Dell XPS 13 13.4" XPS9350-7715BLK-PUS Graphite 2024

A stunningly built ultraportable that's all about AI smarts and a premium feel. Just don't expect to play games on it, and definitely shop around for the best price.

What surprised us most is how snappy this thing feels for everyday multitasking, even though its raw CPU score is just above average in our database. The 16GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM helps, and the 120Hz screen makes every window drag and scroll feel buttery smooth. But don't let the 'Intel Arc' GPU name fool you. It's integrated graphics, and our gaming score of 9.6 puts it dead last for anything beyond solitaire. It handles AI tasks like noise cancellation and live captions without a hiccup, which is exactly what it's designed for.

The elephant in the room is the Apple MacBook Pro M5. It will run circles around this XPS in raw power and has a much better screen, but it costs more and locks you into macOS. On the Windows side, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is a direct competitor with a similar AI focus and a more flexible 2-in-1 design. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is in a different league for gaming performance if you're willing to trade some of that XPS slimness for a real GPU. For pure portability and build quality, the XPS still leads the pack.

Pricing is all over the map, with a $211 spread across vendors from $1189 to $1400. At the low end, you're getting a beautiful, AI-ready ultrabook that feels worth it. At the high end, you're getting fleeced. Shop around and don't pay a cent over $1200 for this configuration. The 512GB storage is the real kicker here, it fills up fast and you can't add more later.

The Dell XPS 13 is back, and it's still the laptop to beat if you want something that feels premium and disappears into your bag. This latest model packs Intel's new Core Ultra 7 Series 2 chip, which is all about bringing AI tricks and solid battery life to a design that hasn't changed much because it didn't need to. The one thing to know is that this is a stunning ultraportable for getting work done, but the integrated graphics mean it's absolutely not for gaming, no matter what the spec sheet implies.

If you're looking for a machine that can game, even casually, this isn't it. Go get an ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 instead. It's a bit thicker but has a real dedicated GPU that won't choke on anything you throw at it. This XPS is for spreadsheets and streaming, not Steam.

Buy the Dell XPS 13 if you want a Windows laptop that feels as premium as a MacBook Air and you primarily live in a web browser, Office apps, and video calls. It's a productivity machine with a stunning design and a fantastic keyboard. Just know that you're paying for that design and the new AI engine, not for raw power or storage space. If you can find it for under $1200, it's a solid deal for the right person.