What To Know
- The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 comes with up to a Core i7-1280P processor, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus offers up to a Core i7-1280U processor.
- The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus are both exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a unique blend of performance, portability, and design.
- The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is the lightest and most durable of the two, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus offers a more premium feel and a stunning OLED display.
The ultraportable laptop market is a fiercely competitive one, with manufacturers constantly striving to outdo each other in terms of performance, design, and portability. Two of the most popular contenders in this space are the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 from Lenovo and the Dell XPS 13 Plus from Dell. Both laptops offer exceptional features and capabilities, but which one is the right choice for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll pit the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 against the Dell XPS 13 Plus and explore their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus both feature sleek and lightweight designs. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 boasts a carbon fiber chassis with a magnesium alloy lid, resulting in a sturdy and durable construction. It weighs in at just 0.97 pounds, making it one of the lightest 13-inch laptops on the market.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, features a machined aluminum chassis with a glass fiber weave texture. It’s slightly heavier than the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2, weighing in at 1.23 pounds. However, it offers a more premium feel and a unique aesthetic with its hidden haptic touchpad and capacitive function keys.
Display
Both laptops offer high-quality displays, but there are some key differences to consider. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 comes with a 13-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1350 pixels. It supports Dolby Vision HDR and offers excellent color accuracy and brightness.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, features a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. OLED technology provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to LCD, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
Performance
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus are both powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 comes with up to a Core i7-1280P processor, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus offers up to a Core i7-1280U processor. Both processors provide excellent performance for everyday tasks, but the Core i7-1280P has a slight edge in multi-core workloads.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for ultraportable laptops. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 has a 57Wh battery, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus has a 55Wh battery. In real-world usage, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 typically provides around 10-12 hours of battery life, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus lasts for around 7-9 hours.
Connectivity
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus offer a similar range of connectivity options. Both laptops have two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, and a headphone/microphone jack. However, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 also has an HDMI port, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus has a microSD card slot.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 features Lenovo’s legendary ThinkPad keyboard, which is known for its excellent typing experience. It offers full-size keys with a comfortable travel distance and tactile feedback.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus takes a more minimalist approach with its keyboard. It features a new “zero-lattice” design with haptic keys that provide a different tactile feel compared to traditional keys. Some users may find the haptic keys to be less responsive than physical keys, but others may appreciate the sleek and modern design.
Both laptops have large and responsive touchpads. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s touchpad supports multi-touch gestures and Windows Precision drivers, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s touchpad is hidden beneath the palm rest and uses haptic feedback to simulate clicking.
Final Note: The Verdict
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus are both exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a unique blend of performance, portability, and design. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is the lightest and most durable of the two, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus offers a more premium feel and a stunning OLED display.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you value portability and durability above all else, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize a premium design, a stunning display, and a unique user experience, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is the better option.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 typically provides around 10-12 hours of battery life, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus lasts for around 7-9 hours.
2. Which laptop has a better keyboard?
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 features Lenovo‘s legendary ThinkPad keyboard, which is known for its excellent typing experience. The Dell XPS 13 Plus’s keyboard has a more minimalist design with haptic keys that provide a different tactile feel.
3. Which laptop has a better display?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus features a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. OLED technology provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to LCD, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
