Внешний вид и эргономика
Если сравнивать с предыдущим поколением ноутбука, то внешний вид Dell XPS 13 7390 не претерпел вообще никаких изменений, так что особо долго рассуждать об этом не будем – лишь вкратце напомним что к чему. Большая часть корпуса сделана из металла – это две прочные и достаточно толстые пластины на крышке и нижней части ноутбука.
Поверхность матовая, отпечатки пальцев на ней вообще не видно. Между металлическими пластинами – «прослойка» из углепластика. Из него сделаны рамка вокруг дисплея и рабочая панель. Материал легкий, прочный, красивый и немного маркий, но текстура «под карбон» следы от рук маскирует, и стираются они легко.
По столу ноутбук во время работы не «ездит» туда-сюда благодаря двум широким и тонким резиновым ножкам на нижней стороне компьютера. Крышку можно откинуть назад примерно на 135 градусов и зафиксировать в любом из промежуточных положений – металлические шарниры хорошо её держат. Для работы с ноутбуком на коленях такого диапазона в подавляющем большинстве случаев достаточно.
Кстати, рабочую панель крышка не перевешивает, и это довольно важный момент: всё-таки Dell XPS 13 7390 – один из самых тонких и лёгких ноутбуков в своем классе, здесь над балансом действительно пришлось потрудиться отдельно. Во всех конфигурациях компьютер весит 1,23 килограмма.
Поскольку форма корпуса клиновидная, то толщина варьируется в пределах от 7,8 до 11,6 мм. В закрытом виде площадь ноутбука можно сопоставить с площадью обычного листа А4. Всё это явно намекает на то, что носить с собой такой компьютер можно куда угодно хоть каждый день – он очень компактный и лёгкий.
A Gorgeous Display, Robust Connectivity
Other than the cutting-edge Comet Lake processor, the XPS 13’s key feature is its option for a 4K display. Its rated 1,500:1 contrast ratio, maximum 400 nits of brightness, and ability to display 100 percent of the sRGB color spectrum lead to crisp text and brilliant colors, but they’re relatively standard specs for this class of laptop display. More of a standout is the anti-reflective coating applied to the otherwise glossy display, which I found cut down on the amount of reflection from ambient light without compromising the brilliance of the screen. The opposite is a common side effect of anti-reflective matte displays.
The XPS 13’s screen is also noteworthy for its thin borders. The laptop has an 80 percent screen-to-body ratio, which falls short of the near-90 percent we’ve seen on a few other laptops, but it still achieves a cutting-edge look. Even better, the top border remains large enough to house the webcam, whose tiny 2.25mm lens captures 720p video but lacks Windows Hello face recognition. For some years, XPS 13 models of old couldn’t accommodate cameras in their superthin top bezels, so Dell relegated them to beneath the screen, where they captured unlovely images and video of users’ fingertips and nostril-scapes. It was a brief period of tech awkwardness that’s thankfully behind us now, with Dell having ramped up its camera miniaturization efforts with the early-2019 XPS 13, returning the webcam to its rightful spot.
On the left edge of the XPS 13, you’ll find a physical locking port and two USB Type-C ports, both of which support Thunderbolt 3 transfer speeds of up to 40GBps. The opposite edge holds a third USB Type-C port (without Thunderbolt 3, but supporting DisplayPort video output), a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. This is a relatively robust connectivity offering for such a thin laptop—other machines in the XPS 13’s class include the 13-inch version of the Apple MacBook Pro ($979.99 at Best Buy)(Opens in a new window) , which has just two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack in its entry-level configuration.
The only missing port that could be an issue for XPS 13 owners is a conventional USB Type-A port, but the tech world is moving toward USB Type-C, so it’s not much of a problem. Dell thoughtfully includes a Type-C-to-A adapter in the configuration I’m reviewing.
In keeping with the futuristic theme of the Comet Lake CPU and USB Type-C ports, the XPS 13 also includes Bluetooth 5.0 and support for the latest 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) wireless networking standard. Wi-Fi 6 routers are currently few and far between, but if you’re planning to upgrade your router in the next year or so, the XPS 13 will be able to take full advantage of Wi-Fi 6’s higher throughput speeds.
Perhaps the only lackluster parts of the XPS 13’s physical design are its keyboard and touchpad. The keys offer a relatively stingy 1.33mm of vertical travel, and the touchpad is precise and made of glass but rather on the small side, at least compared with the generously sized pads of machines like the Apple MacBook Pro and the Razer Blade Stealth.
What six cores gets you
Real-world tests weren’t quite as impressive. The XPS 13 was a solid 20% behind the Razer Blade 15 in Handbrake video encoding. The same goes for devices like the MacBook Pro 15 and Dell XPS 15 when equipped with that same 9th-gen processor at the Razer Blade. It’s clear the Dell XPS 13’s implementation of the six-core chip runs into some thermal limitations.
Still, the two extra cores change what’s possible on a 13-inch laptop. A 4K video export that took 20 minutes on last year’s high-end XPS 13 now takes around 13 and a half minutes. That difference is meaningful. You’ll save a lot of time if you crunch processor intensive tasks with your laptop.
Ultimately, the new Intel 10th-gen processor with six cores boosts the Dell XPS 13 to a new tier of performance. I can’t overstate how impressive that is. The XPS 13 was already our favorite laptop. Now, it’s significantly quicker than past models and the competition (though we expect this Intel 10th-gen processor to gradually appear in more competitors over time).
A new challenger in the ring
Though the XPS 13 hasn’t changed this time around, Dell has a secondary flagship laptop that made some striking tweaks to the formula. Some of those changes I would have liked to see come to the XPS 13 — others not so much.
The XPS 13 2-in-1 has a taller, 16:10 screen that I’ve grown fond of. The boxier shape means more screen real estate and a better view of your content. The squat look of a borderless 16:9 laptop like the XPS 13 is starting to look a tad short next to laptops like the Surface Laptop 3.
At its thickest, it’s a hair thinner than the MacBook Pro.
However, the XPS 13 is still among the best laptops to travel. At 2.7 pounds it’s a supremely light laptop. At its thickest, it’s a hair thinner than the MacBook Pro. The 16:9 screen does contribute to the XPS 13’s light weight and small dimensions.
The XPS 13 2-in-1 also uses more aluminum than the XPS 13 clamshell, bringing the gem-cut finish up the edges of the device. That gives it a more premium look. The XPS 13 isn’t shoddy by any means, but it doesn’t live up to its 2-in-1 cousin.
On the other hand, the XPS 13 has a superior keyboard. The XPS 13 2-in-1 includes the short-travel “maglev” keyboard also found in the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1. I find the longer key travel of the XPS 13 a bit more comfortable. The touchpads are similar, though the XPS 13 2-in-1’s is slightly wider. That’s a nice touch.
Lastly, there’s the choice between the XPS 13’s Intel Comet Lake processor, and the XPS 13 2-in-1’s Intel Ice Lake chip. Comet Lake is what gives the XPS 13 access to the two extra. However, the newer Ice Lake architecture in the XPS 13 2-in-1 features improved Iris Plus integrated graphics. I wish I could do some light gaming on the XPS 13, but for now, that’s a struggle.
The new XPS 13 is bit more expensive than it used to be. You’ll want to be careful when picking out the right model for you. The two-core Core i3 model, which comes with just 4GB of RAM, starts at $950. At only $50 cheaper than the MacBook Air, it’s a tough sell. The six-core model starts $1,350, though you’ll need to spend more for the extra RAM and the 4K display. You can get a 4K XPS 13 cheaper if you opt for the older XPS 13 9380, though you’ll miss out on the extra power.
All configurations come with the same port selection, which includes two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports for power and video output, one on each side of the laptop. A USB-C 3.1 port, microSD card slot, and headphone jack are also included.
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) features, display, and specs
Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
The new XPS 13 2-in-1 is a convertible Ultrabook that supports inking. However, it also veers away from most laptops in this class by being the first to include Intel’s chips. Also, this is the first convertible laptop that features a taller 16:10 display versus the more traditional and wider 16:9.
Those new Intel processors range from a Core i3 up to a Core i7 with RAM going all the way up to 32GB while supporting a very fast 3,733 MHz clock-speed. Storage is performant PCIe NVMe that can go up to 1TB.
Graphics range from the standard Intel UHD variety up to the newest Intel Iris Plus, depending on processor choice. Iris Plus gives a modest performance boost and it is a return to the Iris platform which was skipped in the Intel 8th Gen series.
That new 16:10 aspect ratio results in a taller 13.4-inch display. Dell wisely uses a new anti-glare technique, which lets the display still be glossy but with very low reflection. There are two display options: full HD (1920 x 1200) with HDR 400 support and UHD (3840 x 2400) (+ $294) also with HDR. Both support .
Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
Our tests for the full HD display for color gamut is notable. For sRGB, there is 100 percent coverage with AdobeRGB at 76 percent and DCI-P3 at 81 percent. Display brightness peaks at a maximum of 517 nits with a minimum brightness of 24 nits when setting at zero percent. These results make the XPS 13 2-in-1 ideal for image and video editing at the non-professional studio level and give the ability to work outside too. Dell Cinema also enhances the display for movie watching with HDR support for Netflix, VUDU, and the Microsoft Movies & TV app.
Chassis color options include just platinum silver for the outside shell, but a choice for soft-touch black carbon fiber, or the newer arctic white with woven glass fiber (+ $49) for the interior. The black option is softer to the touch but is prone to picking up oil from your hands. The white woven glass fiber has a different texture but hides any smudges from your hand while looking significantly brighter.
The downside to the XPS 13 2-in-1’s design is that all the hardware — RAM, storage, CPU — is soldered to the board. This design negates any ability to replace or upgrade components yourself (the battery can be replaced by a certified Dell technician, however).
Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Category | Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Home |
| Display | 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 InfinityEdge13.4-inch UltraSharp 3840 x 2400 InfinityEdge |
| Processor | 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005 G1 (3.4GHz)10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035 G1 (3.7GHz)10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065 G7 (3.9GHz) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD GraphicsIntel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Memory | 4GB LPDDR4 3733MHz8GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz16GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz32GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe SSD512GB PCIe SSD1TB PCIe SSD |
| Webcam | 720p |
| Security | Windows Hello fingerprint reader |
| Wireless | Killer AX1650Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 with DisplayPortmicroSD card reader3.5mm combo jack |
| Audio | Waves MaxxAudio Pro, dual 2W |
| Battery | 51Whr |
| Dimensions | 0.28 to 0.51 in x 11.69 in x 8.15 in (7 to 13 mm x 297 mm x 207 mm) |
| Weight | 1.32 kg (2.9 lbs) |
Ports are minimal but powerful. Dell includes two Thunderbolt 3 Type-C ports, both with power delivery and DisplayPort (4 lanes of PCI Express Gen 3). These ports can be used for data, display out, and recharge with the included 45-watt wall charger. There is also a micro SD reader. Due to the thinness, there is no Type-A port, however, so you will need a dongle to get by if using older peripherals. Dell does include a Type-C to Type-A converter in the box.
Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
Weighing 2.9 pounds (1.32kg), the XPS 13 2-in-1 is not the lightest in its class and is quite dense for its size, but it is also very portable with a minimal footprint.
Our review unit features an Intel Core i7-1065G7, 16GB-RAM, 512GB-SSD, and 1920×1200-touch display, with an arctic white interior for a total price of $1,642.
Compare with similar items
 This item Dell XPS 13 7390 Laptop: Core i7-10710U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 13.3″ Full HD IPS Touch Display, WiFi AX, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 |
 Dell XPS 13 9370 Laptop: Core i7-8550U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 13.3″ Full HD IPS Display, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 |
 Dell XPS 9370 13.3in 4K UHD Touchscreen Laptop PC — Intel Core i7-8550U 4.0GHz, 16GB, 512GB SSD, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Webcam, Windows 10 Pro — Silver (Renewed) |
 Dell Inspiron 13 5310, 13.3 inch QHD (Quad High Definition) Laptop — Thin and Light Intel Core i7-11370H, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce MX450, Dell Services — Windows 10 Home |
 Dell XPS7390 13″ InfinityEdge Touchscreen Laptop, Newest 10th Gen Intel i5-10210U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 10 Home |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | 4.0 out of 5 stars (8) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (20) | 3.9 out of 5 stars (73) | 4.0 out of 5 stars (310) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (142) |
| Price | $1,089.77 | $999.00$999.00 | $995.96$995.96 | $1,128.99 | $1,039.39 |
| Sold By | New Heights Product | E Trust | STL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY | NoodleTech (SN recorded) | J&R Mega Store |
| Computer Memory Size | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi | bluetooth 4.1 | — | Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi | — |
| CPU Model | Core i7 | 8032 | Core i7 Family | Core I7 11370H | Core i5-1035G1 |
| CPU Model Manufacturer | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| CPU Speed | 1.10 GHz | 0 MHz | 4 GHz | 4.8 GHz | 1 GHz |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 1920 x 1080 pixels | — | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 3840 x 2400 pixels |
| Screen Size | 13.3 inches | 13.3 inches | 13.3 inches | 13.3 inches | 13.3 inches |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel HD Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX450 | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Description | Integrated | Integrated, Integrated | Integrated, Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Hard Disk Description | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC | — | PC | PC | PC |
| Human Interface Input | Keyboard | Keyboard | Unknown | Keyboard | Touch Pad, Keyboard, Microphone, Touchscreen |
| Item Weight | 2.70 lbs | 5.18 lbs | 2.70 lbs | 2.78 lbs | 2.70 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
| Processor Count | 6 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| RAM Type | DDR3 SDRAM | Unknown | DDR3 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Wireless Communication Standard | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, 802.11ac | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
Интерфейсы и коммуникации
Издержки минимализма и компактности – отказ от «больших» портов на корпусе ноутбука. Для полноразмерных USB места на боках Dell XPS 13 7390 из-за его небольшой толщины просто не осталось, так что всё сводится к постепенно завоёвывающему мир Type-C. И если года полтора назад это действительно было проблемой, то сейчас стандарт стал вполне себе массовым – победа не за горами.
На левой стороне компьютера находится крепление для защитного замка, рядом с ним – два USB Type-C с поддержкой Thunderbolt 3.
Тут же маленькая кнопка, нажав на которую можно узнать об оставшемся заряде батареи не включая ноутбук. Рядом с ней загорится от 1 до 5 крошечных светодиодов, каждый горящий – это 20% батарейки. Ну или они вообще не загорятся, и тогда надо будет подключать лэптоп к розетке.
На правом торце Dell XPS 7390 есть вход для наушников, USB Type-C с поддержкой DisplayPort и слот для карт памяти microSD.
Заряжать компьютер можно от любого из трёх имеющихся разъёмов Type-C. Для того, чтобы пользователю не пришлось думать о том, где бы найти переходник с USB Type-C на USB Type-A после покупки нового XPS 13, фирменный переходник обязательно включается в комплект поставки.
За передачу данных отвечает совсем свеженький Wi-Fi адаптер Killer AX1650 от Rivet Networks. По словам разработчиков, он стал первым в своём классе решением с поддержкой Wi-Fi 6, приход которого в массы уже совсем не за горами. Этот двухантенный модуль обеспечивает теоретическую пропускную способность в 2,4 Гбит/c и, конечно же, поддерживает Bluetooth 5.0. Почитать про него подробнее можно на сайте производителя. На наш взгляд, довольно забавным является тот факт, что это фактически решение для геймеров, которые очень требовательны к качеству и стабильности коннекта. И оно пришло в ноутбук бизнес-серии.
Резюме
не задумывался как революционный продукт. В этом году эта роль досталась трансформируемой версии этого же гаджета (называется тоже XPS 13 7390 только с добавкой «2 в 1»), о которой мы непременно расскажем подробно чуть позже. В классическом же форм-факторе акцент сделан на сохранение уже имеющихся особенностей, за которую серию XPS пользователи любят, и новые процессоры Intel Core 10 поколения.
Для тех, кто сталкивается с требовательными к количеству ядер задачами, появилась специальная модификация с шестиядерным i7-10710U, в остальных случаях о существенном приросте мощности по сравнению с чипами U-серии 8-го и 9-го поколения речи не идёт, но зато можно говорить об улучшенной автономности и сниженном уровне нагрева, что весьма немаловажно. Безусловно, обладателям XPS 13 9380 обновляться вряд ли стоит
Тем, у кого есть XPS 13 9370, вероятно, тоже. Но если у вас более старая версия лэптопа или в целом стоит вопрос о покупке 13-дюймового ультрабука, то среди этих трёх вариантов лучше выбрать именно XPS 13 7390 – разницы в стоимости на данный момент практически нет
Безусловно, обладателям XPS 13 9380 обновляться вряд ли стоит. Тем, у кого есть XPS 13 9370, вероятно, тоже. Но если у вас более старая версия лэптопа или в целом стоит вопрос о покупке 13-дюймового ультрабука, то среди этих трёх вариантов лучше выбрать именно XPS 13 7390 – разницы в стоимости на данный момент практически нет.
Стартовая цена базовой конфигурации Dell XPS 13 7390 – . В ней ПК оснащается Full HD дисплеем, процессором Intel Core i5-10210U, SSD на 256 ГБ и 8 ГБ оперативной памяти. В рублей обойдётся вариант с таким же экраном, но при этом оснащённый SSD на 512 ГБ, 16 ГБ RAM и чипом Intel Core i7-10510U. Одна из «топовых» конфигураций с 4К-дисплеем как в этом обзоре обойдётся примерно рублей.
Conclusion: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) rules, but competition is creeping
Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
When I first caught a glimpse of the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) , I said it was the laptop to watch, due to all the things it got right. That 16:10 display, inking, a clean, minimalist look, improved audio, and the first laptop with Intel’s 10th Gen 10nm chipset.
All of that still holds. I like the maglev keyboard a lot, which is excellent for quick, fast typing. The laptop can be opened with one hand, and that white woven glass feels excellent for resting my hands when typing. The display is also one of the best I’ve used. I see little reason why you should opt for UHD unless you really can justify it for your work.
Battery life lasts me the day, and performance is outstanding with improved resume speed from when you first open the lid.
It’s also worth mentioning that Dell’s excellent software suite, including Dell Update for BIOS and firmware , is a superior way to use your laptop to control your smartphone, including making calls.
Dell Mobile Connect can make and take calls while your phone stays in your pocket.
While I wish there were top-firing speakers, Dell has surprised me by delivering better-than-expected audio with those powerful 2-watt speakers.
Image 1 of 2
The only problem with XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) is competition. HP recently announced and in many ways, it outshines Dell. Now with thinner bezels and a Precision touchpad, the Spectre also brings Intel Optane memory, 4K OLED, a pen that is included, facial recognition, and an option for 4G LTE. Ports are similar, but HP squeezed in a Type-A with a drop-jaw design negating the need for a dongle. The keyboard is also more traditional, making it less controversial, and the battery is slightly larger. That’s all hard to ignore.
But the XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) still has the cleaner, brighter design and taller, preferable 16:10 display with a bigger, better trackpad.
Perhaps the bigger story is just how improved this XPS 13 2-in-1 is over the first one. It shows Dell has the design chops to pull off stunning but functional designs in a laptop that always looks like it is two years ahead of everyone. With excellent peak performance, comfortable typing, and an outstanding audio-visual experience, this is easily one of the best convertible laptops on the market.
(opens in new tab)
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390)
Stunning display and looks that packs a punch
The new XPS 13 2-in-1 is a spectacular and fun convertible Ultrabook that brings the best of today’s technology into one device. With an optional Wacom AES pen, the XPS 13 2-in-1’s excellent display, surprisingly good audio, and fast typing experience all make it one of the best laptops of 2019. The lack of 4G LTE, facial recognition, and a Type-A port prevents it from being perfect, but it still is the best-looking laptop to date.
Устройства ввода
Пользователям предыдущих ноутбуков серии клавиатура Dell XPS 13 7390 будет абсолютно знакома – пока что разработчики решили ничего не менять. Соответственно, и моменты, к которым можно придраться, ровно те же. Дискомфорт некоторым пользователям могут доставить совмещённые с PgUp и PgDn узкие стрелки. Ну и русская локализация пока по-прежнему выглядит не идеально – со своей стороны мы продолжаем напоминать об этом сотрудникам глобального офиса.
Но если абстрагироваться от этих моментов и сконцентрироваться на самом важном – наборе текстов, то тут клавиатура компьютера будет только радовать. Ход клавиш ожидаемо довольно короткий, но уровень сопротивления отчётливо ощутим, и случайных срабатываний практически не происходит, печатать очень комфортно
При этом окружающие не будут жаловаться на то, что кнопки клацают – наоборот, они довольно тихие. Подсветка, конечно же, есть, и тут всё по классической схеме: два уровня плюс возможность выключить диоды. Значительной миниатюризации подвергся только самый верхний ряд клавиш с Esc, F1-F12, Home, End и Delete. Между F и дополнительными функциями кнопок вроде регулировки яркости и звука можно переключаться при помощи Fn Lock. Как и всегда, обзоры тестируемых ноутбуков мы всегда обязательно набираем именно на их клавиатуре. Ни на один XPS во время этого жаловаться пока не приходилось – всё очень удобно.
Тачпад тоже давно знакомый – это относительно компактная в силу небольших размеров ноутбука сенсорная панель размером 10,5х6 сантиметров. У неё идеально гладкая поверхность, по которой палец скользит как по маслу, причём на экране движения обрабатываются так же точно и своевременно. В итоге размер, возможно, будет оптимальным не для всех, но на комфорт жаловаться точно не придётся – мышку этот тачпад заменяет в дороге просто отлично.
Сканер отпечатков пальцев, встроенный в кнопку включения компьютера, кстати, никуда не делся.
Gaming vs. Productivity
Even though the XPS 13 performed the best on our on our partially GPU-accelerated Photoshop test, the Blade Stealth 13 actually has a far more powerful graphics solution than the Dell XPS 13 does. It’s a dedicated GeForce chip, and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650-equipped Razer laptop therefore far outshines the XPS 13 when it comes to playing graphics-intensive games, as evidenced by our Superposition gaming simulation. (Superposition renders and pans through a detailed 3D scene and measures how the system copes.)
Also of interest here are the superior graphics numbers posted by the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 versus the XPS 13. In our initial tests of the Core i7 Ice Lake before the chip was released, it was clear that the much-improved GPU silicon on the Ice Lake chips, paired with high-speed system memory, would bring some new life to integrated Intel graphics. This is evidence of it in spades. Take, also, our results on UL’s 3DMark benchmark tests…
The chart is abbreviated, as the Razer Blade Stealth had driver issues at the time of its testing with running 3DMark. But the illustrative item here is the XPS 13 Comet Lake versus the XPS 13 2-in-1 Ice Lake. The Ice Lake chip’s Iris Plus Graphics doesn’t quite double the scores of the UHD Graphics on the Comet Lake chip, but it’s not far off. If you’re a fan of the XPS 13 form factor but the performance of the integrated graphics matters more to you than sheer CPU grunt, that might tip the balance in favor of getting an Ice Lake-based XPS 13 2-in-1 over a Comet Lake-based clamshell.
While I ran each of these benchmark tests, I heard the XPS 13’s cooling fan spool up to a level clearly audible above the din of a busy office. This is not a quiet machine under heavy loads, but then again, the cooling is clearly helping it accomplish impressive computing feats.
With 11 hours and 41 minutes of battery life as measured by our video rundown test, the XPS 13 is merely average for its class. It will likely last all day away from a power outlet, but its power-hungry 4K display is clearly holding it back from achieving the truly epic battery life of machines like the Spectre x360 13 and the MacBook Pro.
Time to shine
This high-end, six-core model is only available with the 4K display. Fortunately, the 4K Dell is more than just sharp. It’s bright, maxing out at 472 nits, which is brighter even than the industry-leading, MacBook Pro.
It’s properly calibrated for accurate colors, too. Precise colors are important for content creators. The last thing you want is to make an editing decision based on screen you can’t trust.
The color gamut isn’t as wide as what you’d find on an OLED panel, nor is the contrast as high. However, it’s still one of the better 4K screens you can find on a 13-inch laptop to date. Video content looks beautiful, making Netflix binges fully enjoyable.
That high resolution screen does have an effect on battery life, though. Seven and a half hours in light usage is what you can expect on average. That will dip lower if you need to have the screen brightness maxed all day or are running some heavy applications.
The 1080p model will net you well over eleven hours by comparison. That’s the better option if battery life is a major concern though, as said, it isn’t available with the Intel 10th-gen six-core processor.
10th Generation, Times Two
As I alluded to up top, Intel has divided its 10th Generation mobile CPU lineup into two groups. Ice Lake processors, like the one in the XPS 13 2-in-1 and the Razer Blade Stealth 13, are intended for laptops where space is at an ultimate premium and cooling is in short supply. Comet Lake CPUs like the one in the XPS 13 are still efficient, but they can take advantage of more robust cooling hardware (if a laptop offers it) to chew through more complex computing tasks. The specific Comet Lake chip in the XPS 13 sample tested here, as I mentioned earlier, is a six-core CPU that supports up to 12 concurrent processing threads, impressively in a 15-watt envelope. The Core i7 Ice Lake chip in the XPS 13 2-in-1 and the Blade Stealth 13 is a four-core/eight-thread one.
To illustrate the differences between these two classes of CPUs, I compared the Dell XPS 13’s performance on our benchmark tests with that of its 2-in-1 cousin and the latest revision of the Blade Stealth 13, as well as two more excellent ultraportables using previous-gen Intel silicon: the MacBook Pro and the HP Spectre x360 13. (An Ice Lake version of the Spectre x360 13 has been announced, but we haven’t reviewed it yet.)
The Comet Lake difference isn’t immediately apparent on general productivity tasks, like browsing the web or working on text documents and spreadsheets. To approximate performance on these types of tasks, we use PCMark, which simulates different real-world productivity and content-creation workflows. PCMark 10 assesses overall system performance for office-centric tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet jockeying, web browsing, and videoconferencing. PCMark 8, meanwhile, has a Storage subtest that we use to assess the speed of the boot drive.
The fact that all of these systems performed roughly equally on the PCMark tests is proof that everyday users with casual computing needs don’t need to seek out the most powerful processor at the cost of other features.
