If you prioritize performance for tasks like 3D work, machine learning, or gaming, the Dell XPS 13 with its higher-end processor and graphics is the better choice, albeit at a higher cost and with a smaller screen. The Dell is also lighter and more portable, with a higher resolution and better quality display, but these features affect the battery life which may be shorter than the Lenovo. On the other hand, if your tasks are more general use, and you are looking for a larger screen and longer battery life at a more budget-friendly price, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 may suit your needs despite its lower performance capabilities and less impressive display. 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 3 15"
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
6.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell XPS 13 is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13, with a stronger CPU, more RAM, and a higher quality screen, is better suited for demanding tasks and offers a more vibrant display, which makes it good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, despite its larger screen, has a lower-resolution TN panel and less powerful hardware, deeming it only fair for general tasks. Additionally, the XPS 13 is more portable and has longer battery life, enhancing its versatility, whereas the IdeaPad 3 is heavier and has a shorter battery life, which may limit its mobility and usability throughout the day.
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
5.8/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
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 15" is poor.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.7/10
6.3/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell XPS 13 is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" 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
7.5/10
6.3/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 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 3 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
7.2/10
5.2/10
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 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 13 offers superior screen quality in general use with its vivid colors and sharp resolution, making text clearer and images more detailed. Its high-quality display with expansive color coverage caters well to engineering and design professionals needing accuracy for their work. However, the lower refresh rate of the XPS 13 makes it less optimal for gaming or 3D applications, where smoother motion is crucial.
Battery
10.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" has 5 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.5/10
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,399
$360
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $1,399 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" costs $360.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 13 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" is poor.
The Dell XPS 13 is fair for gaming and 3D scenarios due to a more powerful graphics unit called Iris Xe in its processor and a better-quality IPS display, albeit with a standard refresh rate, which provides clearer and more vibrant visuals than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15", which performs poorly owing to its basic Intel UHD Graphics and a lower quality TN display, both of which hinder the visual and gaming experience.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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."
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an enduring office notebook with a powerful Ryzen APU. Lenovo's office all-rounder easily handles office and internet applications as well as modest games - the Ryzen 5 5625U APU and 16 GB of RAM make this possible. The CPU and GPU can work at consistently high clock rates. The emission values are okay, but the noise emissions should be lower under medium to full load. The relatively light notebook (approx. 1.6 kg) achieves practical battery runtimes of about 10 to 11 hours."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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 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.
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.