The XPS 13 is the most powerful 13-inch laptop I’ve ever tested. While it’s true that the XPS screen isn’t as pixel-dense, the performance takes a huge leap. The MacBook Air, with a starting price of $1,299, has a 10th-generation quad-core Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. For example, the $1,199 price starts you with a quad-core 11th-generation Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. When you look at the prices where these two laptops intersect, the XPS 13 already has a steady lead. It’s worth the extra for the faster memory, newer processor, and higher resolution. Ultimately, when you max out both devices, the cost is only $100 more with the XPS 13. Of the two, however, it’s the only one with a touchscreen option. The XPS 13 offers upgraded versions with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, while also featuring a 4K screen. The XPS 13 has much more room to grow with more expensive configurations. Though the XPS 13’s 1,920 x 1,200 display is delightful and bright, the Air is noticeably crisper. At 2,560 x 1,600, it has a sharper pixel density than what you get in other 13-inch laptops, including the XPS 13. While the baseline MacBook Air has the older CPU, it has a higher-resolution screen than the XPS 13. The MacBook Air offers a 10th-generation Core i3 chip with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Its newest base configuration has an 11th-generation Core i3 processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Both companies have $999 starting models, but Dell has a performance advantage.
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It hasn’t changed visually since its major overhaul in 2018, but the full aluminum unibody is pretty as ever - especially in Gold.īut let’s get one thing out of the way right off the bat. I prefer the stark white look of the XPS 13 and its ultra-thin bezels, but I won’t say the MacBook Air isn’t a looker. Instead, they package those parts in excellent build quality and world-class design. Neither represents the best value for the components that come inside.
The XPS 13 and MacBook Air are both premium laptops.
The Dell XPS 13 is the better buy Luke Larsen / Digital Trends