Quick notes
- The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 offers a more compact and durable design, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus boasts a larger and more vibrant display.
- However, if you prefer a larger display, a minimalistic design, and a lower price point, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is a compelling option.
- The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 has a slightly better battery life of up to 13 hours, compared to the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s 11 hours.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus stand as formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and impressive battery life, making them ideal companions for professionals and students alike. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to determine the ultimate ultraportable victor.
Design
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2:
- Ultra-compact at 11.5 inches and weighing just 907 grams
- Durable carbon fiber chassis with MIL-STD-810H certification
- Classic ThinkPad design with a subtle textured finish
Dell XPS 13 Plus:
- Slightly larger at 13.4 inches and weighing 1.24 kilograms
- Premium aluminum chassis with a polished finish
- Minimalistic design with a nearly bezel-less display and a haptic touchpad
Display
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2:
- 13-inch WQXGA (2880 x 1800) IPS display
- Excellent color accuracy and brightness
- Dolby Vision HDR support
Dell XPS 13 Plus:
- 13.4-inch OLED (3456 x 2160) display
- Stunning contrast and wide color gamut
- VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification
Performance
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2:
- Powered by Intel Core i7-1280P processor
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics
- Up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of NVMe SSD storage
Dell XPS 13 Plus:
- Powered by Intel Core i7-1260P processor
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics
- Up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 2TB of NVMe SSD storage
Battery Life
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2:
- Up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Fast charging capabilities
Dell XPS 13 Plus:
- Up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Supports ExpressCharge for rapid charging
Connectivity
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port
- 1x HDMI 2.0 port
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2
Dell XPS 13 Plus:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2
Features
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2:
- ThinkShutter camera privacy cover
- Fingerprint reader
- Dolby Atmos audio system
- MIL-STD-810H durability certification
Dell XPS 13 Plus:
- Capacitive touch function keys
- Haptic touchpad
- Dolby Atmos audio system
- ExpressCharge 2.0 for fast charging
Pricing
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 starts at $1,399, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus starts at $999. The price varies depending on the configuration and specifications chosen.
Verdict
Both the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus are exceptional ultraportable laptops with their own strengths and weaknesses. The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 offers a more compact and durable design, while the Dell XPS 13 Plus boasts a larger and more vibrant display. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
If you value portability, durability, and a classic design, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a larger display, a minimalistic design, and a lower price point, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is a compelling option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which laptop has the better battery life?
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 has a slightly better battery life of up to 13 hours, compared to the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s 11 hours.
2. Which laptop is more portable?
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is more portable, weighing just 907 grams and measuring 11.5 inches, compared to the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s 1.24 kilograms and 13.4 inches.
3. Which laptop has a more durable design?
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 has a more durable design with a MIL-STD-810H certification, indicating it has passed rigorous testing for durability.