What to know
- The Surface Pro 8 is a 2-in-1 convertible that seamlessly transforms from a tablet to a laptop.
- However, if you value a sleek design, a stunning OLED display, and exceptional performance, the XPS 13 is a formidable contender.
- The Surface Pro 8 has a larger display with a high refresh rate, while the XPS 13 has an OLED display with stunning color accuracy and contrast.
In the realm of premium ultraportable laptops, two titans stand tall: the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and the Dell XPS 13. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and innovative features. But which one is the ultimate choice for discerning users? To help you make an informed decision, we present an in-depth comparison of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 vs Dell XPS 13.
Design and Build
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 is a 2-in-1 convertible that seamlessly transforms from a tablet to a laptop. Its sleek magnesium body exudes elegance and durability, while its slim profile and kickstand make it highly versatile.
XPS 13: The XPS 13 is renowned for its ultra-thin and lightweight design. Crafted from premium materials like carbon fiber and aluminum, it boasts a sleek and understated appearance. Its InfinityEdge display minimizes bezels, creating an immersive viewing experience.
Display
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. It offers a high refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming. The display supports Dolby Vision HDR for vibrant colors and deep contrast.
XPS 13: The XPS 13 comes with a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. It delivers exceptional color accuracy and contrast, thanks to its wide color gamut and deep blacks. The display is also touch-enabled, providing added convenience.
Performance
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 is powered by 11th-generation Intel Core processors, offering up to 4 cores and 8 threads. It features integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics for decent graphical performance. RAM options range from 8GB to 32GB, while storage options span from 128GB to 1TB.
XPS 13: The XPS 13 is equipped with 12th-generation Intel Core processors, providing up to 14 cores and 20 threads. It comes with Intel Iris Xe or Iris Xe Max graphics for enhanced graphical capabilities. RAM options range from 8GB to 32GB, and storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Features
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 supports the Surface Pen, allowing users to draw, annotate, and take notes with precision. It also features a built-in kickstand for versatile usage modes.
XPS 13: The XPS 13 boasts a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast data transfer and charging. It also includes a built-in fingerprint reader for added security.
Battery Life
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 offers up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge. However, battery life may vary depending on usage and settings.
XPS 13: The XPS 13 provides up to 14 hours of battery life. Again, battery life can fluctuate based on usage patterns.
Price
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The price can increase significantly with higher configurations and accessories like the Surface Pen and Type Cover.
XPS 13: The XPS 13 has a starting price of $999 for the entry-level model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Similar to the Surface Pro 8, the price escalates with more advanced configurations.
Which is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and the Dell XPS 13 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize versatility, pen support, and a larger display, the Surface Pro 8 is an excellent option. However, if you value a sleek design, a stunning OLED display, and exceptional performance, the XPS 13 is a formidable contender.
Alternatives:
- Lenovo Yoga 9i: A premium 2-in-1 with a stunning OLED display and long battery life.
- Apple MacBook Air M2: A lightweight and powerful laptop with an impressive battery life and a user-friendly macOS operating system.
- HP Spectre x360: A versatile 2-in-1 with a beautiful design, a bright display, and a long-lasting battery.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q1: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the Surface Pro 8 and XPS 13 offer exceptional displays. The Surface Pro 8 has a larger display with a high refresh rate, while the XPS 13 has an OLED display with stunning color accuracy and contrast.
Q2: Which device is more powerful?
A: The XPS 13 has a slight edge in performance due to its 12th-generation Intel Core processors, which offer more cores and threads than the Surface Pro 8’s 11th-generation processors.
Q3: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 8 offers a slightly longer battery life than the XPS 13, with up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns.
Q4: Which device is more versatile?
A: The Surface Pro 8 is more versatile due to its 2-in-1 design and support for the Surface Pen. It can be used as a tablet, laptop, or even a drawing device.
Q5: Which device is better for gaming?
A: Neither the Surface Pro 8 nor the XPS 13 is specifically designed for gaming. However, the XPS 13’s Iris Xe Max graphics offer slightly better graphical performance than the Surface Pro 8’s Iris Xe graphics.