While all eyes are on the striking new XPS 13 Plus, Dell hasn’t forgotten about its flagship premium ultraportable or convertible cousin. This year, the XPS 13 has been redesigned to be thinner and more energy efficient. Meanwhile, the XPS 13 2 in 1 has been transformed from a foldable laptop into a detachable Surface competitor. Both are positioning themselves to make way for their new family member; if you want power, you’ll want the XPS 13 Plus with its rugged 28-watt CPU. But if you care more about portability, the XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 may be more attractive.
Gallery: Dell XPS 13 (2022) | 7 Photos
Gallery: Dell XPS 13 (2022) | 7 Photos
That’s how you can tell Dell thinks the XPS 13 differently: it now runs on 12-watt 12th-generation Intel processors, while last year’s model was powered by 15-watt 11th-generation chips. According to Dell, you can get the new CPU to run at 12 watts in performance mode, which gives you the same performance as previous processors. While we haven’t tested the XPS 13, this statement makes sense given the huge performance gains we’ve seen with Intel’s new hybrid processor design, which is based on a combination of high-power cores and high efficiency.
Dell also managed to create a motherboard 1.8 times smaller than last year’s model. (In particular, it’s also the most compact motherboard the company has ever created.) The new setup is so efficient that it only needs one fan to cool the entire system, from last year’s two model fans. Dell tells us that the fan may be noisier than before when running at full speed, but for regular use it will be quieter. In addition to generating less heat, having more internal space gave Dell room to insert larger speaker boxes, as well as a larger battery (now with 12 hours of juice).
Motherboard comparison: XPS 13 2021 (left) vs 2022 (right).
Dell
While the XPS 13 looks similar to last year’s model, there are some notable changes. Now its keyboard is surrounded by the same stained metal as the outside of the case – no more carbon fiber or woven glass. And unfortunately, it also loses headphone jack just like the XPS 13 Plus. There is a 3.5mm USB-C adapter in the socket in the box, but it will also occupy one of the two USB-C ports on the machine. As with most ultraportables, if you want to do a real job, you’ll probably need to invest in a mini-hub.
Gallery: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022) | 7 Photos
Gallery: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022) | 7 Photos
As a fan of Dell’s previous 2-in-1 XPS 13 laptops, I’m also intrigued to see how the company tries to deal with a detachable premium, especially after the failure of the XPS 12. The new 2-in-1 has a Screen 13-inch, runs on 12th-generation Intel chips and, above all, is also Dell’s first computer with integrated 5G. At 1.6 pounds (for the Wi-Fi model) or 1.8 pounds (for 5G), the 2-in-1 tablet also weighs less than the 1.96-pound Surface Pro 8.
Dell
Unfortunately, it looks like Dell is also taking the wrong lessons from Microsoft, as its XPS Folio keyboard accessory will be sold separately. This case looks attractive, at least with three screen adjustment angles and a borderless keyboard with 1 millimeter of travel. Nor will it lead to a heavy convertible PC, as it weighs 1.2 pounds on its own. Plus, there’s a new XPS Stylus to go next to the tablet, but of course it’s also sold separately.
The new XPS 13 is available today starting at $ 999. You’ll have to wait until this summer to grab the latest XPS 13 2 in 1, and we’re still not sure how much it will cost (or its accessories).
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