Overview
- In terms of graphics, the Surface Pro 9 has an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics card, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 has an NVIDIA GeForce MX550 dedicated graphics card.
- The XPS 13 2-in-1 has a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be folded into a tablet or used as a traditional laptop.
- If you prefer a more traditional laptop design, a better display, and a dedicated graphics card, then the XPS 13 2-in-1 is the way to go.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market. They both offer a premium experience with powerful performance, versatile design, and sleek aesthetics. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both devices boast a premium design, but they differ in their aesthetics and materials. The Surface Pro 9 has a sleek and minimalist design, with a magnesium alloy body that feels solid and durable. The XPS 13 2-in-1, on the other hand, features a more traditional laptop design with a carbon fiber and aluminum chassis. While both devices are well-built, the Surface Pro 9’s magnesium alloy construction gives it an edge in durability.
Display
The Surface Pro 9 and XPS 13 2-in-1 offer different display options. The Surface Pro 9 has a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. The XPS 13 2-in-1 comes with a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. Both displays are bright and vibrant, but the XPS 13 2-in-1’s OLED panel offers deeper blacks and more accurate colors.
Performance
The Surface Pro 9 and XPS 13 2-in-1 are both powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 processors. However, the Surface Pro 9 offers a slightly higher clock speed, giving it a slight edge in performance. In terms of graphics, the Surface Pro 9 has an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics card, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 has an NVIDIA GeForce MX550 dedicated graphics card. The NVIDIA GPU provides better performance for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any portable device. The Surface Pro 9 has a larger battery than the XPS 13 2-in-1, with a capacity of 51.5 watt-hours compared to 49.5 watt-hours. However, the XPS 13 2-in-1 is more power-efficient due to its OLED display. In real-world usage, both devices offer similar battery life, lasting around 8-10 hours on a single charge.
Connectivity
Both the Surface Pro 9 and XPS 13 2-in-1 offer a range of connectivity options. They both have two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack. Additionally, the Surface Pro 9 has a microSD card slot for expandable storage, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 does not.
Features
The Surface Pro 9 and XPS 13 2-in-1 come with a range of features that enhance their versatility. The Surface Pro 9 has a built-in kickstand that allows it to be used in various modes, such as laptop, tablet, and studio. The XPS 13 2-in-1 has a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be folded into a tablet or used as a traditional laptop. Both devices also support pen input with their respective styluses.
Price
The Surface Pro 9 and XPS 13 2-in-1 are priced similarly, with the base models starting at around $1,000. However, the price can vary depending on the configuration and accessories you choose. The Surface Pro 9 is slightly more expensive than the XPS 13 2-in-1, but it comes with a Type Cover keyboard included.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize durability, performance, and a built-in kickstand, then the Surface Pro 9 is the better choice. If you prefer a more traditional laptop design, a better display, and a dedicated graphics card, then the XPS 13 2-in-1 is the way to go.
The Winner: A Tie
Both the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 are excellent 2-in-1 devices that offer a premium experience. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for you depends on your specific needs. If you can’t decide, then you can’t go wrong with either one.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which device has a better camera?
Both devices have a 10MP rear-facing camera. However, the XPS 13 2-in-1 has a slightly better 5MP front-facing camera than the Surface Pro 9’s 5MP camera.
2. Which device is more portable?
The Surface Pro 9 is slightly more portable than the XPS 13 2-in-1, weighing in at 1.96 pounds compared to 2.8 pounds.
3. Which device has better sound quality?
Both devices have good sound quality, but the XPS 13 2-in-1 has a slight edge due to its quad-speaker setup.