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Updated January 12, 2024·
When deciding between the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14", consider their respective strengths: the Dell XPS 13 has higher performance, a better display, and is lighter, making it well-suited for intensive tasks, professional use, and those who value portability. However, it comes at a higher cost. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is significantly more affordable and offers basic functionality with silent operation, which could be enough for general web browsing, word processing, and video streaming. But its lower performance and display quality might not be suitable for demanding applications or multitasking. In essence, choose the Dell if performance and quality are a priority and budget is less of a concern; opt for the Lenovo for budget-friendly simplicity and basic tasks. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
General Use
7.7
6.1
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell XPS 13 is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13 is better for general use due to its superior main processor, higher amount of RAM, and more vibrant IPS screen, which contribute to smoother multitasking and better visual experience. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a lower-grade processor, less RAM, and a lower quality TN panel, which may lead to slower performance and a less impressive display.
Gaming and AI
6.2
5.5
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
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
10.0/10
The Dell XPS 13 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a fair gaming experience with its Iris Xe graphics and higher-quality IPS screen, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" underperforms principally due to its basic Intel UHD Graphics 600 and lower-quality TN panel screen, all of which significantly influences graphical performance and visual fidelity.
Engineering and Design
7.2
5.5
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell XPS 13 is good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell XPS 13, with a more powerful Intel i7 processor, superior Intel Iris Xe graphics, and more RAM, is well-suited for demanding engineering and design tasks, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is hampered by its less capable Intel Celeron processor, basic Intel UHD Graphics, and limited RAM, making it less suitable for such intensive workloads. Additionally, the Dell XPS 13's higher quality IPS screen with better resolution benefits detailed design work, in contrast to the Lenovo's TN panel with a lower resolution.
Content Creation
7.7
6.2
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell XPS 13 is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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
6.4
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell XPS 13 is good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a higher resolution and brighter screen that makes it suitable for general use and tasks like engineering and design, where clarity and the ability to discern fine details are crucial. Although its screen covers a wide range of colors, appealing to engineers and designers, it falls short for gaming and 3D applications due to a lower refresh rate, which can lead to less fluid motion. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has lower resolution and brightness, leading to a less vivid experience across all use cases, and its color range and refresh rate don't meet the demands of engineering, design, or smooth 3D animation.
Portability
Excellent
Very Good
13.4in
SIZE
14.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
6.0
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$150
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $150.
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Key similarities
Battery
10.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has 9 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 12.9'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 12.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 32 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 14" | |
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 | 239 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
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 | 10/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | August 2021
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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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