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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a primary concern, the Dell XPS 15 offers high performance at a lower cost, making it an economical choice for general use and multitasking. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 emphasizes flexibility and touch screen capabilities, which could be beneficial for creative tasks or presentations. Keep in mind that the XPS 15 might be more conventional in design and less expensive, but the Surface Laptop Studio 2 provides a unique form factor and potentially better screen technology, which might be more suitable for design professionals and those who prioritize a convertible touchscreen experience. 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
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
7.7
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell XPS 15 is only fair.
The Dell XPS 15 is equipped with an Intel Arc A370M GPU and maximum screen refresh rate of 60Hz, making it suitable for some gaming and 3D applications, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 boasts a more capable Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU along with a higher screen refresh rate of 120Hz, enhancing its performance for gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.7
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Dell XPS 15 are both very good for engineering and design, though the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is somewhat better.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is favored for engineering and design due to its superior RAM capacity, more powerful RTX GPU for intense graphics work and its higher resolution touchscreen which is beneficial for detailed designs, despite being slightly less portable than the Dell XPS 15, which has less RAM and a less powerful GPU but offers a larger battery for longer usage and a high-quality keyboard, with both featuring an i7 CPU and IPS screen for robust processing and clear visuals.
Screen Quality
7.4
7.9
15.6in
SIZE
14.4in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
503.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 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 between resolution and brightness, making it well-suited for a variety of everyday tasks, but its lower refresh rate might not be ideal for the high frame rate demands of gaming or creating smooth 3D animations. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 stands out with its vibrant display, offering a wide color gamut that's particularly beneficial for professionals in engineering and design who require accurate color representation for their work. However, both laptops are less optimal for 3D work or gaming due to their screens not being tailored towards high refresh rates, which are crucial for fluid motion and fast-paced visuals in these use cases.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has 8 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.
Cost
$1,000
$3,300
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 costs $3,300.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.2
8.3
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
503.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Dell XPS 15 are both very good for general use.
The Dell XPS 15 is equipped with a high-resolution, non-touch IPS screen and a capable Intel i7 processor, which alongside ample RAM, assures smooth performance for general tasks, complemented by a lightweight design and reasonable battery life. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a unique flexible display that doubles as a drawing tablet, a higher amount of RAM, a touchscreen with a higher refresh rate for a more interactive experience, and a powerful Nvidia RTX GPU, though it is slightly heavier and has a shorter battery life compared to the XPS 15.
Content Creation
8.3
8.4
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Dell XPS 15 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
8.2
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Dell XPS 15 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.4in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell XPS 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Dell XPS 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 15 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $3,300 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | September 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.6'' x 9.1'' x 0.71'' | 12.7'' x 9.1'' x 0.86'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.21 lbs | 4.41 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.57" | 12.72" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 9.06" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | Intel i7-13700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 64 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 58 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2400 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 606 nits | 503 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
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 | 6.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
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 | 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."
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | March 2022
"The new Surface Laptop Studio with its foldable display is supposed to replace the old Surface Book and the overall impression is good after our review. The build quality and the materials are top-notch, the performance utilization of the two components is solid and the device does not show any major flaws in terms of display or speakers, either. The folding mechanism leaves a sold impression as well, but it remains to be seen how it will hold up over the years. The so-called presentation mode is also not ideal since it covers the whole keyboard."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
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 Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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