6 Best Alternatives to the Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen (2026)
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The Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop excels in portability and display smoothness. It weighs just 2.2 pounds and features a 13.4-inch 2560 x 1600 screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it ideal for travel and everyday productivity. If you are looking for dell xps 13 ultra light alternatives, you might want different specs or a larger screen.
We selected these 6 options because their specifications overlap with the original model. Some buyers prefer more RAM, like the 16GB option in the Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7. Others may need a bigger display for gaming or content creation. The Lenovo LOQ 15.6" offers a 144Hz refresh rate and RTX graphics. The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch provides a silent, fanless design with a larger 15.3-inch display. Each alternative addresses specific needs that the original XPS 13 does not cover, such as enhanced gaming performance or increased memory capacity.
How the alternatives compare
Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 4050 Gaming Laptop
The Lenovo LOQ 15.6" swaps the XPS 13’s 2.2-pound portability for a 4.18-pound chassis and a larger 15.6-inch screen. It replaces the Intel Core 5 with an i5-12450HX and offers a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother motion. You gain significant gaming performance and better cooling, but you lose the thin 0.5-inch profile and the touch capability. This model suits students who prioritize processing power and screen real estate over lightweight travel convenience.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 features a 15.3-inch display and weighs 3.3 pounds, making it heavier than the XPS 13’s 2.2 pounds. It lacks a high refresh rate, sticking to standard 60Hz visuals, but offers a fanless, silent design. You get a larger screen and strong battery efficiency, but you give up the 120Hz smoothness and the Windows operating system. This choice fits users who value a spacious, quiet workspace and do not require touch input or high refresh rates.
Apple M3 MacBook Air 13.6" 8GB/512GB
The Apple M3 MacBook Air 13.6" weighs 2.7 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the XPS 13’s 2.2-pound frame. It features a 13.6-inch non-touch display with a standard refresh rate, contrasting with the XPS’s 120Hz touch screen. You gain the efficiency of the M3 chip and a thin 0.44-inch profile, but you lose the high refresh rate and touch functionality. This laptop is best for users who prioritize battery life and processor efficiency over screen smoothness and interactive display features.
Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7 120Hz Laptop
The Dell XPS 13 with 16GB RAM shares the same 13.4-inch 120Hz display but increases memory from 8GB to 16GB for better multitasking. It weighs 2.7 pounds, which is 0.5 pounds heavier than the original model. You get more RAM and Windows 11 Pro, enhancing productivity for demanding workflows. However, you accept a slight increase in weight and cost. This option is ideal for professionals who need the same portable form factor and smooth display but require more memory for heavy applications.
Acer Swift 16 AI OLED 120Hz Laptop
The Acer Swift 16 AI OLED features a 16-inch OLED display, significantly larger than the XPS 13’s 13.4-inch screen. It weighs 3 pounds and is thicker at 0.96 inches, reducing portability compared to the XPS 13’s 0.5-inch thinness. You gain a superior OLED panel with excellent color accuracy and a 120Hz refresh rate, but you sacrifice the ultra-light 2.2-pound design. This laptop suits content creators who prioritize display quality and screen size over maximum portability and thinness.
MSI GF63 Thin 15.6" RTX 3050 Laptop
The MSI GF63 Thin 15.6" weighs 4.1 pounds and measures 0.85 inches thick, making it much bulkier than the XPS 13. It features a 15.6-inch 144Hz display and an RTX 3050 graphics card, offering dedicated gaming performance that the XPS lacks. You gain significant graphical power and a larger screen, but you give up the 120Hz touch interface and the lightweight 2.2-pound profile. This model is best for budget gamers who need an RTX 3050 and do not mind the extra weight.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop
Best for: portable productivity and travel
- 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 Affiliate link
The Dell XPS 13 is an ultra-light laptop weighing 2.2 lbs with a 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen. It features a 120Hz refresh rate and 500-nit brightness for clear visuals. Powered by an Intel Core 5 320 processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks smoothly. You get up to 17 hours of battery life and an included 8-in-1 dock for connectivity.
Pros
- 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate
- Ultra-light 2.2 lbs build for portability
- Up to 17 hours of battery life
- Includes 8-in-1 dock for expanded ports
- Windows Hello facial recognition for secure sign-in
Cons
- 8GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
- No dedicated graphics card for gaming
- Limited native ports without the dock
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight laptop for travel
- You want a high-refresh-rate touchscreen display
- You prioritize long battery life for all-day use
Skip if
- You require dedicated graphics for gaming
- You need more than 8GB of RAM
- You prefer a larger screen size
Verdict: Dell XPS 13 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen is a practical choice for students and professionals who value portability and a smooth, responsive display. It fits those who travel frequently and need reliable battery life for daily commuting or remote work.
Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 4050 Gaming Laptop
Best for: students needing gaming power and large screens
- Graphics Card
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-12450HX
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.6"
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
View on Amazon: Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 4050 Gaming Laptop Affiliate link
The Lenovo LOQ Essential is a 15.6-inch laptop built for gaming and schoolwork. It features an Intel Core i5-12450HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics. The 144Hz FHD display delivers smooth visuals with 100% sRGB color accuracy. You get 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for storage. This device includes a full-sized keyboard with 1.3mm key travel and an advanced cooling system with a 100mm fan. It weighs 4.18 pounds, making it portable enough for dorm life.
Pros
- Intel Core i5-12450HX processor for strong performance
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics for gaming
- 144Hz refresh rate on the 15.6-inch FHD display
- 100% sRGB color accuracy for vibrant visuals
- Advanced cooling system with a 100mm fan
Cons
- 8GB RAM may limit multitasking compared to higher-end models
- 4.18-pound weight is heavier than the 2.2-pound XPS 13
- 0.9-inch thickness is bulkier than ultra-light alternatives
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated GPU for gaming or creative work
- You prefer a larger 15.6-inch screen for productivity
- You want a laptop that handles both classes and games
Skip if
- You prioritize ultra-portability under 3 pounds
- You need more than 8GB of RAM for heavy tasks
- You are looking for a 13.4-inch form factor
Verdict: Lenovo LOQ Essential 15.6" Gaming Laptop fits students who need serious gaming power in a portable package. It suits those who value screen size and cooling performance over thinness.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2
Best for: silent daily productivity on a large screen
- Graphics Card
- 10-Core GPU
- Processor
- Apple M2
- Memory
- 8GB RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.3-inch
- Dimensions
- 13.4 × 0.45 × 9.34 inches
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 Affiliate link
This 15-inch Apple MacBook Air provides a larger workspace than 13-inch ultraportables while maintaining a slim 0.45-inch thickness. It features the Apple M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, paired with 512GB of SSD storage. If you want a spacious 15.3-inch Liquid Retina screen and up to 18 hours of battery life without fan noise, this configuration fits your routine.
Pros
- Spacious 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Fanless design operates completely silently
- Slim profile measuring 0.45 inches thin
Cons
- Weighs 3.3 pounds, heavier than sub-3-pound 13-inch models
- Configured with 8GB of unified memory
Good fit if
- You want a large 15.3-inch screen in a slim 0.45-inch aluminum chassis.
- You need up to 18 hours of battery life for travel.
- You prefer a silent laptop without cooling fans.
Skip if
- You need a laptop weighing under 3 pounds for maximum portability.
- You require more than 8GB of unified RAM for heavy workloads.
Verdict: Apple 15-inch MacBook Air M2 suits users who need a spacious 15.3-inch display and all-day battery life in a slim, fanless build.
Apple M3 MacBook Air 13.6" 8GB/512GB
Best for: portable productivity and media consumption
- Graphics Card
- up to 10-core GPU
- Processor
- Apple M3
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 13.6"
- Dimensions
- 12 × 8.46 × 0.44 inches
View on Amazon: Apple M3 MacBook Air 13.6" 8GB/512GB Affiliate link
This renewed Apple MacBook Air features an M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports one billion colors. Weighing 2.7 pounds and measuring 0.44 inches thick, it offers portability. Battery life reaches up to 18 hours. It suits users needing reliable performance for daily tasks and light creative work.
Pros
- Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU
- Up to 10-core GPU for graphics
- 512GB SSD storage capacity
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM limits multitasking
- 2.7 pounds is heavier than the 2.2 lb Dell XPS 13
- 120Hz refresh rate is not supported
Good fit if
- You want long battery life for travel
- You need 512GB of internal storage
- You prefer a lightweight portable design
Skip if
- You require 120Hz display refresh rates
- You need more than 8GB of RAM
- You want the absolute lightest laptop available
Verdict: Apple M3 MacBook Air 13.6" 8GB/512GB is a solid portable option for users prioritizing battery life and storage over raw multitasking power or high refresh rates. It fits those who value the M3 chip's efficiency in a thin chassis.
Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7 120Hz Laptop
Best for: portable productivity with 16GB RAM
- 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 Affiliate link
This Dell XPS 13 9350 offers a 13.4-inch 120Hz display and 16GB of DDR5 RAM. It weighs 2.70 lbs and includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor. The system supports AI tasks with a dedicated NPU and provides 512GB of SSD storage. You get Windows 11 Professional and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. This setup suits users who need portability and strong multitasking capabilities for daily work or creative tasks.
Pros
- 16GB DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking
- 120Hz refresh rate on 13.4-inch display
- Intel Core Ultra 7 256V with 47 TOPS NPU
- Lightweight 2.70 lb design for travel
Cons
- Heavier than the 2.2 lbs Dell XPS 13 alternative
- 1920x1200 resolution is lower than the 3200x2000 OLED on the Acer Swift 16
- 512GB SSD is smaller than the 1TB or 2TB options available in variations
Good fit if
- You need 16GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
- You prefer a 13.4-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate
- You want Windows 11 Professional for business features
Skip if
- You require a resolution higher than 1920x1200
- You need more than 512GB of built-in storage
- You prioritize the lightest possible weight under 2.5 lbs
Verdict: Dell XPS 13 16GB RAM delivers strong AI processing and ample RAM in a portable chassis. It fits professionals who need Windows 11 Pro and a smooth 120Hz display without carrying a heavy machine.
Acer Swift 16 AI OLED 120Hz Laptop
Best for: OLED display enthusiasts and content creators
- 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 Affiliate link
This Acer laptop pairs a 16-inch 120Hz OLED display with an Intel Ultra 5 125H processor. The screen offers 3200x2000 resolution and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage. You get 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for storage. It weighs 3 pounds and includes Killer Wi-Fi 6E. This model suits users who prioritize visual quality and processing power in a portable form factor.
Pros
- 16-inch WQXGA+ OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Intel 14-core Ultra 5 125H processor
- 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and HDR True Black 500
- Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i connectivity
Cons
- Only 8GB of RAM limits multitasking
- Weighs 3 pounds, heavier than ultralight competitors
- 16-inch screen is larger than 13-inch alternatives
Good fit if
- You need a high-resolution OLED screen for content creation
- You want a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion
- You prefer a larger 16-inch display for productivity
Skip if
- You require more than 8GB of RAM
- You need a laptop under 2.5 pounds
- You prefer a 13-inch screen size
Verdict: Acer Swift 16 AI 16" OLED Laptop is a strong option for creators who value color accuracy and screen smoothness over portability. It fits buyers who prioritize display quality and processing power in a 16-inch chassis.
MSI GF63 Thin 15.6" RTX 3050 Laptop
Best for: Budget gamers needing RTX 3050 performance
- Graphics Card
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-11400H
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.6"
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
View on Amazon: MSI GF63 Thin 15.6" RTX 3050 Laptop Affiliate link
The MSI GF63 Thin is a 15.6-inch gaming laptop built for performance on a budget. It features an Intel Core i5-11400H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 4GB of dedicated memory. You get 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD for fast storage. The 144Hz FHD display provides smooth visuals. This model suits you if you need dedicated graphics power without the premium price tag of lighter alternatives.
Pros
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card for gaming
- 144Hz refresh rate for smooth motion
- 16GB DDR4 memory for multitasking
- 512GB NVMe SSD for storage
Cons
- 15.6-inch screen is larger than the 13.4-inch alternatives
- 4.1-pound weight is significantly heavier than the 2.2-pound XPS
- Older 11th-gen Intel processor compared to newer AI chips
Good fit if
- You prioritize GPU power over portability
- You want a dedicated RTX 3050 graphics card
- You need 16GB of RAM for multitasking
Skip if
- You need a lightweight laptop under 3 pounds
- You prefer a 13.4-inch display size
- You want the latest generation processor
Verdict: MSI GF63 Thin 15.6" RTX 3050 delivers solid gaming specs for those who value performance over weight. It fits you if you are okay with a heavier, larger laptop in exchange for an RTX 3050 and 16GB of RAM.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop | Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 4050 Gaming Laptop | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 | Apple M3 MacBook Air 13.6" 8GB/512GB | Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7 120Hz Laptop | Acer Swift 16 AI OLED 120Hz Laptop | MSI GF63 Thin 15.6" RTX 3050 Laptop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics Card | not stated | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 | 10-Core GPU | up to 10-core GPU | Intel Arc Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
| Processor | Intel Core 5 320 | Intel Core i5-12450HX | Apple M2 | Apple M3 | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | Intel Ultra 5 125H | Intel Core i5-11400H |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5x | 8GB | 8GB RAM | 8GB | 16GB LPDDR5X | 8GB | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage Capacity | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Screen Size | 13.4" | 15.6" | 15.3-inch | 13.6" | 13.4" | 16" | 15.6" |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | not stated | not stated | 120Hz | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Display Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | FHD | not stated | not stated | 1920x1200 | 3200x2000 | FHD |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Use | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Business | not stated |
| Dimensions | 11.7 × 7.9 × 0.5 inches | 9.29 × 14.2 × 0.9 inches | 13.4 × 0.45 × 9.34 inches | 12 × 8.46 × 0.44 inches | not stated | 9.6 × 14 × 0.96 inches | 13 × 9.9 × 0.85 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 4.18 pounds | 3.3 pounds | 2.7 pounds | 2.7 pounds | 3 pounds | 4.1 pounds |
| Size | 8GB RAM | 512GB SSD PCIe | not stated | 8GB RAM - 512GB SSD Storage | 8GB RAM/512GB SSD Storage | 16GB RAM|512GB SSD | 8GB RAM | 512GB SSD | 16GB | 512TB PCIe SSD |
| Color | Sky | Luna Gray | Silver | Space Gray | not stated | Gray | Black |
| Model | XPS | i5-12450HX | A2941 | MRXP3LL/A | XPS 13 9350 | not stated | 11UC-1276US |
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Frequently asked questions
Which alternative offers the best balance of portability and performance?
The Dell XPS 13.4" 120Hz Touchscreen Laptop is the top pick for portable productivity. It weighs only 2.2 pounds and features a 13.4-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This combination makes it ideal for frequent travelers who need a responsive display without the bulk of heavier machines.
Is there a lightweight option with 16GB of RAM?
Yes, the Dell XPS 13 Core Ultra 7 120Hz Laptop includes 16GB of RAM. It weighs 2.7 pounds and features a 120Hz display. This configuration suits professionals who need ample memory for multitasking and AI processing while maintaining a portable chassis for daily commutes or travel.
What is the best choice for silent daily work?
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 is a strong option for silent productivity. It features a fanless build and a spacious 15.3-inch display. Weighing 3.3 pounds, it offers all-day battery life in a slim design, making it suitable for users who prioritize quiet operation and screen real estate.
Which laptop is best for gaming on a budget?
The MSI GF63 Thin 15.6" RTX 3050 Laptop provides solid gaming performance for the price. It includes an RTX 3050 graphics card and a 144Hz refresh rate. While it weighs 4.1 pounds, it delivers necessary power for gamers who value performance over extreme portability.
Can I get a large OLED display in a portable form?
The Acer Swift 16 AI OLED 120Hz Laptop offers a 16-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It weighs 3 pounds and includes 8GB of RAM. This model is ideal for content creators who prioritize color accuracy and screen smoothness over the thinnest possible chassis.
Which alternative is best for students needing gaming power?
The Lenovo LOQ 15.6" RTX 4050 Gaming Laptop is designed for students who need serious gaming capabilities. It features a 144Hz refresh rate and an i5-12450HX processor. Weighing 4.18 pounds, it offers a larger screen and better cooling performance compared to ultra-thin ultrabooks.
Is there a premium option with the M3 chip?
The Apple M3 MacBook Air 13.6" 8GB/512GB is a solid premium choice. It features the efficient M3 chip and weighs 2.7 pounds. This model prioritizes battery life and storage over raw multitasking power, making it suitable for users who value efficiency in a thin, portable design.