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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize higher performance for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or engineering software, the Dell XPS 15 with its more powerful processor and graphics may be a better fit, although it comes at a higher cost. Alternatively, the Lenovo Flex 5 16 is more budget-friendly with slightly less power, but offers a higher resolution touchscreen display which could be beneficial for digital art or presentations. The Dell XPS 15 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer usage between charges. Both laptops have the same amount of memory and storage, but the Dell is slightly lighter, which might make it easier to carry around. 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
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo Flex 5 16
- The Lenovo Flex 5 16 has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 15.
Key differences
General Use
8.2
7.6
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.4/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 is good.
The Dell XPS 15 is appreciated for general use because it combines a high-performance CPU with substantial RAM, a vibrant display, and a thin, lightweight design that enhances portability, yet it has a shorter battery life. On the other hand, the Lenovo Flex 5 16 also offers an adequate CPU and RAM for general tasks, a higher resolution touchscreen that contributes to its versatility as a 2-in-1 convertible, but it may compromise on display brightness and color accuracy compared to the Dell, and still maintains a good battery life despite its somewhat bulkier build.
Gaming and AI
6.8
6.2
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell XPS 15 and Lenovo Flex 5 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Dell XPS 15 is somewhat better.
The Dell XPS 15 offers better gaming and 3D performance primarily because it has a dedicated Intel Arc A370M GPU, whereas the Lenovo Flex 5 16 uses its integrated Iris Xe graphics from the CPU. Both laptops have a maximum screen refresh rate of 60Hz, but the dedicated GPU on the Dell will handle graphics-intensive tasks more effectively than the integrated solution in the Lenovo, making the Dell more suitable for gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
8.1
7.2
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 is good.
The Dell XPS 15 boasts a more powerful CPU and discrete GPU, which are essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 offers a solid CPU with integrated graphics suitable for lighter engineering work and benefits from its 2-in-1 convertible design for versatility.
Content Creation
8.3
7.6
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 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
7.5
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for software development, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 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.
Screen Quality
7.4
7.3
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the Lenovo Flex 5 16 for software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the Dell XPS 15 and the Lenovo Flex 5 16 offer screens with clear resolution and brightness, making them suitable for tasks like browsing and watching videos. However, in engineering and design work where precise color representation is crucial, the color gamuts on both laptops may not cover the industry standards fully, making them less ideal. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, both laptops lack high refresh rates, which leads to less fluid motion and responsiveness, a drawback for fast-paced visuals.
Battery
10.0 Hours
11.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Flex 5 16 has 11.5 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.
Build Quality
8.5
7.0
The Dell XPS 15 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$779
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the Lenovo Flex 5 16 costs $779.
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Key similarities
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 Lenovo Flex 5 16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell XPS 15 and the Lenovo Flex 5 16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 15 | Lenovo Flex 5 16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $779 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | April 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.6'' x 9.1'' x 0.71'' | 14.1'' x 10'' x 0.74'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.21 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.57" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 9.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | Intel i7-1255U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 11.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 52.5 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 | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 606 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 6.8/10 | |
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 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
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."
Lenovo Flex 5 16
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | April 2023
"The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a solidly equipped, 2-in-1 in the lower price segment. Performance is definitely sufficient for everyday tasks and in tests the battery proved itself to be very economical. That aside, there is a lot of standard fare on show and a search for real highlights ends in vain. The low color coverage and reflective display can be avoided by going for an optional 2.5K display but this also presumably results in poorer battery life. The cooling uses only one fan and leads to a raised temperature on one side of the device under load. Additionally, there is very loud fan noise, also under load or when gaming. On top of that, we also occasionally noticed electronic noises."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the Lenovo Flex 5 16
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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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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