A capable AI PC, but Windows on Arm issues remain

It is solely been 4 months since we reviewed the latest Intel version of the XPS 13, however now Dell has launched a mannequin constructed for Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI PC initiative. It is working Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite chip, making it an Arm-based laptop computer just like the recent Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. However with that mobile-focused {hardware} comes new expectations: Extra battery effectivity than Intel’s x86 chips, as nicely dramatically sooner AI capabilities because of its beefier NPU (neural processing unit). As with all Arm-based Home windows programs, although, there’s additionally the potential for hassle with older x86 apps, which can run slowly via emulation or just not launch in any respect.

It is undoubtedly a chaotic time for the PC trade, as chipmakers and PC corporations construct for an unsure AI-powered future. For customers, that simply means confusion. That is partially why Microsoft kicked off the Copilot+ program to start with, because it requires system makers to incorporate not less than 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and an NPU with not less than 40 TOPS (tera-ops per second) of AI efficiency. If it says Copilot+ on the field, it ought to be a good PC.

So does this XPS 13 dwell as much as the Copilot+ branding? Largely, it seems. And it is fascinating to see the way it compares to the present Intel model of the exact same product.

Dell

The XPS 13 is a succesful and trendy Copilot+ PC, nevertheless it’s nonetheless slower than the Intel mannequin at occasions and doesn’t run some video games and apps. Battery life can be surprisingly common.

Execs

• Sooner than the Intel XPS 13 in some benchmarks
• 45TOPS NPU is healthier outfitted for future AI options
• Beautiful design
• Wonderful thin-bezel display

Cons

• Home windows on Arm nonetheless runs some apps slowly and fails to launch some video games
• Present AI options are pretty middling
• Common battery life
• Contentious trackpad and capacitive operate buttons

$1,299 at Dell

What’s new concerning the XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC?

The largest addition to this XPS 13 — and the principle motive we’re reviewing it — is that Snapdragon X Elite chip. Every thing else about this XPS 13 is identical because the earlier iteration. There’s its strikingly minimalist design, with an “invisible” touchpad that blends into the wrist relaxation, in addition to large-capped keys working edge-to-edge. And remember the capacitive operate row, which stays a baffling characteristic.

If you would like a deeper tackle the XPS 13’s design, simply check out my previous review. Briefly, although, it is a machine that principally prioritizes seems over usability. It is mild, sturdy and dramatically completely different from each different laptop computer on the market. However to get there, Dell made the trackpad more durable to make use of (it is not fairly as correct as Apple’s MacBooks or Microsoft’s Floor PCs), and its capacitive operate row is just a ache.

As for the XPS 13’s new Snapdragon X Elite chip, it options 12 cores working as much as 3.4GHz, with a dual-core boot reaching 4GHz. As compared, the Intel variant’s Core Extremely 7 155H chip affords 16 cores and reaches as much as 4.8GHz. Qualcomm has the benefit with a extra highly effective 45 TOPS NPU, in comparison with Intel’s 10 TOPS, however I haven’t discovered that to make an enormous distinction with the few AI options in Home windows 11 at the moment. Because the benchmarks under present, larger chip numbers do not at all times result in higher efficiency.

What’s good concerning the XPS 13 Copilot+?

Briefly, this XPS 13 delivers most of what you’d need from a contemporary ultraportable, whereas additionally getting ready you for a possible future with extra AI-powered apps and options. It’s engaging, quick (for many apps, anyway) and durable. It’s additionally the proper system if you wish to stand out a bit, because it seems not like another laptop computer on the market.

• It runs most productiveness apps nicely, and had no drawback multitasking after I had dozens of tabs open throughout Chrome and Edge, whereas video conferencing in Zoom and chatting with colleagues on Slack.

• Throughout most benchmarks like Geekbench 6 and Cinebench 2024, this XPS 13 simply trounced its Intel sibling by a number of thousand factors.

• Qualcomm’s 45 TOPS Snapdragon X Elite NPU makes the Copilot+ XPS 13 extra future-proof than the present Intel mannequin.

• Battery life was glorious, reaching a median of 17 hours and 47 minutes after working the PCMark 10 Functions battery benchmark twice. It is price noting it took a number of software program updates to get to this consequence, however our testing persistently exhibits it holding round that point. As compared, the Intel XPS 13 lasted for 13 hours and quarter-hour. Microsoft’s Floor Professional Copilot+ system, in the meantime, ran for twelve hours and quarter-hour within the Functions take a look at.

• Dell’s XPS 13 keyboard is lusciously broad and delivers glorious suggestions. It could take a little bit of getting used to although, for the reason that spacing differs from most different notebooks.

• I examined the XPS 13’s base-level 1080p+ non-touchscreen show, and whereas it wasn’t as superb because the OLED-equipped XPS units I’ve seen, it nonetheless regarded sharp and colourful.

• As at all times, Dell’s skinny InfinityEdge bezels additionally assist the display pop much more.

What’s unhealthy concerning the XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC?

Take many of the downsides from the Intel model of the XPS 13, in addition to issues nonetheless plaguing Arm-based Home windows units just like the Surface Pro, and you have the large points with the XPS 13 Copilot+ PC.

• Some emulated x86 apps like Evernote run into noticeable slowdowns. I usually encountered lag when switching between notes, in addition to scrolling down lengthy paperwork.

• The built-in AI options in Paint and Pictures are largely ineffective, and it is nonetheless unclear when the long-awaited Recall characteristic will arrive for normal customers.

• We additionally do not know when to anticipate another AI options within the OS, or when different builders will begin releasing extra AI capabilities of their apps.

• Video games like Fortnite, Future 2 and League of Legends will not run on the XPS 13, as a result of their anti-cheat software program is not suitable with Arm chips.

• I am nonetheless not a fan of the XPS 13’s invisible trackpad. It is generally exhausting to find and swiping round is not as clean as on Apple’s MacBook Air.

• The XPS 13 desperately wants greater than two USB-C ports, in any other case many customers might be caught dwelling the dongle life.

• The capacitive operate row nonetheless disappears in direct daylight and it is inconceivable to make use of with out straight taking a look at it. In spite of everything, it is exhausting to construct up contact typing reminiscence with out bodily keys.

Do you have to purchase the XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC?

The XPS 13 sometimes begins at $1,300 with the Snapdragon X Elite chip, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. On the time of this evaluation, it’s at present on sale for $999, nevertheless it’s unclear how lengthy that low cost will final. The Intel mannequin additionally begins at $1,300 with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, however you’ll have so as to add one other $100 to get 16GB of reminiscence. (The Intel XPS 13 was just lately marked right down to $1,200, so don’t be stunned for those who see Dell’s costs fluctuate often.)

If you happen to want a robust 13-inch laptop computer proper now, the XPS 13 Copilot+ is a stable alternative. Simply be cautious of the downsides and potential software program points I discussed above. If you happen to’re on the fence, although, it could be price ready till Dell refreshes the XPS 13 as soon as once more with Intel’s new Lunar Lake CPU. That is anticipated to reach this fall, and it will characteristic an NPU that is even sooner than the Snapdragon X Elite’s. And because it’s an x86 chip, the Lunar Lake XPS 13 will not need to emulate older software program, and it’ll additionally be capable of run video games like Fortnite.

Replace 8/30 11:10AM: After putting in the newest updates from Dell and Home windows, the XPS 13’s battery life jumped to 17:38 in PCMark 10’s benchmark. We have repeated this take a look at twice to substantiate the upper determine. For that reason, we’re rising the XPS 13’s rating from 80 to 84.