Review Summary
Expert Rating
Dell’s XPS line has long been synonymous with premium Windows laptops, and the XPS 13 Plus 9320 (2023) aims to push the boundaries even further.
This sleek ultrabook combines cutting-edge design with powerful performance, all packed into a compact 13-inch form factor. But does it live up to the hype, and more importantly, its hefty price tag? Let’s dive in and find out.
This laptop was originally reviewed by Florence George and this article is based on his evaluation
Table of Contents
Design and Display
As soon as the XPS 13 Plus is unboxed, you are greeted with a device screaming minimalism and modernism. So, at only 1.26 kg, it’s quite portable without making any compromises in its build quality. The aluminium chassis feels rock solid, with no noteworthy flex in the lid or body.
While the outside is modest, on the inside, it tells a different story entirely. The borderless keyboard and the hidden trackpad, which smoothly slips into the palm rest, form an inseparable whole that can be a pleasure to one’s eyes. Needless to say, the laptop replicates the feelings generated by the rather massive price tag.
The star of the show, however, is undoubtedly the display. The 13.4-inch UHD+ (3840 x 2400) IPS touchscreen is nothing short of stunning. With razor-thin bezels, it offers an immersive viewing experience that belies the laptop’s compact size.
Colours pop with vibrant accuracy, thanks to its 500 nits of brightness and HDR compatibility. The inclusion of Dolby Vision support further enhances the visual experience, making it a joy for both content creation and consumption.
While the IPS panel delivers excellent performance, it’s worth noting that Dell also offers an OLED version for those seeking the ultimate in contrast and colour depth. Regardless of your choice, you’re getting a top-tier display that’s a pleasure to work with.
Keyboard, Trackpad, and I/O
Dell has made some bold design choices with the XPS 13 Plus, and nowhere is this more evident than in the keyboard and trackpad area. The keyboard features a ‘zero-lattice’ design, with keys stretching edge-to-edge without any borders. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve adjusted, typing is a comfortable and satisfying experience.
The trackpad is perhaps the most divisive element of the design. It’s completely hidden beneath a single sheet of glass that covers the entire palm rest area.
There are no visible borders or buttons – you simply use it where you’d expect a trackpad to be. It works surprisingly well once you’ve acclimatised, with precise tracking and a satisfying click mechanism.
Performance
Under the hood, our review unit packs some serious firepower. It’s equipped with a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-1360P processor, a whopping 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a speedy 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD. This configuration ensures the XPS 13 Plus can handle just about anything you throw at it with ease.
Benchmark results back up the real-world performance, with the laptop posting impressive scores in tests like Cinebench and PCMark. While it’s not designed for heavy gaming or intensive video editing, it’s more than capable of handling the needs of most professionals and power users.
Thermal management is also noteworthy. Despite its slim profile, the XPS 13 Plus manages to keep temperatures in check, even under load. During our testing, CPU temperatures rarely exceeded 70°C, ensuring consistent performance without throttling.
The laptop also comes with Wi-Fi 6E support, ensuring you’re future-proofed for the fastest wireless connections available.
Battery
Dell has managed to squeeze a 55Wh 3-cell battery into the XPS 13 Plus. In our testing, this translated to around 7 hours of real-world use – a respectable figure for such a powerful, compact machine with a high-resolution display. While it may not get you through a full workday on a single charge, it should be sufficient for most users’ needs.
The laptop comes with a 60W USB-C charger, which can quickly top up the battery when needed. The ability to charge via either Thunderbolt port is a nice touch of flexibility but it is to be expected from this rather slim and portable machine.
Verdict
The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 (2023) is a bold step forward in laptop design. It’s a device that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions, offering a glimpse into what the future of ultrabooks might look like. The stunning display, powerful performance, and head-turning aesthetics make it a standout option in the premium laptop market.
However, it’s not without its quirks. The lack of ports will be a deal-breaker for some, and the unconventional keyboard and trackpad design may take time to adapt to. The capacitive function keys, while visually appealing, could benefit from haptic feedback in future iterations.
At a price point of around Rs 2,06,000, the XPS 13 Plus is undeniably expensive. You’re paying a premium for performance, cutting-edge design, and premium materials. For those who prioritise aesthetics and want a laptop that stands out from the crowd, it’s a compelling option.
Ultimately, the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 (2023) is a triumph of design and engineering. It’s a laptop that dares to be different, offering a unique blend of style and substance.
While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate its forward-thinking approach and can work within its limitations will find it to be an exceptional machine.
If you’re in the market for a high-end, compact Windows laptop and are willing to embrace its futuristic design, the XPS 13 Plus is well worth considering. Just be prepared to invest in a few dongles to overcome its limited port selection.
Editor’s rating: 8 / 10
Pros
- Stunning UHD+ touchscreen display
- Premium build quality
- Powerful performance
- Sleek, modern design
- Quiet, effective thermal management
Cons
- Limited port selection
- No headphone jack
- Capacitive keys lack feedback