What To Know
- Choosing the right ultraportable laptop can be a daunting task, especially when two powerhouse contenders like the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and Dell XPS 13 Plus are vying for your attention.
- The keys offer a comfortable travel distance and a satisfying click, making it a joy to type on.
- The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s keyboard provides a more familiar and comfortable typing experience, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s innovative trackpad and haptic feedback buttons offer a unique and modern approach.
Choosing the right ultraportable laptop can be a daunting task, especially when two powerhouse contenders like the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and Dell XPS 13 Plus are vying for your attention. Both laptops offer incredible portability, sleek designs, and powerful performance, making it a tough decision.
This in-depth comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each laptop, helping you determine which ultraportable best suits your needs and preferences.
Design and Portability: A Tale of Two Styles
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and Dell XPS 13 Plus are both remarkably lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go productivity. However, their design philosophies diverge significantly.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 embodies the classic ThinkPad aesthetic, featuring a black magnesium alloy chassis with a subtle carbon fiber weave pattern. It boasts a robust build quality and a professional, understated look. The iconic red TrackPoint nubbin remains a signature feature, catering to those who prefer tactile navigation.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus, on the other hand, embraces a more modern and minimalist design. Its aluminum chassis comes in a sleek silver or platinum finish, with a distinctive edge-to-edge glass trackpad and haptic feedback buttons that replace the traditional function keys. The overall design is sleek and futuristic, making a bold statement.
In terms of portability:
- ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2: Weighs 2.02 pounds and measures 11.9 x 8.3 x 0.57 inches, making it incredibly compact and lightweight.
- Dell XPS 13 Plus: Weighs 2.6 pounds and measures 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches, slightly heavier and thicker than the ThinkPad.
Verdict: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 takes the lead in portability due to its lighter weight and slimmer profile. However, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is still remarkably compact and manageable for travel.
Display: Vivid Colors vs. Practicality
Both laptops offer stunning displays, but with different strengths.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 boasts a 13.3-inch, 2160 x 1350 resolution display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It features a 400-nit brightness and a 100% sRGB color gamut, delivering vibrant and accurate colors. The matte finish helps reduce glare, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus features a 13.4-inch, 3840 x 2400 resolution display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It boasts a 500-nit brightness and a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, offering even more vibrant and accurate colors than the ThinkPad. However, the glossy finish is more susceptible to glare, making it less ideal for outdoor use.
Verdict: The Dell XPS 13 Plus wins the display battle with its higher resolution, brighter screen, and wider color gamut. However, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 offers a more practical matte finish for a wider range of usage scenarios.
Keyboard and Touchpad: A Clash of Typing Experiences
The keyboard and touchpad are crucial elements for productivity, and both laptops offer distinct typing experiences.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 features a renowned ThinkPad keyboard with a familiar layout and excellent tactile feedback. The keys offer a comfortable travel distance and a satisfying click, making it a joy to type on. The iconic red TrackPoint nubbin provides precise cursor control for those who prefer a more traditional navigation experience.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus takes a more unconventional approach with its edge-to-edge glass trackpad and haptic feedback buttons. The trackpad is incredibly smooth and responsive, offering a seamless gliding experience. The haptic feedback buttons provide a unique and futuristic feel, but some users may find them less satisfying than traditional keys.
Verdict: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s keyboard provides a more familiar and comfortable typing experience, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s innovative trackpad and haptic feedback buttons offer a unique and modern approach. Ultimately, the preference depends on individual typing habits.
Performance: Powering Through Workloads
Both laptops are equipped with powerful processors, offering ample performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is available with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 2TB of PCIe SSD storage. It delivers smooth performance for multitasking, productivity software, and even light gaming.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is also available with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 2TB of PCIe SSD storage. Its performance is comparable to the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2, offering seamless multitasking and handling demanding workloads with ease.
Verdict: Both laptops offer comparable performance, making it a tie in this category. The choice comes down to individual preferences and specific workload requirements.
Battery Life: Staying Productive on the Go
Battery life is crucial for ultraportable laptops, and both contenders offer respectable endurance.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 boasts a battery life of up to 13 hours, providing ample power for a full workday. It supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 10 hours, still sufficient for most users. It also supports fast charging, ensuring you can quickly get back to work.
Verdict: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 edges out the Dell XPS 13 Plus in terms of battery life, offering a longer runtime. However, the Dell XPS 13 Plus still provides enough power for a full workday.
Ports and Connectivity: Adapting to Your Needs
Both laptops offer a selection of ports for connecting peripherals and accessories.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-C port, one HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. It provides ample connectivity options for most users.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-C port, and a microSD card reader. While it lacks an HDMI port, it offers a convenient adapter that can be stored within the laptop’s chassis.
Verdict: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s inclusion of an HDMI port gives it a slight edge in terms of connectivity. However, the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s innovative adapter solution provides a convenient alternative.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Ultraportable Champion
Both the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and Dell XPS 13 Plus are exceptional ultraportable laptops, offering a compelling blend of portability, performance, and design. The choice ultimately boils down to your individual preferences and priorities.
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2:
- Pros: Lightweight and compact, robust build quality, iconic ThinkPad keyboard, long battery life, ample connectivity.
- Cons: Less vibrant display than the XPS 13 Plus, more traditional design.
Dell XPS 13 Plus:
- Pros: Sleek and futuristic design, stunning display, innovative trackpad and haptic feedback buttons, excellent performance.
- Cons: Heavier than the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2, shorter battery life, lack of HDMI port.
If you prioritize:
- Portability and battery life: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is the clear winner.
- Display quality and innovative design: The Dell XPS 13 Plus takes the lead.
- Traditional typing experience: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s keyboard is superior.
- Modern and futuristic design: The Dell XPS 13 Plus offers a unique and stylish look.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students, but the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s longer battery life and robust build quality make it a slightly better choice for those on the go.
Q: Which laptop is better for professionals?
A: Both laptops offer excellent performance for professional workloads, but the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s classic design and reliable keyboard might appeal to professionals who prefer a more traditional approach.
Q: Which laptop is better for creative professionals?
A: The Dell XPS 13 Plus’s stunning display and vibrant colors make it a better choice for creative professionals who require accurate color reproduction.
Q: Which laptop is better for gamers?
A: Neither laptop is ideal for gaming due to their integrated graphics. If you need a laptop for gaming, consider a model with dedicated graphics.
Q: Which laptop is better for overall value?
A: Both laptops offer good value for their features and performance. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 might be slightly more affordable, but the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s premium design and display might justify the higher price for some users.
