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Updated March 21, 2024·
Choosing between the Dell XPS 13 and the Framework Laptop 16 involves considering price, performance, and purpose. The Dell XPS 13 is more affordable and offers great portability with a compact design, making it suitable for everyday tasks and travel. The Framework Laptop 16, while typically more expensive, provides enhanced performance that supports demanding applications, like 3D rendering or engineering software, and it's designed with reparability and customization in mind, which is a plus for users who prioritize sustainability and long-term use. If battery life is crucial for you, the Dell XPS 13 typically has a strong battery life. Ultimately, select the Dell for casual, on-the-go use with a tighter budget, and the Framework if performance in resource-intensive tasks and future upgradability justify the higher cost. 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
- Excellent portability
- Very good battery life
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.8
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Dell XPS 13, while having a quality screen, typically has integrated graphics that can handle light gaming, but it lacks the dedicated GPU necessary for high-end gaming or heavy 3D work. The Framework Laptop has modular components allowing for potentially better performance upgrades, but still, both are not optimized for high refresh rates and intense gaming that dedicated gaming laptops provide.
Engineering and Design
7.2
8.1
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13, with its high-quality CPU, ample RAM, and clear screen, provides the power and clarity needed for engineering and design tasks, although its integrated GPU may limit performance in highly graphics-intensive applications. Meanwhile, the Framework Laptop 16 offers a similar powerful CPU and RAM setup, complemented by a more capable discrete GPU for graphics-heavy projects, with its modular design allowing for easier upgrades and repairs, but it is heavier and less portable than the XPS 13.
Screen Quality
7.2
8.4
13.4in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell XPS 13, with its high resolution and bright display, suits everyday tasks and detail-oriented work like engineering, but its standard refresh rate doesn't match the fast-paced visuals needed for 3D applications and gaming. The Framework Laptop 16, featuring a similar high-resolution, bright screen with a wide range of colors, excels for both general use and professional design tasks. However, just like the Dell XPS 13, it falls short for gaming and 3D due to a refresh rate that's lower than what those activities typically require.
Portability
Excellent
Good
13.4in
SIZE
16.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$850
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
8.0
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a balance of CPU performance, memory, and high-quality screen in a compact form, making it quite portable with a long battery life, which is essential for everyday on-the-go use. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16, with its stronger CPU and larger screen, excels in handling more demanding tasks, albeit with a slight compromise on battery life and portability, suited for those needing more power for intensive activities while still maintaining solid build and a user-friendly keyboard and storage options.
Content Creation
7.7
8.1
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
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
8.0
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
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.
Battery
10.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 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
8.0
The Dell XPS 13 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Framework Laptop 16 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $1,699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 14.04" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 10.63" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 85 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 442 nits | 490 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 2 | |
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 | N/A | |
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 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Framework Laptop 16 (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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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the laptop team
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CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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