Dell XPS 13 9350 review

Here is my journey with the Dell XPS 13 as my only computer for the past three weeks:

On most days, I enjoy the comfort of working from home, and for this setup, a gaming laptop works just fine. However, at times when I have to travel for an event, I always regret carrying my laptop and its charger, which weighs almost as much as the laptop itself. As soon as I switched to the XPS 13, it was an instant relief. Compared to my 15-inch Asus TUF F15, the XPS is not just thin and light—it also looks much more elegant, especially the Platinum variant.

Additionally, I only have to carry a single charger: my 65W PD charger, which charges both my laptop and my Galaxy S25+ smartphone at full speed. Carrying this machine felt like carrying a tablet—it weighs just 1.2 kg, which my back greatly appreciated.

A futuristic-looking laptop that keeps getting better

The keyboard and trackpad makes this PC looks unique. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

The Dell XPS 13 is easily one of the most unique-looking laptops on the market for two reasons: the seamless glass trackpad that extends across the device and the keyboard, which is among the best I’ve ever used on a laptop. From the perfect amount of key travel to the larger keycaps, everything about it is spot-on. While I am not a huge fan of the virtual function key row, it does give the laptop some character.

As I continued using the machine, my experience only improved. If you’re coming from a non-XPS device, it might take a while to get used to the keyboard and trackpad, but over time, you’ll come to appreciate it even more. The unit I’ve been testing has a 13.4-inch non-touch FHD+ screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and an anti-glare finish, which reduces light reflections—a boon for a weekend gamer like me.

However, there’s also a touch-enabled OLED variant with a higher 3K resolution at 60Hz, which is better suited for non-gamers.

Excellent security with zero compromise

The laptop has both face unlock and a fingerprint sensor. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

While my gaming laptop lacks both a fingerprint sensor and face unlock, the XPS 13 9350 has both, and I can unlock it even with my eyes closed quite literally. The infrared light-assisted face unlock works even in pitch-dark lighting, while the slightly recessed fingerprint sensor is both fast and accurate.

The laptop also offers advanced features like turning off the screen when I leave and dimming it while I look away, adding to its privacy and security. The Dell SafeBios feature provides an additional layer of security by monitoring hardware and software for potential tampering or unauthorised changes.

A system that doesn’t slow down, even while gaming

The integrated GPU can run AAA titles at 1080p with ease. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

The Intel Core Ultra 7 256V powering the Dell XPS 13 features an octa-core CPU, Arc 140 graphics, a dedicated NPU, and 16 GB of on-chip memory. In real-world scenarios, the laptop delivers smooth performance, even on battery power. Although it is a Copilot+-branded AI PC, it has yet to receive an update from Microsoft to unlock new AI capabilities, similar to Qualcomm-powered AI PCs.

While I am no longer a hardcore gamer, gaming is still part of my life (mostly on weekends), and the gaming performance of the Dell XPS 13 with its integrated graphics didn’t disappoint. Playing GTA V at 1080p resolution and medium graphics settings, the laptop delivered over 80fps and 60fps at high graphics settings. With this performance, I didn’t miss my gaming laptop—not even for a minute.

More than all-day battery life

The laptop easily delivers over 8 hours of real world battery life. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

The Dell XPS 13 impressed me with its battery life. On most days, it lasted the entire day, except for days when I was gaming. For professionals like engineers or businesspeople who work on presentations and spreadsheets all day, this laptop will easily last an entire workday.

Go for it, if you value what it is

A premium Windows PC. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

The Dell XPS 13 9350 is not for those seeking the best value for money or the most powerful PC. It’s for those who value the nuances of a thin-and-light notebook, appreciate minor details and intricate design, and want a laptop that can do it all. With a price tag of Rs 1,81,999, it can be considered a 2025 alternative to the MacBook Pro M4 (review).