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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For general use, the Dell XPS 13 is a more affordable option with longer battery life, making it more portable for day-to-day activities. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is more expensive but offers better webcam quality, which can be crucial for video conferencing. If your work involves engineering or 3D tasks, neither laptop is an ideal choice for intensive tasks, as their integrated graphics are not designed for such purposes. However, if these tasks are only a small part of your workload, both laptops will manage basic engineering applications satisfactorily, with the Framework having a slight edge in 3D rendering. The Framework also offers modular design which can be useful if you like to upgrade your laptop components over time. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
- Very good overall build quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.2
7.4
13.4in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, and engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 13 and Framework Laptop 13 both boast displays with resolutions and panel types that make for crisp and vivid images suitable for general use, while their bright screens improve visibility under various lighting conditions. For engineering and design, the color accuracy and coverage of professional color gamuts ensure that the content on these laptops is displayed with precision, a crucial factor for tasks requiring color fidelity. However, their screens lack the high refresh rates preferred for smooth motion in 3D applications and gaming, leading to less optimal experiences in these fields.
Battery
10.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
8.5
7.8
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$1,079
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.5
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Dell XPS 13 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.3
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both considered fair for gaming and 3D due to their integrated GPUs, which provide modest graphics performance, and their screens' refresh rate of 60Hz which is adequate but not ideal for fast-paced games. While both have high-quality IPS panels, neither offers a high refresh rate screen or a dedicated high-performance GPU, which are very important for the best gaming and 3D experience.
Engineering and Design
7.2
7.3
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell XPS 13 are both good for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.7
7.5
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 13 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.5
7.6
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell XPS 13 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Portability
Excellent
Very Good
13.4in
SIZE
13.5in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.6in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 13 to have excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Framework Laptop 13 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $1,079 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 2.95 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 11.7" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 9.01" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | Intel i5-1340P | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 55 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 442 nits | 472 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell XPS 13
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Dig into reviews and images
The Verge
Monica Chen | April 2023
"In the past, the XPS 13 was a hands-down contender for the best laptop on the market. But the Apple-silicon MacBook has since barrelled onto the scene, and it wipes the floor with most of the ultraportable Windows laptops that cross my desk on a daily basis. This XPS is no exception. Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, battery life is worse."
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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