Looking Beyond the New-XPS-13 Dell XPS 13.3" Core? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How these models differ

Dell XPS 13 Core i5 Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 model shares the same 13.3-inch screen size and Core i5 processor as the original. It distinguishes itself with 256GB of SSD storage, which is double the capacity of the 128GB drive in the XPS 13-9350. This extra space is useful for storing more documents and media files. The chassis is slightly lighter at 2.71 pounds and features a 9380 model designation. You get the same portability for travel, but with more room for your files. It is a solid choice if you need more storage without increasing the laptop size. The compact design remains ideal for students and frequent travelers who prioritize a small footprint.

Dell XPS 13.3" Core i5 Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 variant also offers 256GB of SSD storage, doubling the capacity found in the original XPS 13-9350. It features the same Core i5 processor and 13.3-inch display size, ensuring comparable performance for everyday tasks. The physical dimensions are identical to the previous model, weighing 2.71 pounds and measuring 7.8 by 11.9 inches. This consistency means you retain the familiar portable form factor. The primary advantage here is the increased storage space, which helps when managing larger projects or media libraries. It suits users who want the same compact build but require more internal space for their data.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" M1

The Apple MacBook Air M1 differs significantly in architecture, using an Apple silicon chip instead of an Intel Core i5. It maintains the 13.3-inch screen size and includes 8GB of RAM, matching the original memory capacity. Storage is listed as 128GB, which is the same as the Dell XPS 13-9350. The device weighs 2.8 pounds, very close to the 2.86-pound Dell. You trade the Windows operating system for macOS, which affects software compatibility. The M1 chip offers efficient performance for daily tasks. This option is best for users already in the Apple ecosystem who value battery life and portability over Windows-specific applications.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip

This Apple MacBook Air M1 model provides 256GB of SSD storage, which is double the capacity of the original Dell XPS 13-9350. It shares the same 13.3-inch display size and 8GB of RAM. The processor is the Apple M1 chip, differing from the Intel Core i5 in the Dell. The weight is 3.75 pounds, making it noticeably heavier than the 2.86-pound Dell. You gain more storage space but lose some portability due to the increased mass. The device is suited for users who need extra room for files and prefer the Apple ecosystem. It is a strong option for media consumption and general computing, though the weight is a trade-off for the storage increase.

Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" Core i5 Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 features a larger 15.6-inch display, offering significantly more screen real estate than the 13.3-inch Dell XPS 13-9350. It includes an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, matching the original specifications. Storage is 256GB, which is double the capacity of the Dell. The larger screen is beneficial for tasks requiring more workspace, such as coding or design. You sacrifice the compact portability of the 13-inch Dell for a bigger viewing area. This model is ideal for users who prioritize display size and storage over lightweight mobility. It is a practical choice for stationary use or occasional travel where screen space is a priority.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" M1

This Apple MacBook Air M1 model offers 256GB of SSD storage, doubling the capacity of the original Dell XPS 13-9350. It has the same 13.3-inch screen size and 8GB of RAM. The Apple M1 chip replaces the Intel Core i5 processor. The weight is 2.7 pounds, making it slightly lighter than the 2.86-pound Dell. You gain more storage and a lighter chassis, but switch to macOS. The device is designed for efficient everyday computing. This option suits users who want a balance of portability and storage space. It is a good fit for those who value battery life and the Apple ecosystem, while needing more room for their files than the base Dell model provides.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Dell XPS 13.3" Core i5 Laptop

Best for: portable productivity with a sharp screen

Processor

Intel Core i5-6200U

Memory

8GB LPDDR3 1866 MHz

Storage Capacity

128GB SSD

Screen Size

13.3"

Display Resolution

1920 x 1080

Dimensions

12 × 7.87 × 0.35 inches

View on Amazon: Dell XPS 13.3" Core i5 Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 features a 13.3-inch Full HD InfinityEdge display and an Intel Core i5-6200U processor. It includes 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM and a 128GB SSD. The device weighs 2.86 pounds and measures 0.35 inches thick. It suits users who need a compact Windows laptop with a high-resolution screen for everyday tasks and light productivity.

Pros

• 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) InfinityEdge display
• Intel Core i5-6200U processor with Turbo Boost up to 2.80 GHz
• 8GB LPDDR3 1866 MHz RAM
• Compact 13.3-inch form factor

Cons

• 128GB SSD storage is smaller than many competitors
• No HDMI port included
• Older generation Intel processor

Good fit if

• You want a portable laptop with a high-resolution screen
• You need a compact device for travel or small desks
• You prefer Windows 10 Home for compatibility

Skip if

• You require extensive local storage for large files
• You need HDMI connectivity without adapters
• You want the latest generation processor performance

Verdict: Dell XPS 13 13.3" i5 Laptop offers a sharp display in a lightweight chassis. It fits users prioritizing screen quality and portability over raw processing power or large storage capacity.

2 Best budget

Dell XPS 13 Core i5 Laptop

Best for: portable everyday computing

Graphics Card

Intel UHD 620

Processor

Intel Core i5-8265U

Memory

8GB RAM

Storage Capacity

256GB Solid State Drive

Screen Size

13.3"

Dimensions

7.8 × 11.9 × 0.5 inches

View on Amazon: Dell XPS 13 Core i5 Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 9380 is a 13.3-inch laptop with an Intel Core i5-8265U processor and 8GB of RAM. It includes a 256GB SSD and Intel UHD 620 graphics. The device weighs 2.71 pounds and measures 0.5 inches thick. It offers a compact form factor for everyday tasks. You get a reliable machine for web browsing and office work without heavy gaming demands.

Pros

• Intel Core i5-8265U processor handles daily tasks
• 8GB RAM supports multitasking
• 256GB SSD provides fast boot times
• Lightweight 2.71-pound design for portability

Cons

• 256GB storage fills up quickly
• Intel UHD 620 lacks dedicated graphics power
• Renewed condition means used parts

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight laptop for travel
• You primarily use web browsers and office apps
• You want a compact 13.3-inch screen

Skip if

• You require dedicated graphics for gaming
• You need more than 256GB of storage
• You prefer brand-new inventory with full warranty

Verdict: Dell XPS 13 13.3" i5 8GB RAM is a compact, lightweight option for students and travelers who prioritize portability over raw performance and ample storage space.

3 Best premium

Dell XPS 13.3" Core i5 Laptop

Best for: portable everyday computing and multitasking

Graphics Card

Intel UHD 620

Processor

Intel Core I5-8265U

Memory

8GB RAM

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

13.3"

Display Resolution

FHD

View on Amazon: Dell XPS 13.3" Core i5 Laptop

This Dell XPS 13 features a 13.3-inch FHD display and an Intel Core i5-8265U processor with 8GB of RAM. It includes a 256GB SSD for storage. The chassis is built from aluminum with a carbon fiber palm rest. It weighs 2.71 pounds and measures 0.5 inches thick. This laptop suits users who need a portable machine with solid everyday performance for multitasking.

Pros

• Intel Core i5-8265U processor with 4 cores for improved multitasking
• Single block of aluminum chassis for durability
• Carbon fiber and woven glass fiber palm rest for strength and minimal weight
• 13.3-inch FHD display
• 256GB SSD storage

Cons

• Intel UHD 620 integrated graphics limit gaming performance
• 8GB RAM may restrict heavy multitasking
• 256GB SSD offers limited storage capacity

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight laptop under 3 pounds
• You prioritize build quality and portability
• You use the device for web browsing and office work

Skip if

• You require dedicated graphics for gaming
• You need more than 8GB of RAM for professional apps
• You require large internal storage without external drives

Verdict: Dell XPS 13 13.3" i5 Laptop delivers a compact, durable build with a capable i5 processor for general tasks. It is a strong option for travelers who value portability over raw power.

4 Also great

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" M1

Best for: portable daily computing tasks

Graphics Card

7-core GPU

Processor

Apple M1

Memory

8GB

Storage Capacity

128GB SSD

Screen Size

13.3-inch

Display Resolution

2560x1600

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.3" M1

This 13.3-inch laptop uses the Apple M1 chip with 8 cores and a 7-core GPU. It includes 8GB of memory and a 128GB SSD. The Retina display offers 2560x1600 resolution. You get Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and Touch ID. It weighs 2.8 pounds. This model suits users who prioritize battery life and portability over high storage capacity.

Pros

• Apple M1 chip with 8 cores
• 13.3-inch Retina display with 2560x1600 resolution
• 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
• Touch ID sensor

Cons

• 128GB SSD storage is smaller than the 256GB found in other list options
• 8GB RAM is lower than the 16GB option available in variations
• 720p camera resolution is lower than typical modern standards

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight laptop under 3 pounds
• You prefer the macOS ecosystem
• You want high resolution on a 13.3-inch screen

Skip if

• You require at least 256GB of storage
• You need more than 8GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
• You are looking for a Windows-based system

Verdict: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3 delivers efficient performance for everyday tasks. It fits users who value portability and display quality over maximum storage space.

5 Also great

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip

Best for: portable everyday computing and media

Processor

Apple M1

Memory

8GB RAM

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

13.3 inch

Dimensions

12 × 10 × 10 inches

Weight

3.75 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip

This 13.3-inch laptop uses the Apple M1 chip for strong CPU and GPU performance. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for storage. Battery life reaches up to 18 hours. The device weighs 3.75 pounds and measures 12 by 8 by 1 inches. It offers a reliable option for users who prioritize portability and efficiency over raw gaming power.

Pros

• Apple M1 chip delivers high CPU and GPU performance
• Up to 18 hours of battery life
• Lightweight 3.75-pound design
• 8GB RAM supports smooth multitasking

Cons

• 256GB SSD storage is limited for large files
• Only 8GB RAM may restrict heavy workloads
• Not designed for high-end gaming

Good fit if

• You need long battery life for travel
• You want a lightweight laptop for daily use
• You prefer macOS for creative tasks

Skip if

• You require high-end gaming performance
• You need more than 256GB of storage
• You prefer Windows compatibility for specific software

Verdict: Apple MacBook Air M1 13.3-inch fits users who need portability and efficiency. It suits those who value long battery life and strong performance for everyday tasks. It is not ideal for gamers or users needing extensive storage.

6 Best 15.6"

Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" Core i5 Laptop

Best for: Users needing a larger 15.6-inch display

Processor

Intel Core i5-1135G7

Memory

8GB

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

15.6"

View on Amazon: Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" Core i5 Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL offers a 15.6-inch display with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for storage. This setup handles professional tasks like graphic design and programming. You get a larger screen than the 13.3-inch alternatives listed here. It is a practical option if you need more screen real estate for multitasking.

Pros

• 15.6-inch screen size for better visibility
• 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor
• 8GB RAM for multitasking
• 256GB SSD for fast storage access

Cons

• 8GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
• 256GB storage fills up quickly
• Renewed condition affects warranty terms

Good fit if

• You need a larger 15.6-inch display
• You prioritize screen size over portability
• You run standard professional applications

Skip if

• You require more than 8GB of RAM
• You need extensive local storage capacity
• You prefer a brand-new device with full warranty

Verdict: Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" i5 Laptop provides a larger screen and capable i5 processor for users who value display space. It suits those who need a bigger workspace for design or coding tasks.

7 Also great

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" M1

Best for: portable everyday computing

Processor

Apple M1 Chip

Memory

8GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

13.3-inch

Dimensions

8.36 × 12 × 0.63 inches

Weight

2.7 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.3" M1

This 13.3-inch laptop features an Apple M1 chip, 8GB of LPDDR4X memory, and a 256GB SSD. It weighs 2.7 pounds and measures 0.63 inches thick. The device includes a backlit keyboard, Touch ID, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. It suits users who need a lightweight machine for daily tasks, web browsing, and light productivity work without the bulk of larger screens.

Pros

• Apple M1 processor for efficient performance
• 8GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X RAM
• 256GB SSD storage capacity
• Backlit Magic Keyboard included

Cons

• Only two Thunderbolt 3 ports available
• 256GB SSD is smaller than many competitors
• 8GB RAM is non-upgradeable

Good fit if

• You prioritize portability and thin design
• You need a quiet fanless laptop for daily use
• You want Touch ID for quick login

Skip if

• You require more than two USB-C ports
• You need 16GB or more of RAM
• You want a larger 15-inch screen

Verdict: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch offers a compact, efficient build for users who value portability and battery life over expandable ports and high RAM capacity.

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Frequently asked questions