The Dell XPS 13, with its higher price tag, offers superior performance suitable for general use and more intensive tasks like engineering, with a better display, higher storage, and RAM. It is also more portable, with a lighter build and smaller screen size. Conversely, the HP 15" Laptop is a budget-friendly option with a larger screen but has less power for demanding tasks, less storage, and RAM. This could make it more suitable for basic tasks rather than heavy multitasking or more resource-intensive applications. Consider the Dell for a balance of performance and portability or the HP for cost savings and a larger screen. 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
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Excellent portability
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the HP 15" Laptop
The HP 15" Laptop has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
6.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Dell XPS 13 is good for general use, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a higher-end CPU, more RAM, and a higher quality screen, making it better suited for demanding tasks and multitasking, which is great for general use; it also boasts a more compact and lightweight design, enhancing portability and offering longer battery life.
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
6.2/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell XPS 13 is good for engineering and design, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13 stands out for engineering and design due to its superior CPU, Intel i7, more RAM, higher screen resolution, and better color accuracy, which are crucial for intensive tasks and detailed work, whereas the HP 15" Laptop has a lower-end CPU, Intel i3, less RAM, and lower screen color accuracy, making it less capable for such demanding applications. While the XPS 13's compactness and lower weight favor portability, the larger screen and full-size keyboard on the HP may be more comfortable for extended use, despite its increased weight and size.
Content Creation
7.7/10
6.9/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 13 is good for content creation, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
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
6.7/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell XPS 13 is good for software development, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
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.
Screen Quality
7.2/10
6.3/10
13.4in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the HP 15" Laptop for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a high-resolution and bright display that enhances readability and detail, which is beneficial for general use and detail-oriented tasks like engineering and design, but it lacks a high refresh rate needed for smooth visuals in gaming and 3D applications. The HP 15" Laptop has a moderate display that provides sufficient clarity for everyday tasks and some technical work, but it doesn't excel in color accuracy for professional design work or in providing the fluid motion necessary for immersive gaming and 3D rendering. Generally, high color gamut coverage is essential in engineering and design for accurate color representation, whereas gaming and 3D work depend heavily on quick screen refreshes to avoid motion blur or latency.
Battery
10.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The HP 15" Laptop has 6 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
3.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the HP 15" Laptop has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.0/10
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the HP 15" Laptop has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$375
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the HP 15" Laptop costs $375.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 13 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the HP 15" Laptop is poor.
The Dell XPS 13's fair performance in gaming and 3D tasks stems from its integrated Intel i7 Iris Xe graphics which, while capable for lightweight gaming and 3D work, falls short for more demanding titles due to its screen's standard refresh rate of 60Hz.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell XPS 13 and the HP 15" Laptop 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."
"Chances are high that the HP 15 is one of the first laptops to pop up when you search for an inexpensive notebook. Indeed, its price tag is very tempting for many, and of course, this is the reason for its popularity. However, the HP 15" suffers from poor performance due to low power consumption. On the bright side, one of the good things about it is the port selection. On the inside, this includes two SODIMM slots for memory, an M.2 PCIe x4 slot for storage, and a SATA drive bay. However, the TN panel, and mediocre input devices are not ideal."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the HP 15" Laptop
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
131,595
Recommendations made
28,513
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.