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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell XPS 15 offers better performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering tasks due to its superior GPU and CPU, making it suitable for intensive tasks. However, it is more expensive, heavier, which reduces portability, and has a shorter battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 is more affordable, lightweight, and has a longer battery life, enhancing its portability. It also has a touchscreen, which the Dell lacks. But, its performance for demanding tasks is not as robust as the Dell's. Both have similar storage and RAM and sports a premium build, but if your priority is portability and cost over high-end performance, the Lenovo may be a better fit, otherwise, the Dell is better suited for heavy-duty use. 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
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
- Excellent portability
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.1
7.3
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 is good.
The Dell XPS 15 offers a strong performance for engineering and design with its powerful Intel CPU, dedicated GPU, and high-resolution screen, but it is less portable due to its larger size and weight. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13, while also providing capable engineering performance with its AMD CPU and integrated graphics, stands out for its portability and quality keyboard, though it may lag slightly in raw graphical tasks compared to the Dell.
Content Creation
8.3
7.8
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 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
7.0
15.6in
SIZE
13.3in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
379.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
Both the Dell XPS 15 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 offer displays with high resolution and brightness, which provide crisp and clear images for everyday tasks and detailed work required in engineering and design. Their screens cover a wide range of colors, particularly important for professionals needing accuracy for design work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, where a high refresh rate is crucial to render smooth motion, both laptops may fall short, as they prioritize color and resolution over fast screen refresh capabilities.
Portability
Good
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
13.3in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 has excellent portability, while the Dell XPS 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.2
7.8
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
379.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 15 to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 is good.
The Dell XPS 15 is favored for general use due to its superior CPU and larger screen, which enhances multitasking and media consumption, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13's lighter weight and compact size offer greater portability and a higher-quality keyboard, making it a solid choice for users prioritizing mobility and typing experience over raw performance. Both laptops have similar RAM and storage, ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks, but the XPS 15's superior battery life allows for longer use without charging, appealing to those needing sustained performance throughout the day.
Gaming and AI
6.8
6.3
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.1/10
The Dell XPS 15 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Software Development
8.1
7.7
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 15 to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 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.
Battery
10.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 has 10 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
8.5
The Dell XPS 15 and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$1,000
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 costs $1,000.
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How the Dell XPS 15 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 15 | Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $1,000 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.6'' x 9.1'' x 0.71'' | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.21 lbs | 2.78 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.57" | 11.59" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 7.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | AMD Ryzen 7 6850U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 51.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 13.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 606 nits | 379 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Brian Westover | September 2022
"In the premium ultraportable space, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 competes with the best of the best, and still manages to shine. The design is an impressive departure from the bland bare-metal laptop that's become so popular in recent years, and the AMD-powered system has performance that's just as impressive. It's a stark alternative to the Intel-based majority, and it stands up well enough to the impressive Apple M2 processor."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
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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