Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) Review
Specifications Table
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3500×2400 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate, 400 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut |
| Processor | Intel’s 13th generation Raptor Lake processors (up to a Core i7-1380P), 14 cores and 20 threads, up to 5.5GHz boost clock |
| Memory | Up to 32GB of LPDDR5 memory, 5600MHz |
| Storage | Up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD storage |
| Battery | 55Wh battery |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery), headphone jack |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home or Pro |
| Dimensions | 11.64 x 7.83 x 0.60 inches |
| Weight | 2.71 pounds |
| Webcam | 720p HD webcam |
| Speakers | Two stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro |
| Microphone | Dual microphone array |
| Keyboard | Backlit keyboard with edge-to-edge capacitive function keys |
| Touchpad | Borderless haptic touchpad |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 |
Introduction
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is one of the most anticipated laptops of the year, and for good reason. It’s a radical departure from the previous XPS 13 models, with a new design, keyboard, and touchpad. The XPS 13 Plus is also one of the first laptops to feature Intel’s 13th generation Raptor Lake processors.
In this review, we’ll take a close look at the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) and see how it performs in terms of design, display, performance, battery life, and more.
Design and Build Quality
The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a completely new design that is both sleek and modern. The laptop is made of aluminum and glass, and it feels very well-built. The XPS 13 Plus is also very thin and light, making it easy to carry around.
One of the most notable design changes is the new keyboard. The function keys are now capacitive, and the touchpad is borderless and haptic. The keys are also larger and spaced out more than on previous XPS 13 models.
While the new keyboard design is certainly unique, it’s not without its flaws. The capacitive function keys are difficult to press, and the touchpad can be finicky at times. However, the keys themselves are comfortable to type on, and the trackpad is overall accurate.
Another notable design change is the lack of ports. The XPS 13 Plus only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. This is a significant reduction from previous XPS 13 models, which had a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI.
While the limited port selection may be a problem for some users, Dell does include a Thunderbolt 4 dock in the box. The dock adds a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
Overall, the Dell XPS 13 Plus has a sleek and modern design. However, the new keyboard and touchpad designs are not without their flaws. Additionally, the limited port selection may be a problem for some users.
Display
The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a stunning 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3500×2400 pixels. The display is incredibly bright and colorful, and it has excellent contrast. The viewing angles are also very good.
The XPS 13 Plus display is perfect for watching movies, TV shows, and browsing the web. It’s also a great display for creative work, such as photo editing and video editing.
Performance
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is equipped with Intel’s 13th generation Raptor Lake processors. The processors are available in a variety of configurations, including up to a Core i7-1380P.
In our testing, the Dell XPS 13 Plus performed very well. The laptop was able to handle even the most demanding tasks without any problems. The XPS 13 Plus is also a great choice for gaming, thanks to its powerful Intel Iris Xe graphics card.
Battery Life
The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a 55Wh battery. In our testing, the laptop lasted for about 6 hours on a single charge with mixed usage. This is not the best battery life that we’ve seen from an ultraportable laptop, but it should be enough for most users to get through a day of work or school.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is a great laptop, but it’s not perfect. The new keyboard and touchpad designs are not without their flaws, and the limited port selection may be a problem for some users. However, the XPS 13 Plus has a stunning display, excellent performance, and a sleek and modern design.
Overall, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is a great choice for users who are looking for a powerful and stylish ultraportable laptop.
Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether or not to buy the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)
- Price: The Dell XPS 13 Plus is a premium laptop, and it comes with a premium price tag. The base model starts at $1,199, and the top-of-the-line model can cost over $2,000.
- Competition: There are a number of other great ultraportable laptops on the market, such as the MacBook Air, the HP Spectre x360, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. It’s important to compare the XPS 13 Plus to these other laptops to see which one is the best fit for your needs.
- Your needs: Consider what you need a laptop for before you buy the XPS
FAQs
What are the key features of the Dell XPS 13 Plus?
The key features of the Dell XPS 13 Plus include:
- A sleek and modern design with a unibody aluminum chassis
- A 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3500×2400 pixels
- Intel’s 13th generation Raptor Lake processors
- Up to 32GB of LPDDR5 memory
- Up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD storage
- A 55Wh battery
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack
Who is the Dell XPS 13 Plus for?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is for users who are looking for a powerful, stylish, and ultraportable laptop. It’s a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone else who needs a laptop that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.
What are some alternatives to the Dell XPS 13 Plus?
Some alternatives to the Dell XPS 13 Plus include:
- MacBook Air
- HP Spectre x360
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
- Asus ZenBook 13 OLED
How much does the Dell XPS 13 Plus cost?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus starts at $1,199. The price will vary depending on the configuration that you choose.
Where can I buy the Dell XPS 13 Plus?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus can be purchased from Dell’s website or from a variety of retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Microsoft.
Is the Dell XPS 13 Plus worth buying?
Whether or not the Dell XPS 13 Plus is worth buying depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a powerful, stylish, and ultraportable laptop, then the XPS 13 Plus is a great option. However, if you’re on a tight budget or you need a laptop with a wider variety of ports, then you may want to consider one of the alternatives listed above.