The Dell XPS 13 series has been a benchmark for ultrabooks, offering a perfect blend of performance, portability, and style. Recently, Dell introduced the XPS 13 Plus, a revamped version of the classic XPS 13. While both laptops share some similarities, there are significant differences that set them apart. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each laptop, exploring their design, performance, features, and pricing to help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
The XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus share a similar design language, with a focus on minimalism and premium materials. However, there are some key differences in their design approach.
XPS 13 Design
The XPS 13 features a traditional laptop design with a hinge that connects the display to the keyboard deck. The laptop’s body is made from a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber, providing a sturdy and lightweight construction. The XPS 13 is available in a range of colors, including Platinum Silver, Frost White, and Rose Gold.
XPS 13 Plus Design
The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, boasts a more radical design. The laptop features a seamless glass fiber palm rest, which provides a smooth and premium feel. The XPS 13 Plus also introduces a new capacitive touch function row, which replaces the traditional function keys. This design change allows for a more streamlined look and a larger keyboard area. The XPS 13 Plus is available in two colors: Graphite and Platinum.
Performance
Both the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus are powered by Intel Core processors, but there are some differences in their performance capabilities.
XPS 13 Performance
The XPS 13 is available with up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, which provide fast performance and efficient battery life. The laptop also features up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage, making it suitable for demanding tasks like video editing and software development.
XPS 13 Plus Performance
The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, is powered by up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processors, which offer even faster performance and better multitasking capabilities. The laptop also features up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage, making it ideal for heavy users who need a laptop that can keep up with their demanding workflow.
Display and Graphics
Both the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus feature stunning displays, but there are some differences in their display technology and graphics capabilities.
XPS 13 Display
The XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) or 4K (3840 x 2160) display, which provides vibrant colors and crisp text. The laptop also features Intel Iris Xe graphics, which offer decent graphics performance for casual gaming and video playback.
XPS 13 Plus Display
The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, features a 13.4-inch OLED (3456 x 2160) display, which provides even more vivid colors and deeper blacks. The laptop also features Intel Iris Xe graphics, but it’s worth noting that the XPS 13 Plus is not available with a dedicated graphics card.
Ports and Connectivity
Both the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus feature limited ports, but there are some differences in their connectivity options.
XPS 13 Ports
The XPS 13 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.
XPS 13 Plus Ports
The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. However, the laptop does not have a microSD card reader, which may be a drawback for some users. The XPS 13 Plus also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.
Battery Life
Both the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus offer impressive battery life, but there are some differences in their battery performance.
XPS 13 Battery Life
The XPS 13 offers up to 12 hours of battery life, depending on the configuration and usage. The laptop’s battery life is impressive, considering its compact size and powerful performance.
XPS 13 Plus Battery Life
The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, offers up to 13 hours of battery life, which is slightly longer than the XPS 13. However, it’s worth noting that the XPS 13 Plus’s battery life may vary depending on the configuration and usage.
Pricing
The XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus have different price points, depending on the configuration and features.
XPS 13 Pricing
The XPS 13 starts at around $999 for the base model, which features an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The laptop’s price increases as you add more features and configurations, with the top-of-the-line model costing around $2,000.
XPS 13 Plus Pricing
The XPS 13 Plus starts at around $1,299 for the base model, which features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The laptop’s price increases as you add more features and configurations, with the top-of-the-line model costing around $2,500.
Conclusion
The XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus are both excellent laptops, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The XPS 13 is a more traditional laptop with a focus on portability and affordability, while the XPS 13 Plus is a more premium laptop with a focus on performance and style. Ultimately, the choice between the two laptops depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a laptop that offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a premium design, the XPS 13 Plus may be the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prefer a more traditional laptop design, the XPS 13 may be the better option.
| Feature | XPS 13 | XPS 13 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7 | Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9 |
| RAM | Up to 64GB | Up to 64GB |
| Storage | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 2TB SSD |
| Display | 13.4-inch FHD+ or 4K | 13.4-inch OLED |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4, headphone jack, microSD card reader | Two Thunderbolt 4, headphone jack |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 13 hours |
| Pricing | Starting at $999 | Starting at $1,299 |
In conclusion, the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus are both excellent laptops that cater to different needs and preferences. While the XPS 13 is a more traditional laptop with a focus on portability and affordability, the XPS 13 Plus is a more premium laptop with a focus on performance and style. Ultimately, the choice between the two laptops depends on your specific needs and budget.
What are the main differences between the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus?
The main differences between the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus lie in their design, display, and performance. The XPS 13 Plus features a more modern and sleek design with a glass palm rest, while the XPS 13 has a more traditional aluminum palm rest. Additionally, the XPS 13 Plus has a higher-resolution OLED display option, whereas the XPS 13 only offers an FHD display.
In terms of performance, the XPS 13 Plus is equipped with more powerful processors, including up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7, while the XPS 13 tops out at 11th Gen Intel Core i7. The XPS 13 Plus also has more storage and RAM options, making it a better choice for those who need more power and storage for demanding tasks.
Which laptop is more portable, the XPS 13 or XPS 13 Plus?
Both laptops are highly portable, but the XPS 13 is slightly lighter and thinner than the XPS 13 Plus. The XPS 13 weighs in at 2.7 pounds and measures 0.33 inches thick, while the XPS 13 Plus weighs 2.71 pounds and measures 0.35 inches thick. However, the XPS 13 Plus has a more compact design, with a smaller footprint due to its narrower bezels.
Despite the slight difference in weight and thickness, both laptops are easy to carry around and can fit easily in a backpack or purse. Ultimately, the portability of both laptops makes them great options for those who need a reliable and powerful laptop on the go.
What display options are available on the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus?
The XPS 13 offers a range of display options, including a Full HD (FHD) display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, as well as a 4K Ultra HD display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, offers a higher-resolution OLED display option with a resolution of 3456 x 2160 pixels, in addition to the FHD and 4K display options.
The OLED display on the XPS 13 Plus offers better color accuracy and contrast, making it a great option for those who need a laptop for creative work or entertainment. However, the 4K display on the XPS 13 is still a great option for those who want a high-resolution display without the added cost of OLED.
How do the keyboards on the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus compare?
The keyboards on both laptops are backlit and offer a comfortable typing experience. However, the XPS 13 Plus has a more modern and sleek keyboard design, with a row of capacitive touch buttons above the keyboard that replace the traditional function keys. The XPS 13, on the other hand, has a more traditional keyboard design with physical function keys.
In terms of typing experience, both keyboards are great, but the XPS 13 Plus has a slightly more responsive and tactile feedback. However, some users may prefer the traditional keyboard design of the XPS 13, which offers more physical keys and a more familiar typing experience.
Which laptop has better battery life, the XPS 13 or XPS 13 Plus?
The XPS 13 has a slightly longer battery life than the XPS 13 Plus, with up to 12 hours and 37 minutes of battery life, compared to up to 12 hours and 13 minutes on the XPS 13 Plus. However, the actual battery life will depend on a variety of factors, including usage patterns and display brightness.
It’s worth noting that the XPS 13 Plus has a more powerful processor and higher-resolution display options, which can impact battery life. However, both laptops offer great battery life and can easily last a full day on a single charge.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus?
The XPS 13 allows users to upgrade the RAM and storage, but it requires removing the bottom panel of the laptop. The XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, does not allow users to upgrade the RAM, but the storage can be upgraded via a small panel on the bottom of the laptop.
It’s worth noting that upgrading the RAM and storage on either laptop can be a bit tricky and may void the warranty. However, for those who need more power and storage, upgrading the RAM and storage can be a great way to extend the life of the laptop.
Which laptop is more expensive, the XPS 13 or XPS 13 Plus?
The XPS 13 Plus is generally more expensive than the XPS 13, especially when configured with the higher-end processor and display options. The starting price of the XPS 13 Plus is around $1,000, while the starting price of the XPS 13 is around $900.
However, the prices of both laptops can vary depending on the configuration and retailer. Ultimately, the XPS 13 Plus offers more premium features and a more modern design, which may be worth the extra cost for some users.