What To Know
- The Dell XPS 13 Plus boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours, while the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED offers a slightly shorter but still commendable 10 hours of battery life.
- The Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED offer a similar set of ports and connectivity options.
- The XPS 13 Plus also includes a microSD card reader, while the ZenBook S13 OLED features an HDMI port.
The quest for the perfect ultraportable laptop is an ongoing one, with manufacturers constantly striving to deliver the best blend of performance, portability, and design. Two contenders that consistently top the charts are the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED. Both laptops boast impressive specs, sleek aesthetics, and premium features, making the choice between them a tough one. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two powerhouses, helping you determine which one best suits your needs.
Design and Build: A Tale of Two Styles
The Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED adopt distinct design philosophies, reflecting their respective brand identities. The XPS 13 Plus embraces a minimalist, futuristic aesthetic. Its black aluminum chassis boasts a sleek, angular design, with a seamless integration of the touchpad and keyboard into the palm rest. The haptic feedback buttons for the function keys and the minimalist, touch-sensitive power button add to its futuristic appeal.
The ZenBook S13 OLED, on the other hand, leans towards a more traditional, elegant approach. Its silver-colored aluminum chassis features a more rounded design with a subtle, textured finish. The keyboard and touchpad are more traditional in their layout, with dedicated function keys and a separate power button.
Both laptops are incredibly lightweight and compact, making them ideal for on-the-go use. The XPS 13 Plus weighs just 2.6 pounds, while the ZenBook S13 OLED comes in at 2.5 pounds. Both laptops offer excellent build quality, with sturdy construction and a premium feel.
Display: A Visual Feast with OLED Technology
Both the XPS 13 Plus and the ZenBook S13 OLED boast stunning OLED displays that deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. The XPS 13 Plus features a 13.4-inch, 3.5K (3456 x 2160) OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Its high resolution and wide color gamut (100% DCI-P3) deliver an immersive visual experience.
The ZenBook S13 OLED also features a 13.3-inch, 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It boasts a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a fast 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
Both displays are incredibly bright, offering excellent visibility even in outdoor environments. The OLED technology ensures deep blacks and infinite contrast, making for a truly captivating viewing experience.
Performance: Powering Through Your Workday
The Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED are both equipped with powerful processors capable of handling demanding tasks. The XPS 13 Plus is available with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, while the ZenBook S13 OLED offers 12th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9 processors. Both laptops come with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick application launches.
The XPS 13 Plus features a dedicated Intel Iris Xe graphics card, while the ZenBook S13 OLED offers integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. Both laptops are capable of handling light gaming and creative tasks, but the ZenBook S13 OLED with the i9 processor offers slightly better performance in demanding applications.
Battery Life: Staying Productive on the Go
Both laptops excel in battery life, offering ample power for a full day of work or entertainment. The Dell XPS 13 Plus boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours, while the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED offers a slightly shorter but still commendable 10 hours of battery life. Both laptops support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Ports and Connectivity: Staying Connected
The Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED offer a similar set of ports and connectivity options. Both laptops include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support fast data transfer, DisplayPort output, and charging. The XPS 13 Plus also includes a microSD card reader, while the ZenBook S13 OLED features an HDMI port. Both laptops offer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless wireless connectivity.
Keyboard and Touchpad: A Typing Experience
Both laptops offer comfortable and responsive keyboards, making for a pleasant typing experience. The XPS 13 Plus features a larger, edge-to-edge haptic feedback keyboard with a slightly deeper keystroke. The ZenBook S13 OLED offers a more traditional keyboard with dedicated function keys and a slightly shallower keystroke.
The touchpad on the XPS 13 Plus is a large, integrated surface with haptic feedback, offering a smooth and responsive experience. The ZenBook S13 OLED features a slightly smaller touchpad with a traditional click mechanism. Both touchpads offer accurate tracking and gesture support.
Software and Features: Enhancing Productivity
Both laptops run on Windows 11, offering a familiar and user-friendly experience. The XPS 13 Plus comes with Dell’s proprietary software suite, which includes Dell Optimizer and Dell Mobile Connect, enhancing productivity and connectivity. The ZenBook S13 OLED features Asus‘s MyASUS software, which offers a range of tools for device management, system optimization, and support.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit
The Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED are both premium laptops that come at a premium price. The XPS 13 Plus starts at around $1,200, while the ZenBook S13 OLED starts at around $1,100. Both laptops offer excellent value for their price, providing a powerful and portable computing experience.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
The choice between the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and priorities.
Choose the Dell XPS 13 Plus if:
- You prioritize a minimalist, futuristic design.
- You value a large, edge-to-edge keyboard with haptic feedback.
- You want a laptop with a slightly longer battery life.
Choose the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED if:
- You prefer a more traditional, elegant design.
- You value a slightly faster processor with integrated graphics.
- You want a laptop with a slightly lower price point.
Beyond the Comparison: A Look at Alternatives
While the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED are excellent choices, it’s worth exploring other contenders in the ultraportable laptop market. Some notable alternatives include the MacBook Air, the HP Spectre x360 13, and the Lenovo Yoga 9i.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: Neither laptop is ideal for gaming, as they both feature integrated graphics. For gaming, you’ll need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Q: Which laptop is better for video editing?
A: The ZenBook S13 OLED with the i9 processor offers slightly better performance for video editing due to its more powerful processor. However, both laptops are capable of handling basic video editing tasks.
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are excellent choices for students, offering a balance of portability, performance, and battery life. The XPS 13 Plus might be a better option for students who prefer a minimalist design and a larger keyboard.
Q: Which laptop is better for business professionals?
A: Both laptops are suitable for business professionals, offering a premium design, powerful performance, and reliable connectivity. The XPS 13 Plus might be a better option for professionals who prioritize security features and a sleek, futuristic aesthetic.
Q: Which laptop is better overall?
A: Ultimately, the “better” laptop depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the Asus ZenBook S13 OLED offer excellent performance, design, and features. The decision comes down to whether you prioritize a minimalist, futuristic design or a more traditional, elegant aesthetic.
