The Dell XPS 15 is a premium option offering stronger performance with more storage, better specifications, and display quality suitable for engineering and creative tasks. However, it is heavier and costs more. In contrast, the HP 15" Laptop is a more budget-friendly choice that's lighter and provides enough capabilities for general usage, but with less power for demanding applications and a lesser quality display. Think about whether you need the extra performance and features for intensive tasks like 3D work or engineering, or if you prefer something more affordable and portable for everyday tasks. 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
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the HP 15" Laptop
The HP 15" Laptop has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 15.
Key differences
General Use
8.2/10
6.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for general use, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell XPS 15 offers higher performance with a more powerful CPU, more RAM, and superior battery life, which enhances user experience for various tasks and long-lasting mobility, while featuring a higher quality screen with better color coverage and brightness, contributing to better visibility and color accuracy for tasks like content creation. In contrast, the HP 15" Laptop, while lighter and more portable, compromises on performance with a lower-tier CPU, less RAM, and a shorter battery life, and has a lower quality screen, making it less suitable for demanding applications and prolonged usage away from power outlets.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
5.9/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Dell XPS 15 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the HP 15" Laptop is poor.
The Dell XPS 15 is better for gaming and 3D applications due to its discrete GPU which enhances graphics performance, and while both have similar screen refresh rates, the XPS's superior GPU can make better use of that refresh rate. The HP 15" Laptop, in contrast, utilizes integrated graphics which deliver less graphic processing power for gaming and 3D tasks, despite its fair screen quality.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.2/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for engineering and design, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell XPS 15 is preferred for engineering and design due to its higher-end CPU, greater RAM, and a more capable GPU, which are crucial for demanding tasks, complemented by a better screen quality that ensures sharper visuals. On the other hand, the HP 15" Laptop, with a lower-tier CPU, less RAM, and an integrated GPU, while offering a fair screen quality and better portability, falls short for intensive engineering and design use but could serve for less demanding tasks.
Content Creation
8.3/10
6.9/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for content creation, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
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
8.1/10
6.7/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for software development, while the HP 15" Laptop is only fair.
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
7.4/10
6.3/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the HP 15" Laptop for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 15 offers a high resolution and bright display, ideal for sharp and clear content viewing for general activities, while also providing extensive color coverage for detailed engineering and design tasks. However, its standard refresh rate limits its ability to render smooth motion, a drawback for gaming or 3D modelling. Meanwhile, the HP 15" Laptop, with fair screen quality, supports both general and design needs adequately, yet falls short in the gaming and 3D realms due to similar refresh rate limitations and potentially less color accuracy and lower brightness.
Battery
10.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The HP 15" Laptop has 6 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
8.5/10
6.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 has very good build quality, while the HP 15" Laptop has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$375
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the HP 15" Laptop costs $375.
"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."
"Chances are high that the HP 15 is one of the first laptops to pop up when you search for an inexpensive notebook. Indeed, its price tag is very tempting for many, and of course, this is the reason for its popularity. However, the HP 15" suffers from poor performance due to low power consumption. On the bright side, one of the good things about it is the port selection. On the inside, this includes two SODIMM slots for memory, an M.2 PCIe x4 slot for storage, and a SATA drive bay. However, the TN panel, and mediocre input devices are not ideal."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the HP 15" Laptop
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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