Dell XPS 13 9370 vs Surface Laptop: Which should you buy?

XPS 13
XPS 13 (Image credit: Windows Central)

The Surface Laptop is an excellent machine, with a gorgeous display and support for a digital pen. However, in most areas, the XPS 13 is the better choice, with a wider selection of ports, and better battery life. Microsoft diehards will adore the Surface Laptop, although there are some caveats.

New models of each

Both the XPS 13 and Surface Laptop have recently been updated. The XPS 13 9380 and Surface Laptop 2 still look a lot like their predecessors and many of the same pros and cons still apply. Nevertheless, they are newer and better and certainly more attractive purchases right now. You can still get the XPS 13 9370 through resellers, and the original Surface Laptop too if you're OK with refurbished models.

The stronger recommendation is the newer models of each, which we have compared in detail.

XPS 13

Dell XPS 13 9380 (From $900 at Dell)

The Dell XPS 13 continues to be a class leading Ultrabook, even without significant updates in recent years. It ticks almost every single box.

Surface Laptop 2

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 (From $1,000 at Microsoft)

The Surface Laptop 2 is exceptional, and for creators in particular its a top pick. It also offers a more compelling entry level model than the Dell.

XPS 13 vs. Surface Laptop tech specs

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CategoryDell XPS 13Surface Laptop
OSWindows 10 Home
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 S (upgradeable to Pro)
ProcessorIntel 8th Gen Core i5-8250U
Intel 8th Gen Core i7-8550U
Seventh-gen Intel Core i5-7200U, i7-7660U
Display size13.3 inches13.5 inches
Display resolutionUltraSharp 4K (3840x2160), 100 percent color gamut
FHD (1920 x 1080) touch display, 72 percent color gamut
FHD (1920 x 1080) non-touch display, 72 percent color gamut
2,256 x 1,504 touch (3:2 aspect ratio)
RAM4GB/8GB/16GB DDR34GB/8GB/16GB DDR3
GraphicsIntel UHD 620 (Eighth-gen)Intel HD 620 (i5)
Intel Iris Plus 640 (i7)
Storage128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD
PortsTwo Thunderbolt 3 with PowerShare
One USB-C 3.1 with PowerShare
microSD card reader
headset jack
USB-A 3.0
Surface Connect
Mini DisplayPort
3.5mm jack
Battery52WHr45.2 WHr
Dimensions7.8 mm to 11.6 mm x 302 mm x 199 mm308mm x 223mm x 14.5mm
WeightStarting weight: 2.67 lbs (1.21 kg) for non-touch
Starting at 2.68 lbs (1.21 kg) for touch
2.76 lbs (1.25kg)

Close but the XPS 13 has it

The Surface Laptop specs very much reflect 2017 laptops across the board. The XPS 13 9370, on the other hand, benefits from 8th generation Intel quad-core processors, providing twice the cores and threads you get on a Surface Laptop for much better multitasking and intensive performance. You'll also find better battery life in the XPS 13 and Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, which you do not get on the Surface Laptop.

The graphics performance on the Surface Laptop is superior on the Core i7 model, leaving it suitable for even some moderate gaming like Fortnite. But with only two cores, the XPS 13 is easily more powerful for intensive processes like video editing.

The Thunderbolt 3 support on the XPS 13 is a big deal, too. Not only does it mean the new USB-C standard connector is available, but you can hook up things like external high-resolution displays, docks, and even eGPUs to turn your laptop into a powerful desktop gaming PC or workstation.

And you can't forget the Alcantara-covered keyboard on the Surface Laptop. Alcantara is an Italian-made fabric that looks and feels a lot like suede and has been used on a number of Microsoft products. Fabric gets dirty easily, that's just fact, which means if you decide on the Surface, you're going to have to deal with a mess after a few weeks.

The XPS 13 is tough to top

Both are incredible laptops in their own right, but the XPS 13 9370 has more features that are more important to more people. Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are both standards, unlike the Surface Connect, the quad-core processor is plenty powerful and you still get things like a gorgeous display, design and top-notch build quality.

It also doesn't get dirty as easily!

However, if you love Surface products and want that pen support, the Surface Laptop is a fine product, too.

Priced well, but still best for the fans

Microsoft fans will love the Surface Laptop with its amazing design and build quality, gorgeous display and maybe even the unique Alcantara keyboard.

But, it's getting a little long in the tooth and the replacement, the Surface Laptop 2 is a much better buy.

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