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| New Dell XPS 13 laptop |
The new configuration challenges Apple's MacBook Air M5 with premium features and a surprisingly light build
Dell has been on a roll this year with its XPS lineup, launching several impressive models including the XPS 14 and XPS 16, alongside a MacBook Neo rival powered by the Core 5 320. Now, the company is adding another feather to its cap with the new XPS 13 configuration featuring Intel's Core Ultra 7 355 processor – a model we first reported on back in June 2026 when Dell announced its latest lineup.
If you're in the market for a premium ultraportable, the Dell XPS 13 2026 deserves your attention. Let's dive into what makes this sleek machine tick.
A Featherweight Contender
One of the most impressive aspects of the new XPS 13 is its portability. Starting at just 1 kg (2.2 lbs) and measuring a mere 12.7 mm thick, this laptop actually undercuts the 13-inch MacBook Air M5, which weighs in at 1.23 kg. That's a significant difference when you're carrying it through airports or commuting daily.
The compact form factor doesn't compromise on display quality either. The 13.4-inch touchscreen features a crisp 2,560 x 1,600-pixel resolution with a variable refresh rate ranging from 30 to 120 Hz. Brightness reaches an impressive 500 nits, while color coverage hits 100% of the DCI-P3 color space. Add in VESA DisplayHDR 400 and Dolby Vision support, and you've got a screen that's equally suited for creative work and entertainment.
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| Dell XPS 13 ports |
At the heart of this machine lies Intel's Core Ultra 7 355 processor – a chip that's making waves in the ultraportable space. According to the XPS 13 Wildcat Lake architecture details, this processor delivers a compelling balance of performance and efficiency.
Dell offers configurations with either 16 GB or 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory, paired with a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD. That gives you four RAM and storage combinations to choose from, catering to everyone from everyday users to power professionals.
Battery Life and Charging
The XPS 13 houses a 52 Wh battery and ships with a 65 W USB-C GaN Slim AC adapter – a compact charger that won't weigh down your bag. For context, the MacBook Air M5 features a slightly larger 53.8 Wh battery but comes with either a 30 W or 35 W adapter depending on configuration. Apple does support fast charging with a 70 W or higher USB-PD power source, but Dell's included 65 W adapter offers a nice middle ground.
Premium Features Throughout
Dell hasn't skimped on the extras. The XPS 13 comes equipped with:
- A dual-fan cooling system to keep things running smoothly
- A precision touchpad for accurate navigation
- An 8 W quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support
- A 2 MP FHD IR camera for crisp video calls and Windows Hello authentication
- Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support for high-speed data transfer and display connectivity
How It Compares
For those who prefer a larger screen, Dell also offers a 14-inch model with the same Core Ultra 7 355 processor. Our XPS 14 review earlier this year highlighted just how capable this processor is across different form factors.
If you're considering alternatives, you might want to check out the Core 5 320 model on Amazon, which offers a more budget-friendly entry point into Dell's premium laptop lineup.
Price and Availability
The Core Ultra 7 355 configurations are currently available on Dell's official website with the following pricing:
| Configuration | Price (yuan) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| 16 GB / 512 GB | 14,464 yuan | ~$2,145 |
| 16 GB / 1 TB | 16,449 yuan | ~$2,440 |
| 32 GB / 512 GB | 18,027 yuan | ~$2,674 |
| 32 GB / 1 TB | 20,011 yuan | ~$2,968 |
The new configurations are currently available in China, while Dell has yet to announce availability in other markets. Given Dell's typical global rollout patterns, we expect to see these models in other regions in the coming months.
Final Thoughts
The XPS 13 with Core Ultra 7 355 represents Dell's commitment to pushing boundaries in the ultraportable space. It's lighter than the MacBook Air M5, offers a premium display, and delivers Intel's latest processing power in an incredibly sleek package. While the pricing sits firmly in the premium tier, the combination of features, build quality, and portability makes it a compelling option for professionals and power users.
Stay tuned for our full review when we get our hands on a review unit for more detailed performance testing and real-world usage analysis.
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