Dell is rejuvenating its range of ultraportables with the XPS 13 Plus 2023, a model available in several versions, all equipped with the latest generation Intel processor. Premium PCs that bear comparison with MacBooks.
When we talk about laptops, we often think of Apple and its MacBooks with their always neat design. But that’s forgetting that the major PC manufacturers also know how to make beautiful, even very beautiful models, some having nothing to envy to the machines struck by the apple. This is particularly the case of Dell which, if it remains in a discreet and serious register, has in its catalog very high quality ultraportables in its XPS range. And within this family, the Plus series stands out for its premium side, even serving as a true technological showcase. It is therefore not surprising that the manufacturer is renewing it this year by integrating the latest innovations at its disposal, in particular the latest Intel Core processors (from 13e generation, known as Raptor Lake) which are beginning to hit the market with the promise of even better performance. But that’s not the only advantage of the XPS 13 Plus vintage 2023, which benefits from several particularly attractive exclusive features…
Dell XPS 13 Plus: a one-of-a-kind design
Available in several versions and in two colors (silver or anthracite), the XPS 13 Plus is distinguished first and foremost by its extremely refined design, its aluminum alloy metal frame giving it a very luxurious appearance from the outset. But it is by opening it that we discover what makes the charm of this series. First, a superb full-width keyboard with large flat, square and contiguous keys, surmounted by a row of tactile function keys. Then, and above all, an invisible touchpad: and for good reason, this glass touchpad is fully integrated into the wrist rest, with no apparent delimitation! Of course, only one area is sensitive – the part generally located under the Space bar – but the visual effect is really impressive. Better still, in the absence of elevation, it has a haptic feedback system to show actions – including clicks. A futuristic and stunning device that greatly contributes to the refined spirit of the XPS 13 Plus.
On a purely physical level, the XPS 13 Plus measures 295 x 199 x 15 mm and weighs 1.23 kg, which is still very reasonable for an ultraportable.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: an ultra-high definition Oled touch screen
The other particularity of the XPS 13 Plus is its screen. Or rather, its screens. Because Dell offers several versions adapted to different uses. While all the panels measure 13.4 inches diagonally, some are based on classic IPS technology in Full HD definition (FHD, i.e. 1920 x 1080 pixels), while the most luxurious versions take advantage of Oled with 3 definitions. .5K (3456 x 2160 pixels) or 4K+ (3840 x 2400 pixel), what’s more tactile! Enough to offer a very high resolution – point density – with pixels practically invisible to the naked eye. Note in passing that if these screens are all limited to a frequency of 60 Hz, they promise a more than correct brightness of 400 to 500 cd / m2, more than enough to work comfortably in all light conditions – especially since they are combined with an ambient light sensor for automatic adjustment.
More classic and wiser, the audio score is based on four speakers and two microphones using MaxxAudio optimization systems from Waves – a specialist in professional audio solutions – to offer, according to Dell, “studio” quality – a very promising promise. optimistic if we are to believe the results obtained with the previous generation, which is hardly surprising on this kind of ultra-compact computer.
In the security department, the XPS 13 Plus benefits from both a handy fingerprint reader and a webcam with infrared sensor compatible with the Windows Hello facial recognition system.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: 13 Intel chipse generation
On the “engine” side, if the XPS Plus is still marketed in the 2022 edition with Intel processors of 12e generation, the 2023 vintage introduces the Core chips of 13e generation (Core-i5-1340P, Core i7-1360P and Core i7-1370P, to choose from): more modern chips that provide an always welcome increase in power, while remaining very sober in terms of energy. For the display, all are based on the integrated graphics circuit, of the Intel Iris Xe Graphics type: a GPU sufficient for office automation, video and 2D graphics, but unsuitable for demanding 3D games, as one might suspect. .
All new Cores are accompanied by fast 6000 MHz DDR5 type RAM, 8, 16 or 32 GB depending on the configuration chosen. Capacities, alas, cannot be extended, the modules being soldered on the motherboard, as is generally the case on ultraportables… Storage is of course entrusted to a PCIe 4 x4 type SSD in NVMe, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB depending on the version.
The connection chapter is unfortunately quickly completed. As on most ultraportables, it is limited to the bare minimum, namely in the case of the XPS 13 Plus, two Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C sockets that can be used for charging. That’s all ! Dell has really pushed the refinement very far, even forgetting the classic audio mini-jack! Certainly; the manufacturer provides a USB-C to USB-A adapter as standard, but it will absolutely be necessary to equip yourself with mini-hubs to take advantage of the many possibilities of these multifunction ports… fortunately, the wireless interfaces comply with current uses and standards with Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3: the latest generations therefore.
Finally, the 55Wh battery is supposed to provide 8 to 9 hours of battery life. A score in principle sufficient to cover a working day, but unfortunately much lower than the records held by MacBooks, which can reach or even exceed 20 hours…
Dell XPS 13 Plus: premium prices
The XPS 13 Plus is available now on Dell’s online store. Prices start at 1699 euros for the basic version (with a 13.4 inch FHD screen, a Core i5-1340P processor, 8 GB of DDR5 Ram and 512 SSD storage). The model with a 4K+ Oled screen, a Coire i7-1360P, 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB SSD is sold for 2239 euros. Prices comparable to those of MacBook Pros (13 and 14 inches) with powerful M2 and M2 Pro chips. Note that the 2022 edition of the XPS Plus, with Intel Core processors of 12e generation is still on sale at other merchants.