When choosing between the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Envy x360 15", consider that the Dell offers a more portable form with a lighter weight and a smaller screen, making it ideal for traveling and working on the go. On the other hand, the HP Envy has a larger screen and can double as a tablet, giving you versatility for presentations and creative work. The Dell is typically more costly but comes with more powerful internal components, providing smoother performance for demanding applications, whereas the HP gives you a more budget-friendly option with moderate performance, suitable for everyday tasks and multitasking. If battery life is a concern, the HP has a larger battery capacity, which may offer longer usage times, although actual battery life will depend on your usage patterns. Choose the Dell XPS 13 for high performance and mobility or the HP Envy x360 15" for versatility and a more attractive price point. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
Good for engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Excellent portability
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the HP Envy x360 15"
The HP Envy x360 15" has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
6.5/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
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 Envy x360 15" is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13, with a higher-end CPU, more RAM, and slightly superior integrated graphics, offers stronger performance essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, paired with a higher quality screen than the HP Envy x360 15" that features less powerful specifications making it less optimal for heavy engineering software. Despite the HP's larger screen and versatility as a 2-in-1 convertible, its components aren't as powerful, which is imperative for the smooth operation of engineering and design applications.
Screen Quality
7.2/10
6.2/10
13.4in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
271.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the HP Envy x360 15" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 13 boasts a higher resolution and brighter display which enhances the experience for general use and detailed work in engineering and design, offering crisp visuals and vivid colors. However, its standard refresh rate is not ideal for 3D applications and gaming, where smoother motion rendered by higher refresh rates is crucial. The HP Envy x360 15", while having adequate resolution and brightness for everyday tasks and professional design work, falls short on both the ideal color gamut coverage needed for precision color work and the preferred high refresh rate for gaming and 3D content creation.
Portability
Excellent
Good
13.4in
SIZE
15.6in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the HP Envy x360 15" 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 x360 15" has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$430
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the HP Envy x360 15" costs $430.
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy x360 15" are both good for general use.
The Dell XPS 13 provides a balance of CPU performance, quality display, and portability, suitable for general use, thanks to its lightweight design and higher resolution screen with more color coverage, which is reinforced by a substantial battery life. On the other hand, the HP Envy x360 15" offers a larger screen, a more versatile 2-in-1 design which also allows for tablet mode, but at the expense of increased weight and less vibrant color accuracy, still maintaining comparable battery life and ample general-use performance due to its capable CPU and RAM configuration.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
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
8.7/10
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy x360 15" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy x360 15" are considered fair for gaming and 3D due to compromises in GPU capability and screen refresh rates that are not optimized for high-end gaming; both laptops feature integrated graphics and standard 60Hz screens, with the XPS 13 using an Intel i7-1250U Iris Xe. Their CPUs and screen quality are adequate but not exceptional for demanding gaming and 3D tasks, yet the lower screen refresh rates limit the visual fluidity essential for a premium gaming experience.
Content Creation
7.7/10
7.3/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy x360 15" 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
7.2/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy x360 15" 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.
Battery
10.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The HP Envy x360 15" has 10 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Envy x360 15" 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."
"Despite its good looks, stellar webcam and comfortable keyboard, the Envy x360 15 is hard to recommend because of its dim, 16:9 display. If the display isn't an issue for you, just be sure to wait for a good sale price. Otherwise, a more modern two-in-one with a 16:10 display such as the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 or Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 provides a larger workspace without adding much to the size and weight of the system."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Envy x360 15"
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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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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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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.