The Dell XPS 13 has long been a favorite among professionals and power users who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. The 2025 iteration refines the formula further, integrating AI capabilities through Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip while maintaining the series’ signature ultra-thin bezels and premium build quality.
After testing the latest model, we found it to be a compelling choice for frequent travelers, business users, and creatives who need a lightweight yet powerful machine. Below, we break down its strengths, weaknesses, and who should consider buying it.
Key Features & Performance
1. Stunning OLED Display with Slim Bezels
The XPS 13 continues to lead with its InfinityEdge display, now upgraded to a 13.4-inch 2880×1800 OLED panel. The near-borderless design maximizes screen real estate, making the laptop feel even more compact than its dimensions suggest. Colors are vibrant (covering 100% DCI-P3), blacks are deep, and brightness reaches 400 nits, making it usable even in well-lit environments14.
2. Snapdragon X Plus Chip with AI Acceleration
Unlike previous Intel-based models, this version runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus, a 10-core ARM processor with a 45 TOPS NPU for AI workloads. In real-world use, this translates to:
Strong battery life (up to 20 hours in light tasks)
Efficient local AI processing (Windows Studio Effects for background blur, eye contact correction in video calls)
Quiet operation (fanless design in most usage scenarios)
However, while performance is smooth for office work and media consumption, some x86 applications still run slower under emulation compared to native ARM apps49.
3. Premium Build & Portability
Weighing just 1.17 kg (2.58 lbs) and measuring 14.8 mm thick, the XPS 13 is one of the lightest 13-inch laptops available. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis feels sturdy, and the frost white ("Mist") color option adds a touch of elegance. The keyboard has larger keycaps than previous models, improving typing comfort, and the glass touchpad remains one of the best in Windows laptops19.
4. Strong Battery Life & Fast Charging
Thanks to the ARM architecture, the 55Wh battery lasts significantly longer than Intel-based ultrabooks. In our testing:
Web browsing/Office work: ~18 hours
Video playback: ~22 hours (at 35% brightness)
Heavy workloads (Photoshop, coding): ~10-12 hours
A 65W USB-C charger can refill the battery to 80% in about an hour49.
Who Should Buy the Dell XPS 13 (2025)?
✅ Frequent travelers – Its lightweight design and long battery life make it ideal for business trips.
✅ Business professionals – The AI-enhanced webcam (1080p + IR for Windows Hello) is great for remote meetings.
✅ Content creators (light editing) – The OLED display is excellent for photo/video work, though heavy video editors may prefer a more powerful GPU.
✅ Students & writers – The keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions.
🚫 Gamers & power users – The integrated Adreno X1 GPU isn’t suited for gaming or 3D rendering.
🚫 Legacy software users – Some x86 apps (especially niche professional tools) may not run optimally.
Where to Buy
The Dell XPS 13 (2025) Snapdragon X Plus Edition is available on Amazon Singapore with configurations starting at 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD.
Final Verdict
The Dell XPS 13 (2025) is a refined ultraportable that excels in portability, display quality, and battery efficiency. While its ARM-based performance isn’t perfect for all use cases, it’s a strong choice for those who prioritize mobility and AI-enhanced productivity. If you need a no-compromise Windows laptop for work and travel, this is one of the best options available today.
Would we recommend it? Yes, with caveats—if you rely on specific x86 apps, check compatibility first. Otherwise, it’s a near-perfect travel companion.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.