It’s been hard finding new affordable laptops so far this year. But there are still a few value packed devices out there, and in my latest video I take a look at the new Dell XPS 13, a laptop positioned to compete directly with the MacBook Neo.
Check it out in my latest video!
At its entry-level price of $699—or $599 for students (compensated affiliate link)—it occupies a competitive space in the current market for portable electronics.
The model I tested features 16 GB of RAM, an upgrade that adds $200 to the base price. While an 8 GB version is available, the additional memory provides a more stable experience for multitasking and moderate workloads. The construction is entirely metal, weighing approximately 2.2 pounds. The 13-inch IPS display offers a resolution of 2560×1600 and includes a matte touch surface. Notably, it supports a variable refresh rate from 30 to 120 Hz, which assists with power efficiency when the screen is static while providing smoother movement during active use.
Under the hood, the device runs on an Intel Core 5-320 processor, part of the series designed for power efficiency at a lower cost. While the RAM is soldered to the motherboard, the 512 GB SSD is user-upgradeable. The keyboard offers more travel than many thin laptops and includes backlighting. The trackpad is mechanical rather than haptic, though it remains responsive. For security, the laptop utilizes facial recognition via the 1080p webcam, as there is no fingerprint reader. The webcam performance is functional for standard video calls, though the image quality can appear grainy even in well-lit environments.
The audio performance is a notable feature for a device of this size, offering more depth and volume than typical for ultraportables. Port selection is limited to two 10 Gbps USB-C ports, one on each side. Both support video output and charging, though they lack Thunderbolt support found in higher-tier models. Connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 7, which delivered consistent speeds around 800 Mbps in my testing environment.
In terms of daily performance, the XPS 13 handles web browsing and 4K video playback without significant lag. In benchmark tests, it scored 30.9 on Speedometer, trailing slightly behind the MacBook Neo but remaining competitive with other Intel-based devices. Battery life reached between 10 and 12 hours for light productivity tasks, provided the brightness was moderated and the variable refresh rate was active. Heavy tasks like video editing or gaming will reduce this duration significantly.
While the integrated GPU is not designed for professional creative work or high-end gaming, it managed casual gaming reasonably well. Cyberpunk 2077 ran at 25 to 30 frames per second at 1080p on low settings. Thermal management appeared effective during stress testing; the internal fan remained quiet, and the processor temperature stabilized at 53 degrees Celsius or 127.4 degrees fahrenheit.
For those interested in alternative operating systems, I tested the device with Ubuntu. While it successfully booted and the touch display functioned, drivers for audio and Wi-Fi were not yet operational. This is a common occurrence with new hardware and typically resolves as driver and kernel updates are released.
Current market conditions have seen a rise in the cost of components, and there are indications that the pricing for this model may increase in the future. Given the current hardware package and build quality, the device represents a specific value proposition for those seeking a portable Windows machine. My time with the unit suggests it is a functional option for students and professionals focusing on general productivity.
Disclosure: This unit was provided on loan by Dell for evaluation purposes. This was not a sponsored review nor did the company review or influence my findings.