Dell XPS 13 (2024) review: the best XPS 13 ever

Dell XPS 13 (2024): Two-minute review

The Dell XPS 13 (2024) is the newest entry in what is generally a pretty good series of laptops, usually scoring at least a four-out-of-five star rating when we review them, though 2022's Dell XPS 13 Plus received a lower score thanks to build quality issues. But how does the latest one stack up, equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU? 

Quite well actually, as it's now one of the best Windows laptops and best laptops of the year, coupling its already stellar design and portability with much-improved battery life and performance. In both benchmark scores and actual day-to-day use, the new Dell XPS 13 is comparable to other recent Snapdragon-powered laptops like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and Asus Vivobook S 15, showing a strong consistency in terms of what the processor offers.

The display choices range from 1080p to 3K OLED depending on the configuration, though even the lowest resolution still looks impressive thanks to its 500 nits of brightness. In terms of configuration, it starts at 16GB of RAM and goes as high as 64GB while the storage ranges from 512GB to 2TB. Its starting price is also quite reasonable considering the specs it offers.

The only real downside to the Snapdragon X Elite CPU is the existing compatibility issues with Windows 11 apps designed for Intel and AMD systems. These issues aren't apparent when it comes to productivity work (except the odd connectivity issue with specific Bluetooth accessory features), but can become noticeable when gaming. 

While Prism emulation, which allows non-compatible apps to run on laptops like the new XPS 13 with the Snapdragon X Elite chip, is more than good enough for most games, and more apps are now being released that can run natively on Arm, there are still some roadblocks to total compatibility for Windows on Arm devices - but that should hopefully change soon.

Dell XPS 13 (2024): Price & availability

• How much does it cost? Starting price is $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$2,098.80
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The starting price for the Dell XPS 13 (2024) is $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$2,098.80, netting you a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage in the US, UK, and Australia. Other configurations go up to 64GB/2TB in specs, which will cost $2,499.99 / £1,823.99 / AU$3,999.60.

It matches its starting price with the Asus Vivobook S 15, but it's far pricier than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and M3 MacBook Air 13-inch (though it comes with overall much better specs including a superior processor), so if you're looking for more of an Ultrabook, then this is the choice for you.

Dell XPS 13 (2024): Specs

The Dell XPS 13 (2024) starts with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage with an FHD+ (1920 x 1200) touch display. Our own review model is similar to the starting configuration. The highest configuration goes up to 64GB RAM and 2TB in storage with a 3K OLED (2880 x 1800) touch display.

There is also the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H model still on sale, which is also available in the UK and Australia. The starting pricing is the same as the Snapdragon X Elite version, which is rather odd considering that the CPU is weaker and the laptop comes with only 8GB of RAM.

Dell XPS 13 (2024): Design

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The Dell XPS 13 (2024)'s design is as sleek and svelte as you'd come to expect from the XPS line, starting at a mere 2.59 pounds and measuring only 14.8 mm thin. Thankfully, this version also has a high build quality made from machined (CNC) aluminum, ensuring that it can withstand punishment and the daily wear and tear of commutes. It's available in Platinum or Graphite with a lovely finish that's surprisingly fingerprint-resistant.

The XPS 13 has three different display types to choose from, including a 3K+ OLED touch display option, which is beyond stunning for a 13.4-inch screen. The bezels are ultra-thin and yet still able to support a 1080p FHD webcam, which offers generally good picture quality for video calls.

Sound quality is incredible, largely due to the 360-degree spatial audio with quad speakers and Dolby Atmos. You can clearly hear each instrument, separate from each other and any vocals, while heavy bass loses very little in terms of integrity even at higher volumes.

The new Dell XPS 13 is based on the divisive Dell XPS 13 Plus in terms of its keyboard, with an edge-to-edge design achieved by removing the lattice and a touchpad and wrist rest made entirely from Gorilla Glass with no visible boundaries. The touch-based toolbar also makes its return which, while visually impressive, is just as inaccessible as it's always been. Both the touchpad and toolbar use haptic feedback in order to give the feeling of pressing a button. But while it can generally work for the former, the latter makes it impossible to know if you hit the right 'button' unless you can see it.

Port selection is still absolutely abysmal as it only has two USB Type-C ports, with no combo jack to speak of (RIP if you do audio editing because only Bluetooth works here). It does come with an adapter for the Type-A port but Dell could have easily fit at least one of those and a jack on the actual laptop.

Dell XPS 13 (2024): Performance

Like other AI PCs, the Dell XPS 13 (2024) features AI Copilot+ integration and the infamous Copilot key that Microsoft shoehorned into all its AI laptop keyboards. This key works and automatically connects you to the general Copilot chatbot - a nice little trick but ultimately not very useful.

Testing out the Copilot feature on the Dell XPS 13, it works as well as other AI PCs I've tried out so far. The chatbot has three levels - creative, balanced, and precise - and all three work quite well. I used my standard testing parameters including math questions, a mock interview, and a novel outline, and each answer cited several sources and made logical sense. There are also other plugins for additional tasks like other conversation types and shopping help.

Two other features included in Microsoft Paint, Cocreator and Image Creator, are powered by AI models. The former turns your drawings into an AI-generated picture, which varies based on your style and the level of 'creativity' (how much the finished product is based on your own art versus AI generation). Image Creator, the standard AI image generator, uses a credit system that awards you 50 credits upon sign-up and requires you to pay for more. You're better off just using the free Cocreator as it's essentially the same.

The Windows 11 AI Recall, which was set to launch along with Windows AI PCs, is still unavailable as of this writing due to being kicked back to the Windows Insider Program once the manifold security issues were exposed. 

Recall works by creating a database of information on your PC through screenshots automatically taken every few seconds, building up a library of images you can search through AI. However, the Recall database, containing all the data from those screenshots and the overall history of your PC usage, is stored in plain text (in an SQLite database).

This makes it almost effortless for hackers to obtain highly sensitive information such as finances, passwords, work data, and more. It remains to be seen whether this feature will make a comeback, but that solely depends on if Microsoft can fix these security issues.

The Dell XPS 13 (2024)'s benchmark results are very impressive, standing neck and neck with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7's own results. The Qualcomm CPU alone carries the laptop, maintaining high levels of performance regardless of the amount of tasks being carried out in the background. Each of these benchmark scores showcases the full range of this laptop in terms of handling productivity work, conference calls, streaming, and more.

Like the other AI PCs released in 2024, the Dell XPS 13 laptop I tested had a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU. It not only delivers amazing results in benchmark testing but then translates those results into performance that far outstrips that of earlier XPS 13 models. 

Compared to other Snapdragon laptops like the Surface Laptop 7 and Vivobook S 15, the performance is roughly the same overall though the XPS 13 is a little stronger than the Vivibook S 15 when it comes to Geekbench and CrossMark. The Laptop 7, however, goes toe-to-toe in terms of benchmark results. When applied to general performance all three perform admirably with no slowdown whether for office work or creative projects.

Thankfully, while this most recent XPS 13 does get a bit warm when pushed to its limits, it doesn't approach the extremes of the 13 Plus (2022) which was infamous for its overheating issues. This means that performance remains consistent no matter how long you run your laptop, perfect for handling heavier workloads.

The only downside to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite CPU is that the ARM support, while massively improved compared to prior iterations, still has a few compatibility hiccups - mainly dealing with gaming. But even that improves constantly and the vast majority of users won't even notice the hiccups as it doesn't impact everyday use. 

Dell XPS 13 (2024): Battery

The battery life for the Dell XPS 13 (2024) is by far the best out of the Snapdragon-powered laptops that I've tested. Under normal use, the battery lasts up to 20 hours with a 'low' of over 18 hours. When continuously video streaming, the battery lasts on average for 17 and a half hours. 

It clears the Surface Laptop 7 by nearly double for the TechRadar movie test and surpasses the Asus’s Vivobook S 15 by several hours. The fact that a Dell laptop can match and even surpass many of the best MacBook models in battery life as well is something I would have never expected, but it's clear Qualcomm has truly outdone itself.

Should you buy the Dell XPS 13 (2024)?

Buy the Dell XPS 13 (2024) if...

Don't buy it if...

Dell XPS 13 (2024): Also consider

If my Dell XPS 13 (2024) review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M3 is one of the best lightweight laptops on the market, and its performance and battery life go toe-to-toe with the Dell XPS 13.

Read the full Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) review

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Like the Dell XPS 13, this laptop is powered by a Snapdragon chip, meaning that it offers incredible performance and battery life within a thin and light body.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review

How I tested the Dell XPS 13 (2024)?

• I tested the Dell XPS 13 (2024) for a week
• I tested it using productivity and creative applications
• I stress-tested the battery using the TechRadar movie test

First, I tested the general weight and portability of the Dell XPS 13 (2024) by carrying it around in a laptop bag. After I set it up, I ran several benchmarks to thoroughly test out the new Qualcomm processor. Finally, I used a variety of programs and applications to test out both battery life and general performance during work-like conditions.

The Dell XPS 13 (2024) is meant to be a portable laptop with a thin and light chassis. I had to spend a good amount of testing not only on performance issues but also looking for any ventilation issues. I also tested out battery life to see how long it could last off AC power.

I've tested plenty of gaming PCs and laptops, making me more than qualified to understand benchmark test results and how to properly stress test machines to see how well they perform as a work machine.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024