I remember the buzz surrounding Apple’s M1 iPad Pro. Tim Cook’s knowing smile in that ad, dropping a performance bombshell on an unsuspecting audience. Tablet computing was forever changed. Similarly, the 12-inch MacBook was a marvel of engineering, incredibly thin and light. However, its high price, subpar performance, questionable keyboard, and limited battery life ultimately led to its demise. The single USB-C port was a constant source of frustration. Yet, I still fondly recall its portability and compact design.
Dell XPS 13 and 12-inch MacBook side by side. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
This is why I occasionally still use my old MacBook. The typing experience is still enjoyable. Why Apple hasn’t revived this form factor, especially after putting desktop-class chips in tablets, is a mystery. But Dell has stepped in to fill the void.
A Design Icon
The Dell XPS 13’s aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Introduced in 2022, its edge-to-edge keyboard and sleek design still stand out.
Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon silicon atop a table. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
The gapless key layout and capacitive function row exude a minimalist charm reminiscent of the 12-inch MacBook. The key press is far more satisfying than the MacBook’s shallow scissor-switch keyboard. The haptic trackpad, once mastered, is also excellent.
Angled front view of the Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor inside. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
The XPS 13’s build quality is superb. The CNC-machined chassis, sleek bezels, and vibrant OLED touch display surpass the MacBook’s Retina LCD. The extra inch of screen real estate is a welcome addition.
The sleek side profile of Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
While the XPS 13’s lid is slightly thicker, this accommodates the superior display and a more robust hinge. It also houses an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition. The XPS 13 is smaller than the MacBook Air and only slightly larger than the 12-inch MacBook. At 2.62 lbs, it’s a bit heavier than the 2.03-lb MacBook, but the difference is negligible.
Performance that Impresses
Focus on the silicon logo atop the lid of Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
The 12-inch MacBook’s performance was underwhelming for its price. The Dell XPS 13, at a similar price point, offers significantly better performance, thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite processor with custom Oryon cores. It even rivals Apple’s M3 chip in multi-core performance. For more detailed benchmarks and comparisons, see our full review.
Front view of the Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
In my experience, the XPS 13 handles multitasking better than the M3 MacBook Air. My workflow involves numerous applications running concurrently, and the XPS 13 manages this workload more smoothly. The 16GB of RAM and fast SSD certainly contribute, but the dual-fan cooling system is a key differentiator.
Detailed view of the keyboard and trackpad. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
While Qualcomm’s silicon isn’t as efficient as Apple’s, the active cooling allows the XPS 13 to maintain peak performance under sustained load. The fans are audible, but the system remains responsive. The fanless MacBook Air M3, on the other hand, can struggle under heavy load.
Top view of the Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
All-Day Battery Life
Browsing the web on Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
Ultrabooks often compromise on battery life. However, the Dell XPS 13 delivers all-day usage on a single charge, despite its powerful processor and OLED display.
Vents on the base of Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
This is a significant achievement for a Windows on Arm device. While not quite matching MacBook Pro levels of efficiency, the XPS 13 strikes a great balance between performance and battery life.
iPhone 16 Pro atop the Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite processor. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
The Snapdragon X Elite isn’t designed to compete with high-end laptops with dedicated GPUs. Its focus is on slim, light ultrabooks. Qualcomm has done an admirable job, and the Dell XPS 13 showcases its potential.
Side profile of the slim and light Dell XPS 13 laptop. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
The XPS 13 takes the MacBook formula and improves upon it. Further optimization of Windows on Arm emulation and more native apps would enhance the experience even further. For those longing for a 12-inch MacBook revival, the Dell XPS 13 is the closest thing yet.
