The Dell XPS 13 offers better portability due to its lighter weight and smaller size compared to the HP Envy 17, making it more suitable for frequent travelers or for those who prefer a compact device. It also tends to be less expensive. However, if you need a larger screen and don't mind a heavier laptop, the HP Envy 17's 17.3-inch display is beneficial for tasks that require more screen space, such as watching movies or multitasking with multiple windows. The Envy also includes a numeric keypad, which can be valuable for data entry or financial work. Both laptops have similar performance capabilities for general use, 3D tasks, and engineering software, so your choice should heavily consider the size and portability differences. 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 overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Excellent portability
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the HP Envy 17
The HP Envy 17 has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.2/10
6.8/10
13.4in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the HP Envy 17 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For general use, both the Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy 17 have displays that provide sharp images and vibrant colors due to their high resolution and quality panel types, but their brightness levels are particularly key, making the content comfortable to view in various lighting conditions. In engineering and design, accurate color representation is crucial for the work's fidelity, and both laptops' screens have a range of colors that cover the professional color gamuts well, aiding in precision tasks. However, for gaming and 3D modeling, the lower refresh rates of these laptops may lead to less fluid motion and responsiveness, which isn't ideal for fast-paced or graphically intense tasks where higher refresh rates are beneficial.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The HP Envy 17 has 8 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
17.3in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
5.4 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the HP Envy 17 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.2/10
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the HP Envy 17 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$1,000
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the HP Envy 17 costs $1,000.
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy 17 are both good for general use.
The Dell XPS 13's compact size, excellent portability, and high-quality screen make it an ideal choice for general use, especially when mobility and battery life are vital. In contrast, the larger screen and numeric keypad of the HP Envy 17 provide a more comfortable user experience for those who prioritize screen real estate and keyboard functionality over portability, albeit with a slight compromise on battery longevity.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.4/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The HP Envy 17 and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy 17 are considered fair for gaming and 3D because they both use integrated graphics solutions which are less powerful than dedicated gaming GPUs. Additionally, they have screen refresh rates limited to 60Hz, which is suitable for general use but may not be ideal for high-end gaming that benefits from higher refresh rates.
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
7.4/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The HP Envy 17 and Dell XPS 13 are both good for engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 13, with its smaller screen size and lighter weight, offers greater portability and higher screen pixel density, which may enhance visual detail for design work, while the HP Envy 17's larger screen and number pad might be preferred for engineering tasks where a bigger display and numeric input are beneficial; however, it is heavier and so less portable. Both have similar CPU, GPU, and RAM, ensuring robust performance for engineering and design applications, but the Dell's superior portability and screen quality could be decisive for users frequently on the move or those who prioritize higher resolution displays.
Content Creation
7.7/10
7.5/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy 17 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
7.5/10
7.5/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy 17 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 HP Envy 17 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."
"In our test, the HP Envy 17-cr0079ng presents itself as a balanced multimedia laptop. Thanks to its solid CPU performance and dedicated entry-level GeForce, it can also be used for playing video games, as long as the demands aren't too high. Those looking for more can find it in the Dell XPS 17 for example."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Envy 17
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.
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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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