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What we think
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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell XPS 15 offers a high-performance experience, suited for demanding tasks like engineering, video editing, or gaming, with a more powerful processor and graphics. This performance comes with a higher cost compared to the HP Pavilion 15. The XPS also tends to have a better display and a longer battery life, making it a good fit for those who prioritize visual quality and less frequent charging. On the other hand, the HP Pavilion 15 is lighter and more budget-friendly, suitable for general use such as web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. However, its lower-resolution screen and less powerful internals mean it may not handle intensive tasks as smoothly as the XPS. Consider the XPS 15 if your workload is heavy and requires the extra power and you're willing to invest more. If you're focused on everyday tasks and want to save money, the Pavilion 15 is a more economical choice. 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 Pavilion 15
- The HP Pavilion 15 has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 15.
Key differences
General Use
8.2
7.0
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
3.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.2/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for general use, while the HP Pavilion 15 is good.
The Dell XPS 15 stands out for general use due to its high-quality screen, powerful CPU, and sizable battery, which enhance performance and user experience for a range of tasks; it also offers better portability despite being slightly heavier than the HP Pavilion 15. On the other hand, while the HP Pavilion 15 provides ample storage and is lighter, it falls short with a lower-tier CPU, a lower resolution screen, and a less impressive battery, which may affect multitasking and prolonged use away from a power source.
Gaming and AI
6.8
6.0
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
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 and HP Pavilion 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Dell XPS 15 is somewhat better.
The Dell XPS 15 surpasses the HP Pavilion 15 in gaming and 3D performance primarily because it has a more powerful Intel Arc A370M GPU that better supports graphic-intensive tasks, in contrast to the Pavilion's less capable integrated Intel UHD Xe G4 graphics. Additionally, the XPS 15's higher screen quality with better resolution contributes to a more immersive experience despite both having the same screen refresh rate, while the Pavilion's screen is of lower resolution and quality.
Engineering and Design
8.1
6.2
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for engineering and design, while the HP Pavilion 15 is only fair.
The Dell XPS 15 includes a more powerful Intel i7 processor and dedicated Intel Arc graphics, making it well-suited for demanding engineering and design tasks, while its higher-quality IPS screen provides better color accuracy and viewing angles. In contrast, the HP Pavilion 15 is equipped with a less powerful Intel i3 processor and integrated graphics, and its lower-resolution TN screen offers inferior color representation and viewing angles, making it less ideal for such specialized work.
Content Creation
8.3
7.1
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for content creation, while the HP Pavilion 15 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
8.1
6.6
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.2/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for software development, while the HP Pavilion 15 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
5.3
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the HP Pavilion 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 15 boasts a high-resolution display with vibrant colors and high brightness, making it excellent for general tasks, and its wide color gamut ensures accuracy which is crucial for engineering and design work. However, its standard refresh rate is a limitation for gaming and 3D applications where smoother visuals are key. The HP Pavilion 15, with its lower resolution and brightness, falls short for both everyday use and professional tasks, offering less visual detail and color precision; and like the XPS 15, its typical refresh rate is not ideal for high-end gaming and 3D rendering.
Battery
10.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The HP Pavilion 15 has 3 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
6.2
The Dell XPS 15 has very good build quality, while the HP Pavilion 15 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
$500
$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 Pavilion 15 costs $500.
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Key similarities
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The HP Pavilion 15 and Dell XPS 15 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell XPS 15 and the HP Pavilion 15 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 15 | HP Pavilion 15 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $500 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | August 1, 2020 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.6'' x 9.1'' x 0.71'' | 14.1'' x 9.5'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.21 lbs | 3.75 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.57" | 14.1" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 9.53" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | Intel i3-1115G4 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 51 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 606 nits | 220 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
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."
HP Pavilion 15
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Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
Alex Cox | August 2022
"The HP Pavilion 15 carries a fair amount of power and a sharp display in its handsome slimline shell. It's not perfect, but it's a hard worker. This is wonderfully designed and totes a heck of a lot of desktop power, with the added benefit of a decent webcam and a full-sized keyboard. If you're getting down to business on a budget, it's a great fit."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the HP Pavilion 15
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.
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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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