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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 14, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, consider that the XPS 13 typically offers a more budget-friendly price with solid performance for everyday tasks and portability for on-the-go use. On the other hand, the ThinkBook 13x may come with a higher cost, but it could provide additional features or slightly better build quality that might appeal to business users. If your priority is getting a reliable laptop without spending as much, the Dell stands out, but if you prefer a potentially more premium feel and are okay with a higher price, the Lenovo could be the better fit. 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
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.2
7.9
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell XPS 13 are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Dell XPS 13, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, high-quality screen, and capable GPU, excels in tasks that engineering and design work typically demand, offering smooth performance for complex software. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x also provides a strong CPU and sufficient RAM for engineering applications, complemented by a crisp display and a lightweight, portable design that benefits on-the-go professionals, though for intensive graphics work, it might not match the capabilities of the Dell.
Screen Quality
7.2
8.2
13.4in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offer high-resolution displays with great brightness and clarity, but the ThinkBook edges out with slightly superior screen quality. In tasks requiring precise color representation like engineering and design, the ThinkBook stands out due to its extensive color gamut coverage, making it more suitable for professionals who rely on color accuracy. However, for gaming and 3D applications, neither laptop is ideal as they lack high refresh rates which are critical for a smooth visual experience in fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has 8 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.
Build Quality
8.5
7.6
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$850
$1,399
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.9
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
442.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell XPS 13 are both good for general use.
The Dell XPS 13 offers strong CPU performance, high-quality RAM, and a vibrant screen, providing a solid experience for everyday tasks in a sleek, portable form factor with impressive battery life. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x also presents a crisp display and ample power for general use, ensuring smooth operation, albeit it stands out due to its robust keyboard and efficient cooling system, even if it means slightly compromising on portability relative to the Dell.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.6
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 13, with its integrated graphics, isn't built for high-end gaming, but it can handle less demanding games, and while the screen is high quality, the refresh rate isn't designed for fast-paced action which serious gamers look for. On the other hand, Lenovo ThinkBook 13x also has integrated graphics, making it suitable for casual gaming, and though it has a decent screen, the lower refresh rate means it's not ideal for gaming where quick screen updates are critical.
Content Creation
7.7
8.0
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Software Development
7.5
7.9
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Portability
Excellent
Excellent
13.4in
SIZE
13.5in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell XPS 13 both have excellent portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$850 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.59 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.63" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 7.86" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1250U | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
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 | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 51 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.4" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 442 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 | |
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 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
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 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
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."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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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