Dell XPS 13 Plus vs. ASUS ROG Flow X13: A Battle of Ultraportable Titans

In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the ASUS ROG Flow X13 stand as formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of power, portability, and style. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricate details of these exceptional devices to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build

Dell XPS 13 Plus:
The XPS 13 Plus exudes an air of sophistication with its sleek and minimalist design. Its CNC-machined aluminum chassis is both durable and lightweight, weighing just 2.8 pounds. The keyboard is seamlessly integrated into the body, creating a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.

ASUS ROG Flow X13:
In contrast, the ROG Flow X13 boasts a more aggressive and angular design, geared towards gamers and enthusiasts. Its magnesium alloy chassis is robust and durable, while the honeycomb patterning on the lid adds a touch of visual flair. The laptop weighs slightly more at 3.1 pounds, but its compact dimensions make it highly portable.

Display

Dell XPS 13 Plus:
The XPS 13 Plus features a stunning 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. The OLED technology delivers exceptional contrast and vivid colors, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. The screen also supports touch input for added convenience.

ASUS ROG Flow X13:
The ROG Flow X13 offers a slightly smaller 13.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. While the IPS panel doesn’t match the OLED’s contrast and color accuracy, it still provides a decent viewing experience. The screen also has a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay.

Performance

Dell XPS 13 Plus:
Powered by the latest 12th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, the XPS 13 Plus delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide adequate performance for light gaming and video editing.

ASUS ROG Flow X13:
The ROG Flow X13 packs a more powerful AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS processor, which offers superior performance for heavy-duty tasks such as video rendering and gaming. It also features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, providing dedicated graphics power for demanding applications.

Battery Life

Dell XPS 13 Plus:
The XPS 13 Plus is equipped with a 55Wh battery that provides up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need long-lasting performance on the go.

ASUS ROG Flow X13:
The ROG Flow X13 has a smaller 62Wh battery, but its power-efficient AMD processor and NVIDIA Optimus technology help extend battery life. It can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, making it a suitable option for moderate usage.

Features

Dell XPS 13 Plus:
The XPS 13 Plus comes with a host of features, including a built-in fingerprint reader for secure login, Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer, and Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless connectivity.

ASUS ROG Flow X13:
The ROG Flow X13 offers a more gaming-centric feature set, including a dedicated cooling system for enhanced performance, a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort support, and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

Price

Dell XPS 13 Plus:
The Dell XPS 13 Plus starts at $1,299 for the base model. Upgrading to higher-end configurations with more RAM, storage, and a larger display will increase the price.

ASUS ROG Flow X13:
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 starts at $1,299 for the base model with the AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics. Upgrading to the higher-end model with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card will cost more.

Verdict

Both the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the ASUS ROG Flow X13 are exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a unique blend of features and performance. The XPS 13 Plus is the ideal choice for users who prioritize portability, style, and all-day battery life. The ROG Flow X13, on the other hand, is better suited for gamers and enthusiasts who need a powerful and versatile device.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value portability and a premium design, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize performance and gaming capabilities, the ASUS ROG Flow X13 is the superior choice.

FAQ

Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a superior OLED display with higher contrast and color accuracy.

Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a slightly longer battery life of up to 11 hours, compared to the ROG Flow X13’s 10 hours.

Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: The ASUS ROG Flow X13 is better for gaming thanks to its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card.

Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The Dell XPS 13 Plus is slightly more portable, weighing just 2.8 pounds compared to the ROG Flow X13’s 3.1 pounds.

Q: Which laptop has more features?
A: The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a wider range of features, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.