Key points
- In terms of design, the Gram features a sleek and minimalist aluminum chassis, while the XPS 13 boasts a more premium carbon fiber chassis.
- It offers a larger and more vibrant display, a more powerful processor, a longer battery life, and a lighter weight.
- While the Dell XPS 13 has its own strengths, such as a premium carbon fiber chassis and a microSD card slot, the Gram’s superior combination of features and performance make it the ultimate choice for those seeking the best ultraportable laptop.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, two titans stand tall: the LG Gram and the Dell XPS 13. Both devices boast exceptional performance, sleek designs, and feather-light weight. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to determine the ultimate winner.
Performance and Features
At the core of these laptops lies their processors. The LG Gram 17Z90Q features an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1165G7, while the Dell XPS 13 9310 offers a 10th-generation Intel Core i7-1065G7. While the Gram has a slight edge in terms of generation, both processors deliver impressive performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking.
When it comes to storage, the Gram provides a generous 1TB NVMe SSD, while the XPS 13 offers a smaller 512GB NVMe SSD. However, the XPS 13 supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot, which the Gram lacks.
Display and Audio
The LG Gram boasts a 17-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS LCD display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This provides ample screen real estate for productivity and content consumption. The Dell XPS 13, on the other hand, features a 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. OLED technology offers superior color accuracy, contrast, and viewing angles.
Both laptops offer decent audio capabilities with their built-in speakers. However, the Gram’s DTS:X Ultra technology provides a more immersive sound experience.
Portability and Design
As their names suggest, both the LG Gram and Dell XPS 13 are incredibly portable. The Gram weighs a mere 2.55 pounds, making it the lightest 17-inch laptop on the market. The XPS 13, while not as lightweight, still weighs a respectable 2.8 pounds.
In terms of design, the Gram features a sleek and minimalist aluminum chassis, while the XPS 13 boasts a more premium carbon fiber chassis. Both laptops have a premium look and feel.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops. The LG Gram boasts a massive 80Wh battery, which provides up to 25.5 hours of battery life. The Dell XPS 13, with its smaller 52Wh battery, offers up to 14 hours of battery life.
Connectivity-wise, both laptops offer a full range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD card slot (on the XPS 13). The Gram, however, has an additional USB-C port compared to the XPS 13.
Operating System and Software
The LG Gram comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, while the Dell XPS 13 offers Windows 10 Pro. Windows Pro provides additional features for business users, such as BitLocker encryption and remote desktop access.
In terms of software, both laptops come with a limited set of pre-installed software. The Gram includes LG‘s own software suite, while the XPS 13 comes with Dell’s SupportAssist and MaxxAudio Pro.
Verdict: The Winner
After a thorough comparison, the LG Gram 17Z90Q emerges as the overall winner. It offers a larger and more vibrant display, a more powerful processor, a longer battery life, and a lighter weight. While the Dell XPS 13 has its own strengths, such as a premium carbon fiber chassis and a microSD card slot, the Gram’s superior combination of features and performance make it the ultimate choice for those seeking the best ultraportable laptop.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better battery life?
A: The LG Gram 17Z90Q offers a longer battery life of up to 25.5 hours compared to the Dell XPS 13’s 14 hours.
Q: Which laptop is lighter?
A: The LG Gram 17Z90Q is the lightest 17-inch laptop on the market, weighing a mere 2.55 pounds.
Q: Which laptop has a more powerful processor?
A: The LG Gram 17Z90Q features an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, while the Dell XPS 13 9310 offers a 10th-generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor.