The Dell XPS 13 Plus represents a daring redesign of Dell’s flagship ultraportable, targeting professionals and casual users who favor both aesthetics and performance. With its sleek, minimalist design, edge-to-edge keyboard, and enhanced OLED display, it aims to set a new standard for visual and functional appeal in the ultraportable segment.
This review compiles insights from various tech sources, including comprehensive analysis and testing data from Tom's Guide, PCMag, and Tom's Hardware. By synthesizing their findings, I aim to present an accurate assessment of the XPS 13 Plus's capabilities and shortcomings.
Overall, the XPS 13 Plus excels with its striking design, vibrant OLED screen, and solid performance. However, its relatively short battery life, sensitivities with the touchpad, and the feedback limitations of its capacitive function row introduce challenges that potential buyers should consider.
How does the XPS 13 Plus perform in real-world scenarios?
Equipped with 12th-gen Intel Core processors, the XPS 13 Plus showcases impressive performance with multitasking capabilities, particularly in the i7-1280P configuration. It handles demanding applications with ease, making it a reliable choice for content creators and professionals alike.
The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide decent performance for light gaming and graphical tasks, though users needing heavy graphics processing may still require a dedicated GPU.
Is the OLED display worth it?
The 13.4-inch OLED screen, with options up to 3456 x 2160 resolution, delivers exceptional color accuracy and vibrant visuals. It is particularly effective for photo editing and media consumption, making it a standout feature among ultraportables.
However, the display can be a drain on battery life, particularly when brightness levels are high, which may lead to users seeking a balance between visual quality and longevity.
What are the design and build quality highlights?
The XPS 13 Plus is well-crafted, featuring a sleek aluminum chassis and a carbon fiber keyboard deck, providing both aesthetic appeal and sturdiness. Its compact dimensions (11.63 x 7.84 x 0.6 inches) enhance portability without compromising performance.
However, the lack of a headphone jack and reliance on capacitive keys could detract from the overall user experience, especially for those accustomed to tactile feedback.
How does the battery hold up in daily use?
Equipped with a 55Wh battery, the XPS 13 Plus delivers around 5-6 hours of use, which may be deemed insufficient for users needing extended usage away from a power source. This limitation stands in contrast to many competitors that offer better longevity.
The short battery life can impact productivity for professionals who rely on their device throughout the day without frequent access to chargers.
What are the user experiences like?
While the XPS 13 Plus features a comfortable keyboard layout and responsive input, the touchpad has been noted to be oversensitive, which can lead to accidental clicks and navigation issues. Users have reported challenges in adjusting to these quirks over time.
Additionally, the capacitive function row, while sleek, lacks the tactile feedback found in traditional keyboards, which may disappoint users looking for a more concrete feel during typing.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Stunning 13.4-inch OLED display with 3456 x 2160 resolution for vivid visuals.
- ✅ Compact dimensions (11.63 x 7.84 x 0.6 inches) make it highly portable.
- ✅ Strong performance with Intel's 12th-gen CPUs, particularly in demanding tasks.
- ✅ Well-built with premium materials, providing a sturdy yet lightweight design.
- ❌ Battery life is limited, averaging around 5-6 hours under typical usage.
- ❌ Touchpad sensitivity issues can lead to accidental clicks and frustrations.
- ❌ Capacitive function row lacks tactile feedback, which can hinder usability.
- ❌ No headphone jack, which may necessitate dongles for audio use.
How It Compares to the Competition
- Apple MacBook Air — A strong competitor with superior battery life and traditional keyboard layout.
- HP Spectre x360 — Offers similar aesthetic appeal but includes more versatile port options.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon — Known for exceptional battery life and robust keyboard comfort.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: The Dell XPS 13 Plus is ideal for design enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize aesthetics and display quality in a portable laptop. It's also suited for users who can manage a shorter battery life but demand solid performance in their daily tasks.
Skip it if: Potential buyers who perform resource-intensive tasks on-the-go might find better options in laptops with longer battery life and dedicated graphics. Additionally, users who prefer traditional input methods may be frustrated by the lack of tactile response in the function row.
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