What you need to know
- Dell announced the latest refresh to its XPS 13 lineup today.
- The updated XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 now feature Intel's 11th Gen Core CPUs, Thunderbolt 4, and faster RAM.
- Both models are set to go on sale starting September 30 starting at $999 for the XPS 13 and $1,250 for the XPS 13 2-in-1.
As promised earlier this month, Dell today took the wraps off of the latest update to its XPS 13 range. The biggest update is the move to Intel's latest 11th Gen Tiger Lake CPUs that launched at the beginning of September. That includes Intel's new integrated Iris Xe graphics, which are much more capable than previous generations.
There's no better time to shop and save money on a new laptop. Be sure to check out our continuously updated article on the best Dell XPS 13 Black Friday deals.
Beyond the basic spec bump that comes from a move to a new generation of CPUs, there are also some big ways in which the new XPS 13 range improves over last year's models. Number one is that you now get Thunderbolt 4 connectivity on two ports, an upgrade from the previous model's Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 4 isn't any faster than Thunderbolt 3, but the Thunderbolt 4 certification adds some extra security and allows you to push up to two 4K displays at once or one 8K display.
This year's XPS 13 models also bring faster RAM speeds. The new RAM runs at a speed of 4267MHz compared to the 3733MHz speeds on the previous generation.
| Category | Dell XPS 13 9310 | Dell XPS 9310 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro |
| Display | 13.3 inches Up to 4K HDR 400 500-nit 100% sRGB + 90% DCI-P3 Dolby Vision | 13.4 inches Up to 4K HDR 400 500-nit 100% sRGB + 90% DCI-P3 Dolby Vision |
| Processor | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 (4.8GHz) | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4.7GHz) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Memory | Up to 32GB LPDDR4x 4267MHz | Up to 32GB LPDDR4x 4267MHz |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe 3 x4 SSD | Up to 1TB PCIe 3 x4 SSD |
| Expandable Storage | 1x microSD card reader | 1x microSD card reader |
| Camera | 720p 2.25mm webcam | 720p 2.25mm webcam |
| Security | Windows Hello fingerprint reader Windows Hello camera | Windows Hello fingerprint reader Windows Hello camera |
| Connectivity | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2), Bluetooth 5.1 | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2), Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort & Power Delivery, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x USB Type-C to USB-A 3.0 adapter | 2x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort & Power Delivery, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x USB Type-C to USB-A 3.0 adapter |
| Audio | 2x 2.5W stereo speakers w/ Waves MaxxAudio Pro 360-degree Waves NX 3D virtual surround with headtracking via headphones | 2x 2W stereo speakers w/ Waves MaxxAudio Pro |
| Battery | 52WHr | 51WHr |
| Dimensions | 14.8mm (0.58") x 295.7mm (11.64") x 198.7mm (7.82") | 14.35 mm (0.56") x 297mm (11.69") x 207mm (8.15") |
| Weight | Starting: 1.2kg (2.64 lbs) for non-touch; 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) for touch | Starting: 1.32 kg (2.9 lbs) |
| Colors | Platinum silver with black carbon carbon fiber palm rest | Platinum silver with black carbon fiber palm rest Frost with Arctic White woven glass fiber palm rest |
Beyond those updates, Dell has a slightly updated design for the XPS 13 2-in-1. It's now made of machined aluminum with carbon fiber palm rests. It's available in either platinum with black palm rests or "Frost" with an arctic white woven glass fiber palm rest.
As you'd expect from one of Dell's flagship laptops, the XPS 13 continues to be a high-end little powerhouse. Further, Dell continues what it started with its previous generation with the taller 16:10 displays and a four-sided InfinityEdge display with thin bezels.
The Dell XPS 13 9310 and XPS 13 9310 2-in-1 are expected to go on sale starting September 30. The XPS 13 starts at $999 while the XPS 13 2-in-1 starts at $1,250.
Ultrabook perfection
You can't get the XPS 13 9310 quite yet, but the XPS 13 9300 is still up for grabs. The XPS 13 9300 has everything we love about an Ultrabook. It looks great, it performs well, and it's a joy to use.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the Editor in Chief for Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. Got a hot tip? Send it to daniel.thorp-lancaster@futurenet.com.
