Dell is bringing the XPS brand back into the spotlight with a new XPS 13 laptop aimed at students and young professionals who want something sleek without paying premium laptop prices. The new model is designed as a response to Apple’s MacBook Neo and starts at $599 for eligible students and $699 for everyone else.
Just like the Neo, the XPS 13 features an aluminum unibody, giving it a premium feel. It’s also Dell’s thinnest XPS laptop, at 12.7mm thick and weighing just 2.2 pounds. Thin, light, and upgradeable, the XPS 13 is designed to be a proper laptop, not a backup or starter option like the Neo.
A Touchscreen, Wi-Fi 7, and Long Battery Life
The new XPS 13 features a 2.5K touchscreen display built with an LCD panel. It covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, delivering richer, more accurate colors for streaming, photo editing, or watching movies.
The company also included variable refresh rate technology that automatically shifts between 30Hz and 120Hz depending on what is happening on screen. This ensures that you not only get smooth visuals but also better battery efficiency.
Speaking of battery life, Dell says the XPS 13 lasts up to 17 hours of streaming, making the laptop better suited for long school days, travel, or work sessions away from an outlet. And for connectivity, the laptop comes with Intel Wi-Fi 7 as a standard feature, alongside faster USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports and Windows Hello support.
Powered for Everyday Work and Multitasking
Under the hood, the new XPS 13 runs on Intel Core Series 3 processors at launch, with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 models arriving later this summer. While the RAM starts at 8GB, as on the MacBook Neo, configurations can include up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory. This will help the system handle multitasking, browser-heavy workflows, and productivity apps more smoothly.
The laptop also features a dual-fan cooling setup designed to keep it running quietly while managing heat under heavier workloads. Plus, it comes with quad speakers, a traditional touchpad, and, unlike the Neo, a backlit keyboard, all of which continue the clean, minimalist XPS design language.
Student Pricing Helps Dell Stand Out
Dell appears to be targeting students with its aggressive pricing. The entry-level XPS 13 starts at $599 for eligible students aged 16 and older during the back-to-school season, while the standard starting price is $699.
You’ll be able to choose from two colorways: Sky and Storm. More powerful models with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and the Storm finish are expected later this summer. With its slim design, touchscreen display, Wi-Fi 7 support, and lower starting price, Dell is making a clear case that premium laptops do not have to come with flagship-level prices.