Dell XPS 13 9300 review

Dell XPS 13 9300

The Dell Dell XPS 13 9300 ranks as the #443 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #43-ranked features among 188 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS ROG Strix G15 G513R or Asus ASUS ZenBook 14 UM425, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The Dell XPS 13 9300 boasts exceptional performance, boasting impressive CPU and graphics scores overall.
The build quality has significantly improved with premium aluminum sides and a solid chassis overall.
The display boasts exceptional quality and color accuracy, with higher-than-4K resolution and great brightness.
The Dell XPS 13 9300 boasts impressive features including a high-performance i7 processor and exceptional display quality.

Is it Worth it?

The Dell XPS 13 2020 model is almost perfect. It boasts impressive performance benchmarks, thanks to its 10nm i7 processor and G7 graphics. The build quality has also improved significantly, with a more premium feel and solid aluminum construction. However, the prices may be a deterrent, as they're higher than some of the competition. My only complaints are the battery life compromise with the 4K screen and the steep price tag. If you need a top-notch Windows Ultrabook, this laptop is almost perfect. Just be prepared for the cost.

Build

The new Dell XPS 13 9300 is almost perfect. The build quality has improved significantly, with a chassis that feels premium and solid aluminum sides. The addition of extra vents and redesigned airways ensures better airflow. The hinge is now stiffer-free, allowing for one-handed opening. The carbon fiber composite finish on the interior adds a touch of luxury and protects against fingerprints. The laptop's compact design is achieved through the use of a 16:10 aspect ratio display and thin bezels, resulting in a sleek and modern look. You might prefer Dell XPS 13 9310, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.

Display

The Dell XPS 13 2020 is an almost perfect laptop, with a few minor complaints. One of its standout features is the display, which boasts exceptional quality and color accuracy. Our model has a higher-than-4K resolution, great brightness (500 nits), and a clean design with thin bezels. The 16:10 aspect ratio adds more vertical space, making it ideal for productivity. While it's not perfect, the display is certainly one of the laptop's strongest features. It's a shame that choosing this laptop means opting for either battery life or viewing experience - we wish Dell offered a compromise between the two. For a superior display, Dell XPS 13 9310 could be the right choice.

Performance

The Dell XPS 13 9300 boasts impressive performance, thanks to its 10nm i7 processor and G7 graphics. The CPU scores are about 30% higher in Geekbench 5 tests compared to last year's model, making it more efficient while staying cooler. Graphics performance is also significantly improved, with a score of over 80% faster than the previous XPS 13. This allows for light gaming capabilities and better app performance. Overall, the laptop's performance is excellent, making it a top-notch option for those seeking a powerful and efficient Windows Ultrabook. A better alternative might be Dell Inspiron 13 7306, featuring a next-level performance.

Battery and Charging

The Dell XPS 13 9300's battery life is decent, lasting around 5-6 hours with the 4K screen and 9-10 hours with the 1080p model in real-world mixed-use scenarios. The device charges quickly via USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports. However, the battery upgrade option for future proofing is a welcome feature, making it easier to swap out the battery when needed. Overall, the battery life is satisfactory but not outstanding.

Connectivity

The Dell XPS 13 9300 offers improved connectivity features. It boasts two full-speed Thunderbolt 3 ports, a micro SD card slot, and Wi-Fi 6 reception, which is slightly better than the MacBook Air. However, port selection is somewhat limited, lacking an additional USB-C port found on last year's model. If you’re after a better connectivity, Dell XPS 13 9310 could be the ideal option.

Features

The Dell XPS 13 9300 boasts impressive features. It has a 10nm i7 processor, new graphics, and 16GB RAM. The laptop is super thin, light, and compact with a premium aluminum chassis. It also features a fingerprint sensor, proper webcam angle, and Windows Hello support, as well as exceptional display quality with over 4k resolution and great color accuracy. Dell XPS 13 9340 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.

Support and Maintenance

Dell's XPS 13 9300 is almost perfect, with a surprising amount of improvements over last year's model. The company has listened to reviewers and improved issues such as build quality, performance, and display quality.

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