Dell XPS 13 (2020) Review

The Dell XPS 13 (2020) is a powerhouse. That's due to Dell's bold decision making and unceasing commitment to innovation.  Following up on the excellent XPS 13 (2019), Dell takes its innovation to the next level by removing the last bezel on the company's InfinityEdge display. That means the laptop is virtually borderless, making it the first of its kind.

But that's not all. For $1,749, you get a laptop that's got a larger display with a bigger, more comfortable keyboard and touchpad, all in a chassis that's somehow smaller than its predecessor's. Cosmetic changes aside, the XPS 13 is plenty powerful, with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, and boasts over 12 hours of battery life.  That's why the Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops available.

Dell XPS 13 (2020) face-offs


Editor's Note (updated 8.19.20, originally published 4.2.20): Since the original publish date of this review, we've pitted the Dell XPS 13 against several of its most promising rivals in a series of face-offs. And the laptop has consistently come out on top, retaining its spot as our favorite ultraportable. Be sure to check out our top face-offs.

Dell XPS 13 (2020) pricing and availability

The $1,149 base model of the Dell XPS 13 has a 1-GHz Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, an Intel UHD Graphics GPU and a 1920 x 1200 non-touch display. I had the opportunity to review the $1,749 model, which features a 1.5-GHz Intel Core i7-1065G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD, an Intel Iris Plus GPU and a 1920 x 1200 touch display.

The laptop can also be configured with a 1TB SSD ($150), 2TB SSD ($350) and a 3840 x 2400 touch display ($300). A tricked-out XPS 13 costs $2,309 and gets you the Core i7 processor, 2TB SSD, Windows 10 Pro and a super- high-resolution display. The laptop would also come in the Frost color scheme instead of the usual silver-and-black motif.

Dell XPS 13 (2020) design

From its exterior to its interior, the XPS 13 is a showstopper. The lid's Frost White, anodized aluminum finish is cool to the touch and looks stylish going in and out my bag. The glossy Dell logo looks like a stylish broach, adding just the right amount of sparkle. I'm a fan of the twin-coil hinge that makes opening the laptop with one hand as simple as turning the page of a book.

Once the laptop is open, you'll find more of that winter white theme. Made from Dell's patented glass-fiber weave, the stain-proof Arctic White deck is beautiful. Running my fingers across the textured surface is like ASMR, but for your hands. The keyboard is pushed toward the top of the deck, leaving just enough space for a glass touchpad.