The Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop has long been recognized as one of the most stylish and powerful ultra books in the market. The 2023 version of this laptop builds upon its predecessor’s success by offering improved performance, longer battery life, and a stunning display.
Whether you’re a business professional, a student, or a casual user looking for the best laptop for students, the Dell XPS 13 9310 packs a punch in terms of both form and function.
Key Features
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Display
13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective Display with 500-Nit brightness
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Processor
11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor (up to 4.8 GHz)
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Graphics
Intel Iris Xe Graphics with shared graphics memory
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RAM
16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x onboard memory
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Storage
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
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Operating System
Windows 10 Pro (upgradeable to Windows 11)
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Battery Life
Up to 10-12 hours of use on a full charge
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Weight
2.8 pounds
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Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5.1
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Build Material
Platinum Silver with a Black carbon fiber palm rest
Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 13.4 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 Pixels (FHD+) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1185G7 (11th Gen) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR4x, 4267MHz |
| Storage | 512GB SSD (M.2 PCIe NVMe) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Wireless | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Battery | 1 Lithium-ion Battery (7.6V DC) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 7.82 x 11.64 x 0.58 inches |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and ultra-portable
- Excellent display with 500-nit brightness and anti-reflective coating
- Powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- Responsive touchscreen with thin bezels (InfinityEdge)
- Solid build quality with premium materials
- Long battery life for day-long productivity
Cons:
- Expensive for the specs offered
- Limited port selection (no HDMI, only USB-C)
- Integrated graphics may struggle with heavy gaming
Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
The Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop has retained its reputation as one of the best-looking ultrabooks in the market, thanks to its stunning Platinum Silver finish and carbon fiber black palm rest. Weighing just 2.8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest ultrabooks available, making it perfect for professionals and students who are always on the move.
The design is sleek, with ultra-thin bezels that create an almost borderless screen experience. The materials used in the build feel premium, from the sturdy aluminum chassis to the carbon fiber finish on the keyboard deck. The laptop’s slim profile (just 0.58 inches thick) gives it a very modern and elegant look. The hinge is sturdy, offering smooth operation whether opening or closing the device.
Display
Dell’s InfinityEdge display continues to be one of the standout features of the XPS 13 lineup, and the 9310 is no exception. The 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) touchscreen is bright, crisp, and has excellent color accuracy. The 500-nit brightness ensures that the screen is easily visible even in outdoor settings or bright environments, while the anti-reflective coating minimizes glare.
Whether you’re watching videos, editing photos, or browsing the web, the screen’s clarity and vibrancy enhance the overall user experience. The screen is touch-enabled, which adds to the versatility of this ultrabook.
Performance
Powered by the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, the Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop offers top-tier performance for a device in its category. The quad-core processor, with a turbo clock speed of up to 4.8 GHz, handles everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and video streaming with ease.
Multitasking is smooth, thanks to the 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM running at 4267MHz, which provides enough bandwidth to juggle multiple applications at once. This laptop is capable of handling more demanding workloads like photo editing, video rendering, and running complex software, although it may not be the best choice for heavy gaming or 3D rendering due to its integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. That said, for typical productivity tasks, the Dell XPS 13 9310 delivers flawless performance.
Storage
The 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD offers lightning-fast read and write speeds, significantly improving the overall performance of the laptop. Booting up Windows 10 Pro, launching applications, and transferring files happens almost instantaneously. With 512GB of storage, users should have ample space for documents, media files, and most software applications.
For those who require more storage, Dell allows for higher storage configurations, though the 512GB variant will suit most users’ needs unless they plan on storing large volumes of video or high-resolution images.
Battery Life
Dell claims that the XPS 13 9310 can last up to 10-12 hours on a single charge, and in real-world use, this estimate is quite accurate. During testing, the laptop comfortably lasted a full workday with moderate usage, including web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos. Power users who perform more intensive tasks may see a slightly shorter battery life, but even then, it will last long enough for extended work sessions without constantly searching for a power outlet.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the Dell XPS 13 9310 is well-designed, with large, comfortable keys that offer a good amount of travel despite the slim profile of the device. The backlit keys make typing in dim environments a breeze. The carbon fiber palm rest is comfortable and helps prevent wrist strain during extended use.
The touchpad is also responsive and large enough to offer precise navigation. Multi-touch gestures are recognized smoothly, making the touchpad an excellent alternative to a mouse for everyday tasks.
Ports and Connectivity
One of the more contentious aspects of the Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop is its limited selection of ports. While USB-C is the future, many users might be disappointed to find that the laptop lacks standard USB-A ports, HDMI, and Ethernet connections. Instead, it has two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. You may need to invest in a USB-C hub if you plan on connecting older peripherals.
In terms of connectivity, the laptop is equipped with the latest Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5.1, providing fast and reliable wireless connections.
Graphics and Multimedia
While the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics provide a boost in terms of performance compared to previous generations, this laptop is not built for heavy gaming or graphically intensive tasks like 3D rendering. However, it performs exceptionally well for regular tasks like streaming HD video, photo editing, and light gaming.
The Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop also delivers an impressive audio experience for an ultrabook, with speakers that provide clear sound without distortion, even at higher volumes. The dual speakers are positioned on the sides, delivering better sound quality than bottom-facing speakers found on many laptops.
Software and Security
The laptop comes with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, which offers better features for business and professional users compared to the Home version. This includes enhanced security features like BitLocker and the ability to join a corporate domain. The device is also eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, ensuring it remains up-to-date with the latest software advancements.
In terms of security, the XPS 13 9310 features a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button, offering an additional layer of protection.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop is a near-perfect blend of performance, portability, and style. It checks many boxes for users who prioritize a sleek design, excellent build quality, and robust performance for day-to-day tasks. The 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor ensures that it can handle everything from multitasking to content creation with ease, while the 16GB of RAM and fast SSD storage further enhance productivity.
The display is one of its most attractive features, with an edge-to-edge design that looks stunning whether you’re watching videos, working on documents, or browsing the web. The touch capability adds a layer of convenience, and the anti-reflective coating ensures you can use it comfortably even in bright environments.
However, there are a few trade-offs. The limited port selection, lack of upgradable RAM, and relatively high price may deter some users. Additionally, while the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are adequate for most tasks, this laptop is not meant for serious gaming or intensive 3D work. But for anyone seeking a premium, lightweight ultrabook with solid performance for productivity, entertainment, and light creative work, the Dell XPS 13 9310 is a top contender.
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For students who need a compact yet powerful machine, the Dell Xps 13 9310 Laptop is a fantastic option. Its lightweight build and sleek design make it perfect for slipping into your backpack and carrying around campus all day long. The near-borderless display offers an exceptional viewing experience, whether you’re streaming lectures, creating presentations, or catching up on Netflix after a long day of studying.
With its powerful Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, the Dell Xps 13 9310 Laptop can handle everything from running multiple tabs in Chrome to working on heavy applications like Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD. The long battery life also ensures that you won’t have to worry about charging it in the middle of class, making it ideal for students with back-to-back lectures or those who like to study on the go.
Though the XPS 13 is on the pricier side, it’s a laptop that offers great value for the money, particularly when you factor in its high-end build quality and premium features. If you’re looking for a laptop that combines portability, performance, and aesthetics, the Dell Xps 13 9310 Laptop should be at the top of your list of best laptops for students.
Comparison with Similar Ultrabooks
To provide a well-rounded view of the Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop, it’s essential to compare it to other leading ultrabooks in the market. In this comparison, we will look at the Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020), HP Spectre x360 13 (2021), and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (13.5-inch). These laptops are all popular for their sleek designs, portability, and high-end performance, making them ideal competitors to the Dell XPS 13 9310.
| Feature | Dell XPS 13 9310 | Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020) | HP Spectre x360 13 (2021) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (13.5″) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1185G7 (11th Gen) | Apple M1 (8-core CPU) | Intel Core i7-1165G7 (11th Gen) | Intel Core i7-1185G7 or AMD Ryzen 7 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR4x (4267MHz) | 8GB/16GB Unified Memory | 16GB LPDDR4x | 8GB/16GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD | 512GB/1TB SSD | 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Integrated 7-core/8-core GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe/AMD Radeon |
| Display | 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) | 13.3-inch Retina (2560 x 1600) | 13.3-inch FHD OLED (1920 x 1080) | 13.5-inch PixelSense (2256 x 1504) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | macOS Big Sur | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 2.87 lbs | 2.79 lbs |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 13 hours | Up to 13.5 hours |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack | 2 x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 1 x 3.5mm jack | 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI | 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Price | Starting at $1,400 | Starting at $999 | Starting at $1,200 | Starting at $1,299 |
| Special Features | InfinityEdge display, Killer Wi-Fi 6 | M1 Chip, fanless design | 360-degree hinge, OLED display | Lightweight, Windows Hello |
| Thunderbolt Support | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 4 | No (USB-C) |
| Upgradable RAM/Storage | Storage only (RAM soldered) | No | Storage only | Storage only |
Key Differences Explained:
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Performance (Processor & RAM):
- Dell XPS 13 9310: The 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor in the XPS 13 offers a robust performance profile, capable of handling intensive tasks like content creation, coding, and even some light gaming. The 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking. However, it lacks upgradability.
- Apple MacBook Air M1: Powered by Apple’s custom M1 chip, the MacBook Air excels in power efficiency, battery life, and everyday performance. The M1 chip’s integration of CPU, GPU, and RAM results in impressive performance, but the MacBook Air’s RAM is also non-upgradable.
- HP Spectre x360 13: Similar to the XPS 13, the Spectre comes with Intel’s 11th Gen i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, offering competitive performance. The unique 360-degree hinge adds versatility for users looking for a convertible laptop.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: Available with both Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors, the Surface Laptop 4 gives users flexibility in terms of processor preference. It’s a strong performer for everyday tasks, but the Intel version is a better competitor to the XPS 13.
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Display Quality:
- Dell XPS 13 9310: The 13.4-inch FHD+ InfinityEdge display is a standout feature with ultra-thin bezels, giving it a highly immersive feel. There’s also an option to upgrade to a 4K UHD+ display for even sharper visuals.
- Apple MacBook Air M1: The Retina display with True Tone technology offers excellent color accuracy and sharpness, making it ideal for creatives. However, it lacks touch support.
- HP Spectre x360 13: The 13.3-inch OLED option provides rich, vibrant colors and deeper blacks, making it the best display among the four for visual fidelity. It’s also a touchscreen with a convertible form factor, which enhances versatility.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The PixelSense display is crisp and offers touch input, but its resolution falls slightly short compared to the MacBook Air’s Retina or the 4K option in the XPS 13.
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Battery Life:
- Dell XPS 13 9310: With up to 12 hours of battery life, the XPS 13 performs well, though it doesn’t reach the impressive endurance of the MacBook Air.
- Apple MacBook Air M1: The clear winner here, offering up to 18 hours of battery life, thanks to the energy-efficient M1 chip.
- HP Spectre x360 13: Offers decent battery life, lasting up to 13 hours on a single charge, making it suitable for long workdays.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The battery life varies depending on whether you choose the Intel or AMD version, but it performs comparably to the Spectre x360 with around 13.5 hours of use.
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Port Selection:
- Dell XPS 13 9310: Equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, making it future-proof but limited in terms of legacy ports like USB-A or HDMI. You may need adapters for additional connectivity.
- Apple MacBook Air M1: Limited to two Thunderbolt 3 ports, the MacBook Air has even fewer ports than the XPS 13. This can be an issue for users who rely on external devices and need dongles or hubs.
- HP Spectre x360 13: Offers a more versatile port selection, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and HDMI, making it a more complete package in terms of connectivity.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: Includes USB-C and USB-A ports, offering a mix of modern and traditional connectivity, but no Thunderbolt support, which may be a downside for power users.
FAQs
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop?
The Dell XPS 13 9310’s RAM is soldered directly onto the motherboard, meaning it cannot be upgraded. This is a common feature in many ultrabooks today, as manufacturers aim to create slimmer, more compact designs. The 16GB LPDDR4x RAM should be sufficient for most users, providing enough power for multitasking, running multiple applications, and even some light creative work like photo or video editing.
However, if you are someone who requires more memory for heavier tasks such as large-scale video rendering or working with extensive databases, the lack of upgradability might be a concern.
On the other hand, the storage is more flexible. The laptop comes with a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, which is not only fast but also upgradeable. If you find yourself running out of space, you can replace the SSD with one of a larger capacity, ensuring that the laptop continues to meet your storage needs over time. This makes it more adaptable for users who deal with large files, such as high-resolution photos, videos, or extensive project files.
How does the XPS 13 9310 compare to other ultrabooks in its category?
When comparing the Dell XPS 13 9310 to other ultrabooks, it stands out due to its premium build quality, stunning display, and powerful performance. Many ultrabooks in this category, such as the MacBook Air M1 or HP Spectre x360, offer similar levels of performance, but the XPS 13 distinguishes itself with its InfinityEdge display and ultra-thin bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
The XPS 13 9310 also has a fantastic combination of portability and performance, making it suitable for professionals who need to work on the go. Its lightweight design and compact footprint are ideal for carrying between meetings, lectures, or travel.
In terms of performance, the XPS 13 9310, equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, offers a significant boost in processing power, handling multitasking, and demanding applications with ease. While the MacBook Air with its M1 chip excels in power efficiency and long battery life, the Dell XPS 13 provides a versatile mix of Windows-based software compatibility, touch functionality, and high-end performance, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking a premium Windows-based ultrabook.
Is the Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop good for gaming?
The Dell XPS 13 9310 is not designed with gaming as its primary function. Its integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics provide decent performance for casual and older games, as well as for light graphical tasks like photo editing, video streaming, and 2D games.
However, it falls short when it comes to handling modern AAA titles or graphically intensive applications that require more power. For gamers looking to run the latest titles with high frame rates and smooth visuals, a laptop with a dedicated GPU like the NVIDIA GTX or RTX series would be a more appropriate choice.
That said, if your gaming needs are minimal, the XPS 13 9310 can handle less demanding games like indie titles, older AAA games on lower settings, or cloud-based gaming platforms like GeForce Now or Google Stadia. Its strong processor and fast SSD also help reduce load times and improve overall system responsiveness, which can enhance your experience for games that are less graphically demanding.
What is the difference between the FHD+ and 4K display options?
The Dell XPS 13 9310 offers two main display options: FHD+ (1920 x 1200) and UHD+ (3840 x 2400). The FHD+ version is perfect for users who want a great display without sacrificing battery life.
The 1920 x 1200 resolution provides sharp visuals, excellent brightness, and great color accuracy, making it suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and even light creative work. This option also contributes to the laptop’s outstanding battery life, allowing for all-day use without needing to plug in frequently.
On the other hand, the 4K UHD+ display option takes visual clarity to the next level, offering a resolution of 3840 x 2400, which is perfect for users who prioritize color accuracy and ultra-crisp details. This option is particularly beneficial for creative professionals who work in photo or video editing, graphic design, or any field where high resolution is crucial.
However, the trade-off is a shorter battery life, as the higher resolution consumes more power. If you’re focused on portability and long-lasting battery life, the FHD+ option is probably a better fit. But if stunning visuals and pixel-perfect accuracy are more important, the UHD+ version is the way to go.
Does the Dell XPS 13 9310 support Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, the Dell XPS 13 9310 supports Thunderbolt 4, which is a significant advantage for users who need high-speed data transfer, external display support, or power delivery through a single cable. Thunderbolt 4 offers up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds, allowing you to connect external devices like high-resolution monitors, external GPUs, or fast external storage solutions without compromising on speed. It also supports dual 4K displays or a single 8K display, making it a versatile option for power users who need multiple monitors or high-end display setups.
In addition to display support, Thunderbolt 4 enhances connectivity by consolidating multiple functions into one port. It can handle charging the laptop, transferring data, and connecting external devices all through the same port, which simplifies your workspace and reduces cable clutter.
This is especially useful for professionals who frequently dock and undock their laptops or rely on external peripherals for their workflow. With Thunderbolt 4, the Dell XPS 13 9310 provides a future-proof solution for connectivity, ensuring compatibility with the latest peripherals and accessories.
