Dell XPS 13 13.4" 120Hz Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these alternatives compare

Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 variant shares the same 13.4-inch 120Hz display and 2.2-pound weight as the top pick. It also includes 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The primary difference lies in the specific processor configuration, which may offer slightly different performance characteristics for daily tasks. You get the same ultra-thin 0.5-inch profile and Sky color option. If you want the exact same portability and screen quality but prefer a different internal chip configuration, this model serves as a direct substitute. The connectivity and build quality remain identical to the original XPS 13, ensuring a consistent user experience for travelers and students.

Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7 120Hz Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 model upgrades the memory to 16GB of RAM while keeping the 13.4-inch 120Hz screen and 512GB SSD. The trade-off is a heavier 2.7-pound build compared to the 2.2-pound original. It uses a Core Ultra 7 processor, offering more multitasking power than the Core 5 in the main pick. You gain better performance for demanding workflows but sacrifice some portability. This model suits professionals who need extra RAM for heavy applications and do not mind carrying an extra half-pound. The screen and refresh rate remain the same, preserving the visual smoothness you likely value in the original choice.

Acer Swift 16 AI OLED 120Hz Laptop

The Acer Swift 16 shifts to a larger 16-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, providing more screen real estate and vibrant colors. It weighs 3 pounds and includes 8GB of RAM with a 512GB SSD. You gain a bigger canvas for media and content creation but lose the compact 13.4-inch form factor of the Dell XPS 13. The OLED panel offers superior contrast, though the laptop is heavier and thicker at 0.96 inches. This pick fits users who prioritize display quality and size over extreme portability. It is a solid alternative if you work in stationary environments or carry the laptop in a bag rather than a sleeve.

Apple MacBook Neo 13-Inch A18 Pro

The Apple MacBook Neo 13-inch offers a 13-inch display with 512GB of storage. It uses the A18 Pro chip and lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found in the Dell options. You get Apple’s ecosystem integration and potentially better battery efficiency, but you sacrifice the high-refresh smoothness and Windows compatibility. The build quality is distinct, and the screen size is slightly smaller than the 13.4-inch Dell. This model suits students and users already invested in the Apple ecosystem who value portability and battery life over screen refresh rates. It is a different platform choice rather than a direct spec-for-spec alternative.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M1 512GB

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M1 features an 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD configuration. It has a 13.3-inch display without a 120Hz refresh rate. You gain the reliability of the M1 chip and excellent battery life, but you lose the high refresh rate and modern portability of the Dell XPS 13. The Air weighs 2.8 pounds, which is heavier than the 2.2-pound Dell. This model fits users who prioritize long battery endurance and macOS compatibility over screen smoothness. It is a budget-friendly entry into Apple’s lineup but does not match the 120Hz visual experience of the Dell alternatives.

Apple 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro

The Apple 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro offers a significantly larger 16-inch display, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It weighs 4.63 pounds, making it much heavier than the 2.2-pound Dell XPS 13. You gain substantial processing power for creative workloads and a larger screen for multitasking. However, you sacrifice extreme portability and do not get a 120Hz refresh rate on the standard model. This pick suits professionals who need heavy CPU and GPU power for video editing or design. It is a desktop replacement rather than a travel companion, fitting users who value performance and screen size over lightweight portability.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Dell XPS 13 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop

Best for: portable productivity and media consumption

Processor

Intel Core 5 320

Memory

8GB RAM

Storage Capacity

512GB PCIe SSD

Screen Size

13.4"

Refresh Rate

120Hz

Display Resolution

2560 x 1600

View on Amazon: Dell XPS 13 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop

The Dell XPS 13 offers a 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It uses an Intel Core 5 320 processor and 8GB of RAM. The 512GB SSD provides storage. Weighing 2.2 lbs, it is highly portable. This laptop suits users who need a sharp, responsive display for everyday tasks and productivity on the go.

Pros

• 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560x1600) touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate
• Intel Core 5 320 processor with 6 cores
• Lightweight 2.2 lbs design with 0.5-inch thin profile
• 512GB PCIe SSD for fast storage access

Cons

• 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking capabilities
• No dedicated graphics card for gaming
• 13.4-inch screen size is small for some workflows

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight laptop for travel
• You want a high-resolution 120Hz display
• You prioritize portability over raw power

Skip if

• You require 16GB or more RAM
• You need a dedicated GPU for gaming
• You prefer a larger screen size

Verdict: Dell XPS 13 13.4" 120Hz is a solid choice for travelers who value a sharp, smooth display and light weight. It fits users who need reliable performance for daily tasks without heavy gaming or video editing demands.

2 Also great

Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop

Best for: portable productivity and media consumption

Processor

Intel Core 5 320

Memory

8GB LPDDR5x

Storage Capacity

512GB PCIe NVMe SSD

Screen Size

13.4"

Refresh Rate

120Hz

Display Resolution

2560 x 1600

View on Amazon: Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an Intel Core 5 320 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Weighing just 2.2 lbs, it offers up to 17 hours of battery life. It includes an 8-in-1 dock for connectivity. This laptop suits students and remote workers who need portability and a smooth display for everyday tasks.

Pros

• 13.4-inch 2560x1600 touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate
• Ultra-light 2.2 lbs design for easy travel
• Up to 17 hours of battery life
• Includes 8-in-1 dock for expanded ports

Cons

• 8GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
• Only two USB-C ports on the chassis
• No dedicated graphics card for gaming

Good fit if

• You prioritize a lightweight laptop for commuting
• You need a high-refresh-rate touchscreen for smooth visuals
• You want included dongles for connectivity

Skip if

• You require more than 8GB of RAM
• You need native HDMI or USB-A ports
• You plan to run demanding 3D games

Verdict: Dell XPS 13 13.4" 120Hz is a portable option for users who value screen smoothness and battery life over raw processing power. It fits professionals who travel frequently and need a reliable device for office work.

3 Best premium

Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7 120Hz Laptop

Best for: portable productivity and smooth daily use

Graphics Card

Intel Arc Graphics

Processor

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

Memory

16GB LPDDR5X

Storage Capacity

512GB SSD

Screen Size

13.4"

Refresh Rate

120Hz

View on Amazon: Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7 120Hz Laptop

The Dell XPS 13 9350 offers a 13.4-inch 120Hz FHD+ display in a 2.7-pound chassis. It uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. This configuration supports Windows 11 Professional and includes Wi-Fi 7. You get solid performance for multitasking and local AI tasks. It suits users who need a lightweight, premium ultrabook with a smooth high-refresh screen.

Pros

• 13.4-inch 120Hz variable refresh rate display
• Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor with 47 TOPS NPU
• 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD
• Lightweight 2.7-pound design
• Windows 11 Professional operating system

Cons

• FHD+ resolution is lower than the 2.5K touchscreens on other list picks
• Integrated Intel Arc Graphics limits serious gaming
• No dedicated NVIDIA GPU for accelerated creative workloads

Good fit if

• You prioritize a smooth 120Hz display for daily scrolling
• You need a lightweight laptop under 3 pounds for travel
• You want Windows 11 Professional for business features

Skip if

• You require a high-resolution 2.5K or higher display
• You need dedicated graphics for gaming or 3D rendering
• You prefer a touchscreen display for navigation

Verdict: Dell XPS 13 13.4" 120Hz is a strong choice for professionals who value portability and a high-refresh screen over maximum pixel density. It fits users who need reliable multitasking power without carrying a heavy device.

4 Best budget

Acer Swift 16 AI OLED 120Hz Laptop

Best for: OLED display lovers on a budget

Graphics Card

Intel Arc Graphics

Processor

Intel Ultra 5 125H

Memory

8GB

Storage Capacity

512GB SSD

Screen Size

16"

Refresh Rate

120Hz

View on Amazon: Acer Swift 16 AI OLED 120Hz Laptop

This Acer Swift 16 AI laptop features a 16-inch WQXGA+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It uses an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor and Intel Arc Graphics. The system includes 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. You get a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader for security. It runs Windows 11 Professional and supports Killer Wi-Fi 6E. This model suits users who need a sharp, smooth screen for creative work or general tasks.

Pros

• 16-inch WQXGA+ (3200x2000) OLED 120Hz display
• Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor
• Intel Arc Graphics
• Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader
• Killer Wi-Fi 6E connectivity

Cons

• Only 8GB of RAM limits multitasking
• 512GB SSD storage is modest
• 3-pound weight adds bulk to the bag

Good fit if

• You want a high-resolution OLED screen
• You need a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
• You prefer Windows 11 Professional

Skip if

• You require more than 8GB of RAM for heavy workloads
• You need a lighter laptop under 2.5 pounds
• You prefer a 13-inch display size

Verdict: Acer Swift 16 AI 16" OLED fits users who prioritize a vibrant, high-refresh-rate display for content creation or media consumption. It is a solid pick if you do not mind limited RAM and storage.

5 Also great

Apple MacBook Neo 13-Inch A18 Pro

Best for: portable everyday student use

Processor

A18 Pro chip

Memory

8GB Unified Memory

Storage Capacity

512GB SSD

Screen Size

13-inch

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Neo 13-Inch A18 Pro

The MacBook Neo pairs an A18 Pro chip with 8GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. It features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with 1 billion colors and up to 16 hours of battery life. This aluminum laptop is designed for everyday tasks and AI features. It suits students and users who prioritize portability and long battery life over high refresh rate displays.

Pros

• A18 Pro chip for AI capabilities
• 13-inch Liquid Retina display with 1 billion colors
• Up to 16 hours of battery life
• 512GB SSD storage capacity
• Durable aluminum design

Cons

• 8GB unified memory limits multitasking
• Standard refresh rate display lacks 120Hz smoothness
• No dedicated graphics processor listed

Good fit if

• You need all-day battery life for classes
• You want a lightweight laptop for travel
• You rely on Apple Intelligence features

Skip if

• You require a high refresh rate screen
• You need more than 8GB of RAM
• You prefer Windows compatibility

Verdict: Apple MacBook Neo 13-inch A18 Pro is a solid choice for students who value battery life and portability. It fits users who do not need high refresh rates or extensive multitasking capabilities.

6 Also great

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M1 512GB

Best for: portable everyday computing and study

Processor

Apple M1 chip

Memory

8GB

Storage Capacity

512GB SSD

Screen Size

13.3-inch

Dimensions

12 × 10 × 10 inches

Weight

3.75 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M1 512GB

This renewed Apple MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch Retina display and the Apple M1 chip. It includes 8GB of unified memory and 512GB of SSD storage. The M1 processor offers an 8-core CPU and up to 8 GPU cores. You get up to 18 hours of battery life. It weighs 3.75 pounds. This laptop suits users who prioritize portability and efficient performance for everyday tasks and light creative work.

Pros

• Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU
• Up to 18 hours of battery life
• 512GB SSD storage capacity
• 13.3-inch Retina display with P3 wide color

Cons

• Only 8GB of unified memory
• Heavier at 3.75 pounds compared to ultralight competitors
• Older 2020 model design

Good fit if

• You need long battery life for travel
• You prefer a compact 13.3-inch screen
• You want fast performance for basic tasks

Skip if

• You require high-end gaming graphics
• You need more than 8GB of RAM
• You prefer a 120Hz refresh rate display

Verdict: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch is a solid choice for students and travelers who value battery endurance and portability over raw power or high refresh rates.

7 Also great

Apple 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro

Best for: heavy creative workloads and battery life

Processor

Apple M1 Pro

Memory

16GB RAM

Storage Capacity

512GB SSD

Screen Size

16-inch

Dimensions

14 × 9.77 × 0.66 inches

Weight

4.63 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro

This 16-inch MacBook Pro uses the Apple M1 Pro chip with a 10-core CPU and up to 32-core GPU. It includes 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The device weighs 4.63 pounds and measures 14 by 9.77 inches. It offers up to 17 hours of battery life. You should consider this model if you need high performance for graphics-intensive tasks or pro workflows.

Pros

• Apple M1 Pro chip with 10-core CPU
• Up to 32-core GPU for graphics performance
• 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage
• Up to 17-hour battery life

Cons

• 16-inch screen is larger than the 13.4-inch alternatives
• 4.63-pound weight is heavier than the 2.2-pound competitor
• No 120Hz display refresh rate specified

Good fit if

• You need powerful GPU performance for creative work
• You prioritize long battery life over portability
• You prefer a larger 16-inch display

Skip if

• You require a lightweight laptop under 3 pounds
• You need a 120Hz refresh rate display
• You want a 13.4-inch form factor

Verdict: Apple 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro delivers strong CPU and GPU power for heavy workloads. It fits users who value screen real size and battery endurance more than thin portability.

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