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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell XPS 13 is better for high-performance tasks with a faster processor, and it's more portable due to its lighter weight and smaller size. The higher resolution display provides better image quality for tasks like photo editing. In contrast, the HP Pavilion 15 offers more storage space and a larger screen, which might be better for multitasking and viewing content. The Pavilion 15 is generally less expensive and could be more suitable if you’re on a budget and don't need the extra power or superior screen quality of the XPS 13. Keep in mind that the Dell offers a more premium build quality and likely a better battery life, in addition to being a newer model. 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 engineering and design
- Good for software development
- 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 Pavilion 15
- The HP Pavilion 15 has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
General Use
7.7
7.0
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
3.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.2/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Pavilion 15 are both good for general use, though the Dell XPS 13 is somewhat better.
The Dell XPS 13 excels in portability and screen quality, featuring a high-resolution IPS display and lightweight design, coupled with sufficient RAM and a modern CPU for smooth general use, while the HP Pavilion 15 offers more storage and a dedicated numeric keypad, but its larger size, heavier weight, and TN panel with lower resolution make it less portable and less vibrant for visuals. Both have similar battery life and decent heat management, but the Dell's higher screen and build quality, along with its portability, make it better suited for those who prioritize mobility and display clarity over storage capacity and a numeric keypad.
Engineering and Design
7.2
6.2
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell XPS 13 is good for engineering and design, while the HP Pavilion 15 is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13 outperforms the HP Pavilion 15 for engineering and design primarily due to its superior CPU and integrated GPU, which are crucial for intensive tasks and graphics-related work, as well as its higher-resolution IPS screen, which offers better color accuracy and viewing angles. Despite both having the same amount of RAM, which is important for multitasking, the XPS's portability is enhanced by its lighter weight and smaller form factor, although both laptops have comparable battery life.
Content Creation
7.7
7.1
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell XPS 13 and HP Pavilion 15 are both good for content creation, though the Dell XPS 13 is somewhat better.
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
6.6
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.2/10
The Dell XPS 13 is good for software development, while the HP Pavilion 15 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
5.3
13.4in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the HP Pavilion 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 13 excels in general use and engineering tasks due to its high-resolution display and superior color accuracy, covering a wider range of colors, which is crucial for professional design work. However, its lower refresh rate makes it less ideal for gaming and 3D applications, where smooth motion is critical. In contrast, the HP Pavilion 15's display falls short across all categories, with lower resolution, brightness, and less accurate color representation, making it less suitable for detailed work or enjoyable gaming experiences.
Battery
10.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The HP Pavilion 15 has 3 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 Pavilion 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
6.2
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the HP Pavilion 15 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$500
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the HP Pavilion 15 costs $500.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.0
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
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 Pavilion 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13 offers an IPS panel and an Iris Xe GPU integrated into its Intel i7 processor, providing a decent balance between display quality and graphics performance for gaming and 3D applications. On the other hand, the HP Pavilion 15 comes with a less sophisticated TN panel and an Intel UHD Xe G4 GPU paired with a lower-end Intel i3 processor, which also delivers fair gaming and 3D performance but may lag behind in graphic-intensive scenarios.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Pavilion 15 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | HP Pavilion 15 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $500 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | August 1, 2020 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 14.1'' x 9.5'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 3.75 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 14.1" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 9.53" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | Intel i3-1115G4 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 51 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 442 nits | 220 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
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."
HP Pavilion 15
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Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
Alex Cox | August 2022
"The HP Pavilion 15 carries a fair amount of power and a sharp display in its handsome slimline shell. It's not perfect, but it's a hard worker. This is wonderfully designed and totes a heck of a lot of desktop power, with the added benefit of a decent webcam and a full-sized keyboard. If you're getting down to business on a budget, it's a great fit."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Pavilion 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.
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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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