Introduction
Dell has always been a leader in the premium ultrabook category, and the XPS 13 Plus takes things to a whole new level. With a sleek, futuristic design, a stunning near-borderless display, and powerful internals, this laptop aims to redefine what a high-end ultrabook can be. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take an in-depth look at what makes the Dell XPS 13 Plus stand out.
Design and Build Quality
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is all about minimalism and innovation. It features a seamless glass touchpad, a row of capacitive touch function keys, and a sleek aluminum chassis. At 2.7 pounds (1.23 kg) and just 15.3mm thin, it is incredibly compact and portable. The InfinityEdge display eliminates nearly all bezels, making the screen appear larger and more immersive than ever.
However, the capacitive function row is a controversial choice. While it adds to the futuristic aesthetic, some users may find it less intuitive than traditional function keys. The lack of physical separation for the touchpad may also take some getting used to.
Display and Audio
The 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display comes in multiple configurations, including Full HD+ (1920x1200) and 4K Ultra HD+ (3840x2400) OLED touch options. The OLED version is particularly stunning, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. Whether you’re streaming, editing photos, or simply browsing, the display is a visual treat.
The quad-speaker setup, with Waves Nx 3D audio, delivers impressive sound quality for a laptop of this size. The audio is crisp, clear, and has surprisingly good bass, making it great for music and video playback.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the XPS 13 Plus is powered by Intel’s 13th Gen Core i7 processors, paired with up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 2TB SSD storage. It handles multitasking, content creation, and even some light gaming with ease. The combination of the Intel Iris Xe graphics and high-speed SSD ensures smooth performance across the board.
One of the biggest changes is the improved cooling system, which allows for better heat dissipation without compromising on design. However, under heavy loads, the laptop can still get warm, and the fan noise becomes noticeable.
Battery Life
Dell claims up to 13 hours of battery life, but real-world usage varies depending on the display choice and workload. The OLED 4K model tends to drain the battery faster, while the Full HD+ version offers longer endurance, lasting around 8-10 hours in typical use.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The zero-lattice keyboard spans edge to edge, providing larger keys and a comfortable typing experience. Key travel is short but satisfying, and the keyboard backlighting is well-executed. The haptic feedback trackpad is another unique feature—it’s completely integrated into the palm rest, making it invisible yet highly responsive.
Ports and Connectivity
One of the few drawbacks of the XPS 13 Plus is its limited port selection. You only get two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and no headphone jack or microSD slot. Dell does include a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box, but users needing extensive connectivity will have to rely on external hubs.
Wireless connectivity is solid with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable internet connections.
Who Is It For?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is perfect for: ✔ Professionals looking for a powerful, ultra-premium laptop for work and travel. ✔ Students who want a stylish, high-performance ultrabook for studies and entertainment. ✔ Content creators who need a sharp display and strong multitasking capabilities.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros: ✔ Ultra-sleek, futuristic design ✔ Stunning 4K OLED and FHD+ options ✔ Powerful Intel 13th Gen processors ✔ Edge-to-edge keyboard and innovative haptic touchpad ✔ Good battery life (especially with FHD+ version)
❌ Cons: ✖ Very limited ports (only USB-C) ✖ No headphone jack or microSD card slot ✖ Can get warm under heavy loads
Final Verdict
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is an ultraportable powerhouse with a futuristic design, gorgeous display options, and impressive performance. While the limited ports and potential heating issues may be concerns for some users, its premium build, strong hardware, and beautiful screen make it one of the best ultrabooks available today.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)