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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
The Dell XPS 15 offers great performance with a more attractive price compared to the Framework Laptop 16, and it's a reliable choice for both general and demanding tasks like video editing or light gaming. However, the Framework Laptop 16 stands out for its unique modular design, allowing for easier upgrades and repairs, which could extend its lifespan and potentially offer better long-term value. The Framework is also eco-friendlier due to its upgradability. Depending on your needs, if portability and the ability to customize and repair your device over time is important, the Framework Laptop might be worth the extra cost. 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 battery life
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4
8.4
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 15 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 15 offers a balance of resolution, panel type, and brightness that makes it suitable for general tasks and professional work in engineering and design, benefiting from its ability to represent colors accurately. The Framework Laptop 16 elevates this further with a display that likely provides wider color gamuts, appealing to professionals who need precision for color-sensitive tasks. However, both laptops' displays, with lower refresh rates, fall short for gaming and 3D modeling where smooth motion is crucial and faster refresh rates can make a significant difference in user experience.
Cost
$1,000
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.2
8.0
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Dell XPS 15 offers a solid combination of a powerful CPU and ample RAM, ensuring smooth performance for general use, along with a high-quality screen, good battery life, and a balance between portability and size. The Framework Laptop 16, on the other hand, provides not only strong CPU and RAM specs for daily tasks but also prioritizes repairability and customization, with a tradeoff in slightly less portability due to its modular design that can affect battery size and overall weight.
Gaming and AI
6.8
6.8
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 15 has a dedicated GPU that can handle gaming and 3D tasks adequately, but its screen refresh rate is not as high as dedicated gaming laptops, which may limit smoothness in fast-paced games. In comparison, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also offers a capable GPU for gaming and 3D work, but similarly, the refresh rate may not be optimal for the most fluid gaming experience, even though both have good quality screens and competent CPUs.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.1
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 15 typically offers high-end CPUs, ample RAM, and dedicated GPUs, coupled with excellent screen quality, making it suitable for software engineering and graphics-intensive tasks. While the Framework Laptop 16 provides similar benefits in terms of performance, it also emphasizes repairability and customization, which, alongside its high-quality keyboard and quieter operation, appeals to users who value long-term usability and a personalized touch.
Content Creation
8.3
8.1
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very 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
8.1
8.0
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very 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
9.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 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
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Dell XPS 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) 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 15 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 15 | Framework Laptop 16 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $1,699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.6'' x 9.1'' x 0.71'' | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.21 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.57" | 14.04" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 10.63" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 85 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 606 nits | 490 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell XPS 15
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | May 2023
"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."
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the Framework Laptop 16 (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.
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