Julio Neves
The Dell XPS 13 series has long been synonymous with premium ultrabooks, offering a blend of sleek design, powerful performance, and cutting-edge features. The Dell XPS 13 9310 continues this legacy, positioning itself as one of the best laptops in its category. This review will dive deep into the XPS 13 9310, exploring its design, performance, display, battery life, software, and more to give you a clear understanding of what this laptop has to offer.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Elegant Design
The Dell XPS 13 9310 is a stunning piece of hardware that exemplifies modern laptop design. It features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with clean lines, a thin profile, and premium materials. The laptop is available in two color options: Platinum Silver with a Black Carbon Fiber interior and Frost White with an Arctic White interior. Both versions exude sophistication, but the Frost White variant stands out with its unique and eye-catching look.
The chassis is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, which provides excellent durability while keeping the weight down to just 2.8 pounds (1.27 kg). This makes the XPS 13 9310 highly portable and easy to carry around, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or working from home.
Compact and Lightweight
One of the standout features of the XPS 13 9310 is its compact size. Dell has managed to fit a 13.4-inch display into a chassis that is closer in size to a typical 11-inch laptop. This is achieved through the use of ultra-thin bezels, which Dell calls the “InfinityEdge” display. The result is a laptop that is incredibly compact without sacrificing screen real estate.
The XPS 13 9310 measures just 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.58 inches (296 x 198 x 14.8 mm), making it one of the smallest and thinnest laptops in its class. The thin profile not only contributes to its portability but also gives it a modern and refined appearance.
Premium Build Quality
Dell has paid meticulous attention to detail in the construction of the XPS 13 9310. The build quality is top-notch, with no flex or creaking in the chassis. The keyboard deck and palm rest are made of carbon fiber, which adds to the laptop’s durability while providing a comfortable typing experience.
The hinge mechanism is smooth and sturdy, allowing you to open the laptop with one hand while keeping the display firmly in place. The XPS 13 9310 also features a unique woven glass fiber palm rest on the Frost White variant, which not only looks great but also resists fingerprints and smudges.
Port Selection
Given the XPS 13 9310’s slim profile, it’s no surprise that the port selection is somewhat limited. However, Dell has made the most of the available space by including two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Thunderbolt 4 ports support power delivery, data transfer, and display output, making them versatile and capable of handling most connectivity needs.
While the lack of USB-A ports may be a drawback for some users, Dell includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box, which helps to bridge the gap. Additionally, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
Display
Stunning Visuals
The display on the Dell XPS 13 9310 is nothing short of spectacular. Dell offers two display options: a Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) non-touch display and a 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400) touch display. Both options feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen space compared to the more common 16:9 displays. This aspect ratio is particularly useful for productivity tasks, as it allows you to see more content on the screen without scrolling.
The 4K UHD+ display is a treat for the eyes, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy. It covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut and 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for creative professionals who need precise color reproduction. The display is also Dolby Vision certified, which enhances the HDR experience with deeper blacks and brighter highlights.
Ultra-Thin Bezels
One of the most striking features of the XPS 13 9310 is its ultra-thin bezels. The InfinityEdge display maximizes screen real estate by reducing the bezels to just a few millimeters on all sides. This gives the laptop a modern, borderless look that makes the screen appear even larger than it is. The slim bezels also contribute to the laptop’s compact form factor, making it easier to carry and use in tight spaces.
Touchscreen and Eye Comfort
The 4K UHD+ variant of the XPS 13 9310 comes with a touchscreen, which adds an extra layer of interactivity to the laptop. The touch response is smooth and accurate, making it easy to navigate through apps, scroll through web pages, and zoom in on images. The touchscreen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6, which is tough and resistant to scratches.
Dell has also incorporated its Eyesafe technology into the display, which reduces harmful blue light emissions without compromising color accuracy. This feature is designed to minimize eye strain during extended use, making the XPS 13 9310 a good choice for those who spend long hours in front of the screen.
Performance
Intel Tiger Lake Processors
Under the hood, the Dell XPS 13 9310 is powered by Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors. Depending on the configuration, you can choose between the Intel Core i3-1115G4, Core i5-1135G7, or Core i7-1165G7. These processors are built on Intel’s 10nm SuperFin architecture and offer significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to previous generations.
The Core i7-1165G7, in particular, is a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.8 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.7 GHz. It delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing, as well as more demanding workloads like photo editing and light video rendering.
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
The XPS 13 9310 comes equipped with Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, which represents a major leap forward in integrated GPU performance. While it’s not a replacement for a dedicated GPU, the Iris Xe graphics can handle casual gaming, 4K video playback, and creative tasks like photo editing with ease.
In benchmarks, the Iris Xe graphics outperform the previous generation’s Intel UHD graphics by a wide margin, bringing integrated GPU performance closer to that of entry-level dedicated GPUs. This makes the XPS 13 9310 a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of tasks without compromising on portability.
Memory and Storage
The Dell XPS 13 9310 is available with up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to frequently used applications. The RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, so it cannot be upgraded after purchase. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right configuration based on your needs.
For storage, the XPS 13 9310 offers up to 2TB of PCIe NVMe SSD. The SSD provides lightning-fast read and write speeds, allowing the laptop to boot up in seconds and load applications almost instantly. The large storage capacity ensures that you have plenty of space for your files, media, and applications.
Battery Life
All-Day Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for any ultraportable laptop, and the Dell XPS 13 9310 does not disappoint. The laptop is equipped with a 52Wh battery, which, combined with the power-efficient Intel Tiger Lake processors, delivers impressive battery life.
In real-world usage, the XPS 13 9310 can easily last a full workday on a single charge, with around 10 to 12 hours of mixed-use. This includes tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, using productivity apps, and light photo editing. The Full HD+ variant offers slightly better battery life compared to the 4K UHD+ model, which consumes more power due to the higher resolution and touchscreen.
Fast Charging
The XPS 13 9310 supports fast charging, which allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed. Dell’s ExpressCharge feature can charge the battery from 0% to 80% in about an hour, making it convenient for users who are constantly on the go. The laptop charges via USB-C, so you can use the same charger for other USB-C devices, reducing the number of chargers you need to carry.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Comfortable Typing Experience
The keyboard on the Dell XPS 13 9310 is designed for comfort and precision. The keys have a generous amount of travel (1.0mm) and a satisfying tactile feedback, making typing a pleasure. The keyboard layout is spacious, with well-sized keys and good spacing, which minimizes typing errors.
The backlit keyboard allows you to work in low-light environments, with adjustable brightness levels to suit your preference. The white backlighting on the Frost White variant complements the overall design of the laptop, adding to its premium feel.
Large and Responsive Trackpad
The trackpad on the XPS 13 9310 is large and responsive, offering smooth and accurate cursor control. It uses Microsoft Precision drivers, which provide excellent support for multi-finger gestures like pinch-to-zoom, three-finger swipe, and four-finger tap. The glass surface of the trackpad is smooth to the touch, making it easy to glide your fingers across.
The trackpad also features a seamless design, with no visible buttons. Instead, the entire trackpad is clickable, with a satisfying click response. This design choice adds to the sleek and modern look of the laptop while maintaining functionality.
Software and Features
Windows 11 Experience
The Dell XPS 13 9310 comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering a fresh and modern user interface. Windows 11 brings a host of new features, including a redesigned Start Menu, improved multitasking with Snap Layouts, and enhanced support for touch and pen input. The XPS 13 9310 takes full advantage of these features, providing a smooth and responsive experience.
Dell Optimizer
Dell includes its proprietary software, Dell Optimizer, which uses AI and machine learning to improve performance and battery life. Dell Optimizer learns your usage patterns and optimizes system resources accordingly. For example, it can prioritize bandwidth for video calls, reduce background noise during conference calls, and extend battery life by managing power consumption.
Dell Optimizer also includes ExpressSign-in, a feature that uses the laptop’s infrared camera to detect your presence. When you approach the laptop, it automatically wakes up and logs you in using Windows Hello. When you walk away, it locks the screen to protect your privacy.
Pre-Installed Software
The XPS 13 9310 comes with a minimal amount of pre-installed software, which helps to keep the system running smoothly. Dell includes its own suite of utilities, such as Dell Mobile Connect, which allows you to connect your smartphone to the laptop and manage calls, texts, and notifications from your PC.
Other pre-installed software includes McAfee antivirus (with a limited-time subscription) and a few Microsoft Office trial apps. While some users may find these useful, they can be easily uninstalled if not needed.
Audio and Webcam
High-Quality Audio
The audio quality on the Dell XPS 13 9310 is impressive, thanks to its stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro tuning. The speakers are located on the sides of the keyboard, providing clear and loud sound with good stereo separation. The bass is surprisingly strong for a laptop of this size, and the mids and highs are well-balanced, making it suitable for listening to music, watching movies, and making video calls.
The laptop also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which provides excellent audio quality when using wired headphones or external speakers. The headphone output is clean and powerful, with minimal distortion.
Improved Webcam
The Dell XPS 13 9310 features a 720p HD webcam located at the top of the display. While the resolution is not the highest, the image quality is decent for video calls and meetings. The webcam supports Windows Hello, allowing you to log in to your laptop using facial recognition. The infrared camera is quick and accurate, making it easy to unlock your device without typing a password.
Dell has also improved the low-light performance of the webcam, so you can look your best even in dimly lit environments. However, if you frequently use your laptop for video conferencing, you might consider investing in an external webcam for better image quality.
Pricing and Configurations
Competitive Pricing
The Dell XPS 13 9310 is positioned as a premium ultrabook, and its pricing reflects that. The base model, equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, starts at around $999. As you move up to higher configurations with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage, the price can increase to $1,800 or more.
While the XPS 13 9310 is not the most affordable ultrabook on the market, it offers excellent value for the price, given its premium build quality, powerful performance, and stunning display. Dell often offers promotions and discounts, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals that can bring the price down.
Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop: Price Comparison →
Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop with the best price and discount was update for September 16, 2024
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Configuration Options
Dell offers a wide range of configuration options for the XPS 13 9310, allowing you to customize the laptop to suit your needs and budget. Whether you need a basic model for everyday tasks or a fully-loaded machine for professional work, there’s an XPS 13 9310 configuration that fits the bill.
You can choose between the Full HD+ non-touch display and the 4K UHD+ touch display, depending on your preference for screen resolution and touch capability. The choice of processor, RAM, and storage options also allows you to tailor the laptop’s performance to your specific requirements.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning Design: The Dell XPS 13 9310 is a beautifully designed laptop with a sleek and modern aesthetic. The ultra-thin bezels and compact form factor make it one of the most attractive laptops on the market.
- Excellent Display: The 4K UHD+ display option offers stunning visuals with sharp details, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The Full HD+ option is also impressive, with great color accuracy and brightness.
- Powerful Performance: With Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics, the XPS 13 9310 delivers strong performance for both everyday tasks and more demanding workloads.
- All-Day Battery Life: The XPS 13 9310 offers excellent battery life, with up to 12 hours of mixed-use on a single charge. The fast charging feature is also a plus.
- High-Quality Build: The laptop is built from premium materials, including CNC-machined aluminum and carbon fiber. The build quality is top-notch, with no flex or creaking.
- Comfortable Keyboard and Trackpad: The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with good key travel and tactile feedback. The trackpad is large, responsive, and supports multi-finger gestures.
Cons
- Limited Port Selection: The XPS 13 9310’s slim profile means that it has a limited number of ports. The lack of USB-A ports may be a drawback for some users, although Dell includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
- Webcam Quality: While the webcam is decent for video calls, its 720p resolution is not as high as some other laptops on the market. An external webcam may be necessary for better image quality.
- Premium Pricing: The Dell XPS 13 9310 is priced at the higher end of the ultrabook market, which may be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers. However, the laptop offers excellent value for its price.
- Non-Upgradable RAM: The RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, so it cannot be upgraded after purchase. This means you need to choose the right configuration when buying the laptop.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 13 9310 is a standout ultrabook that excels in almost every area. It combines stunning design, powerful performance, and a brilliant display in a compact and portable package. Whether you’re a professional who needs a reliable work machine, a student looking for a lightweight and capable laptop, or a creative who values color accuracy and display quality, the XPS 13 9310 has something to offer.
While it comes with a premium price tag, the XPS 13 9310 justifies its cost with its exceptional build quality, strong performance, and thoughtful design. The limited port selection and webcam quality are minor drawbacks, but they are outweighed by the laptop’s many strengths.
In summary, the Dell XPS 13 9310 is one of the best ultrabooks available today, and it continues to set the standard for what a premium laptop should be. If you’re in the market for a high-end ultraportable laptop, the XPS 13 9310 should be at the top of your list.
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