Is the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 good for video editing?

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (Image credit: Windows Central)

Is the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 good for video editing?

Best answer: The new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (739) could be used for some lightweight video editing once in a while thanks to a 10th Gen quad-core Intel processor (CPU) and up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM, but for serious editing work, we recommend something like the XPS 15 7590 with hexa-core or octa-core CPU, dedicated GPU, and larger 15.6-inch display.Powerful premium Ultrabook: Dell XPS 15 (7590) (From $1,059 at Dell)Slim convertible Ultrabook: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) (From $1,000 at Dell)

What hardware is most important for video editing?

CPU (Image credit: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central)

While just about any PC can give some lightweight video editing a try, there are certainly some checkmarks that must be present to truly accomplish editing tasks in popular software like Premiere Pro, Vegas, and PowerDirector.

In just about every case, the CPU is the most crucial factor in video editing, and while the XPS 13 2-in-1 does feature new quad-core 10th Gen Intel chips, the 9th Gen hexa-core and octa-core options available with the XPS 15 are much better suited to the task. You'll see a better overall performance, especially if you're moving into higher resolutions.

You're also getting a dedicated NVIDIA 1650 GPU with the XPS 15, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 is stuck with integrated Intel graphics. The GPU isn't as important as the CPU when video editing with most software, but it's still a critical component that will make the experience much more enjoyable, especially when attempting to playback any content that's loaded with effects.

The more RAM you have in an editing PC, the better, and while the Both the XPS 13 2-in-1 and the XPS 15 can be had with up to 32GB of RAM, only the larger laptop can be upgraded after purchase. Likewise, the PCIe solid-state drive (SSD) can also be upgraded after purchase in the XPS 15, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 is stuck with whatever you choose at checkout. You'll no doubt be dealing with large file sizes while editing, and the XPS 15 can be configured with up to a 2TB SSD straight from the factory, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 caps out at 1TB (and can't be upgraded after that).

The XPS 15 has more display options

You want to see clearly the project you're working on, and if you don't have an external display to connect to at all times, you will no doubt find the XPS 15's 15.6-inch options are more functional.

If you're editing 4K video, the high-res display is a no-brainer, available in either touch LCD or non-touch OLED. The former hits 100% AdobeRGB color and 500 nits brightness, while the latter manages 100% DCI-P3 color and the same 500 nits brightness. The XPS 13 2-in-1's 13.4-inch 4K option is also a looker, with 500 nits brightness and HDR400 certification, but altogether it's not as well suited to video editing as the XPS 15's options.

The XPS 15 has the right ports

The XPS 13 2-in-1 has been pared down to dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack, which is ripe for connecting a worthwhile docking station for added connectivity.

The XPS 15, however, comes standard with two USB-A 3.1, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 3 with 4x lanes of PCIe, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a UHS-II SD card reader for quick data transfers between devices. You should find you can connect most accessories without extra dongles or dock, making it more convenient if you're working away from home or office.

Cale Hunt
Senior Editor, Laptop Reviews

Cale Hunt is formerly a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full-time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.