Refreshed Convertible
The new XPS 13 2-in-1 is stunning, powerful, and capable. You can get up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB RAM, and pretty good Intel Iris graphics processing. While the XPS 13 2-in-1 can be used as a tablet, the keyboard is not detachable; it instead folds behind the display.
For
- Uses 10th Gen Intel processors
- New 16:10 aspect ratio
- 4K touch display with HDR400 certification
- Thin and light premium build
- Supports active pen for inking
Against
- RAM and SSD not upgradeable
- More expensive
- No dedicated graphics options
Refresh needed
The Surface Book 2 needs a refresh since it's still using 7th or 8th Gen Intel processors and LPDDR3 memory. The modular design and gorgeous display are as good as ever, though, and unlike the XPS 13 2-in-1, there is an option with dedicated graphics.
For
- High-resolution display
- 3:2 aspect ratio
- Two sizes available
- Modular design
- Discrete GPU options
Against
- Outdated processors
- Slower RAM
- Still quite expensive
The Surface Book 2 is due for an update at this point, and in most areas the XPS 13 2-in-1 has it beaten on a pure hardware level. Unless you want the added horsepower you get from the GTX 1060 in the 15-inch Surface Book 2 for gaming or professional work, the XPS 13 2-in-1 is the better choice right now.
Surface Laptop 2 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 | Surface Book 2 (13.5 inch) | Surface Book 2 (15 inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 | 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U | 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz 8GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz 16GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz 32GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz | 8, 16 GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 | 16 GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe SSD 512GB PCIe SSD 1TB PCIe SSD | 256, 512 GB 1 TB | 256, 512 GB 1 TB PCIe SSD |
| Display size | 13.4 inches Touch | 13.5 inches Touch | 15 inches Touch |
| Display resolution | 1920 x 1200 (touch) 3840 x 2400 (touch) | 3,000 x 2,000 3:2 aspect ratio | 3,240 x 2,160 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 NVIDIA GTX 1050 | NVIDIA GTX 1060 |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 3 MicroSD 3.5mm audio | Two USB-A 3.1 USB-C 3.1 Two Surface Connect 3.5 mm audio SD card reader | Two USB-A 3.1 USB-C 3.1 Two Surface Connect 3.5 mm audio SD card reader |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint reader | IR camera for Windows Hello | IR camera for Windows Hello |
| Battery | 51 Wh | 70 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Dimensions | 11.69 x 8.15 x 0.28 - 0.51 inches ( 297 x 207 x 7 - 13 mm) | 12.3 inches x 9.14 inches x 0.51 - 0.90 inches (312 mm x 232 mm x 13 - 23 mm) | 13.5 inches x 9.14 inches x 0.59 - 0.90 inches (343 mm x 251 mm x 15 - 23 mm) |
| Weight | From 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) | From 3.38 pounds | From 4.20 pounds |
Get an XPS 13 2-in-1 unless you need dedicated graphics
For as good as the Surface Book 2 is, it's at a point in its life cycle now where it makes little sense to buy one. If you were considering the 13-inch model at all, you should probably discount it and get the XPS 13 2-in-1. The only real positive for the 13-inch Surface Book 2 is that the display detaches entirely so you have a proper tablet, and you can use it with some of the handy Surface accessories like the Dial and Dock. Even though it can come with a GTX 1050, Intel's latest integrated graphics won't be a million miles behind on the 10th Gen processor.
When spending this kind of money, you want the latest hardware
The XPS 13 2-in-1 is just better all-round, especially when considering overall value. The Surface Book 2 is still really quite expensive, especially considering it's still using Intel processors that are a couple of generations old at this point, along with slower LPDDR3 RAM. The XPS 13 2-in-1 is also good for inking with a digital pen thanks to its fold-around display and Dell Premium Active Pen support.
The biggest reason for still getting the Surface Book 2 is if you want the added power provided by the GTX 1060 in the 15-inch model. Even then you need to be absolutely sure it's something you'll use a lot be that for professional applications or gaming since you'll be paying more and dealing with a larger laptop. It still only has 8th Gen Intel processors, which still perform well, but when you're paying this kind of money you shouldn't be buying outdated hardware.
The next revision to the Surface Book is the one to wait for if you absolutely definitely want one at this point in time.
Dell's XPS 13 2-in1 is the one to buy
Dell revamped the XPS 13 2-in-1 with new 10th Gen Core CPUs, along with a switch to a 16:10 screen and a revamped cooling system. It's packing more up to date hardware than the Surface Book 2, with faster RAM on top of the latest processors, and it still has a cheaper entry-level model than the Surface Book 2. It's easy to recommend as the one to get right now.
Beautiful convertible with latest Intel CPUs
The new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is the perfect PC for those seeking a capable notebook that can also be used as a tablet. Rocking Intel's latest 10th Gen processors and up to 32GB of RAM, it's a powerful machine that can handle moderate workloads.
Wait for the next Surface Book
If you're still really keen on a Surface Book it's probably best to wait right now. The current model is still pretty expensive and it's pretty outdated internally compared to the XPS 13 2-in-1. We'd expect a refresh in the not too distant future, so it really doesn't make sense to recommend it right now.
Worth waiting for a refresh
The Surface Book 2 can handle just about anything you throw at it thanks to powerful hardware and a design that lets you use it as a notebook or tablet. But it's getting old now and it's probably worth waiting for a refresh before considering.
