Main points
- The Surface Laptop 5 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours on a single charge.
- If you prefer a thinner and lighter design, a more powerful graphics card, and a smaller footprint, the Dell XPS 13 may be a better fit.
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 has an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, while the Dell XPS 13 offers up to 12 hours.
In the realm of premium laptops, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and Dell XPS 13 stand as formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and a plethora of features. But which one reigns supreme? To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison delves into every aspect of these two exceptional laptops.
Design and Build Quality
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 exudes elegance with its sleek aluminum chassis and signature Alcantara palm rest. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it ideal for portability.
Dell XPS 13:
The XPS 13 also impresses with its premium build quality. Its machined aluminum body and carbon fiber lid offer durability and a sophisticated look. It’s slightly thinner and lighter than the Surface Laptop 5, but its smaller footprint sacrifices some keyboard space.
Display
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a 2256 x 1504 resolution. It features a high contrast ratio and wide color gamut, delivering stunning visuals and vibrant colors.
Dell XPS 13:
The XPS 13 offers a 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution. Its narrow bezels create a nearly borderless viewing experience. However, it’s worth noting that the Surface Laptop 5’s display has a higher resolution and better color accuracy.
Performance
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, providing ample performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. Its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics handle moderate gaming and video editing.
Dell XPS 13:
The XPS 13 features the latest Intel 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, offering comparable performance to the Surface Laptop 5. Its optional NVIDIA GeForce MX550 discrete graphics provides a significant boost for graphics-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours on a single charge. This makes it ideal for extended use without the need for frequent recharging.
Dell XPS 13:
The XPS 13 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge. While still decent, it may not be sufficient for all-day use on a single charge.
Connectivity
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, USB-C port, and Surface Connect port. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity.
Dell XPS 13:
The XPS 13 offers a similar selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, and a microSD card slot. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Features
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 comes with a built-in Windows Hello IR camera for secure facial recognition. It also has a precision touchpad and a backlit keyboard with a comfortable typing experience.
Dell XPS 13:
The XPS 13 also features a Windows Hello IR camera and a spacious touchpad. However, its keyboard has shallower travel than the Surface Laptop 5, which some may find less comfortable.
Price
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.
Dell XPS 13:
The Dell XPS 13 starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and the Dell XPS 13 depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize portability, battery life, and a vibrant display, the Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent option. If you prefer a thinner and lighter design, a more powerful graphics card, and a smaller footprint, the Dell XPS 13 may be a better fit.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 has a higher resolution and better color accuracy than the Dell XPS 13.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 has an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, while the Dell XPS 13 offers up to 12 hours.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The Dell XPS 13 is slightly thinner and lighter than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5.