The showdown: dell xps 13 plus vs microsoft surface laptop 5, which will dominate?

The world of ultraportable laptops has two undisputed heavyweights: the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5. Both devices are renowned for their sleek designs, powerful performance, and premium features. But which one is the better choice for you? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Dell XPS 13 Plus vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Dell XPS 13 Plus and Surface Laptop 5 share a minimalist and elegant aesthetic. However, they differ in their construction materials. The XPS 13 Plus features an aluminum chassis with a carbon fiber interior, while the Surface Laptop 5 is made entirely from aluminum. Both laptops are lightweight and durable, but the XPS 13 Plus has a slight edge in portability due to its smaller size and weight.

Display

The Dell XPS 13 Plus and Surface Laptop 5 both offer stunning displays, but they have different aspect ratios and resolutions. The XPS 13 Plus has a 13.4-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 3840 x 2400 resolution, providing sharp images and vibrant colors. The Surface Laptop 5, on the other hand, has a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 2256 x 1504 resolution. While the Surface Laptop 5’s display is slightly larger, the XPS 13 Plus’s OLED panel offers superior image quality.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are crucial components of any laptop, and both the XPS 13 Plus and Surface Laptop 5 deliver excellent experiences. The XPS 13 Plus has a unique “zero-lattice” keyboard with edge-to-edge keys, providing a spacious typing experience. The Surface Laptop 5’s keyboard is more traditional, with well-spaced keys and a comfortable key travel. Both laptops feature large and responsive touchpads that support multi-touch gestures.

Performance

Under the hood, the XPS 13 Plus and Surface Laptop 5 offer comparable performance. Both devices are powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, providing ample power for everyday tasks and demanding applications. However, the XPS 13 Plus has a slight advantage in graphics performance due to its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, while the Surface Laptop 5 relies on Intel’s UHD Graphics.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical consideration for ultraportable laptops. The Dell XPS 13 Plus and Surface Laptop 5 both offer impressive battery life, but the Surface Laptop 5 has a slight edge. The XPS 13 Plus can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Laptop 5 can last up to 17 hours.

Ports and Connectivity

The XPS 13 Plus and Surface Laptop 5 have different port selections. The XPS 13 Plus features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Surface Laptop 5 has two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Surface Laptop 5’s additional USB-C port provides more flexibility for connecting peripherals.

Recommendations: The Best Ultrabook for You

Both the Dell XPS 13 Plus and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 are exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a compelling combination of style, performance, and portability. The XPS 13 Plus excels with its stunning OLED display, unique keyboard, and compact size, while the Surface Laptop 5 offers longer battery life, a versatile port selection, and a larger touchscreen display. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a superior display with a higher resolution and an OLED panel.

Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 has a longer battery life, lasting up to 17 hours on a single charge.

Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The Dell XPS 13 Plus is slightly more portable due to its smaller size and weight.