins \| 309.5 x 209.7 x 14.6mm	13.88 x 9.35 x 0.58 ins \| 352.6 x 237.47 x 14.6mm
Weight	3.0 lbs \| 1.36kg	3.65 lbs \| 1.65kg

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Design

New, thinner, and more modern design
Fixes most of the accessibility issues with previous gen XPS models

The biggest change here for the Dell XPS 14and XPS 16 is the design of the two laptops, which significantly improves things over earlier generations.

First, the laptop feels lighter and sturdier than its predecessors, and it definitely looks more modern. The move from the Dell logo to the XPS logo on the lid also makes the laptop feel less like an office product and more like a proper ultrabook.

From my limited time with the two laptops, the keys had good travel and felt comfortable enough in my testing, but having not typed on them extensively, I can’t say how they’ll feel after a few hours of work.

The three Thunderbolt ports along the sides and the headphone/mic jack are sufficient for most people, and while the lack of USB-A ports might annoy some, at this point, I can’t fault Dell for sticking with the faster, more intuitive USB-C interface.

The webcam is an 8MP 4K HDR webcam, which is what I would expect for a laptop in this class, and the 10W audio is spread out between a number of hidden speakers along both sides of the laptop. Given the noise in the testing area, the audio was audible, but it was also really loud. I’ll reserve judgment on that until I can do more extensive testing with it.

The OLED displays looked great on the two laptops, with the XPS 16-inch feeling much more roomy as you’d expect, but the 14-inch display is also more than enough for most. The lighting in the testing space wasn’t the greatest, so I wouldn’t trust my eyes to judge the color accuracy without a longer look in better conditions, but I honestly can’t think of anything I’d fault them for.

The biggest changes, for me at least, are the return of physical Function keys and a more visible border for the trackpads. The old virtual Function key bar along the previous gen devices and the complete lack of a visibly defined trackpad on a smooth, glassy surface were accessibility headaches that simply weren’t necessary. The trackpad could be better defined, I’ll say, but I’m just happy that you can at least see it more clearly.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Performance

I didn’t have a chance to benchmark either the XPS 14 or XPS 16, so I can’t tell you how either will perform versus their predecessors. I will say that the lack of discrete graphics will not work in the new XPS models' favor if you are comparing them to a Dell Premium with an Nvidia RTX 4050, like the Dell 14 Premium I tested last year.

That said, I haven’t fully tested the new Intel Panther Lake chips yet, so the new XPS’s performance might end up surprising me. We’ll know soon enough.

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Final thoughts

A Dell XPS 14 in a man's hand — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

I personally didn’t lose much sleep over the XPS rebranding last year, the way many of my colleagues did, but I’m sure the XPS’s triumphant return from exile will make plenty of people happy.

What I care far more about, though, is the redesign of these two laptops, particularly the Function keys and the trackpad. Those fixes alone make this the one laptop I’m most excited to test out in the next few weeks, and if Intel Panther Lake can live up to its hype, these two models just might be the laptops to buy in 2026.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

Dell XPS 13 9345 review: the best XPS 13 ever

10:15 pm | August 2, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops Windows Laptops | Tags: Australia, UK, US, XPS | Comments: Off

Dell XPS 13: Two-minute review

The Dell XPS 13 is generally a pretty good series of laptops, usually scoring a four out of five stars rating, though 2022's Dell XPS 13 Plus received a lower score thanks to build quality issues. But how does the latest one stack up, equipped with the powerful Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite CPU? Quite well actually, as it's now one of the best Windows laptops and best laptops of the year, coupling its already stellar design and portability with much-improved battery life and performance.

The design is sleek and smooth as you'd come to expect from the XPS line, starting at a mere 2.59 pounds and measuring only 14.8 mm thin. Thankfully, this version also has a high build quality made from machined (CNC) aluminum, ensuring that it can withstand punishment and the daily wear and tear of commutes. It's available in Platinum or Graphite with a lovely finish that's surprisingly fingerprint-resistant.

black gaming laptop on wooden table — (Image credit: Future)

The XPS 13 has three different display types to choose from, including a 3K+ OLED touch display option, which is beyond stunning for a 13.4-inch screen. The bezels are ultra-thin and yet still able to support a 1080p FHD webcam, which sports generally good picture quality.

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.

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: 16,819
Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 11,128
GeekBench 6.3: 2,797 (single-core); 14,635 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Home Test): 5,495
25GB File Copy: 20.01 seconds
HandBrake 4k to 1080p encoding: 4:47 minutes
CrossMark Overall: 1,396; Productivity: 1,300; Creativity: 1,564; Responsiveness: 1,232
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 19:26:24
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 17 hours, 24 minutes
Sid 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.

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.

Image 1 of 4

Image 2 of 4

Image 3 of 4

Image 4 of 4

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.

black laptop on wooden table — (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.

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13?

Buy the Dell XPS 13 if...

You want solid productivity performance
This laptop handles productivity work like a champ including video calls, documents, web surfing, and more - while never sacrificing performance.

You want excellent battery life
The battery life on this laptop is astounding, lasting for up to 20 hours during normal web surfacing use and about 17 and a half hours with video streaming.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
This is an Ultrabook priced like an Ultrabook, meaning you need to expect to pay quite a bit of money for even the base model.

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.

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Two-minute review

Dell’s XPS line has had years to cement itself as perhaps one of the best consumer laptop series out there, delivering seriously high-quality devices that have frequently graced our rankings of the best ultrabooks and even just the best laptops in general.

Last year brought forth a new member of the XPS family: the XPS 13 Plus (2022), which sought to offer something a bit new - a more premium version of the Dell XPS 13, coming with more powerful internal components and more of a focus on design aesthetics.

The Dell XPS 13 Plus photographed on a wooden desk. — (Image credit: Future)

This year’s new XPS 13 Plus is Dell’s second attempt to nail this more expensive compact laptop, and while it does manage to beat the original model in some areas, it’s still hamstrung by some of the same issues that caused us to knock a star and a half off our original review of the 2022 model.

In other words: this is still one of the nicest-looking laptops I’ve ever seen (and the standard XPS 13 is no slouch when it comes to looks!), but the sacrifices made for style aren’t always worth it. For starters, the ‘invisible’ touchpad is sure to prove annoying for some people and downright ruinous for vision-impaired users, and the lack of physical port variety will no doubt be a sticking point for certain would-be buyers.

Luckily, this new Plus gets a big leg up over its predecessor thanks to improved specs, most prominently the 13th-generation Intel Core processor inside. I’ll dig into the nitty-gritty details later in this review, but the short version is that we’ve got some pretty solid performance here - though don’t expect it to go up against the best gaming laptops, since this XPS lacks a dedicated graphics card.

There’s plenty else to like here, from the absolutely gorgeous 3.5K OLED touch display to the impressively low overall weight. There’s no denying that this is a premium laptop - though starting at $1,249.00 / £1,198.99 / AU$2,398, the base model actually isn’t ludicrously expensive, even if it feels like a much pricier laptop.

At worst, this is a slightly more powerful version of the XPS 13 Plus that underwhelmed us last year. At best, it’s an aesthetically delightful ultrabook that offers reliable performance in an impressively thin and light chassis - though certain features (or lack thereof) might end up being a turn-off for some potential users.

For what it’s worth, I love the XPS 13 Plus - but I’ve had to be judicious in my scorings, because as much as I personally like it, it feels strangely like an imperfect reflection of the wider XPS range. I’d call it the ugly duckling of the flock, but ironically it’s probably the best-looking XPS laptop you can buy right now, with the Platinum colorway really highlighting its good looks. How does it fall short of true greatness? Read on to find out.

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Price & availability

How much does it cost? $1,249.00 / £1,198.99 / AU$2,398
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The 2023 Dell XPS 13 Plus costs more than its default-model sibling, though not egregiously so. As I mentioned above, pricing starts at $1,249.00 / £1,198.99 / AU$2,398 - that’s quite a bit more than the base model of the standard XPS 13, though that laptop comes with massively less powerful internal specs. The pricing on this model roughly mirrors the 2022 XPS 13 Plus, which is nice to see considering the bump in performance.

At the time of writing, the 2023 model of the Dell XPS 13 Plus is available in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. It looks like Brits and Aussies have the short end of the stick when it comes to pricing on the higher-end versions, but I won’t mark Dell down for that as it’s typically the case with laptops right now. Still, the midrange base pricing for such a premium-feeling laptop is definitely to my liking.

Price score: 4 / 5

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Specs

Our review model is a relatively high-end configuration costing $1,499.00 / £1,719.38 / AU$3,281.30, with the optional 3.5K OLED screen and an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, which is the only CPU available in most territories. Oddly, I did notice that in the UK the cheapest configuration instead sports an i5-1340P, which isn’t available in the US.

The XPS 13 Plus is fully configurable on Dell’s website, letting you pick how much RAM and storage you want (up to a hefty 32GB of DDR5 and a 2TB SSD) as well as a choice of three different displays: a standard FHD+ 60Hz touch panel, the 3.5K OLED screen in the model we’re reviewing, and finally an even better UHD+ OLED panel with slightly better brightness than the 3.5K version. The most expensive configuration will run you $1,749.00 / £2,119.38 / AU$3,880.80.

Specs score: 4 / 5

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Design

Same incredible aesthetics as the 2023 model…
…and the same dearth of ports
Display is amazing, webcam is lackluster

Seriously, Dell? A 720p webcam on a thousand-dollar-plus ultrabook? Whatever you guys are smoking, I don’t want any; any modern laptop that sits within the same price range as the XPS 13 Plus absolutely should have a 1080p webcam.

Maybe I’m in the minority of ‘people who care about webcam resolutions’, but the difference is noticeable in video calls and frankly a 1080p camera isn’t exactly an ultra-premium feature; I’ve seen them on cheaper laptops than this. It does at least have IR functionality for supporting face logins with Windows Hello, which is a good inclusion.

Setting my webcam beef aside, this truly is one sleek-looking laptop. The keyboard is entirely flush with the internal deck of the chassis, with no rounding at the edges of the keys, which creates a futuristic effect and also makes typing quite comfortable. The keys are backlit by uniform white LEDs, and the function keys are - just as we saw in the 2022 original - replaced by a nifty touch bar with illuminated icons that change when you hold down the function key.

The overall design is near-identical to the 2022 model, in fact - and for the most part, that’s not a bad thing. It’s minimalist in the best possible way, with tiny bezels around the touchscreen and a clean brushed silver exterior. The power button (which doubles as a fingerprint scanner) nestles in the corner of the keyboard.

The touchpad is effectively invisible, occupying the center of the flat palm rest panel beneath the keyboard but with no indication of where it starts and ends. I understand the look that Dell was going for here, but even the slightest ridge in the plastic would have prevented this from becoming an immediate accessibility issue for certain users, like those with sight-related disabilities (a problem likely shared by the non-tactile function key touch bar). I personally found the touchpad very responsive, however, with a subtle but noticeable click to it.

One design decision that should’ve been left in 2022 is the port selection: literally just two USB-C ports. That’s all you get; and the XPS 13 Plus charges via USB-C too, so you’re down to just a single port when plugged in. While I primarily blame the MacBook Air for this irritating trend among premium notebooks in recent years, it’s depressing to see Dell following in Apple’s footsteps.

Mercifully, there is a pair of USB-C adapters (one for USB-A and one for a headphone jack) included in the box, and the two ports do support Thunderbolt 4 so you’ll get excellent transfer speeds, but I fail to see how it was impossible to include at least a native 3.5mm jack in the chassis here. Not everyone owns AirPods, Dell.

Lastly, I have to talk about the display. This 3.5K panel (which uses an esoteric resolution of 3456 x 2160) isn’t even the highest-spec screen you can get on the XPS 13 Plus, and yet it’s still a genuinely beautiful display. Colors pop, blacks are dark and deep, and the maximum brightness is sufficient for it to be used in brightly lit environments without any issues. It’s definitely the laptop’s standout feature.

Design score: 4 / 5

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Performance

Core i7-1360P offers a decent boost on the previous model’s performance
General speed and responsiveness is good
Capable of some light gaming

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Laptop benchmarks

Here's how the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark Night Raid: 15,085; Fire Strike: 4,891; Time Spy: 1,778
GeekBench 6: 2,238 (single-core); 10,541 (multi-core)
25GB File Copy: 1,659MBps
Handbrake 1.6: 8m 14s
CrossMark: Overall: 1,504; Productivity: 1,393; Creativity: 1,713; Responsiveness: 1,282
Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (1080p, High): 27.8fps; (1080p, Low): 51.1fps
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 6 hrs 20 mins

Naturally, my frame of reference for this review’s performance testing process was the set of results recorded in our review of last year’s XPS 13 Plus - and while we’ve switched up our selection of benchmarks since then, the points of comparison I could make were… confusing.

In synthetic graphical tests, the integrated inside this review unit performed near-identically to the previous model. Meanwhile, our practical gaming test saw a fairly significant improvement - to the point where I also downloaded Valorant and found that it ran well enough to play, so a spot of casual gaming in less resource-intensive titles is definitely an option here.

Both synthetic and real-world CPU benchmarks, however, showed a more marked increase in performance of roughly 20-30% across both single-core and multi-core workloads. The i7-1360P is a solid mobile processor which I found delivered very consistent performance even when I put it to the test by opening two dozen Chrome tabs and trying to watch a YouTube video.

As I learned from that process, however, the speakers on this laptop are fairly underwhelming. They’re not exactly dreadful, and most compact notebooks like this share a similar weakness, but there’s a noticeable lack of bass and high notes sound a little scratchy at maximum volume.

Data transfers are relatively snappy thanks to the NVMe SSD, and overall system responsiveness is good. As per the Intel Evo branding, the boot and wake times are near-instantaneous, which is great. I also found that it didn’t get too warm (nor the fans too noisy) even after a good hour of benchmarking - a relief, given that we noted some thermal issues in our review of the 2022 model.

Though it’s far from a cheap laptop, I was very satisfied with the price-to-performance ratio of the XPS 13 Plus. The only area it’s really likely to struggle in is running 3D rendering or scientific modeling software, due to the lack of GPU. For virtually everything else, though - office work, web browsing, low-intensity gaming, and even a bit of Netflix in bed - this ultrabook performs much better than its originator.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Battery

Battery life is decidedly underwhelming
Less than seven hours of medium intensity use
Charges fast

This is the one area where the XPS 13 Plus falls short of its predecessor. In our standard internet use battery test with Wi-Fi on, the laptop lasted for 6 hours and 20 minutes on a full charge.

For reference, that’s less than virtually every other flagship laptop brand in this weight class right now. It’s less than half the latest 13-inch MacBook Air, and even less than the previous M1 MacBook Air. In an actual day using the XPS 13 to do my everyday work for TechRadar, it did manage to last longer, going comfortably from 9AM to 6PM with a break for lunch - though I did dip below 20% and caused an alarmed Windows 11 to switch on Battery Saver.

It’s not quite good enough considering the competition, and I noted that the battery drained faster the more you tried to do. This just isn’t a laptop you can leave in your bag overnight without charging it and expect to take to work the next day. At least it charges pretty fast thanks to Thunderbolt 4 power delivery.

Battery score: 2.5 / 5

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)?

Buy it if...

You value aesthetics

If you’re buying a laptop for style points, this is one of the best-looking out there, especially among Windows laptops.

You want a great screen

This OLED display is truly fantastic, making the XPS 13 Plus a great choice among compact laptops for anyone who wants to watch a lot of videos.

Don't buy it if...

You want long battery life

If you’re the sort of person who routinely forgets to get their laptop out of their bag and charge it at the end of a long commute, do not buy a Dell XPS 13 Plus. You have been warned.

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Also consider

If the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...

How I tested the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)

Used at home and at the office
Tested productivity work, web browsing, gaming
Charged overnight before using it all day on battery power

I had less time than I'd typically like to test out the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023), so I aimed to be as efficient as possible. First, I tested its performance by running general productivity tasks and running our benchmarking software selection in the TechRadar office. Then I took it home, charged it overnight, and used it to replace my desktop PC as I worked from home.

Naturally, my job involves a lot of typing - perfect for getting acquainted with this laptop's lovely keyboard. But my everyday work doesn't involve doing much exciting with my device of choice, so I was sure to dedicate some time in the evening to playing some games on the XPS 13 Plus and finally watching an episode of The Witcher on it before bed.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Introduction

Either spotting a gap in the market or just out of loyalty to its best buddy Microsoft, Dell has released its own Windows RT slate. Aimed[……]

Hands-on review: Dell XPS 18

3:00 am | March 14, 2013

Author: admin | Category: Cameras | Tags: PC, Sony Tap, USD, XPS | Comments: None

Hands-on review: Dell XPS 18

Dell’s new XPS 18 has an 18.4-inch 1080p screen. But yes, it’s a tablet.- albeit one that can double as an all-in-one PC. It’s in the same vein as the[……]

Review: Dell XPS 13

3:01 am | January 22, 2013

Author: admin | Category: Cameras | Tags: Acer Aspire S7, HD, Windows Store, XPS | Comments: None

Review: Dell XPS 13

The world of laptops is moving fast, and the end of 2012 saw a raft of new designs that aim to get the best from Windows 8.

The Dell XPS 13 was one of[……]

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Price & availability

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Specs

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Design

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Performance

Dell XPS 14 & Dell XPS 16: Final thoughts

Dell XPS 13: Two-minute review

Dell XPS 13: Price & availability

Dell XPS 13: Specs

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13?

Buy the Dell XPS 13 if...

Don't buy it if...

Dell XPS 13: Also consider

How I tested the Dell XPS 13?

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Two-minute review

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Price & availability

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Specs

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Design

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Performance

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Battery

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Also consider

How I tested the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)

Introduction

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories