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Updated March 21, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, consider that the XPS typically offers a sleeker design and may have a better display, which is great for media consumption and general use. The ThinkPad, on the other hand, is known for its durability and keyboard comfort, making it a favorite for business professionals and frequent typists. If cost is a major factor and you're looking for a balance between performance and budget, the XPS 13 could be appealing. However, if you prioritize build quality and keyboard feel for long typing sessions, and don't mind spending a bit more, the ThinkPad X13 is worth considering. 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 overall display quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good battery life
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
Key differences
General Use
7.7
8.4
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a balance of portability and performance, its high-quality screen, solid battery life, and lightweight design making it an excellent choice for daily tasks, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 provides robust CPU and RAM capacity for demanding applications, accompanied by a durable keyboard and effective heat management, targeting those who need a sturdy laptop for intensive work. Despite these strengths, the XPS 13 may have an edge in portability and battery life, which are crucial for on-the-go users, whereas the ThinkPad X13's build quality and input devices make it a preferred option for professionals looking for a reliable workhorse.
Engineering and Design
7.2
8.0
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13 often comes with high-end CPUs, ample RAM, and superior screen quality, which are crucial for running engineering software efficiently and ensuring sharp visuals for design work. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while also equipped with powerful CPUs and RAM, is noted for its excellent keyboard and durability, making it a reliable choice for engineers who prioritize typing comfort and a machine that can withstand on-the-go demands.
Software Development
7.5
8.1
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for software development, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
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
6.9
13.4in
SIZE
13.3in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 offer high-resolution displays with bright and clear panels, which make text and images sharp and easy to view, enhancing the overall user experience. In engineering and design, professionals value accurate color reproduction, and both laptops offer displays with broad color gamuts, ensuring that the colors on the screen are vibrant and true to life. However, when it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the refresh rates on both laptops are lower than specialized gaming laptops, resulting in less fluid motion and potentially a less immersive experience.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 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.
Cost
$850
$1,459
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 costs $1,459.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.7
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while suitable for general use, are not ideal for hardcore gaming or intensive 3D tasks due to their integrated graphics, which are less powerful compared to dedicated GPUs found in specialized gaming laptops, and their typical screen refresh rates which are lower than the higher rates preferred for smooth gaming experiences. However, they do offer competent CPUs and good screen quality, which can handle casual gaming and less demanding 3D applications reasonably well.
Content Creation
7.7
8.2
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
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.
Portability
Excellent
Very Good
13.4in
SIZE
13.3in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.6in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 13 to have excellent portability, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $1,459 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | September 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 11.9'' x 8.5'' x 0.63'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 2.87 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 11.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 8.46" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 8.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 13.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 442 nits | 321 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1440p | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
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 ThinkPad X13
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Benjamin Herzig | September 2023
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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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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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