A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell XPS 13 offers a balance between performance and portability with superior build quality, brightness, and color accuracy, making it well-suited for general use and tasks that benefit from a high-quality display. However, it's pricier. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" stands out for its budget-friendly price and reasonable performance, adequate for everyday tasks, but with less storage capacity and RAM. It's heavier and less premium in build, and its screen might not be as bright or color-accurate as the XPS 13. If you're into engineering, 3D modeling, or machine learning, neither are specialized for these purposes, but the better performance of the Dell XPS 13 could make it more suitable for less demanding tasks in these areas. Choose the IdeaPad if cost is a main concern and your needs are centered around everyday tasks, or opt for the XPS 13 if you're willing to pay for a higher-quality experience and slightly better performance. 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 overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Excellent portability
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
General Use
7.7
6.9
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.2/10
The Dell XPS 13 is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13's better CPU and double the RAM compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" contribute to its superior performance, while its higher quality screen and lighter weight enhance portability and viewing experience, making it more suitable for general use. Additionally, the Dell has a longer battery life and better keyboard and speaker quality, but these advantages come at a cost, making it usually more expensive than the Lenovo, which might still appeal for its adequate performance and lower price.
Engineering and Design
7.2
6.1
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
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 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13 is better equipped for engineering and design due to its higher-end Intel CPU, with better performance, double the RAM for multitasking, and its superior Iris Xe graphics, which are beneficial for graphics-intensive tasks, all displayed in a premium IPS panel with higher brightness and color accuracy. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, while more affordable and slightly larger in screen size, offers less processing power with an AMD Ryzen CPU, half the RAM, and its Vega 7 graphics and screen fall short in color coverage and contrast, making it less suitable for demanding engineering applications.
Content Creation
7.7
7.1
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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.
Screen Quality
7.2
6.4
13.4in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 13's higher resolution and brightness make it an excellent match for general use, with clear and vibrant visuals for productivity tasks. For engineering and design, while it provides better color coverage that professionals need, it doesn't measure up for gaming and 3D applications due to a lower refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth motion. Conversely, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3's more modest screen attributes result in merely adequate quality for both general use and professional design tasks, compounded by a similar disadvantage in gaming and 3D due to its refresh rate limitations.
Portability
Excellent
Very Good
13.4in
SIZE
14.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.1 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
6.5
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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
$390
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" costs $390.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.0
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
9.5/10
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are fair for gaming and 3D applications because both have integrated GPUs, which are less powerful than dedicated gaming GPUs, and standard screen refresh rates of 60Hz, which are lower than the higher refresh rates preferred for gaming. The Dell's Intel Iris Xe and Lenovo's Vega 7 graphics can handle light gaming, but may struggle with more intensive 3D tasks, and neither laptop offers the smoother visuals provided by screens with higher refresh rates.
Software Development
7.5
7.1
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $390 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | October 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 12.8'' x 8.5'' x 0.78'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 3.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 12.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 8.49" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 1 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 45 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 442 nits | 313 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
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 | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
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
See more
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 3 14"
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marvin Gollor | February 2023
"The low-priced IdeaPad 3 14 delivers on core functionality. Lenovo's IdeaPad 3 14 meets all the basic requirements for an inexpensive office laptop. The matte IPS display is bright enough, the performance is high for the class, and the input devices are rock solid. In addition, the mostly quiet operation including the useful performance modes, cool surface temperatures, easy maintainability as well as expandable working and mass storage all contribute to the IdeaPad 3 14's value proposition."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell XPS 13 vs. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
VS
Compare Dell XPS 13 vs. Dell Inspiron 16 5630
VS
Compare Dell XPS 13 vs. Dell Latitude 5330
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" vs. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" vs. Dell Inspiron 15 3525
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" vs. HP 15" Laptop
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
Featured in
