Choosing between Dell XPS 13, Dell XPS 15, and Dell XPS 17.
Dell XPS series (stands for the “the Xtreme Performance System”) has been around for quite a while. The first XPS computers appeared in the early 1990’s in desktop PC form. By 2007, the machines have evolved into laptops and have continuously improved ever since to become consumer’s favorite. In 2020, Dell presented the latest generations of its flagship XPS laptops: XPS 13, XPS 15, and XPS 17. The XPS 13 model is also available in the 2-in-1 convertible form. Considering how many configuration options are available, how do you choose the right one among all Dell XPS laptops? Below, we summarized the key features and benefits of each model for your convenience. Also, check out our comprehensive recap of the best Dell Inspiron laptops.
Dell XPS Laptops: XPS 13
The smallest in the Dell XPS laptop line, this light and portable computer is quite popular. It packs a lot of power into its slim design without compromising on the battery life.
Pricing and Configurations
Dell currently offers shoppers six options of the latest XPS 13 laptop to choose from. The base model costs $1,100 and comes with the 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and 13.4″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge non-touch anti-glare display. At $1,500 price point, you can bump up your specs to Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.
For $1,900, in addition to the standard 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Intel Iris Xe graphics, you will also get 13.4″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge touch anti-reflective 500-Nit display. Lastly, on the higher end of the spectrum, you have the $2,200 model. It comes with the 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and 13.4″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge touch anti-reflective 500-nit display.
All Dell XPS laptops in the 13” category are Wi-Fi 6 compatible and are available in platinum silver exterior and black interior.
Design and Features
This model might be the smallest of all Dell XPS laptops, but it still packs a punch. For the latest iteration of XPS 13, Dell has completely removed the lower screen bezel. Now, the display almost touches the edge of the keyboard area, giving the computer a slightly taller 13.4-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Furthermore, Dell also pushed the keyboard to the edges of the laptop and made the keycaps nine percent larger. These changes make for a more comfortable typing experience.
XPS 13 doesn’t have that many ports, which seems to be a trend among modern laptops. On the right side, there’s a Thunderbolt 3 port with a headset jack. On the left, you’ll find another Thunderbolt 3 port and a microSD slot. If you want to use a mouse or external hard drive, you might need USB Type-C hub.
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
If you’re looking not only for portability, but also for flexibility, the XPS 13 laptop has a convertible 2-in-1 cousin. The main difference between the two is the 2-in-1’s 360-degree rotating hinge. You can use it not only as a laptop, but also to prop it up on your desk like a tent (with the keyboard folded underneath or behind the screen), or use the device as a tablet. You can interact with the laptop via its touch screen.
Dell XPS Laptops: XPS 15
Dell XPS 15 is a powerful machine that will breeze through whatever you throw at it. You can think of it as the Microsoft Windows 10 equivalent of the 15-inch MacBook Pro.
Pricing and Configurations
The 2020 Dell XPS 15 ranges in price from $1,200 to $2,800. The $1,200 model features 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and 15.6″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge non-touch anti-glare 500-Nit display. For $1,799, you can upgrade your specs to the 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and 15.6″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge non-touch anti-glare 500-Nit display.
If you feel like splurging on the best XPS 15 model possible, you can choose the $2,800 option. It features powerful 10th generation Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and 15.6″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge touch anti-reflective 500-Nit display. Just like with XPS 13, all XPS 15 models are Wi-Fi 6 compatible.
Design and Features
Like its smaller sibling, the 2020 iteration of the 15-inch XPS further reduces the screen bezels to give you even more space. So, The XPS 15 now has a 16:10 aspect ratio, for a slightly taller screen. However, a larger screen doesn’t mean a larger laptop in this case. The new laptop’s dimensions are roughly the same as the previous model.
Similarly to the XPS 13, the biggest change on the new Dell XPS 15 is the removal of USB Type-A ports and Dell’s old-school power adapter. Instead, on the right side of the laptop you will find one USB-C port next to the 3.5mm audio jack and the new full-size SD card reader. On the left, you will see two USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 3. Since there is no dedicated power slot anymore, all three USB-C ports can be used for recharging and video output.
This Dell XPS laptop also features new speakers, located on the keyboard deck. The four top-firing speakers (a pair of primary speakers and two tweeters) are powered by Waves NX 3D audio. So, if sound quality is important to you, XPS 15 is the perfect option.
Thanks to the innovative InfinityEdge, the laptop boasts a crisp, bright, high-resolution display. The anti-reflective coating also means that XPS 15 is great to use outdoors, even on bright days in direct sunlight.Lastly, The XPS 15’s power button can also be used as a fingerprint sensor, and its webcam supports Windows Hello facial recognition.
Dell XPS Laptops: XPS 17
XPS 17 is the largest device in the Dell XPS laptop lineup. So, if you tend to think that “bigger is better”, this laptop is for you. It offers excellent performance, brilliant spacious screen, and impressive battery life. Also, it’s not as bulky as you might think.
Pricing and Configurations
This laptop is generally more expensive than its smaller siblings, but you can get the base model for $1,400. It will come with the 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel UHD graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and 17.0″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge non-touch anti-glare 500-Nit display. However, for a laptop of such size and caliber, you’d want to bump up the specs to get the most out of it.
For $2,850 you can get a more advanced model, with the 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage. It also features 17.0″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge touch anti-reflective 500-Nit display. If you’re ready to splurge for the ultimate specs and performance, there’s a $3,800 model with the 10th generation Intel Core i9 processor, 64GB RAM, and 2TB storage.
Design and Features
The design is practically the same as the XPS 15, and even uses the same keyboard, but features bigger speakers on the sides and adds an extra USB-C port. So, now you have four Thunderbolt 3 ports total, a headphone jack, and a microphone port. Though Dell is nice enough to include the USB Type-C adapter with the laptop.
The bezels surrounding the display are extremely thing, similarly to the previous models, meaning you will get as big a screen as possible without making the rest of the laptop too bulky. Contrary to what you might think, the Dell XPS 17 doesn’t sacrifice a webcam for thin bezels. The laptop has a 720p webcam and dual-array microphones at the top of the screen.
Like the XPS 15, there are upward-firing speakers on each side of the keyboard: two tweeters and two woofers, that produce impressive audio. All in all, if you’re a creative professional (photographer, content creator, YouTuber, etc.), this laptop would be perfect for you.
How Much are Dell XPS Laptops Worth?
Selling your used Dell XPS laptop for cash is not a bad idea, since you can offset the costs of the newer model if you wish to upgrade. Gadget Salvation is a great place to Dell laptop trade in for top value, and here are some examples of what you can receive based on your device’s model and condition.
- A flawless and fully functioning Dell XPS 13 7390 Touchscreen Intel Core i7 10th Gen. CPU will get you $462.
- Dell XPS 15 7590 Intel Core i9 9th Gen. NVIDIA GTX 1650 in good condition is worth $739.
- For Dell XPS 17 9700 Intel Core i7 10th Gen. NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti in good condition you can receive $641.
Conclusion
Iconic Dell XPS laptops offer plenty of options for every kind of user. If you value portability and flexibility, then XPS 13 is the perfect choice. If you want a slightly bigger size and find graphics and computing power essential, then look no further than XPS 15. Lastly, if you’re a business professional, especially in the creative industry, and want a gorgeous, vivid, big screen, then choose Dell XPS 17.
