Overview
The Dell XPS 15 (model XPS9530-7718SLV-PUS) is a premium 15.6-inch laptop series of Dell that is made of a platinum silver aluminum chassis, it features a vibrant 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) LED display with above average 500 nits brightness. Having the Intel 13th Gen Core i7 Evo Platform as processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, it handles demanding any non-gaming task with ease. The integrated Intel Arc A370M graphics card does supports casual gaming and creative work. Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6, though the lack of HDMI and USB-A ports may require adapters. With a backlit keyboard, a very amazing touchpad, and a 512GB PCIe SSD, it offers both convenience and security. While the 60Hz refresh rate and non-touch screen might not suit all users, the XPS 15 remains a top choice for professionals seeking a powerful laptop but it really brings down its gaming experience. Because of these features it made to our article on Best Laptops For Video Game Design Under $1500.
Pros:
- Great keyboard and touchpad sensitivity.
- Superb LED display.
- Amazing performance with superb build quality.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
- Bad battery life.
- Low refresh rate.
You can buy this laptop on:
Specifications
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Model: XPS9530-7701SLV-PUS
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
- Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i7 Evo Platform
- Storage: 512 gigabytes
- Memory: 16GB
- Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics A370M, 4 GB GDDR6
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64bit
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 0.71 inches*13.57 inches*9.06 inches
- Product Weight: 4.21 pounds
- Price: About $1200
Dell – XPS 15: One of the best workstation laptop series of Dell
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about the Dell XPS 15 is its premium build. Consisting of aluminum chassis, the laptop provides top level durability. This really gives a amazing feel to hold it. The dimensions—0.71 inches in height, 13.57 inches in width, and 9.06 inches in depth—make it a huge looking device and with 15.6-inch screen size it is great work, watching movies and for video conferencing. At 4.21 pounds, it’s not the lightest laptop in its class, but you get a huge laptop for a below 5lbs.
The keyboard is backlit, which is a great feature for those who work in low-light environments. The keys themselves offer a satisfying amount of travel and feedback, making typing a pleasant experience. However, the lack of customizable keyboard lighting might be a downside for users who prefer a more personalized setup. The touchpad is amazing and very smooth to use.
Display
The 15.6-inch LED display gives it a simple look along with a pretty standard sized screen for you to enjoy. With a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) which is a Full HD resolution, it offers great visuals, making it suitable for both productivity work and entertainment. The massive 500 nits brightness ensures that the screen is easily viewable even in brightly lit environments. However, the 60Hz refresh rate might be a limiting factor for gamers who prefer higher refresh rates for smoother gameplay. This is bad compared to at least a 90HZ industry standard refresh rate. The lack of a touch screen could also be a drawback for users who enjoy the tactile interaction that touch capabilities provide.
Performance and Graphics
The Dell XPS 15 is powered by the Intel 13th Generation Core i7 Evo Platform, specifically the 13700H model with a base clock frequency of 5 gigahertz. This 14-core processor delivers the very top tier level CPU performance, capable of handling tasks involving 3D rendering and is not limited to usage of basic Microsoft tools. So we have added it to our article on Best Rated Dell Laptops For Work and business.
Complementing the powerful CPU is 16GB of DDR5 RAM, running at 4800 megahertz. This ensures that the laptop can handle multiple applications simultaneously without any lag and is ideal for designers or content creators. The 512GB PCIe SSD provides fast boot times and quick access to files, although some power users might find the storage capacity limiting and might consider external storage solutions or upgrades.
The integrated Intel Arc A370M graphics card is an addition to the XPS lineup. While it’s not designed for heavy gaming, it offers adequate performance for casual gaming and creative tasks such as video editing and graphic design. It can handle 3D creations to some extent. For users who require more powerful graphics capabilities, an external GPU might be necessary, but for most everyday tasks, the Intel Arc A370M performs admirably.
Connectivity
The Dell XPS 15 is not really great in connectivity options. It features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which offer fast data transfer speeds and versatile connectivity options. Additionally, there’s a USB-C 3.2 port and a headphone jack. However, the absence of HDMI makes it difficult to connect to external monitors and traditional USB-A ports might require users to invest in adapters or dongles to connect older peripherals.
The laptop supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard (AX) and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The lack of Ethernet ports might be a concern for those who prefer wired connections for maximum internet speed and stability.
Battery Life and Camera and Audio
The Dell XPS 15(i7 version) comes with a 6-cell lithium-ion polymer battery and a maximum wattage power supply of 130 watts. While Dell hasn’t specified the exact battery life, there are reviews of it not having a really great battery life. But due to its charging capability you should be able to adjust with it.
For video conferencing, the XPS 15 includes a front-facing camera with a resolution of 0.92 megapixels, capable of 720p video. While this is sufficient for most video calls, the quality might not meet the expectations of users looking for a higher resolution webcam who want to stream videos on social media. The built-in microphone and MaxxAudio stereo speakers provide clear audio for calls and media consumption. So with these features we have included it in our Best Laptops For Running a Website.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 15 XPS9530-7718SLV-PUS is a well-rounded laptop that excels in performance, build quality, and display. Its powerful Intel 13th Gen Core i7 processor, coupled with 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD, makes it a capable machine for both professional and personal use. The integrated Intel Arc A370M graphics card, while not top-tier, is sufficient for most creative and casual gaming needs.
The design is sleek and portable, making it a good choice for users who need a powerful laptop on the go. The connectivity options, while modern and high-speed, might require some users to adapt to the lack of older ports. The battery life is decent, and the additional security and convenience features add to its overall value.
However, the 60Hz refresh rate and lack of a touch screen might deter some potential buyers, particularly those looking for a more versatile display. The storage capacity, will be more than enough for most users.
In summary, the Dell XPS 15 is a premium laptop that offers excellent performance and build quality, suitable for a wide range of users, from professionals, business owners to students of creative disciplanes who want to do casual gaming. Its few shortcomings are outweighed by its strengths, making it a solid choice in the high-end laptop market.