Key points
- While the XPS 15 has a larger display with a higher resolution, the Surface Laptop Studio’s display offers a smoother and more responsive experience thanks to its higher refresh rate.
- The Surface Laptop Studio is available with up to a Core i7-11370H processor, while the XPS 15 is available with up to a Core i9-11900H processor.
- The Surface Laptop Studio is rated for up to 19 hours of battery life, while the XPS 15 is rated for up to 16 hours of battery life.
When it comes to premium 2-in-1 laptops, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and the Dell XPS 15 stand out as two of the most sought-after options. Both devices offer exceptional build quality, powerful performance, and innovative features. But which one is the right choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve conducted an in-depth comparison of these two laptops, covering everything from design to performance to battery life.
Design
Both the Surface Laptop Studio and the XPS 15 boast sleek and sophisticated designs. The Surface Laptop Studio has a unique 360-degree hinge that allows you to use it in four different modes: laptop, tablet, canvas, and studio. The XPS 15, on the other hand, has a more traditional clamshell design, but it’s equally well-crafted and sturdy.
In terms of size and weight, the XPS 15 is slightly larger and heavier than the Surface Laptop Studio. The XPS 15 measures 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds, while the Surface Laptop Studio measures 12.7 x 8.98 x 0.78 inches and weighs 3.83 pounds.
Display
Both the Surface Laptop Studio and the XPS 15 have excellent displays. The Surface Laptop Studio has a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2400 x 1600 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The XPS 15 has a 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz.
While the XPS 15 has a larger display with a higher resolution, the Surface Laptop Studio‘s display offers a smoother and more responsive experience thanks to its higher refresh rate.
Performance
The Surface Laptop Studio and the XPS 15 are both powered by 11th-generation Intel Core processors. The Surface Laptop Studio is available with up to a Core i7-11370H processor, while the XPS 15 is available with up to a Core i9-11900H processor. Both laptops also offer a choice of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti or RTX 3050 graphics cards.
In terms of performance, the XPS 15 has a slight edge over the Surface Laptop Studio, especially when it comes to demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, the Surface Laptop Studio is still a very capable performer, and it should be more than enough for most users.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any laptop, and both the Surface Laptop Studio and the XPS 15 offer good battery life. The Surface Laptop Studio is rated for up to 19 hours of battery life, while the XPS 15 is rated for up to 16 hours of battery life.
In real-world testing, both laptops can last for a full day of use on a single charge. However, the Surface Laptop Studio typically has a slightly longer battery life than the XPS 15.
Features
Both the Surface Laptop Studio and the XPS 15 come with a variety of features, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. However, there are a few key differences between the two laptops.
The Surface Laptop Studio has a unique Surface Pen that can be used for drawing, writing, and navigating the interface. The XPS 15, on the other hand, does not come with a stylus, but it does have a built-in fingerprint reader for added security.
Price
The Surface Laptop Studio is priced from $1,599, while the XPS 15 is priced from $1,299. Both laptops are available in a variety of configurations, so the price will vary depending on the specific model you choose.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Surface Laptop Studio and the Dell XPS 15 are both excellent 2-in-1 laptops. The Surface Laptop Studio is a better choice if you want a versatile device that can be used for both work and play. The XPS 15 is a better choice if you need a more powerful laptop for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Which laptop has a better display?
The Surface Laptop Studio has a better display than the XPS 15. The Surface Laptop Studio’s display has a higher refresh rate, which makes it smoother and more responsive.
Which laptop has better performance?
The XPS 15 has better performance than the Surface Laptop Studio. The XPS 15 is available with a more powerful processor and graphics card.
Which laptop has better battery life?
The Surface Laptop Studio has better battery life than the XPS 15. The Surface Laptop Studio is rated for up to 19 hours of battery life, while the XPS 15 is rated for up to 16 hours of battery life.
Which laptop is more versatile?
The Surface Laptop Studio is more versatile than the XPS 15. The Surface Laptop Studio can be used in four different modes: laptop, tablet, canvas, and studio. The XPS 15 can only be used in laptop mode.
Which laptop is better for gaming?
The XPS 15 is better for gaming than the Surface Laptop Studio. The XPS 15 has a more powerful graphics card, which makes it better suited for playing demanding games.