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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell XPS 13 has a slightly more attractive price, an impressive display with high brightness, and a larger array of Thunderbolt ports which may be beneficial for high-speed external connections. It's also slightly lighter, enhancing its portability. Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 includes a touchscreen, a fingerprint reader, and facial recognition for additional convenience and security. It is equipped with an AMD processor and graphics that provide strong performance for general use, and it's known for its build quality, robust keyboard, and newer release date. Both are suitable for general use and light engineering work, but neither is ideal for intensive gaming or heavy 3D tasks. The choice would ultimately depend on preferences for specific features like touch capability and biometric security (Lenovo) versus a slight edge in portability and display brightness (Dell). 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
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
- The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.2
7.0
13.4in
SIZE
13.3in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
379.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 have similar screen quality.
For general use, the Dell XPS 13 offers a screen with crisp resolution and brightness that enhances daily tasks like browsing and video streaming, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 provides similar qualities for clear and comfortable viewing. Design and engineering professionals will find both laptops offer wide color coverage, critical for accurate color work, though individual preferences for color balance might vary. Gamers and 3D designers, however, may find both machines lacking due to lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid visuals in fast-paced games or when working with 3D animations.
Cost
$850
$1,000
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 costs $1,000.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.8
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
379.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Dell XPS 13 are both good for general use.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a high-quality IPS screen, strong performance from its Intel i7 processor for general tasks, and is notable for its light weight and long battery life, which contribute to its high portability. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13, while slightly heavier, also boasts an impressive AMD Ryzen 7 processor and a durable build with a high-quality keyboard, and its quality IPS touchscreen makes it versatile for various tasks, complemented by an equally robust battery life. Both laptops offer 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, which is ample for general use, and their attention to heat management and operating noise ensures comfortable use.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.3
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
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
9.1/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 are both limited in gaming and 3D tasks due to their integrated graphics units (Intel i7-1250U Iris Xe for the Dell and AMD Radeon 680M for the Lenovo), which are less capable than dedicated gaming GPUs and their displays' refresh rates are locked at a standard 60Hz, not ideal for high frame rate gaming. While they have decent CPUs and screen quality, these factors are less impactful without strong GPUs and higher refresh rates for gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
7.2
7.3
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Dell XPS 13 are both good for engineering and design.
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
7.8
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Dell XPS 13 are both good for content creation.
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
7.7
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Dell XPS 13 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 ThinkPad Z13 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.
Portability
Excellent
Excellent
13.4in
SIZE
13.3in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 both have excellent portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 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 Z13 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $1,000 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 2.78 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 11.59" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 7.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | AMD Ryzen 7 6850U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 51.5 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 | 379 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 9.3/10 | |
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 | 9.1/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
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 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
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 Z13
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Brian Westover | September 2022
"In the premium ultraportable space, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 competes with the best of the best, and still manages to shine. The design is an impressive departure from the bland bare-metal laptop that's become so popular in recent years, and the AMD-powered system has performance that's just as impressive. It's a stark alternative to the Intel-based majority, and it stands up well enough to the impressive Apple M2 processor."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
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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