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Dell XPS 13 (2021) Laptop Review

Tested using Methodology v0.8.2
Review updated Mar 31, 2023 at 09:41 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 07, 2023 at 07:56 am
Dell XPS 13 (2021) Picture
8.0
School
5.2
Gaming
8.2
Multimedia
5.9
Workstation
7.5
Business

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) is a premium ultraportable Windows laptop. This 9310 model replaces the Dell XPS 13 9300 from 2020. It's available with an Intel 11th Gen. Core i3, i5, or i7 CPU, and up to 32GB of memory and 2TB of storage. There are three display options: a FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS, a 4k (3840 x 2400) IPS, and a 3.5K (3456 x 2160) OLED panel. Its port selection includes two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It has a 720p webcam, Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity, and a 52Wh battery. You can see our unit's specifications and the available configurations in the Differences Between Variants section below.

Our Verdict

8.0 School

The Dell XPS 13 is great for school use. It's an amazingly well-built laptop that's easy to carry around, with a battery that lasts a little over 10 hours of light productivity, long enough to get you through a typical school day on a full charge. It has a sharp and bright display, a great keyboard that feels comfortable to type on, and a large, responsive touchpad. Its Intel 11th Gen CPU and integrated graphics can handle most student workloads, like text formatting, web browsing, and video playback. However, they aren't powerful enough for demanding tasks like graphic design or 3D animation. Unfortunately, it only has USB-C ports, so you'll likely need dongles for your peripherals.

Pros
  • Very portable thanks to compact design.
  • Metal chassis feels very well built.
  • Battery lasts a little over 10 hours of light productivity.
  • Sharp and bright display.
  • Keyboard feels great to type on.
Cons
  • CPU and integrated GPU aren't powerful enough for demanding workloads.
  • No USB-A or HDMI port.
5.2 Gaming

The Dell XPS 13 is inadequate for gaming. It's only available with power-efficient Intel 11th Gen CPUs and integrated GPUs, which aren't powerful enough to handle demanding AAA titles. You can play some lighter or older games on the Core i5 and i7 models with Intel Iris Xe graphics, though you'll have to play at low graphical settings or at 720p to get playable frame rates. Unfortunately, it has a 60Hz display with a slow response time and no VRR support.

Pros
  • Quiet fans.
Cons
  • CPU and integrated GPU aren't powerful enough for demanding workloads.
  • 60Hz display with a slow response time and no VRR support.
  • Some CPU and GPU throttling under load.
  • Non-upgradeable memory.
8.2 Multimedia

The Dell XPS 13 is great for media consumption. It has a sharp display that gets bright enough to combat glare, even outdoors in broad daylight, and you can also configure the laptop with a 3.5k OLED or 4k IPS panel if you want even better image quality. The speakers get very loud, but they don't have much bass or treble extension, so they're better suited for spoken content than music or movies. Although it's compact and portable, you'll likely need to bring the charger with you as the battery lasts only a little over five hours of video playback.

Pros
  • Very portable thanks to compact design.
  • Sharp and bright display.
  • Loud speakers.
  • 3.5k OLED and 4k IPS panel options.
  • Display supports touch input.
Cons
  • Battery lasts only a little over five hours of video playback.
  • Blacks look gray in dim settings.
5.9 Workstation

The Dell XPS 13 is sub-par as a workstation. Its power-efficient Intel 11th Gen CPU and integrated graphics aren't powerful enough for demanding tasks like 3D rendering or physics simulations, and they throttle under load, further reducing performance. Also, the memory isn't user-upgradeable, and it only has USB-C ports, meaning you'll likely need dongles or a dock for your USB-A peripherals.

Pros
  • Quiet fans.
  • USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 support.
Cons
  • CPU and integrated GPU aren't powerful enough for demanding workloads.
  • Some CPU and GPU throttling under load.
  • No USB-A or HDMI port.
  • Non-upgradeable memory.
7.5 Business

The Dell XPS 13 is decent for business use. It feels amazingly well-built, and it's easy to carry around for business trips. The battery lasts a little over 10 hours of light productivity, long enough to comfortably get you through a typical workday. It has a sharp and bright display, a keyboard that feels comfortable to type on for extended periods, and a large and responsive touchpad. Its Intel 11th Gen CPU can easily handle most productivity tasks like web browsing, text formatting, spreadsheets, and presentations. Unfortunately, it only has USB-C ports, so you'll need dongles or a dock for your peripherals or to connect an external display like a TV or projector. Also, the webcam's image looks soft, and voices sound harsh over the microphone.

Pros
  • Very portable thanks to compact design.
  • Metal chassis feels very well built.
  • Battery lasts a little over 10 hours of light productivity.
  • Sharp and bright display.
  • Keyboard feels great to type on.
Cons
  • No USB-A or HDMI port.
  • Webcam image looks soft and voices sound harsh over microphone.
  • 8.0 School
  • 5.2 Gaming
  • 8.2 Multimedia
  • 5.9 Workstation
  • 7.5 Business
  1. Updated Dec 07, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.2.
  2. Updated Nov 03, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.1.
  3. Updated Sep 19, 2023: Added mention of the Dell XPS 15 (2023) as an alternative with a bigger screen in the Screen Specs section.
  4. Updated May 30, 2023: Added mention of the LG gram 14 (2023) as an alternative with a wider port selection in the Ports section.
  5. Updated Mar 31, 2023: We've updated the review to improve clarity and readability.
  6. Updated Nov 02, 2022: Added mention of the Framework Laptop (2022) in the serviceability section as an alternative.
  7. Updated Oct 13, 2022: Added mention of the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) as an alternative with a better webcam.
  8. Updated Sep 07, 2022: Added mention of the HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 (2021) as an alternative with a discrete GPU.
  9. Updated Apr 05, 2022: Review published.
  10. Updated Mar 30, 2022: Early access published.
  11. Updated Mar 15, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
  12. Updated Mar 11, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the Dell XPS 13 (model 9310) with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 CPU, integrated Intel UHD Graphics for 11th Gen processors, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of storage. The CPU, memory, and storage are configurable; you can see the available options in the table below. Our review applies only to model 9310 of the Dell XPS 13. We consider the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 an entirely separate model.

Screen
  • 13.4" IPS 1920 x 1200 60Hz Touchscreen (500 cd/m²)
  • 13.4" IPS 3840 x 2400 60Hz Touchscreen (500 cd/m²)
  • 13.4" OLED 3456 x 2160 60Hz Touchscreen (400 cd/m²)
CPU
  • Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2 cores/4 threads, up to 4.1GHz, 6MB)
  • Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.2GHz, 8MB)
  • Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.7GHz, 12MB)
  • Intel Core i7-1185G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.8GHz, 12MB)
  • Intel Core i7-1195G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 5.0GHz, 12MB)
 GPU
  • Intel UHD Graphics for 11th Gen processors (integrated, Core i3, 48 execution units)
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, Core i5, 80 execution units)
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, Core i7s, 96 execution units)
 Memory
  • 8GB LPDDR4x 4267MHz
  • 16GB LPDDR4x 4267MHz
  • 32GB LPDDR4x 4267MHz
Storage 
  • 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
 Color
  • Platinum Silver exterior, black interior
  • Frost exterior, arctic white interior

You can see our unit's label here.

Compared To Other Laptops

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is one of the best ultraportable laptops on the market. It stands out for its premium design, sturdy build, high-quality display, and comfortable keyboard. However, its port selection is worse than many other laptops in its class.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best laptops, the best laptops for college, and the best business laptops.

Dell XPS 13 Plus (2022)

The Dell XPS 13 Plus (2022) isn't a newer version of the Dell XPS 13 (2021) but rather an alternate model with a different design. The XPS 13 Plus is available with faster Intel 12th Gen. CPUs; however, it can't maintain its performance as well as the 2021 model under load. Also, its speakers don't sound as good as the older model, and its port selection is worse, as it no longer has a 3.5mm headphone jack or an SD card reader.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2022)

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2022) and the Dell XPS 13 (2021) are very similar premium ultraportable laptops. However, there are some small differences. The Surface Laptop 5 has a sturdier build and a better webcam, while the XPS 13 has a brighter display, better reflection handling, and a longer battery life. The Surface Laptop 5 is a newer device and is available with faster Intel 12th Gen. CPUs, although there's a more recent version of the XPS 13 with Intel 12th Gen. processors as well.

LG gram 14 (2023)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the LG gram 14 (2023) are both premium ultraportable laptops that provide a similar user experience. Although the LG is a larger 14-inch laptop, it's lighter than the Dell, weighing only 2.1 lbs. The LG has a wider port selection and is available with faster Intel 13th Gen. CPUs; however, the Dell laptop's display gets brighter to combat glare.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 (2021)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 (2021) are both ultraportable laptops with Intel 11th Gen CPUs. The main difference is that the Yoga 9i is a 2-in-1 convertible with a 360-degree hinge, while the XPS 13 is a more traditional clamshell laptop. In terms of user experience, the XPS 13 comes out ahead because it has a brighter and more color-accurate display, a more responsive touchpad, and a better webcam. It also has longer battery life, and its CPU doesn't throttle as much under load. On the other hand, the Yoga 9i has better-sounding speakers, and it supports pen input.

LG gram 17 (2021)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the LG gram 17 (2021) are ultraportable Windows laptops with Intel 11th Gen processors. The LG's larger display gives you more screen real estate for multitasking; however, the Dell has sharper 3.5k OLED and 4k IPS panel options. Both laptops have a great keyboard that provides a comfortable typing experience and a large, responsive touchpad. The LG has a better webcam for video calls, and its wider port selection includes two USB-A and an HDMI port, which the XPS 13 lacks. The LG also has longer battery life, lasting nearly 3 hours longer in light productivity workloads and almost twice as long for video playback.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020) are both ultraportable laptops designed for general productivity like web browsing, text formatting, and video playback. The Dell is available with Intel 11th Gen CPUs and runs Windows, while the Apple laptop uses Apple's ARM-based M1 SoC and runs macOS. The Apple has a sharper display, but the Dell's is brighter, and you can also configure the XPS 13 with a 4k IPS or 3.5k OLED panel. The Dell laptop's keyboard feels better to type on; however, the Apple laptop's haptic touchpad is easier to use because you can click anywhere. If you're often on video calls, the Apple laptop's webcam is much better, even though it's the same resolution as the XPS 13's. Performance-wise, Apple's M1 SoC is faster than Intel's 11th Gen processors, even against the top-end i7-1195G7. The Apple laptop has longer battery life, lasting a little over 3 hours more than the Dell in light productivity workloads.

Dell XPS 15 (2023)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the Dell XPS 15 (2023) are very alike design-wise and provide a similar user experience overall. The main difference is that the XPS 13 is a more compact ultraportable designed for light productivity tasks, while the XPS 15 is a larger mobile workstation with a much more powerful H-series CPU and NVIDIA discrete GPU options. While neither is great regarding ports, the XPS 15 has one more USB-C than the XPS 13. The XPS 15 also has better serviceability, as unlike the XPS 13, its RAM and wireless adapter are user-replaceable.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022)

The Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) and the Dell XPS 13 (2021) are both 13-inch ultraportable laptops that offer a premium user experience. The main difference is that the Apple model runs macOS, and the Dell runs Windows. The Apple laptop's M2 performs better than the Dell laptop's Intel 11th Gen processors, meaning you can run more intensive applications with fewer stutters or slowdowns. The Apple laptop's is also fanless, so it doesn't cause as much noise as the Dell under load.

HP ENVY x360 13 (2020)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the HP ENVY x360 13 (2020) are both ultraportable Windows laptops. However, the HP is a 2-in-1 convertible with a 360-degree hinge, while the Dell is a standard clamshell laptop. The Dell laptop offers a better user experience as it has a larger and more responsive touchpad, much better-sounding speakers, and a better webcam for video calls. On the other hand, the HP has USB-A ports in addition to its USB-C port, whereas the Dell only has USB-Cs. The HP also has longer battery life, especially for video playback. The Dell is available with Intel 11th Gen CPUs only, while the HP is available with Intel 11th Gen and AMD Ryzen 5000 CPUs. The display's performance depends on which panel you choose, as both laptops offer various display options.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021)

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is better than the Dell XPS 13 (2021) for most uses; however, they're also very different laptops. The XPS 13 is a Windows thin and lightweight laptop designed for light productivity tasks like text formatting and spreadsheets, while the MacBook Pro 16 is a macOS mobile workstation designed for demanding workloads, like video editing. You can configure the XPS 13 with a fairly capable Intel 11th Gen CPU, but it throttles under load, and its integrated GPU isn't powerful enough for graphically-intensive tasks.

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is better than the Dell XPS 13 (2021) in most aspects; however, they're also very different. The XPS 13 is an ultraportable laptop designed for light productivity tasks like text formatting and web browsing, while the MacBook Pro 14 is a mobile workstation designed for demanding workloads, like video editing. The MacBook Pro 14 has a sharper and more colorful screen, a better touchpad and webcam, and a much wider port selection. Apple's M1 SoC performs better than any of the XPS 13's Intel 11th Gen. processors, and it's more power-efficient, giving the MacBook Pro 14 longer battery life.

Framework Laptop 13 (2022)

The Framework Laptop 13 (2022) and the Dell XPS 13 (2021) are both premium ultraportable Windows laptops. The Dell provides a slightly better user experience overall with a brighter display, a more comfortable keyboard, a larger touchpad, and better-sounding speakers. It's also more portable and has longer battery life. However, the Framework has a better port selection, as its modular port system allows you to swap out the ports on the fly. The Framework is also easier to repair and upgrade, as its design allows for easy access, and all its components are replaceable, including the CPU, motherboard, and display.

Framework Laptop 13 (2021)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the Framework Laptop 13 (2021) are both ultraportable Windows laptops with Intel 11th Gen processors. The Dell provides a slightly better user experience overall, as it has a more comfortable keyboard, a more responsive touchpad, and better-sounding speakers. The Dell also has sharper screen options, like a 3.5k OLED and a 4k IPS panel. However, the Framework's design makes repairing and upgrading components easier, and it has a modular I/O system that lets you swap out ports on the fly. The Framework has longer battery life, and unlike the Dell, its CPU and GPU don't throttle under load.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2019)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2019) are very different. The XPS 13 is a Windows ultraportable laptop designed for light productivity tasks, while the MacBook Pro is a bulkier macOS mobile workstation for more demanding production workloads, like video editing. Both laptops have a sharp, high-quality display, though the MacBook Pro's has a wider color gamut with full DCI P3 coverage, making it more suitable for viewing and producing HDR content. The XPS 13's keyboard feels more comfortable to type on, but the MacBook Pro has a much larger haptic touchpad that lets you click anywhere, making it easier to perform actions like dragging and dropping. 

Dell Alienware m15 R3 (2020)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the Dell Alienware m15 R3 (2020) are very different laptops. The XPS 13 is an ultraportable designed for light productivity tasks, while the Alienware is a bulky high-end gaming laptop. The XPS 13 offers a better user experience overall with a sharper and brighter display, a larger touchpad with better tracking, and better-sounding speakers. It also has longer battery life and doesn't get as loud under load. If you need processing power for demanding workloads, it's best to go with the Alienware because it has significantly more powerful CPU and GPU options.

Acer Swift 3 14 (2020)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) and the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) are both ultraportable laptops with Intel 11th Gen. CPUs. The XPS 13 is better in most aspects as it's a more premium laptop that provides a better overall user experience. It has a sharper, brighter, and more color-accurate display, a better keyboard and touchpad, and a much better webcam for video calls. However, the Swift 3 has a wider port selection because it includes USB-A and HDMI ports, which aren't available on the XPS 13. The Swift 3 also has longer battery life, lasting over 3 hours more in light productivity workloads.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15 (2021)

The Dell XPS 13 (2021) is better than the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15 (2021) for most uses. The XPS 13 is a more premium device that offers a better user experience overall, like better build quality, a brighter and more color-accurate display, a more responsive touchpad, and better-sounding speakers. It also has longer battery life, lasting nearly two hours more in light productivity workloads. However, the IdeaPad 5 has a wider port selection that includes two USB-A and an HDMI port, which aren't available on the XPS 13, and its CPU doesn't throttle as much under load.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Form Factor
Traditional (Clamshell)

The Dell XPS 13 has a sleek and premium design that fits well in any professional working environment. It has incredibly thin bezels on all sides of the display, making it more compact than most ultraportable 13-inch laptops currently on the market. It's available in two color schemes: Platinum Silver exterior with a black interior, or Frost exterior with an arctic white interior. Both models have a woven carbon fiber keyboard deck that adds a little texture but still feels smooth and high-quality. You can find the exhaust vents on the bottom near the back and the speakers near the front.

8.5
Design
Build Quality

The build quality is excellent. The chassis is aluminum, but the keyboard deck is carbon fiber with a soft-touch finish. The whole device feels premium and sturdy, exhibiting only some flex in the display and almost none in the keyboard deck.

9.1
Design
Hinge
Range
140°
Stability
Good
One Finger Lift
Yes

The hinge is outstanding. It feels smooth when opening and closing the laptop, and it's stable without feeling stiff. The screen doesn't wobble when typing aggressively. You can easily open the lid with one hand, which might not be important to some people, though it's a nice quality-of-life feature that adds to the laptop's premium feel.

9.1
Design
Portability
Size
13.4"
Thickness
0.6" (1.6 cm)
Width
11.7" (29.6 cm)
Depth
7.8" (19.7 cm)
Volume
56.9 in³ (933.0 cm³)
Weight
2.7 lbs (1.2 kg)
Charger Size
4.0 in³ (65.5 cm³)
Charger Weight
0.5 lbs (0.2 kg)

The Dell XPS is very portable thanks to its thin and light design, and its power adapter is compact and fits easily into most bags.

5.8
Design
Serviceability
Ease Of Access
7.5
RAM Slots
0
Storage Slots
1
Replaceable Battery
Yes
Replaceable Wireless Adapter
No

The serviceability is sub-par. Removing the eight T5 screws is easy, but prying open the bottom panel is hard as the seam is extremely tight. Once inside, the replaceable components are easily accessible. You can see the service manual here. If you want a laptop with better serviceability, check out the Framework Laptop 13 (2022).

Design
In The Box

  • Dell XPS 13 laptop
  • 45W USB-C power adapter and cord
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter
  • Documentation

Display
Display
Screen Specs
Resolution
1920 x 1200
Aspect Ratio
16:10
Pixel Density
169 PPI
Panel Type
IPS
Touch Screen
Yes
Screen-To-Body Ratio
90%

The Dell XPS 13 is available with the following displays:

  • 13.4" IPS 1920 x 1200 60Hz
  • 13.4" IPS 3840 x 2400 60Hz
  • 13.4" OLED 3456 x 2160 60Hz

All three displays have a 16:10 aspect ratio, which gives you slightly more vertical space than a standard 16:9 screen. 16:10 is great for productivity because you don't have to scroll as much when reading a document; however, you'll almost always have black bars at the top and bottom of the screen when consuming media. On such a compact screen, the 1080p display is already very sharp. The 3.5k (3456 x 2160) OLED and 4k (3840 x 2160) panels are sharper, but the difference is hard to notice at normal viewing distances, and they drain the battery faster. That said, the OLED panel has other advantages beyond an increase in resolution, like a near-infinite contrast ratio, a faster response time, and wider coverage of the DCI P3 color space. If you want a laptop with a bigger screen, check out the Dell XPS 15 (2023).

5.9
Display
Refresh Rate
Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
No

The Dell XPS is only available with 60Hz displays. The FHD panel has a slow response time causing noticeable ghosting, which isn't ideal for viewing fast-moving content or gaming. The 4k panel will perform similarly; however, the 3.5k OLED panel will likely perform better as OLEDs typically have a near-instantaneous response time.

8.0
Display
Contrast
Native Contrast
1,804 : 1

The FHD panel's contrast ratio is great. It's better than most IPS panels, but blacks still look gray in dim settings, so it isn't the best for dark room viewing. The 4k IPS panel will be similar, but the 3.5k OLED will be significantly better as OLEDs can turn off individual pixels to produce deep, inky blacks.

8.5
Display
Brightness
Maximum Brightness
475 cd/m²
Minimum Brightness
27 cd/m²

The Dell XPS gets bright enough to combat glare, even outdoors in broad daylight. For dark room viewing, it gets dim enough at the lowest brightness setting to help reduce eye strain. The 4k panel performs similarly, but the OLED is dimmer, with an advertised maximum brightness of 400 cd/m².

8.3
Display
Reflections
Screen Finish
Glossy
Total Reflections
2.86%
Indirect Reflections
0.87%
Calculated Direct Reflections
1.99%

The reflection handling is great. Its glossy finish handles glare from ambient lighting well. Direct reflections like a lamp or window during the day make dark content hard to see, but they're very faint when viewing bright content with the screen at maximum brightness.

6.4
Display
Black Uniformity
Uniformity (Std. Dev.)
1.696%

The black uniformity is passable. The whole screen looks a little patchy, and there's some backlight bleed near the top right corner. However, these uniformity issues are only visible when viewing dark scenes in a dark room. The 3.5k OLED panel has perfect uniformity because OLEDs can turn off individual pixels to display black.

7.3
Display
Horizontal Viewing Angle
Color Washout From Left
31°
Color Washout From Right
34°
Color Shift From Left
51°
Color Shift From Right
57°
Brightness Loss From Left
31°
Brightness Loss From Right
35°
Black Level Raise From Left
60°
Black Level Raise From Right
60°
Gamma Shift From Left
36°
Gamma Shift From Right
40°

The Dell XPS 13 has a decent horizontal viewing angle. The image dims and washes out when you reach a moderately steep angle from the side. You can share the screen with someone else, though it's best to look at the screen from more or less straight on if you need perfect image accuracy. The 4k panel is similar; however, the 3.5k OLED panel likely has wider viewing angles due to OLED's emissive technology.

6.3
Display
Vertical Viewing Angle
Color Washout From Below
22°
Color Washout From Above
21°
Color Shift From Below
35°
Color Shift From Above
40°
Brightness Loss From Below
25°
Brightness Loss From Above
26°
Black Level Raise From Below
45°
Black Level Raise From Above
45°
Gamma Shift From Below
20°
Gamma Shift From Above
22°

The Dell XPS 13 has a mediocre vertical viewing angle. The image dims and washes out fairly quickly from above or below, so you have to look at the screen almost directly if accuracy is important. The 4k IPS panel is similar, but the 3.5k OLED panel likely has better vertical viewing angles.

8.4
Display
Out-Of-The-Box Color Accuracy
Avg. White Balance dE
2.93
Avg. Gamma
2.17
Avg. Color dE
1.87
Avg. Color Temperature
6,466.5 K

The Dell XPS 13's display accuracy is great out of the box. Most color inaccuracies are minor and aren't visible to the naked eye, and the same goes for the white balance, except at higher brightness levels. The color temperature is just slightly warmer than the standard 6500K target, not enough of a difference to be visually noticeable. The gamma sticks close to a flat 2.2 rather than following the sRGB curve, causing dark scenes to appear brighter than they should while over-brightening bright scenes. The 3.5k OLED and 4k panels will likely have similar color accuracy out of the box.

8.5
Display
Color Gamut
sRGB xy
99.81%
sRGB uv
99.24%
Adobe RGB xy
77.37%
Adobe RGB uv
87.92%
DCI P3 xy
78.13%
DCI P3 uv
83.48%
Rec. 2020 xy
56.11%
Rec. 2020 uv
61.02%

The Dell XPS has an excellent color gamut. It covers the entire sRGB color space, making it suitable for viewing and producing SDR content. It doesn't have enough coverage of the wider color spaces like Adobe RGB, DCI P3, and Rec. 2020 for professional-level print photography or viewing and producing HDR content. If you want better color performance in HDR, the 4k IPS panel has an advertised 90% DCI P3 coverage, while the 3.5k OLED has 99%.

10
Display
Flicker
Flicker-Free
No
Flicker Frequency
> 1000Hz
Flicker Active Below
1%

The backlight is flicker-free, which helps reduce eye strain. There's flickering if you set the screen's brightness to minimum, but it isn't visible as the flicker frequency is extremely high. The OLED panel isn't technically flicker-free because the brightness drops slightly at every frame change; however, the brightness drop isn't noticeable and is unlikely to cause eye strain.

Interface
8.0
Interface
Keyboard
Typing Quality
8.0
Numpad
No
Backlighting
Adjustable
Operating Force
70 gf
Actuation Force
37 gf
Pre-Travel
0.79 mm
Total Travel
0.91 mm

The Dell XPS 13 has a great keyboard. It feels spacious, and the layout doesn't take long to get used to. The keys have a good amount of travel, and while their operating force is a bit high, they don't feel tiring to type on for extended periods. The tactile feedback feels crisp and satisfying so that you know when you've actuated a key. You can toggle between two backlight brightness levels or turn it off completely using the backlight hotkey (F5).

8.4
Interface
Touchpad
Tracking Quality
9.0
Size
11.2 in² (72.1 cm²)
Material
Glass
Dedicated Buttons
No

The touchpad is great. It's reasonably large and has a smooth glass surface that allows the fingers to glide easily. It tracks all movements and gestures well, and there aren't any issues with palm rejection or actions like dragging and dropping. Clicking feels satisfying and works anywhere on the touchpad, though you need to press harder toward the top.

8.4
Interface
Speakers
Max Volume
79 dB SPL
Standard Error @ Normal Vol. (65 dB)
5.5 dB
Slope @ Normal Vol. (65 dB)
1.7
Bass Extension (Low-Frequency Ext.)
298 Hz
Treble Extension (High-Frequency Ext.)
8 kHz
Dynamic Range Compression @ Max Vol.
0.7 dB

The Dell XPS has great speakers. They sound natural, with an extremely mid-centric frequency response that brings out clear vocals and leads. However, they have very little bass and treble extension, so they're better suited for spoken content than music or movies. They get very loud with minimal compression artifacts at max volume, so content still sounds rich and varied even if you crank it up. Unfortunately, they fire downwards and can get muffled if you place the laptop on fabric, like on a bed.

7.0
Interface
Webcam & Microphone
Video Quality
7.0
Resolution
720p
Position
Top Center
Privacy Cover
No
Face Unlock
Yes

The webcam is decent. It captures colors and textures well; however, it loses a lot of fine details due to its low resolution, and the overall image looks slightly warm and overexposed. As for the microphone, voices sound loud and clear but somewhat harsh and unpleasant. There's only a little background noise, not enough to affect speech clarity. If you want a thin and light laptop with a better webcam, check out the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022).

Connectivity
5.0
Connectivity
Ports
USB-A Ports
0
USB-C Ports
2
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt 4
USB-C Charging
Yes
USB-C Display Out
Yes
HDMI
No
DisplayPort
No
3.5mm Jack
Combo mic/headphone
Card Reader
MicroSD UHS 1
Ethernet
No
Proprietary Port
No
Security Lock
No

The port selection is disappointing. It doesn't have USB-A ports, so you'll need the included adapter or a dock for your peripherals. Its two USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4 transfer speed (up to 40Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps), charging, and video output up to two 4k displays at 60Hz. If you need a similar laptop with a wider port selection, check out the LG gram 14 (2023).

Connectivity
Wireless Communication
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth
5.2

The wireless adapter is an Intel Killer Wi-Fi AX1650s.

Configuration
Configuration
CPU
Brand
Intel
Model
Core i3-1115G4
Core Count
2
Thread Count
4

The Dell XPS 13 is available with the following five Intel CPUs:

  • Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2 cores/4 threads, up to 4.1GHz)
  • Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.2GHz)
  • Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.7GHz)
  • Intel Core i7-1185G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.8GHz)
  • Intel Core i7-1195G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 5.0GHz)

All five are processors designed for light tasks, like text formatting, web browsing, video playback, and spreadsheets. You can get by with a Core i3 if you have an extremely light workload and don't run any heavily multi-threaded applications; however, it's worth upgrading to a quad-core i5 or i7 for the extra headroom, and it'll also make the laptop more future-proof. The Core i5 and i7s can handle some demanding tasks. However, if you need to run intensive applications for professional-level work, it's best to choose a laptop with a more powerful H-series processor like the Intel Core i5-11400H in the HP Victus 16 (2021) or an Apple MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro or Max SoC. The Core i7s are faster than the i5-1135G7, though they likely throttle more under load. Lastly, there isn't much performance difference between the three Core i7s, so unless you need every ounce of performance that you can get and don't mind paying more, you can just stick with the i7-1165G7.

Configuration
GPU
Brand
Intel
Model
UHD Graphics G4
Dedicated/Integrated
Integrated
VRAM Size
N/A

The Dell XPS 13 uses the Intel CPU's integrated graphics processor. The i3-1115G4 has Intel UHD Graphics for 11th Gen processors with 48 execution units, the Core i5 has Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, and the Core i7s have Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 96 execution units. All three GPUs can only handle simple tasks like web browsing and video playback, not demanding workloads like video editing or AAA gaming. You can play some lighter games on the Core i5 and i7 models, but you'll have to play at low settings or at 720p to get smooth gameplay. If you need a similar laptop with a discrete GPU for some light photo or video editing, check out the HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 (2021).

Configuration
RAM
Capacity
8 GB
Modules
8 (Soldered)
Type
LP-DDR4X
Speed
4,267 MHz

You can configure this laptop with 8, 16, or 32GB of memory.

Configuration
Storage
Advertised Capacity
256 GB
Usable Capacity
180 GB
Drive 1
Western Digital PC SN530
Drive 1 Type SSD
Drive 2
No 2nd Drive
Drive 2 Type No 2nd Drive

You can configure this laptop with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage.

Performance
6.9
Performance
Geekbench 5 (Synthetics)
CPU Single-Thread
1,329 points
CPU Multi-Thread
2,937 points
GPU Compute
10,417 points

The Dell XPS with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 performs reasonably well in the Geekbench 5 synthetic benchmarks. It has outstanding single-thread performance, but its multi-thread performance is sub-par as it only has 2 cores and 4 threads. Upgrading to a Core i5 or i7 will give you significantly better performance, especially in multi-threaded workloads. If you want the smoothest experience in heavily multi-threaded applications, it's best to get a laptop with a more powerful H-Series Intel or AMD CPU or an Apple MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro or Max SoC.

As for the GPU compute score, the Core i3's integrated graphics perform poorly. The Core i5 and i7s' Iris Xe perform much better, but not enough for demanding tasks like video editing or 3D animation.

7.2
Performance
Cinebench R23 (CPU Rendering)
Single-Thread
1,282 points
Multi-Thread
2,526 points

The performance in Cinebench R23 is decent. The Intel Core i3-1115G4's single-thread performance is excellent, but its multi-thread performance is sub-par due to its limited number of cores and threads. For professional-level 3D graphics rendering or other related workloads that use the CPU, it's best to upgrade to a Core i5 or i7, as their increased core count and higher clock speeds will provide significantly better performance. If you want more performance still, you can get a laptop with an H-series processor like the Intel Core i5-11400H in the HP Victus 16 (2021) or an Apple MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro or Max Soc.

0.9
Performance
Blender (3D Rendering)
CPU Render Time
17.8 min
GPU Render Time
18.1 min
GPU Render Time (Optix)
N/A

The performance in Blender is terrible. It takes a very long time to render the simple bmw27 scene with the CPU, and it takes even longer with the GPU. The Core i5 and i7s will perform much better as they have more cores and threads, but they still won't be fast enough for professionals working on a deadline. If you need to do 3D rendering work, it's best to get a laptop with a dedicated GPU.

4.2
Performance
Basemark GPU (Game Scene)
Overall Score
10,928

The Dell XPS 13 with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 performs poorly in the Basemark GPU benchmark. It can only handle simple puzzle-like games, nothing that's even remotely graphically demanding. The Core i5 and i7's Intel Iris Xe Graphics will perform much better, allowing you to play some lighter or older titles, but you'll still have to play at low settings or at 720p to get smooth gameplay.

9.0
Performance
Storage Drive Performance
Sequential Write Speed
738.7 MB/s
Sequential Read Speed
1,836.1 MB/s
Random Write Speed
111.0 MB/s
Random Read Speed
46.6 MB/s

The storage drive performance is outstanding. Its fast read and write speeds allow the system to boot up, launch apps, and transfer files quickly. There are SSDs with much faster sequential speeds, and the storage drive is user-replaceable, so if you need to transfer large files regularly, you can swap it out for a faster one later on. The speed of the SSD may vary depending on the size, as larger SSDs tend to perform better.

7.9
Performance
Battery
Capacity
52 Wh
Battery Life (Web Browsing)
10.2 hrs
Battery Life (Video Playback)
5.2 hrs
Battery Life (Gaming)
2.9 hrs
Charge Time
2.0 hrs

The Dell XPS 13 has good battery life. You can easily get through a typical 8-hour workday of light productivity on a full charge. However, the battery life for video playback is mediocre, as it only gives you enough time to get through two or three full-length movies at the most. Although the battery life while gaming is better than most gaming laptops with a dedicated GPU, it's still very short, so you'll have to use the laptop plugged in most of the time if you're gaming or running intensive tasks like video editing. Models with a 3.5k OLED or 4k IPS panel have shorter battery life, around 6 to 7 hours of light productivity, according to most online feedback.

0
Performance
Borderlands 3
Avg. FPS
N/A
1% Low
N/A
0.1% Low
N/A
1% Low Delta
N/A
0.1% Low Delta
N/A
Avg. FPS On Very Low
N/A

Borderlands 3 isn't playable with an Intel Core i3-1115G4. It'll run on the Core i5 and i7 models with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, but it'll likely be too choppy to be playable, even at the lowest graphical settings.

2.6
Performance
Civilization VI
Avg. FPS
11 fps
1% Low
8 fps
0.1% Low
8 fps
1% Low Delta
32 ms
0.1% Low Delta
40 ms
Avg. FPS On Minimum
41 fps
Avg. Turn Time
12.07 s

The Dell XPS 13 with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 performs terribly in Civilization VI. The average frame rate at high settings is too low to be playable, even for a turn-based game, and the turn time is very long. You can get playable frame rates if you turn down some settings, but it won't improve the turn time. The Core i5 and i7s will provide smooth gameplay at low settings, though the average turn time will still be fairly long.

5.0
Performance
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Avg. FPS
41 fps
1% Low
22 fps
0.1% Low
16 fps
1% Low Delta
21 ms
0.1% Low Delta
38 ms
Avg. FPS On Low
75 fps

CS:GO runs poorly. The average frame rate at high settings is okay, but it stutters a lot. You can get much higher frame rates at low settings; however, the game is still choppy, which isn't ideal for an FPS game. The Core i5 and i7 models will perform much better, with an average frame rate above 100 fps at the lowest graphical settings.

0
Performance
Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
Avg. FPS
N/A
1% Low
N/A
0.1% Low
N/A
1% Low Delta
N/A
0.1% Low Delta
N/A
Avg. FPS On Lowest
N/A

Shadow of the Tomb Raider isn't playable. It'll run on the Core i5 and i7 models, but you'll only get around 30 fps at the lowest graphical settings, and even then, it'll still be very choppy due to frame drops.

7.2
Performance
Thermals And Noise
Keyboard Temp While Idle
34 °C (93 °F)
Keyboard Temp Under Load
50 °C (121 °F)
Fan Noise While Idle
25.0 dBA
Fan Noise Under Load
40.0 dBA
Power & Fan Control App
No

The Dell XPS 13 has decent thermal and noise handling. The keyboard is slightly warm when idle but isn't uncomfortable, and the fans are completely silent. The keyboard gets pretty hot under load, with the hottest spot being right in the middle around the letter F; however, the heat doesn't extend to the deck where the palms rest. The fans sound a bit whiny under load but aren't loud.

7.9
Performance
Performance Over Time
CPU Temp (Cinebench)
73 °C
CPU Perf. Loss (Cinebench)
8% loss
GPU Temp (Heaven)
72 °C
GPU Perf. Loss (Heaven)
5% loss

The Dell XPS 13 9310 has good performance over time. Neither the CPU nor the GPU gets very hot under load. There's throttling on both, but it's minimal and only noticeable in heavy, sustained workloads. The Core i5 and i7 models will likely throttle more, though only slightly.

Additional Features And Software
Additional Features And Software
Software
Operating System
Windows 11
Additional Software
Yes

The Dell XPS has many pre-installed applications, including:

  • Amazon Alexa: Amazon's digital assistant; only works in select regions.
  • Dell CinemaColor: Lets you change the display's color profile. It's off by default.
  • Dell Customer Connect: Lets you register your laptop for warranty purposes and access tech support articles while your laptop is under warranty.
  • Dell Digital Delivery: Lets you purchase and download software applications from Dell.
  • Dell Update: Automatically updates firmware and drivers.
  • Dolby Access: Adds Dolby Atmos support and lets you tweak the speakers or headphones settings. Includes a 7-day trial, additional one-time purchase required for use after the trial period.
  • Killer Intelligence Center Lets you monitor Wi-Fi traffic and access wireless connection settings.
  • MaxxAudio Pro by Waves: Lets you access the speakers and microphone settings. It also adds a head-tracking feature to create 3D audio.
  • MaxxAudio Pro: Same app as the MaxxAudio Pro by Waves but with a different icon.
  • McAfee Personal Security: Online protection against malware. This app can also create and store passwords as well as provide identity restoration services. Requires subscription.
  • McAfee LiveSafe: Antivirus and internet security software. Requires subscription.
  • My Dell: Contains additional information about the laptop and lets you access power profiles to improve performance.
  • SupportAssist: Scans your computer for firmware and drivers updates.

Additional Features And Software
Extra Features
RGB Illumination
No
Touch Pen
No
Secondary Display
No
Biometrics
Face Recognition and Fingerprint Sensor

This laptop has a fingerprint sensor built into the power button and a Windows Hello-compatible IR camera for facial recognition. You can use either one to quickly log into Windows, make purchases on the Windows Store, or auto-fill passwords on supported websites.