- Dell has announced the all-new XPS 13 (9315) and XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315) premium laptop and Folio PC.
- The new XPS 13 has a motherboard that’s 1.8 times smaller than last year’s model, which is smaller than the XPS 13.
- Both mobile devices feature Intel 12th General U-Series processors and offer optional 2-in-1 5G connectivity.
- The new XPS 13 is available starting at $999, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 is coming later this summer and hasn’t been priced yet.
All the attention fell on the XPS 13 Plus extremes (with its high price tag), Dell has kept a few laptops up its sleeve for those who prefer a more conservative, modern design, while at a very affordable price.
The new XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 models, both model number 9315, offer something for everyone who wants a clean and simple laptop.
XPS 13 (9315)
The first is the new XPS 13 (9315). At first glance, it might seem easy to dismiss it as yet another upgrade to the famous CNC engine’s aluminum and glass body, but with a new processor and some new color; However, this severely underestimates the importance of the internal work that Dell has done.
First, the XPS 13 is extremely lightweight and thin with little to no tracking. Sure, we’re talking about millimeters, but this is noticeable even in photo comparisons. We have a full profile comparison of the new XPS 13 (9315) and last year’s XPS 13 (9310) for those who want to plunge deeper.
Dell packed a twelfth of Intel’s generic U-series processors (Core i5-1230U or i7-1250U), which has a base power of just 9W (at 15 like last year) and a maximum turbo power of 29W. The XPS 13 (9315) is more powerful (and more efficient) than the 2021 XPS 13 (9310), which may not be as powerful as the more expensive XPS 13 Plus, which runs on 28W P-series chipsets. That’s part of the price difference.
In addition, Dell has added Human Presence Detection (Quick Login), Wi-Fi 6E, newer colors (Sky, Umber), Bluetooth 5.2, faster LPDDR5-5200 RAM, and faster storage (PCIe 4.0) that make it lighter and more compact. From last year’s model.
The screen is still the same with the best 13.4″ Dolby Vision 16:10 touch and anti-reflective at 1920×1200 (FHD+) or non-touch/anti-clare or UHD+ (3840×2400).
Dell uses PCB (Printed Circuit Board) technology when designing the motherboard, to get everything done with improved heat (instead of two, there’s now only one fan). As a result of this effort, the board was 1.8 times smaller than the previous generation. With that extra space, Dell kept the battery about the same size (52 vs. 51Wh) and put in larger speaker boxes for “deep bass, higher bass, and better overall sound” at 4W output.
While RAM was previously connected to the motherboard to save space, Dell now uses its first NVMe BGA SSD, which is only 13% the size of an M.2 2280 SSD Traditional (now built into the board). LPDDR5 x64 RAM is now package-on-a-pack (PoP), which is a fancy term for component stacking – again, never on laptops because it uses most JEDEC memory standards.
| XPS 13 (9315) | |
|---|---|
| The operating system | Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu 20.04 |
| Healer | Year 12 Intel Core i5-1230U, i7-1250U |
| RAM “ | 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB LPDDR5-5200 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris XE |
| storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Show | 13.4 inches, 16:10 aspect ratio, Dolby Vision, iSafe |
| 1920 x 1200 (FHD+), 500 nits, 100% sRGB, AG | |
| 1920×1200 (FHD+), touch, 500 nits, 100% sRGB, AR | |
| 3840×2400 (UHD+), touch, 500 nits, HDR 400, 90% DCI-P3, AR | |
| ports | Two Thunderbolt4 |
| My voice | Stereo speakers, 4W output, MaxxAudio Pro, Waves Nx 3D, dual microphone |
| wireless | Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675 (AX211), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| photo tool | 720p, IR, ambient light sensor, human presence detection |
| keyboard | 1mm travel, backlit |
| protection | Fingerprint Reader, Infrared Camera, HPD |
| battery | 51Wh |
| Dimensions | 11.63 x 7.85 x 0.55 inches |
| 295.4 mm x 199.4 mm x 13.99 mm | |
| Weight | From 2.59 pounds (1.17 kg) |
| the color | Heaven, Amber |
However, the ports have also been reduced as there are now two Type C Thunderbolt 4 without the Type A (however, a dongle is included in the box). Dell has also removed the microSD slot and, most controversially, the 3.5 audio jack (the headphone jack has a dedicated dongle).
Pricing for the new XPS 13 starts at $999 ($1,249 for the XPS 13 Plus) and is now available to order. In addition to the Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro options, users can configure the XPS 13 with Ubuntu 20.04.
XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315)
Aside from the redesigned XPS 13, Dell is bringing back the 2-in-1 13-inch laptop. However, it is almost indistinguishable from the previous model. Against the XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) a very traditional laptop with a 360-degree hinge, we really appreciated it. The new model looks like a Surface Pro – a tablet with a detachable keyboard, or “folio” design. It leans more towards a tablet than a traditional laptop.
The new XPS XPS features a 13-inch 3K display with HDR400 and a 9W 12th Gen Core i5-1230U or new i7-1250U processor (similar to the XPS 13). The XPS 13 looks almost universal with the border of a Dell Ultra-slim 2-in-1 display. With Gorilla Glass 7 and active stylus support, it certainly opens the door to additional benefit events like folio design, note and drawing compared to the older model.
The XPS 13 2-in-1 is Dell’s first consumer PC, making it the world’s favorite 5G (and) eSIM device. For those who don’t need mobile data, the device will once again come with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
Now a tablet, the XPS 13 2-in-1 has two cameras. Front Full HD 5MP (better than the XPS 13’s 720P) with IR Hello Windows (Another option is a fingerprint reader built into the power button). At the back, the world-facing camera can record at 11MP and up to 4K.
Ports There is no 3.5mm headphone jack with two Type-C Thunderbolt 4s ports like the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus.
| XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315) | |
|---|---|
| The operating system | Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro |
| Healer | Year 12 Intel Core i5-1230U, i7-1250U |
| RAM “ | 8 GB, 16 GB LPDDR4x-4266 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris XE |
| storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Show | 13 inches, 3:2 aspect ratio, Dolby Vision, ISAF |
| 2880×1920 (3K), touch, 500 nits, HDR 400, 100% sRGB, AR, stylus support | |
| pen | XPS Stylus (sold separately) |
| ports | Two Thunderbolt4 |
| My voice | Waves Maxx Audio Pro, Waves NX3D, Dual Mic |
| wireless | Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675 (AX211), Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| photo tool | Front: 1080p, RGB + IR, ambient light sensor |
| Rear: 11 mega pixel 4K | |
| keyboard | Bondable sheet (sold separately), 1mm travel distance |
| protection | Fingerprint reader and infrared camera |
| battery | 49.5 W |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.29 inches |
| 292.5 mm x 201.2 mm x 7.4 mm) | |
| Weight | From 1.6 lbs (736 g) |
| Folio: 1.23 lb (560 g) | |
| the color | sky, slate |
Going back to some of the more controversial findings without a headphone jack, the XPS Folio (named Zero-Lattice keyboard with 1.0mm key transition and precision touchpad) and XPS Stylus are sold separately.
Also, this keyboard isn’t Microsoft like, but rather old school style, it creates a tent-like structure by magnetically sticking to the back of the device. This is because this computer does not have a built-in kickstand. While this design works well on a desk, it’s not as ergonomic as the Surface Pro’s angular design and built-in kickstand.
Overall, the new XPS 13 2-in-1 makes it stand out from at least all the other non-business convertibles that run Dell support. However, it remains to be seen if this radical new leaf design will be successful among consumers. The best Dell laptops.
Pricing for the new XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315) will be available later this summer, although the price has yet to be determined.
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Dell XPS 13 (9315)
The XPS 13 (9315) gets new performance hardware, human presence detection and new color options, making it a great choice if you don’t need the XPS 13 Plus (9320).