If you prioritize a lighter, more portable device with longer battery life for general use, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent choice and is more affordable. However, for more demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming, the Gigabyte Aorus 15X provides significantly better performance due to its more powerful processor and graphics card, albeit with a higher price tag and heavier build that may not be as convenient to carry around. Both laptops have similar RAM and sufficient color coverage for a range of tasks, though the Gigabyte has a larger, higher-refresh-rate display which is beneficial for fast-paced applications and a better build for heat management. 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 Gigabyte Aorus 15X
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
8.5/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Gigabyte Aorus 15X is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell XPS 13 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
8.6/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Gigabyte Aorus 15X is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Gigabyte Aorus 15X surpasses the Dell XPS 13 in engineering and design primarily due to its more powerful Intel i9 processor, superior Nvidia RTX GPU, and larger, higher-resolution screen, which are critical for intensive tasks and detailed visual work. However, the XPS 13 offers greater portability and potentially quieter operation, making it a more travel-friendly option with still capable CPU and integrated graphics for less demanding engineering applications.
Screen Quality
7.2/10
8.2/10
13.4in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
301.0 nits
The Gigabyte Aorus 15X 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 has a high-resolution display with vibrant colors that is suitable for everyday tasks and professional design work, but its lower refresh rate is not ideal for fast-paced gaming or 3D rendering. The Gigabyte Aorus 15X also offers crisp visuals and accurate color reproduction that appeal to engineers and creatives, yet the screen's refresh rate may not meet the demands of advanced 3D applications. Both laptops are well-equipped for general and design-related use, but those seeking optimal gaming or 3D performance should consider a device with a higher refresh rate.
Battery
10.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte Aorus 15X has 5.5 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.
Portability
Excellent
Good
13.4in
SIZE
15.6in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the Gigabyte Aorus 15X has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.4/10
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the Gigabyte Aorus 15X has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$1,600
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Gigabyte Aorus 15X costs $1,600.
The Gigabyte Aorus 15X and Dell XPS 13 are both good for general use.
The Gigabyte Aorus 15X outshines the Dell XPS 13 for general use because of its more powerful CPU, larger and higher-quality screen, doubled storage capacity, and better heat management, although the Dell XPS 13 offers greater portability due to its lighter weight and more compact design, as well as a longer battery life which is essential for on-the-go usage. However, the Aorus 15X's advantages come with a significant decrease in portability and battery life, making the XPS 13 a better choice for those valuing mobility and long usage times.
Content Creation
7.7/10
8.0/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Gigabyte Aorus 15X 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
7.5/10
7.7/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Gigabyte Aorus 15X 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.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the Gigabyte Aorus 15X compare to other laptops
"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."
"The Gigabyte Aorus 15X is a strong showing of Raptor Lake and RTX 4000 series. While the Aorus had trouble keeping up in older games like Grand Theft Auto V, it nudged past the competition in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. It also flexed its next-generation muscle in Far Cry 6 and Borderlands 3. While we were impressed with the overall build quality and design of the Aorus 15X, the keyboard lacked good tactile feedback. The display performed well in real-world testing despite its on-paper shortcoming with brightness, but the speakers are lackluster at best."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Gigabyte Aorus 15X
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 Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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