If portability is a priority, consider the Dell XPS 13, as it is lighter and also has a smaller screen which makes it easier to handle on the go. However, the LG Gram 17 offers a larger screen and more power with its processor and double the memory, ideal for heavy multitasking and demanding applications. Despite the LG's bigger screen, it still boasts slightly higher battery life. The Dell XPS 13 offers higher portability and build quality, whereas the LG Gram 17 stands out for performance and screen size but comes at a higher price. Both feature excellent general use performance, but for tasks involving 3D rendering or engineering software, the LG's extra memory could be beneficial. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
Very good overall build quality
Excellent portability
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the LG Gram 17
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
7.7/10
8.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
353.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.9/10
The LG Gram 17 is very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The LG Gram 17 stands out for general use with its larger screen with higher resolution, more RAM, and bigger battery, making it suitable for multitasking and longer use without charging, albeit at a slight tradeoff in portability compared to the more compact Dell XPS 13, which offers portability and a high-quality keyboard but has less RAM and a smaller battery, impacting its capability for extensive multitasking and longevity.
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
8.0/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The LG Gram 17 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13 offers strong performance for engineering and design due to its capable processor and enough memory, with a high-quality screen that's not too large, enhancing portability. The LG Gram 17, while heavier, also suits engineering and design with its powerful CPU, ample RAM for complex tasks, a larger high-resolution display for detailed work, and better GPU for renderings, all contributing to a slightly less portable but more immersive experience.
Content Creation
7.7/10
8.4/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The LG Gram 17 is 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.
Software Development
7.5/10
8.2/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The LG Gram 17 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
7.2/10
7.4/10
13.4in
SIZE
17.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
353.0 nits
The LG Gram 17 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Dell XPS 13 and LG Gram 17 provide crisp and vibrant displays with high resolution and brightness, making them suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing and video streaming. When it comes to engineering and design, the color accuracy and wide color gamuts of these laptops ensure that professionals can work with a true representation of colors for tasks such as photo editing and graphic design. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both models lack the high refresh rates required for smooth motion rendering, which might lead to less fluid visuals during fast-paced activities.
Battery
10.0 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The LG Gram 17 has 11 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
17.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the LG Gram 17 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.0/10
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the LG Gram 17 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$2,100
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the LG Gram 17 costs $2,100.
The LG Gram 17 and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The LG Gram 17 is better suited for gaming and 3D applications than the Dell XPS 13 mainly because it features a more powerful CPU and has more RAM, which somewhat influence performance. However, both laptops have the same GPU and screen refresh rate, essential for gaming and 3D tasks, yet neither device is ideal for high-end gaming due to their shared moderate GPU capabilities and typical 60Hz display refresh rate.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the LG Gram 17 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 LG Gram 17 is a light office laptop with a large display and great battery life. The newest incarnation of the Gram 17 can be classified as a model update. LG uses the predecessor's compact, light magnesium case along with an identical port configuration (including 2x Thunderbolt 4) and keyboard. Changes can be found in the hardware. With the Gram 17 (2022), LG offers a light (approx. 1,350 g), mobile work device - and finally with a matte display."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the LG Gram 17
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 LG
LG is a South Korean conglomerate company. While LG is mainly known for various products outside of technology, LG also develops laptops. Within the laptop industry, they are known for their thin-and-light Gram series, as well as their value-oriented Ultra series. LG laptops offer very thin and light laptops with phenomenal battery life, 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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