ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 vs Dell XPS 13 Plus: A Clash of Ultraportable Titans
What To Know
- The Dell XPS 13 Plus also features a slim and lightweight design, with an aluminum chassis and a weight of 2.
- The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 has a slightly larger battery capacity than the Dell XPS 13 Plus, with a 49.
- The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a 55Wh battery, which is a bit larger than the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and Dell XPS 13 Plus are two of the most highly anticipated ultraportable laptops of 2022. Both devices offer cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and impressive performance, making them ideal for professionals and students alike. However, there are also some key differences between the two laptops, which we will explore in this comprehensive comparison.
Design and Build Quality
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 boasts an ultra-thin chassis made from carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, offering durability and portability. It weighs just 2.16 pounds and measures only 11.5mm thick, making it one of the lightest and thinnest laptops available.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The Dell XPS 13 Plus also features a slim and lightweight design, with an aluminum chassis and a weight of 2.8 pounds. However, it is slightly thicker than the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 at 11.6mm. Despite its sleek appearance, the XPS 13 Plus lacks the durability of the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2, making it less suitable for rough handling.
Display
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 offers a 13-inch WQXGA display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. It supports Dolby Vision HDR and has a maximum brightness of 450 nits, providing excellent image quality and vibrant colors.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The Dell XPS 13 Plus comes with a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR and has a peak brightness of 500 nits. The OLED panel delivers stunning contrast levels and deep blacks, making it ideal for watching movies or editing photos.
Performance
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, which provide excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. It also comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of NVMe SSD storage.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The Dell XPS 13 Plus is equipped with Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, similar to the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2. However, it offers up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 2TB of NVMe SSD storage, providing more memory and storage capacity for demanding users.
Keyboard and Touchpad
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 features Lenovo‘s renowned ThinkPad keyboard, which is known for its excellent typing experience and durability. It offers full-sized keys with a comfortable key travel and responsive feedback. The touchpad is also spacious and supports multi-touch gestures.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The Dell XPS 13 Plus introduces a radical new keyboard design with capacitive keys that are flush with the chassis. While this provides a sleek and minimalist look, it sacrifices tactile feedback and can be less comfortable to type on for extended periods. The touchpad is also smaller than the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s, but it supports Precision Touch gestures.
Connectivity and Ports
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 offers a decent selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The Dell XPS 13 Plus takes a more minimalist approach to connectivity, featuring only two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, but lacks the HDMI port and USB-A port found on the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2.
Battery Life
ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 has a slightly larger battery capacity than the Dell XPS 13 Plus, with a 49.5Wh battery. Lenovo claims that it can last up to 13 hours on a single charge.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a 55Wh battery, which is a bit larger than the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2’s. Dell estimates that it can provide up to 12 hours of battery life.
Key Points: Which Is the Right Choice for You?
Both the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 and Dell XPS 13 Plus are exceptional ultraportable laptops that offer a compelling combination of performance, portability, and style. However, each device has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize durability, a comfortable keyboard, and a wider range of ports, the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you prefer a stunning OLED display, more memory and storage, and a sleek minimalist design, the Dell XPS 13 Plus may be a better fit.
Ultimately, both laptops are capable of meeting the demands of most users, so it’s worth considering your personal preferences and budget when making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 has a slightly longer battery life than the Dell XPS 13 Plus, with a claimed battery life of up to 13 hours compared to 12 hours for the XPS 13 Plus.
Q: Which laptop has a better keyboard?
A: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 features Lenovo‘s renowned ThinkPad keyboard, which is known for its excellent typing experience and durability. The Dell XPS 13 Plus’s capacitive keyboard sacrifices tactile feedback for a sleek design.
Q: Which laptop has more ports?
A: The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 offers a wider range of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack. The Dell XPS 13 Plus only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack.
