- Dell has announced the all-new XPS 13 (9315) and XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315) premium laptop and folio PCs.
- The new XPS 13 has a motherboard 1.8 times smaller than last year’s model, making it the most compact XPS 13 yet.
- Both laptops feature 12th Gen Intel U-series processors, and the 2-in-1 offers optional 5G connectivity.
- The new XPS 13 is available and starts at $999, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 arrives later this summer, with pricing yet to be determined.
While all attention has been focused on the radical XPS 13 Plus (in addition to its high price), Dell had a few more laptops up its sleeve for those who wanted a more conservative yet modern design while also being more affordable.
The new XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1, both model numbers 9315, complete this range offering something for anyone who wants a clean, minimalist laptop.
XPS13 (9315)
The first is the new XPS 13 (9315). At first glance, it’d be easy to dismiss it as just a refresh with its famous CNC-machined aluminum and glass chassis, but with a newer processor and new colors; however, this seriously underestimates the internal work done by Dell.
For one thing, it’s the lightest and thinnest XPS 13 with the smallest footprint. Of course, we are talking about millimeters, but this is noticeable even in photo comparisons. We have a full spec comparison between the new XPS 13 (9315) and last year’s XPS 13 (9310) for those who want a deeper dive.
Dell packed in 12th generation Intel U-series processors (Core i5-1230U or i7-1250U), which have a base power of only 9 watts (compared to 15 in last year’s model) and a maximum turbo power of 29 watts. Although the XPS 13 (9315) is more powerful (and more efficient) than 2021’s XPS 13 (9310), it won’t be as powerful as the more expensive XPS 13 Plus, which runs 28 P-series chips. watts, which is part of the price difference.
Additionally, Dell added human presence detection (Express Connection), Wi-Fi 6Enew colors (Sky, Umber), Bluetooth 5.2, faster LPDDR5-5200 RAM and faster storage (PCIe 4.0) while being just a hair lighter and smaller than last year’s model.
The display is still the same excellent 16:10 13.4-inch with Dolby Vision in 1920×1200 (FHD+) touch or non-touch/anti-reflective or UHD+ (3840×2400) touch and anti-reflective.
To accomplish all this while improving thermals (there’s only one fan now, instead of two), Dell leverages cell phone PCB (printed circuit board) technology when designing the motherboard. This effort allowed the card to be 1.8 times smaller than the previous generation. With that extra space, Dell kept the battery about the same size (51 Wh vs. 52) and installed larger speakers for “deeper bass, louder sound, and better overall sound” with 4 watts output.
While RAM was previously soldered to the motherboard to save space, Dell is also now using an NVMe BGA first SSD, which is only 13% the size of a traditional M.2 2280 SSD (it’s also now integrated into the map) . This x64 LPDDR5 RAM is now also Package on a Package (PoP), a fancy term for stacking components – again, this is something that has never been done in laptops as most use the standards of JEDEC memory.
| XPS13 (9315) | |
|---|---|
| SE | Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu 20.04 |
| Processor | 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1230U, i7-1250U |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5-5200 |
| Chart | Intel Iris Xe |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Display | 13.4 inch, 16:10 aspect ratio, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe |
| 1920 x 1200 (FHD+), 500 nits, 100% sRGB, AG | |
| 1920 x 1200 (FHD+), touch, 500 nits, 100% sRGB, AR | |
| 3840 x 2400 (UHD+), touch, 500 nits, HDR 400, 90% DCI-P3, AR | |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4s |
| audio | Stereo speakers, 4W output, MaxxAudio Pro, Waves Nx 3D, two microphones |
| Wireless | Intel Killer WiFi 6E 1675 (AX211), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Camera | 720p, IR, ambient light sensor, human presence detection |
| Keyboard | 1mm travel, backlight |
| Security | Fingerprint reader, IR camera, HPD |
| Battery | 51Wh |
| Dimensions | 11.63 x 7.85 x 0.55 inches |
| 295.4mm x 199.4mm x 13.99mm | |
| lester | Starting at 2.59 pounds (1.17 kg) |
| Color | Sky, Shadow |
The ports, however, are also reduced as there are now only two Type-Cs. Thunderbolt 4 without Type-A (a dongle is however included in the box). Dell also eliminated the microSD slot and, more controversially, the 3.5 audio jack (there is an optional dongle for the headphone jack).
Pricing for the new XPS 13 starts at $999 (compared to $1,249 for the XPS 13 Plus) and is available to order now. Apart from Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro options, users can also configure the XPS 13 with Ubuntu 20.04.
XPS13 2-in-1 (9315)
Along with the redesigned XPS 13, Dell is bringing back its 13-inch 2-in-1 laptop. However, it is almost unrecognizable from the previous model. Before the XPS13 2-in-1 (7390) was a more traditional laptop with a 360 degree hinge, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The new model looks more like a Surface Pro — a tablet with a detachable keyboard, aka “folio” design. It leans much more towards a tablet than a traditional laptop.
The new XPS XPS features a 13-inch 3K display with HDR400 and the new 9-watt 12th Gen Core i5-1230U or i7-1250U processor (the same as the XPS 13). The XPS 13 2-in-1 looks almost all-screen with Dell’s ultra-thin bezels. With Gorilla Glass 7 and active pen support, the folio design certainly opens the door to more use cases like note taking and drawing compared to the older model.
The XPS 13 2-in-1 is Dell’s first mainstream PC with optional Global 5G (and eSIM). For those who don’t need mobile data, the device reverts to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
And because it’s now a tablet, the XPS 13 2-in-1 has dual cameras. The front is 5MP full HD (which is better than the XPS 13’s 720P) with IR for Windows Hello (a fingerprint reader is also integrated into the power button as another option). On the back, the world-facing camera is a more powerful 11MP and can record up to 4K.
The ports are similar to the XPS 13 and XPS 13 Plus with just two Thunderbolt 4 Type-Cs without a 3.5mm headphone jack.
| XPS13 2-in-1 (9315) | |
|---|---|
| SE | Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Professional |
| Processor | 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1230U, i7-1250U |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x-4266 |
| Chart | Intel Iris Xe |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Display | 13 inch, 3:2 aspect ratio, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe |
| 2880×1920 (3K), touch, 500 nits, HDR 400, 100% sRGB, AR, pen support | |
| Pen | XPS Stylus (sold separately) |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4s |
| audio | Waves MaxxAudio Pro, Waves Nx 3D, two microphones |
| Wireless | Intel Killer WiFi 6E 1675 (AX211), Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| Camera | Front: 1080p, RGB+IR, ambient light sensor |
| Rear: 11MP 4K | |
| Keyboard | Attachable Folio (sold separately), 1mm travel |
| Security | Fingerprint reader, infrared camera |
| Battery | 49.5Wh |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.29 inches |
| 292.5mm x 201.2mm x 7.4mm) | |
| lester | Starting at 1.6 lbs (736g) |
| Folio: 1.23 lb (560 g) | |
| Color | Sky, Slate |
As for some more controversial decisions besides the lack of a headphone jack, the XPS Folio (the name of the non-lattice keyboard with 1.0mm key travel and precision touchpad) and XPS Stylus are sold separately.
Also, this keyboard doesn’t look so much like the Microsoft one, but rather the old-school style where it magnetically sticks to the back of the device, forming a tent-like structure. This is due to the lack of a built-in kickstand with this PC. While this design works well on a desk, it’s not quite as comfortable as the Surface Pro’s angled design and built-in kickstand.
Overall, the new XPS 13 2-in-1 at least stands out from all other non-pro convertible PCs, which works in Dell’s favor. However, it remains to be seen if this radical new folio design will be a hit with consumers and be among the Dell’s Best Laptops.
Availability of the new XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315) is expected later this summer, although pricing has yet to be determined.
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Dell XPS 13 (9315)
The XPS 13 (9315) boasts new capable hardware, human presence detection, and new color options, making it the best choice if you don’t need the XPS 13 Plus (9320).
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