The 4K-off: Dell XPS 15 vs ASUS Zenbook Pro UX501 quick comparison

One of the other well-known PC makers with a 4K powerhouse laptop is Dell, which updated its XPS 15 back at CES. So let's see how the newcomer stacks up against the old guard.

The Dell XPS 15 is available in a number of configurations, but for comparison's sakes we've gone for the closest match to the higher-end of the new Zenbook's. Check out a quick comparison chart below:

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CategoryXPS 15Zenbook Pro UX501
Operating SystemWindows 8.1Windows 8.1
CPUIntel Core i7-4712HQ (4th Gen)Intel Core i7-4720HQ (4th Gen)
RAM16GB16GB
Internal Storage512GB mSATA SSD512GB PCIe SSD
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2GBNVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 2GB
Display15.6-inch 4K touch (3840 x 2160)15.6-inch 4K touch (3840 x 2160)
Wifi802.11 ac802.11 ac
Battery91Whr (Claimed up to 11 hours)96 Whr (Claimed 6 hours)
Dimensions372mm (14.6") x 254mm (10") x 18mm (0.7")383mm (15.07") x 255mm (10") x 21.3mm (0.84")
Weight2.01kg (4.44lbs)2.08kg (4.6lbs)
Ports3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, miniDP, HDMI, SD card, 3.5mm headphone3 x USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, miniDP (optional Thunderbolt), SD card, 3.5mm headphone
Price$2549$1499

The most startling difference is the price. The XPS 15 can be had in a cheaper 4K configuration, but even that will run you for $2149. This one replaces the 512GB SSD for a 1TB hard drive and a 32GB SSD, and it has a much smaller, 61Whr battery it seems. The XPS 15 is really a 2013 release still at this point, as the only thing Dell updated at CES was the addition of the 4K display.

ASUS is also listing a cheaper version of the UX501, but it's the 4K model that's being shouted about, and with a price like this it's easy to see why. Hardware wise it's arguably got a leg up on the XPS 15 in areas. Both are big, both are beautiful and both are made from premium materials with lashings of metal all round.

If you already own the XPS 15, there's nothing super compelling that would necessarily get you to switch, not unless you're stepping up to a 4K display. But unless you're into Dell, the UX501 has to be worth some attention. What Dell does next with the XPS 15 is going to be interesting, but the competition is already heating up.

Dell or Asus? Or something else entirely? Sound off in the comments below!

Richard Devine
Managing Editor - Tech, Reviews

Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him steering the site's coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine