It’s spring, the birds are singing, teaching the Russian language is more important than ever to understand the world, and Dell is updating its “big” high-end XPS ultraportables.
The XPS 15 and XPS 17 versions indeed pass the 12andi.e. the 12and generation of Intel Core processors. As usual on these models, Dell does not offer an AMD option. Which could be a shame in the future if the Ryzen Mobile 6000 keep their promises.
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No design revolution or major technological addition, the XPS quietly follow the spirit of the times and keep their ultra-thin chassis. Between 1.81/1.96 km for the 15-inch model and 2.21/2.42 kg for the 17-inch, Dell continues to offer a very interesting weight/size ratio for its high-end machines. They are distinguished above all by their size, and their screen options.
XPS 15: 4K+ in LCD or 3.5K in OLED
Logically equipped with a 15-inch screen with very thin edges – a historic hallmark of the XPS – the new XPS 15 has three screen options. The less sexy – on such a high-end device – but which will perhaps be preferred for endurance, is the Full HD+ version. 16/10 aspect ratioand requires, the definition is obviously 1920×1200, with a maximum brightness of 500 cd / m² and 100% coverage of the sRGB spectrum.
Non-touch, this panel is more suitable for office automation and for those who really need to stay away from an electrical outlet for a long time… Theoretically. Indeed, by looking at the specifications, we detected that while the other panels benefit from an 86Wh battery, the Full HD + panel is accompanied by a battery of only 56 Wh. A choice that will require testing all versions.
For those crazy about definition and graphic production, the 4K+ panel is to be preferred. With a good contrast ratio (1600:1), a brightness of 500 cd/m², a definition of 3840×2400 pixels, and 100% coverage of Adobe RGB and 94% of DCI-P3, this is the graphic designers slab.
For media consumption and an “infinite” contrast ratio, it will be necessary to look at the 3.5K OLED panel (3456 x 2160 pixels). Not certified for Adobe RGB, but benefiting from 100% DCI-P3 coverage, it will be more suitable for video use, in editing and viewing.
Read also: Intel unveils the innards of the next 12th gen Core processors
In terms of options, the new XPS 15 will have three choices of processor (Core i5-12500H, Core i7-12700H, Core i9-12900HK), from 8GB to 64GB of RAM (2x unsoldered SODIMMs), and from 256GB to 8TB of SSD (x2 M.2 slots).
At the graphics controls, it will be either the small GPU integrated into the processor or, going upmarket, Nvidia chips: RTX 3050, at 40 W with 4 GB of GDDR6, or RTX 3050 in the “Ti” version, at 60W (and always 4 GB of RAM).
Like Apple’s new MacBook Pros, this beautiful baby comes equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and an SD card slot. And like Apple, it skips USB A ports, which is utterly stupid.
XPS 17: bigger and a bit more powerful
No more powerful processor, more defined panel or additional socket and/or equipment: the XPS 17 is only an expanded version of the XPS 15. We find the same processor options, RAM, and only two options screen. The only difference being that we can, at the top of the range, take advantage of a small boost in GPU power.
In addition to the chip integrated into the CPU (basic models) or the classic RTX 3050 and its 4 GB of GDDR6 in 60 W, Dell also offers an option with an RTX 3060 again in 4 GB and 60W.
Also see video:
Also see video:
For the screen options and surprisingly, no choice of high definitions, but a duel between a Full HD + panel and a 4K panel. The good news being that here, we are sure that the Full HD version will be more enduring: the battery displays 97 Wh for all models. The specifications of the Full HD+ and 4K UHD+ panels are similar to those of the XPS 15 version… but in the 17-inch version therefore.
What about prices? From 1699 euros for the XPS 15 (available March 29) and from 2,599 euros (ouch) for the XPS 17, which will be launched in April.