The range now offers the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (priced at $899/£998/AU$2,198). This XPS 13 provides a detachable keyboard design similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 but is not a convertible notebook. This gadget can be used as a full-fledged Windows 11 tablet on its own. But, it transforms into a functional laptop when you attach it to the accompanying XPS Folio.
Although the Surface Pro 9 stated before has faster performance and longer battery life, Dell’s device is $100 less expensive and boasts a superior rear-facing camera. Although it is a reliable and capable convertible, it isn’t quite up to par with the greatest 2-in-1 laptops now available.
Is it the best option for you, though, is the genuine query. To learn more, read my comprehensive Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 review.
An Intel Core i7-1250U processor, Intel Iris Xp graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage are included in the most expensive version. A $1,449 model is available.
You can choose the XPS Folio or XPS Stylus at checkout for $100 each, or you can pay $200 for the XPS Folio + XPS Stylus package.
Our review device is worth $1,349 and comes with the XPS Folio and Stylus. It includes a 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Xp graphics, 16GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5-1230U processor.
DELL XPS 13 2-IN-1 REVIEW (2022): DESIGN
Comparable in style to the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro 2022 is the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1. Its all-metal chassis provides a nice appearance and a comfortable grip. I like how subtle the overall design is.
There is only one color option, the somewhat blue Sky finish. For those who desired a wider range of hues, this might be disappointing. However I believe the slate looks good with the polish.
The weight and dimensions of the XPS 13 2-in-1 are 1.60 pounds and 11.50 by 7.90 by 0.29 inches. The weight is increased by 1.23 to a total of around 2.83 pounds when the XPS Folio is installed. In terms of size and weight, it is comparable to the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro 2022.
There are only two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C connectors on this 2-in-1. The USB-C to USB-A adaptor and the USB-C to 3.5mm headset adapter are thankfully included by Dell.
REVIEW OF THE DELL XPS 13 2-IN-1 (2022): DISPLAY
The 13-inch, 3K (2880 x 1920), touch display of the XPS 13 2-in-1 boasts a 60Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio. Although the display is not very impressive, it is adequate for whatever you are watching or working on.
Each of the vivid extraterrestrial locales featured in the Mandalorian season 3 trailer looked fantastic on this display. Despite the screen’s small size (13 inches), I could make out every every detail of the characters’ outfits. Although being CG creations, spaceships and explosions also appeared genuine. You won’t be let down if you use this device to watch streaming media.
According to Dell’s marketing, the screen on this 2-in-1 can be as bright as 500 nits. I’m delighted to say that this isn’t completely off-base. Our testing shows that the display achieves an average brightness of 482.4 nits, with a center brightness of 485 nits. The Surface Pro 9 achieves an average brightness of 431.6 nits, in contrast. With a 587 nit average, the iPad Pro 2022, on the other hand, literally outshines them both.
The XPS 13 2-in-1 screen passed our colorimeter’s test, achieving 100% of the sRGB color gamut and 70% of the more difficult DCI-P3 color spectrum (the closer to 100%, the better). The Surface Pro 9’s display covers 75.1% of the DCI-P3 color space and 106.1% of the sRGB color gamut.
I discovered the touchscreen on this 2-in-1 to be as as snappy as the Surface Pro 9. Never once was there a time when it didn’t acknowledge my taps and swipes. This wasn’t shocking because Windows 11 functions effectively on touch-based devices.
DELL XPS 13 2-IN-1 REVIEW: AUDIO (2022)
While evaluating the sound quality of a tablet, I am aware that I should keep my expectations in check. The twin speakers on the XPS 13 2-in-1 are, at best, merely passable, thus this worked out great for me.
I watched the aforementioned Mandalorian season 3 trailer, and the audio was loud and clear. The MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 review on MKBHD also sounded good. Trivium’s “Forsake not the Dream,” which sounded a little jumbled at maximum volume, made me want to cover my ears. It was also disappointing how little bass there was.
For podcasts and movie trailers, the speakers are adequate. However if you want to listen to music on this device without damaging your ears, I advise utilizing one of the finest headphones or the best wireless earbuds.
REVIEW OF THE DELL XPS 13 2-IN-1 (2022): WEBCAM
You’ll be glad to learn that the XPS 13 2-in-1 has two excellent cameras on its front and rear if you enjoy taking pictures with tablets or want to look your best during video conversations.
The 2160p rear camera comes as a bit of a surprise considering that such high-resolution cameras are often only seen on the best laptops and tablets. As I’ve stated in several assessments of tablets, I don’t support snapping photos with slates because the subject usually comes off as ridiculous. If you’re ready to face the chance of seeming foolish, at least you’ll know your images are excellent.
The image from the front-facing 1080p camera is clear and colorful. Not only does it accurately depict every aspect of my face and attire, but it also has fairly true-to-life colors. It should go without saying that those you are video conferencing with won’t experience a blurry, washed-out image. Although I’d prefer snapping selfies with my iPhone 13 Pro if I were a selfie-taker (which I’m not), the front camera is still useful for doing so.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE DELL XPS 13 2-IN-1 REVIEW (2022)
Microsoft 365 apps and the Xbox app are pre-installed on the XPS 13 2-in-1’s consumer model, which runs Windows 11 Home. If you wish to play games that are being streamed, the latter is extremely helpful.
The pre-installed My Dell app is also available. This program includes a number of helpful functions, including battery management, sound and visual stream optimization, and system optimization for performance.
DELL XPS 13 2-IN-1 REVIEW: CONCLUSION
Even while the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1’s features and performance aren’t quite mind-blowing, it’s nonetheless a reliable laptop that does the job effectively. A couple more ports and a longer battery life would have been nice, for sure. Yet you can’t go wrong with the XPS 13 2-in-1 if you want a reasonably priced computer that can function equally well as a tablet and a laptop.
That said, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a Windows device worth consideration if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 with a little bit more power. For individuals who desire an Apple device, the iPad Pro 2022 with the Apple Magic Keyboard is a suitable alternative despite its higher price.
