When it comes to premium laptops, Dell’s XPS lineup stands tall among the competition. For tech enthusiasts, gamers, and laptop buyers, trying to decide between the Dell XPS 15 and XPS 17 can be a daunting task. Both machines have their unique strengths, and this blog post will break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Review Overview
The Dell XPS series has long been revered for its impeccable design, powerful performance, and innovative features. In this comprehensive review, we’re comparing the Dell XPS 15 and XPS 17 across various parameters to help you decide which one aligns better with your needs.
We’ll explore key differences, from display quality and battery life to CPU performance and benchmark results. Whether you’re a gamer, a professional content creator, or someone looking for a reliable laptop, this guide has got you covered.
Key Differences
Case
The Dell XPS 15 and XPS 17, while similar in design, have distinct dimensions and build features. The XPS 15 is more compact and lightweight, making it a more portable option. With its 15.6-inch screen, it offers a good balance between screen real estate and portability. On the other hand, the XPS 17, with its massive 17-inch display, provides a more immersive experience, albeit at the cost of increased weight and size.
Both models boast a sleek aluminum chassis with carbon fiber palm rests, providing durability and comfort. The hinge mechanism is robust, ensuring the screen stays put at your preferred angle. However, the larger footprint of the XPS 17 can make it less convenient for frequent travelers.
Display
The display quality is a critical aspect for many users, and both models excel in this department. The XPS 15 comes with a 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display, available in Full HD+ and 4K UHD+ resolutions. Meanwhile, the XPS 17 offers a 17-inch screen with the same resolution options.
The 4K UHD+ display on both models is stunning, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional brightness. The larger screen of the XPS 17 enhances the visual experience, making it an excellent choice for content creators and gamers who crave more screen real estate.
Battery
Battery life is a crucial factor for any laptop buyer. The XPS 15 features a 56WHr or 86WHr battery, depending on the configuration, while the XPS 17 comes with a 97WHr battery. This difference means the XPS 17 can last longer on a single charge, which is beneficial for those who need extended battery performance.
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
XPS 15
For programming and coding tasks, the XPS 15’s battery performs admirably. With moderate usage, including running IDEs, browsers, and occasional video playback, you can expect around 8-10 hours of battery life. This makes it a reliable companion for developers on the go.
XPS 17
The XPS 17, with its larger battery, offers even more impressive battery life for coding tasks. Users can anticipate around 10-12 hours of continuous use, making it an excellent choice for extended coding sessions without worrying about frequent recharges.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
XPS 15
When it comes to web browsing, the XPS 15’s battery life is quite satisfactory. Light browsing, including streaming videos and multitasking, can stretch the battery life to around 9-11 hours. This ensures you stay productive throughout the day.
XPS 17
With web browsing, the XPS 17 excels due to its larger battery capacity. Users can enjoy up to 11-13 hours of browsing, making it a great option for those who spend long hours online, whether for work or leisure.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
XPS 15
Under full brightness and CPU-intensive tasks, the XPS 15’s battery life understandably takes a hit. For activities like video rendering or gaming, expect around 4-6 hours of usage. It’s still decent, but not groundbreaking.
XPS 17
In similar high-demand scenarios, the XPS 17 shines brighter. Its larger battery can sustain around 6-8 hours of intensive use, providing a noticeable edge for power users who require more stamina from their devices.
CPU
XPS 15
The XPS 15 is powered by Intel’s 10th or 11th Gen processors, offering a range of options from i5 to i9. These CPUs deliver robust performance for everyday tasks and can handle more demanding applications like video editing and gaming with ease.
XPS 17
Similarly, the XPS 17 is equipped with Intel’s latest processors, ranging from i5 to i9. However, the larger chassis allows for better cooling, which can translate to sustained performance during prolonged use.
CPU Performance Comparisons
Web Browsing Performance
For web browsing, both the XPS 15 and XPS 17 perform exceptionally well. The difference in real-world performance is negligible, with both models delivering smooth and responsive browsing experiences, even with multiple tabs open.
Photo and Video Editing
In photo and video editing tasks, the XPS 17’s larger screen and better thermal management give it an edge. The enhanced cooling system allows for sustained performance during long editing sessions, making it a better choice for creative professionals.
Exporting 4K/8K Videos
When exporting high-resolution videos, the XPS 17 again takes the lead. The combination of a powerful CPU and efficient cooling results in faster export times, which is crucial for professionals working under tight deadlines.
Benchmarks
3D Marks
In 3D Mark benchmarks, both laptops perform admirably, but the XPS 17’s superior cooling allows it to maintain higher clock speeds, resulting in slightly better scores. Gamers and those using 3D modeling software will appreciate this difference.
Cinebench
Cinebench tests reveal that both laptops handle multi-core workloads well. However, the XPS 17’s enhanced cooling system gives it a slight advantage in sustained performance, making it a better option for heavy-duty tasks.
Userbenchmark
Userbenchmark results show similar trends, with the XPS 17 edging out the XPS 15 in both single-core and multi-core performance. This further underscores the XPS 17’s suitability for power users.
Graphics Card
XPS 15
The XPS 15 offers NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti or RTX 3050 options, providing solid graphics performance for gaming and creative tasks. It’s a capable machine for most users, delivering smooth gameplay and efficient rendering.
XPS 17
The XPS 17, on the other hand, comes with more powerful graphics options, including the RTX 3060. This makes it a superior choice for gamers and professionals who need top-tier graphics performance.
RAM and Storage
Both the XPS 15 and XPS 17 offer ample RAM and storage options, with configurations up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. This ensures you have plenty of memory for multitasking and sufficient storage for large files and applications.
Sound
XPS 15
The XPS 15’s speakers deliver clear and robust sound, making it great for media consumption. The integration of Waves Nx 3D audio technology provides an immersive audio experience.
XPS 17
The XPS 17 takes audio a step further with its quad-speaker design, offering even richer and more immersive sound. This makes it a better choice for those who prioritize audio quality in their laptops.
Connectivity
Both models come equipped with a range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, and an SD card reader. The inclusion of these ports ensures compatibility with various peripherals and accessories, enhancing the overall user experience.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Dell XPS 15 and XPS 17 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability and a balanced performance, the XPS 15 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a powerhouse with a larger display and superior cooling, the XPS 17 stands out.
Both models offer exceptional build quality, performance, and features, ensuring you get a premium experience regardless of your choice. For tech enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals, these Dell XPS laptops represent some of the best options in the market today.
Ready to experience the power of Dell XPS? Explore more and make your choice today!
| Feature | Dell XPS 15 | Dell XPS 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13700H / i9-13900H (13th Gen) | Intel Core i7-13700H / i9-13900H (13th Gen) |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB DDR5 (Upgradeable) | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB DDR5 (Upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD (Upgradeable) | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD (Upgradeable) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 / 4060 / 4070 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 / 4070 / 4080 |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) or UHD+ (3840 x 2400) OLED | 17-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) or UHD+ (3840 x 2400) IPS |
| Battery | 86 WHr, Up to 12 hours | 97 WHr, Up to 11 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home / Pro | Windows 11 Home / Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 1.81 kg (3.99 lbs) | Approx. 2.21 kg (4.87 lbs) |
| Ports | 3 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack | 4 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Keyboard | Edge-to-edge Backlit Keyboard | Edge-to-edge Backlit Keyboard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR Camera with Windows Hello | 1080p FHD IR Camera with Windows Hello |
| Audio | Quad Speakers with Waves Nx 3D Audio | Quad Speakers with Waves Nx 3D Audio |
| Build Quality | CNC-machined aluminum chassis | CNC-machined aluminum chassis |
| Security Features | TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, IR Camera with Windows Hello | TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, IR Camera with Windows Hello |
| Price Range | Starts around $1,800 | Starts around $2,200 |
