Dell’s XPS is among the best Windows laptops, featuring unique display options, a large touchpad and comfortable keyboard, and powerful hardware configurations. XPS 13 and XPS 15 are key parts of the Dell XPS series, packing in speedy 12th Gen Intel technology into sleek and appealing designs. They feature revamped InifinityEdge displays with minimal bezels, allowing an immersive view experience.
Dell XPS 13 is all about ultra-portability, thanks to its 13-inch svelte design. XPS 13 is a thin and super lightweight laptop with a wide display and a larger keyboard and touchpad. Dell XPS 15, on the other hand, offers a larger display and optical discrete graphics with a more powerful processor. While both are two top XPS contenders, they have some differences.
So, which Dell XPS is better for you? Read our Dell XPS 13 vs. 15 comparison below to see how they stack up.
Dell XPS 13 vs. 15: Side-By-Side Comparison
| XPS 13 | XPS 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $849 | $1,199 |
| Display | Infinity Edge 13.4-inch display, 1920 X 1200 | 15.6-inch OLED touchscreen, 3,456 X 2,160 pixels |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 | RTX 3050 Ti |
| Size | 11.64 X 7.82 X 0.55 inches | 13.6 X 9.1 X 0.73 inches |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1230U | Intel Core i7-1250U | Intel Core i5-12500H | Intel Core i7-12700H | Intel Core i9-12900HK |
| RAM | 8GB – 32GB | 8GB – 64GB |
| Storage | 512GB or 1TB | 512GB – 8TB |
| Ports | 1 3.5mm headphone jack/ 2 Thunderbolt 4/ USB-C | Headphone jack, SD card reader, 3 Thunderbolt 4/ USB-C |
| Weight | Touchscreen: 1.32 kg (2.91 lbs) Non-touchscreen: 1.22 kg (2.69 lbs) | Touchscreen: 2.10 kg (4.62 lbs) Non-touchscreen: 1.92 kg (4.22 lbs) |
- 13.4" UHD touchscreen
- Thin and lightweight
- Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Intel Iris Xe, Wi-Fi 6 with Dell Service
- Windows 11 Home (pre-installed)
Dell XPS 13 vs. 15: What’s The Difference?
XPS 13 and XPS 15high-quality devices but have some differences. So, what sets apart both notebooks? Let’s explore their key differences below.
Price and Value
Of the two, the XPS 13 is slightly cheaper than the XPS 15. However, you can configure the latter with high-end features. Dell XPS 13 typically costs $849 and packs 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1230U Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB of RAM, 512GB storage, and a 13.4-inch 1920 X 1200 FHD display. Upgrading the RAM and storage and the touch display brings the price to $1,349.
On Dell’s website, XPS 15 OLED 2022 price starts from $1,199. This notebook packs a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H processor, 512GB storage, 16GB of RAM, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 X 1200) 60 Hz display.
The most advanced XPS 15 features a Core i9-12900HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 4K touch display. This high-end model costs $3,579.
Design
Another area where these two notebooks differ is their size. The XPS 13 is smaller and lighter at 2.91 pounds (touchscreen), while its contender, the XPS 15, measures heavier at 4.62 pounds (touchscreen). Despite their powerful performance, both laptops are relatively slim and lightweight built. However, the XPS is the perfect travel companion due to its ultra-portability design.
Switching to ports, the most recent XPS 13 comes with two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. On the other hand, Dell XPS 15 features two USB-C ports and a Kensington security slot on its left edge. The right side features another USB-C port, a full-sized SD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Both laptops have 3.5mm headphone jack ports and pack a USB-C to USB-A adaptor for connecting with older peripherals.
Display and Audio
XPS 13 and XPS 15 have similar displays, but not identical. The XPS packs a 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (or 3840 x 2400) based on the configuration. Dell XPS 15, on the other hand, comes with a massive 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 or 4K (3840 X 2400), depending on the configuration. However, both laptops feature a 4-sided InfinityEdge display with thin bezels for an immersive viewing experience.
These laptops feature high-quality audio, but XPS 15 quad speakers and subwoofer deliver louder and fuller sound. The XPS 13 features stereo speakers tuned with Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology, providing clear and crisp vocals.
Specs and Performance
Dell XPS 13 supports Intel’s 12th Gen processors, ranging from the Core i5-1230U, Core i7-1250U, and up to Core i9-12900HK CPU on the XPS 15. Between the two, XPS 15 has discrete graphics, with its RTX 3050 Ti GPU or an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 available in select versions.
The XPS 13 has RAM options of up to 16GB and 2TB SSD storage, and you will get Intel Iris Xe graphics resulting in integrated graphics. The XPS 15, on the other hand, has RAM options of up to 64GB with SSD storage of up to 4TB SSD, providing Intel UHD, Iris Xe Graphics, or Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050.
Generally, both notebooks can handle demanding tasks with ease, like 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming. However, the XPS 15 is much more powerful and can handle any multi-core tasks and heavy graphics workload without a challenge.
- 15.6-inch Touchscreen with OLED display
- 1TB SSD, 32GB RAM, i9-12900HK processor
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 enabled
- Multiple ports and slots
- Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed
Battery Life
When choosing between notebooks, battery life is an important aspect, and the two XPS notebooks have some notable differences. Dell XPS 13 stellar battery can last up to 13 hours, depending on the configuration and usage. This is reasonable performance for a laptop with such a powerful processor and a high-res display. In comparison, the XPS 15 has a 56/86Wh battery that lasts around 8-10 hours. However, it’s worth noting that XPS 15 comes with a larger display (15.6-inch) and a more powerful 45-watt each series processor.
Dell XPS 13 vs. 15: 8 Must-Know Facts
- Both laptops pack sleek and appealing modern designs with thin bezels and premium materials and are highly portable.
- Dell XPS lasts up to 13 hours per full charge, whereas the XPS 15 battery lasts 8-10 hours.
- Both laptops feature high-quality audio, but XPS 15 quad speakers and subwoofer deliver louder and fuller sound.
- Both laptops feature a 4-sided InfinityEdge display with thin bezels for an immersive viewing experience.
- Dell XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 or 3840 x 2400, whereas the XPS 15 features a 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 or 4K (3840 X 2400).
- Dell XPS 13 is slightly cheaper at a starting price of $849, while the XPS 15 costs $1,199.
- XPS 13 has 16GB RAM and 2TB SSD storage, whereas Dell XPS 15 has RAM options of up to 64GB and SSD storage of up to 4 TB.
- The XPS 15 has a discrete graphics card (Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 or RTX 3050 Ti GPU), perfect for rendering heavy tasks and hardcore gaming.
Dell XPS 13 vs. 15: Which One Is Better?
Generally, you can’t go wrong with either of these XPS notebooks. Both laptops offer powerful processors, excellent displays, and designs that are both fashionable and practical. If you are looking for a perfect travel companion that gets your basic work done, streaming movies and shows, Dell XPS 13 is undoubtedly your go-to laptop. It packs a powerful processor into its slim design, not forgetting its excellent stellar battery that lasts longer despite the high-res display.
On the other hand, if you are more of a power user, the XPS 15 is the better option. The laptop’s massive 15.6-inch display is better suited for getting your serious work done, and its optional dedicated graphics card turns it into a more capable device for handling tasks like video editing and mainstream gaming.
Ultimately, the choice between Dell XPS 13 and Dell XPS 15 comes down to your needs and preference, and regardless of your choice, you’ll be getting the best Windows 11 notebook out there.
