The Dell XPS 13 (9315) is a sleek and portable ultrabook that offers a good balance of performance and portability. With its compact form factor, impressive specifications, and competitive price point, the XPS 13 aims to cater to users who require a highly portable device without compromising on power. In this review, we will dive into the various aspects of the XPS 13, including design, display, performance, keyboard, trackpad, battery life, and more.
Design and Build Quality: The XPS 13 features a slim and elegant design with a focus on minimizing bezels for a more immersive viewing experience. The thin bezels allow for a larger display in a smaller physical footprint, making it highly portable. However, some users may find the overall size a bit too small, resembling a toy-sized laptop. The build quality is solid, although the keyboard and trackpad may feel slightly less premium compared to competitors like the Surface lineup.
Display: The XPS 13 offers two display options: a non-touch, anti-glare 13.4-inch 1920×1200 InfinityEdge display and a touch-enabled, anti-reflective 13.4-inch 1920×1200 InfinityEdge display. The screens deliver vibrant colors and sharp visuals. However, the naming conventions and description of the display options can be confusing, and users may appreciate a clearer distinction between the anti-glare and anti-reflective properties.
Performance: Equipped with Intel’s 12th generation processors, the XPS 13 delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The review mentions that the i5 variant, chosen for testing purposes, runs a bit hot, which may raise concerns for users expecting lower heat generation with this processor. However, it’s important to note that further testing is required to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the device’s performance under different workloads.
Keyboard and Trackpad: The XPS 13 features a well-sized keyboard with comfortable key travel. While the keys may feel slightly looser compared to other premium options, they still provide a satisfactory typing experience. The trackpad, however, is relatively small, and some users may find it inconvenient, especially when accustomed to larger trackpads found in other devices.
Battery Life: Battery life is an important consideration for portable devices, and the XPS 13’s battery life is described as average, providing around five to seven hours of usage on a full charge. This may fall short for users seeking extended productivity on the go, particularly when compared to some competitors that offer longer battery life.
Price and Value: The XPS 13 offers competitive pricing, with the base model starting at $1099. The review suggests that this pricing is reasonable, considering the inclusion of 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, which are suitable for users looking for a device that can last several years. However, the review also highlights that there are alternative options available in the market at a similar price point, such as the LG Gram 16-inch, which offers impressive specifications.
Specifications of the Dell XPS 13 (9315):
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 11th Generation Intel Core i5/i7 |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR4x RAM |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Display | 13.4-inch InfinityEdge Touchscreen Display |
| Resolution | 1920×1200 pixels |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Operating System | Windows 11 or Windows 10 Pro |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C), 1 x USB-C |
| 3.2 Gen 2, 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo | |
| jack, MicroSD card reader | |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Webcam | HD (720p) Webcam with Windows Hello support |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Waves MaxxAudio Pro |
| Battery | Up to 7 hours of usage (may vary) |
| Weight | Starting at 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) |
The Dell XPS 13 (9315) offers a powerful 11th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, providing ample performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking. With 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, the device offers smooth multitasking and sufficient storage for most users’ needs.
The 13.4-inch InfinityEdge touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics ensures smooth graphics performance for casual gaming and multimedia consumption.
The device runs on Windows 11 or Windows 10 Pro, offering a familiar and user-friendly operating system. It features a variety of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and a MicroSD card reader, providing versatile connectivity options.
Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, enabling fast and reliable wireless connections. The HD (720p) webcam with Windows Hello support allows for secure and convenient facial recognition login.
The Dell XPS 13 (9315) weighs starting at 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg), making it highly portable and suitable for users on the go. The battery life of the device is around 5 to 7 hours, although this may vary depending on usage and settings.
In conclusion, the Dell XPS 13 (9315) offers a compact and lightweight design, powerful performance, and a vibrant display. While it has a few trade-offs such as a smaller trackpad and average battery life, it provides good value for its price range. Users seeking a portable and capable ultrabook for everyday use will find the XPS 13 to be a compelling choice. However, it’s recommended to compare it with other options available in the market to ensure it meets specific requirements and preferences.
