Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Laptop Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Laptop delivers strong AI performance and portability for mobile professionals. If you are looking for dell xps 13 snapdragon laptop alternatives, you might want a different screen size or operating system. This list compares 6 similar picks that share key specifications with the original model.
The original device features a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, and a bright 13.4-inch 2K display. It weighs around 2.6 pounds and includes Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Buyers may prefer the Apple MacBook Air for its M5 chip efficiency or the Microsoft Surface Laptop for its touchscreen. The Lenovo LOQ offers an RTX 5050 GPU for gaming tasks. These alternatives were chosen because their specs overlap with the original, giving you options for storage, display size, or brand preference.
How the Alternatives Compare
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5 1TB
The MacBook Air 13-inch M5 uses Apple’s M5 chip and 16GB of unified memory with 1TB of storage. It weighs 2.71 pounds and measures 0.44 inches thick, making it slightly heavier but thinner than the Dell XPS 13. You trade the Snapdragon X Elite processor and Windows 11 Pro for macOS and Apple’s ecosystem. This model offers a different performance profile optimized for mobile student tasks. It gives up the 120Hz refresh rate and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity found in the Dell. If you prioritize battery life and a compact design over native x86 compatibility, this is a strong alternative for everyday productivity.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5
The MacBook Air 15-inch M5 provides a larger 15-inch display while retaining the efficient M5 chip and 16GB of unified memory. It includes 512GB of SSD storage, which is half the capacity of the Dell’s 1TB drive. Weighing 3.33 pounds, it is significantly heavier than the 2.6-pound Dell XPS 13. You gain more screen real estate for multitasking but lose the ultra-portable form factor. The device lacks the 30-120Hz variable refresh rate and Wi-Fi 7 support. It is best for students and creators who need a larger screen for media consumption and creative work. You accept the weight increase for a more immersive viewing experience.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 Snapdragon X2 Elite
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 uses the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor and 16GB of RAM with 512GB of storage. It weighs 2.97 pounds and features a high-refresh touchscreen, offering a more interactive experience than the Dell’s non-touch 2K display. The device is slightly thicker at 2.15 inches compared to the Dell’s 0.6-inch profile. You get a premium build and long battery life but sacrifice some portability. It lacks the Dell’s fingerprint reader and seamless glass haptic touchpad. This pick suits professionals who value a smooth, responsive touchscreen for daily productivity. You trade the Dell’s lighter weight and specific AI NPU capabilities for a polished Surface experience.
Microsoft Surface Pro 13-Inch Snapdragon X2 Plus
The Surface Pro 13-inch is a 2-in-1 device with the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It weighs 2.97 pounds and measures 1.97 inches thick, making it bulkier than the Dell XPS 13. You gain a versatile touchscreen form factor suitable for tablet use, which the Dell does not offer. The device lacks the Dell’s backlit keyboard and dedicated trackpad, relying instead on a detachable cover. It provides a different workflow for users who prioritize portability and touch interaction. You give up the traditional laptop layout and the Dell’s 1TB storage capacity. This is ideal for users who want a convertible device for mobile productivity.
Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 5050 Gaming Laptop
The Lenovo LOQ 15.6-inch is a gaming laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 5050 graphics. It weighs 5.28 pounds and is much thicker at 0.94 inches, offering far less portability than the Dell XPS 13. You gain significant gaming performance and a 144Hz refresh rate, which the Dell’s Snapdragon chip cannot match. The device lacks the Dell’s AI-focused NPU and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. It is designed for 1080p gaming rather than mobile professional work. You accept the heavy weight and larger size for raw graphical power. This pick is for gamers who need a larger 15.6-inch display and dedicated GPU capabilities.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 1TB SSD
The MacBook Air 15-inch M2 features an M2 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It weighs 3.3 pounds and is thicker at 0.45 inches, making it heavier and bulkier than the Dell XPS 13. You get a large 15-inch display and ample storage, matching the Dell’s 1TB capacity. However, it lacks the Snapdragon X Elite’s AI performance and the Dell’s 120Hz refresh rate. The device uses older connectivity standards compared to the Dell’s Wi-Fi 7. It is best for users who value a large screen for media consumption and creative tasks. You trade the latest AI features and portability for a proven, large-screen experience.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Laptop
Best for: Mobile professionals needing AI performance and portability
- Processor
- Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100
- Memory
- 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage Capacity
- 1T PCIe NVMe SSD
- Screen Size
- 13.4"
- Refresh Rate
- 30-120Hz
- Display Resolution
- 2K
View on Amazon: Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Laptop Affiliate link
This Dell XPS 13 9345 laptop uses the Snapdragon X Elite processor with 12 cores and a 45 TOPS NPU. It includes 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD. The 13.4-inch 2K display offers a 30-120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness. Weighing 2.6 pounds, it features a CNC aluminum chassis. It runs Windows 11 Pro and supports Wi-Fi 7. This setup suits users needing strong AI performance and portability.
Pros
- Snapdragon X Elite processor with 45 TOPS NPU for AI workflows
- 13.4-inch 2K display with 30-120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
- 16GB LPDDR5X memory and 1TB storage for fast multitasking
- Lightweight 2.6-pound CNC aluminum design with Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- Non-touch display limits interactive use
- Only two USB4 Type-C ports available
- Snapdragon architecture may limit native Windows app compatibility
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight laptop for frequent travel
- You prioritize long battery life and AI features
- You work primarily in web-based or ARM-compatible apps
Skip if
- You require a touch screen for presentations
- You depend on x86-only native Windows software
- You need more than two USB ports without a hub
Verdict: Dell XPS 13 9345 Snapdragon X Elite offers a premium, portable build with strong AI performance for mobile professionals. It fits users who value efficiency and screen quality over native x86 compatibility.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5 1TB
Best for: portable student and mobile work tasks
- Processor
- Apple M5
- Memory
- 16GB Unified Memory
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB SSD
- Screen Size
- 13.6-inch
- Dimensions
- 8.46 × 0.44 × 12 inches
- Weight
- 2.71 pounds
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5 1TB Affiliate link
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with the M5 chip offers a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and 16GB of unified memory. It weighs 2.71 pounds and measures 0.44 inches thick. The device includes a 1TB SSD and supports up to 18 hours of battery life. It connects via two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe. This laptop suits students and mobile users who need a lightweight machine with strong AI performance and all-day endurance.
Pros
- Apple M5 processor with unified memory for fast multitasking
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 1 billion colors
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Lightweight 2.71-pound design at 0.44 inches thick
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging
Cons
- Only two USB-C Thunderbolt ports limit connectivity
- No SD card slot or HDMI port for direct connections
- 13.6-inch screen is smaller than the 15-inch alternative
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight laptop for daily commuting
- You prioritize long battery life over desktop power
- You prefer macOS and Apple ecosystem integration
Skip if
- You require multiple dedicated video outputs
- You need expandable storage beyond the internal SSD
- You prefer Windows-based software compatibility
Verdict: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5 delivers a portable, high-performance experience for students and mobile professionals. It fits buyers who value thin design and battery life over extensive port selection.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5
Best for: Students and creators needing large screen and portability
- Processor
- Apple M5
- Memory
- 16GB Unified Memory
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.3-inch
- Dimensions
- 9.35 × 0.45 × 13.4 inches
- Weight
- 3.33 pounds
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5 Affiliate link
This MacBook Air features a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display and an Apple M5 chip with 16GB of unified memory. It offers up to 18 hours of battery life and includes Wi-Fi 7 support. The design weighs 3.33 pounds and measures 0.45 inches thick. It suits students and creators who need a large screen and strong AI performance in a portable chassis.
Pros
- 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 1 billion colors
- Apple M5 chip with Neural Engine for AI tasks
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging
Cons
- 16GB unified memory may limit heavy multitasking
- No dedicated numeric keypad on the keyboard
- Only two USB-C ports for connectivity
Good fit if
- You need a large 15-inch screen for productivity
- You prioritize long battery life for all-day use
- You want strong AI performance for creative work
Skip if
- You require a dedicated graphics card for gaming
- You need more than 16GB of RAM for professional apps
- You prefer a Windows operating system
Verdict: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5 delivers a large, vibrant display and efficient M5 performance for students and mobile professionals who value portability and battery life over expandable ports or gaming capabilities.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 Snapdragon X2 Elite
Best for: portable productivity with long battery life
- Processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite
- Memory
- 16GB RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 13.8"
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Dimensions
- 12.7 × 9.44 × 2.15 inches
View on Amazon: Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 Snapdragon X2 Elite Affiliate link
The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2026) pairs a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor with 16GB of RAM and a 13.8-inch 120Hz touchscreen. This configuration supports heavy multitasking and AI tools on Windows 11. You get up to 20 hours of video playback and two USB4 ports. It is a premium, lightweight option for users who need a responsive, all-day battery life for daily work and media consumption.
Pros
- Snapdragon X2 Elite processor for AI and multitasking
- 13.8-inch 120Hz PixelSense touchscreen
- Up to 20 hours of video playback battery life
- Two USB4 ports for fast charging and display output
- Lightweight 2.97-pound aluminum chassis
Cons
- Limited to two USB-C ports with no USB-A
- Standard 512GB SSD storage capacity
- No dedicated GPU for gaming
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight laptop with all-day battery life
- You rely on touch input for navigation and editing
- You use AI tools and multitask with many browser tabs
Skip if
- You require extensive legacy port connectivity
- You need high-end graphics for gaming
- You prefer a larger 15-inch display
Verdict: Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 Snapdragon X2 is a solid pick for professionals who value portability and long battery life over raw gaming power or extensive port selection. It fits users who prioritize a smooth, high-refresh touchscreen experience for daily productivity.
Microsoft Surface Pro 13-Inch Snapdragon X2 Plus
Best for: portable 2-in-1 productivity
- Processor
- Snapdragon X2 Plus
- Memory
- 16GB RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 13-inch
- Dimensions
- 12.1 × 8.98 × 1.97 inches
View on Amazon: Microsoft Surface Pro 13-Inch Snapdragon X2 Plus Affiliate link
This 13-inch 2-in-1 laptop uses a Snapdragon X2 Plus processor with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. It features a PixelSense LCD touchscreen and up to 15.5 hours of battery life. The built-in kickstand and optional keyboard let you use it as a tablet or laptop. It suits users who need portability and Windows AI features without a fixed form factor.
Pros
- Snapdragon X2 Plus 10-core processor for responsive performance
- 13-inch PixelSense LCD touchscreen with HDR support
- Up to 15.5 hours of battery life
- Built-in 165-degree fluid kickstand for flexible positioning
- Two USB-C / USB4 ports for connectivity
Cons
- 512GB SSD is smaller than the 1TB options in competing models
- Keyboard and cover are sold separately
- Limited to two USB-C ports without a full-size USB-A option
Good fit if
- You want a tablet that transforms into a laptop
- You need long battery life for mobile work
- You prefer a lightweight 13-inch screen
Skip if
- You require a dedicated numeric keypad
- You need a full-size USB-A port
- You want a traditional clamshell laptop design
Verdict: Microsoft Surface Pro 2026 13-inch is a versatile 2-in-1 for users who prioritize portability and touchscreen interaction over traditional laptop layouts.
Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 5050 Gaming Laptop
Best for: 1080p gaming on a 15.6-inch display
- Graphics Card
- GeForce RTX 5050
- Processor
- Intel Core i7-13650HX
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Screen Size
- 15.6"
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
View on Amazon: Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 5050 Gaming Laptop Affiliate link
This Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop pairs an Intel Core i7-13650HX processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card. You get a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 16GB of RAM. It includes 1TB of storage and Hyperchamber Cooling to manage heat during intense sessions. The device weighs 5.28 pounds and measures 0.94 inches thick, making it a portable option for desktop replacement gaming.
Pros
- Intel Core i7-13650HX processor for strong multitasking
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card for gaming
- 144Hz refresh rate on the 15.6-inch FHD display
- 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage included
- Hyperchamber Cooling system with turbo fans and copper heat pipes
Cons
- FHD resolution is lower than the 1440p or 4K screens on many premium ultrabooks
- 5.28-pound weight is heavier than the 2-3 pound alternatives in this list
- 0.94-inch thickness makes it bulkier than slim productivity laptops
Good fit if
- You want dedicated RTX 5050 graphics for 1080p gaming
- You need a large 15.6-inch screen with high refresh rates
- You prioritize cooling performance and sustained frame rates
Skip if
- You need an ultra-portable device under 4 pounds
- You prefer a high-resolution 1440p or 4K display
- You are looking for a thin-and-light business ultrabook
Verdict: Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 5050 i7 delivers solid 1080p gaming performance with its i7 processor and RTX 5050 GPU. It fits gamers who value screen size and cooling over the portability offered by the lighter alternatives on this list.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 1TB SSD
Best for: Large-screen productivity and media consumption
- Graphics Card
- 10-Core GPU
- Processor
- Apple M2
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.3"
- Display Resolution
- 2880 x 1864
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 1TB SSD Affiliate link
This 15.3-inch laptop uses the Apple M2 chip with 16GB of unified RAM and a 1TB SSD. It features a high-resolution Liquid Retina display and a 10-core GPU. The build is thin at 0.45 inches and weighs 3.3 pounds. It suits users who need a large screen for productivity without the bulk of a desktop replacement. The macOS environment and Force Touch trackpad provide a streamlined experience.
Pros
- 15.3-inch 2880 x 1864 Liquid Retina display
- Apple M2 chip with 16GB unified RAM
- 1TB SSD storage capacity
- 10-core GPU for graphics performance
- Thin 0.45-inch profile and 3.3-pound weight
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 ports limit connectivity options compared to newer standards
- 1080p camera resolution is lower than competitors in this category
- 16GB RAM may be insufficient for heavy professional workloads
Good fit if
- You prioritize a large, high-resolution screen for media and work
- You need ample 1TB storage for large files and apps
- You prefer a lightweight laptop with strong battery life
Skip if
- You require Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C with higher bandwidth
- You need a dedicated graphics card for gaming
- You prefer Windows or Linux operating systems
Verdict: Apple MacBook Air 15 M2 16GB 1TB delivers a premium large-screen experience with fast storage and efficient processing. It fits creative professionals and students who value display quality and portability over raw gaming power.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon Laptop | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5 1TB | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 Snapdragon X2 Elite | Microsoft Surface Pro 13-Inch Snapdragon X2 Plus | Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 5050 Gaming Laptop | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 1TB SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics Card | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | GeForce RTX 5050 | 10-Core GPU |
| Processor | Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 | Apple M5 | Apple M5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite | Snapdragon X2 Plus | Intel Core i7-13650HX | Apple M2 |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X | 16GB Unified Memory | 16GB Unified Memory | 16GB RAM | 16GB RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage Capacity | 1T PCIe NVMe SSD | 1TB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 1TB | 1TB SSD |
| Screen Size | 13.4" | 13.6-inch | 15.3-inch | 13.8" | 13-inch | 15.6" | 15.3" |
| Refresh Rate | 30-120Hz | not stated | not stated | 120Hz | not stated | 144Hz | not stated |
| Display Resolution | 2K | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | FHD | 2880 x 1864 |
| Storage | not stated | 1TB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | not stated | 1TB SSD |
| Dimensions | 11.6 × 7.84 × 0.6 inches | 8.46 × 0.44 × 12 inches | 9.35 × 0.45 × 13.4 inches | 12.7 × 9.44 × 2.15 inches | 12.1 × 8.98 × 1.97 inches | 14.2 × 10.2 × 0.94 inches | 13.4 × 0.45 × 9.34 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds | 2.71 pounds | 3.33 pounds | 2.97 pounds | not stated | 5.28 pounds | 3.3 pounds |
| Color | Graphite | Starlight | Midnight | Black | Dune | Luna Gray | Space Gray |
| Model | Dell XPS 13 9345 | MDHC4LL/A | MDVH4LL/A | EP2-59499 | EP2-73301 | 83JE000XUS | MQTK3LL/A |
| Size | not stated | 16GB Unified Memory | 1TB SSD Storage | 16GB Unified Memory | 512GB SSD Storage | 16GB/512GB | 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD | not stated | 16GB RAM - 1TB SSD Storage |
Frequently asked questions
Is the MacBook Air M5 a good alternative to the Dell XPS 13 Snapdragon?
Yes, the MacBook Air 13-inch M5 is a strong alternative. It features 16GB of unified memory and 1TB of SSD storage. Weighing 2.71 pounds and measuring 0.44 inches thick, it offers a thinner profile than the Dell XPS 13. You get high performance in a portable package, though you sacrifice native x86 compatibility for Apple’s ecosystem.
Which laptop offers the best budget option among these alternatives?
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5 is the best budget pick. It includes 16GB of unified memory and 512GB of SSD storage. The 15-inch display provides more screen real estate for students and creators. At 3.33 pounds, it remains portable while delivering efficient M5 performance and long battery life for mobile work tasks.
Does the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 have better specs than the Dell XPS 13?
The Surface Laptop 13.8 uses the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, offering a different performance tier. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Weighing 2.97 pounds, it is slightly heavier than the Dell XPS 13. You get a high-refresh touchscreen experience, prioritizing smooth productivity over raw gaming power or extensive port selection.
Can I use a 2-in-1 device instead of the Dell XPS 13?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 13-Inch Snapdragon X2 Plus is a versatile 2-in-1 option. It features 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Measuring 1.97 inches in height, it offers a tablet-like form factor. You gain touchscreen interaction and portability, making it ideal for users who prioritize flexibility over a traditional laptop keyboard layout.
Is there an alternative for gaming that is not a ultrabook?
The Lenovo LOQ 15.6-inch RTX 5050 Gaming Laptop is designed for gaming. It pairs an Intel Core i7 processor with an RTX 5050 GPU. The 15.6-inch display has a 144Hz refresh rate for 1080p gaming. Weighing 5.28 pounds, it is significantly heavier than the alternatives, but it offers superior cooling and screen size for gamers.
Which alternative provides the largest screen for productivity?
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 offers a large-screen experience. It includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. The 15.4-inch display is ideal for media consumption and creative work. At 3.3 pounds, it balances portability with screen size. You get fast storage and efficient processing, though it lacks the raw power needed for heavy gaming.