The Dell XPS 15 is a solid pick if you require high performance for tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or engineering software, combined with a larger screen and higher storage capacity. However, it's heavier and has a lower battery life compared to the Framework Laptop. On the flip side, the Framework Laptop 13 stands out for its portability and repairability, with better scores for portability, webcam quality, and the flexibility to upgrade components. It's more suited for general use and offers a sharper and denser display but with lower performance capabilities due to its less powerful processor and graphics. Both are similarly priced, making your decision dependent on whether portability or power is your priority. 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 15
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.2/10
7.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Dell XPS 15 offers a larger screen, higher screen brightness, and a more powerful CPU, making it very good for a variety of tasks including multitasking and entertainment, also benefiting from a higher RAM capacity for smooth performance. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is highly portable due to its lighter weight and smaller size, with a high-resolution screen, but the tradeoff is a less robust CPU and lower RAM, providing a good but slightly less powerful experience for general use.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.3/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
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
8.3/10
7.5/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.4/10
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for software development, and content creation.
When considering the Dell XPS 15 for general use, its high resolution and brightness make for a crisp, vibrant display, while the panel type ensures wide viewing angles. For engineering and design, the display's accurate color representation across various gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB is crucial for precision work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, this laptop's lower refresh rate may not provide the smooth visuals that are preferred in fast-paced, graphics-intensive environments.
Battery
10.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Dell XPS 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.8/10
The Dell XPS 15 has very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$1,079
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 15 offers superior gaming and 3D performance thanks to its more powerful Intel Arc A370M GPU compared to the Integrated Iris Xe graphics in the Framework Laptop 13 (2023). Additionally, both laptops have similar screen refresh rates but the Dell's higher GPU capabilities provide a more robust experience for graphics-intensive tasks.
Software Development
8.1/10
7.6/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 15 to be very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
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How the Dell XPS 15 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The 2023 Dell XPS 15 is more or less exactly what you'd expect from the company flagship. Its fresh components deliver measurably superior power and longevity, while the machine's premium build and design remain intact. It may not be overly exciting, but XPS loyalists and upgraders should be more than happy."
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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 Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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.
Jason Lew
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.
Craig Russell
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.