Dell XPS 13 9300

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1, i5-1035G1, or i7-1065G7 (Ice Lake).
• RAM: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR4X 3733 MHz, soldered to the motherboard.
• Storage: M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, configurable up to 2TB (common configurations include 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB).
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics (with Core i3/i5 processors) or Intel Iris Plus Graphics (with Core i7 processors).
• Display: 13.4-inch InfinityEdge, 16:10 aspect ratio. Options include:
  • FHD+ (1920 x 1200) non-touch.
  • FHD+ (1920 x 1200) touch.
  • 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400) touch, HDR 400, 500-nit typical brightness (can reach ~600 nits when plugged in), 100% sRGB + DCI-P3 90% color gamut.
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery), 1x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, 1x microSD card reader.
• Wireless: Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0.
• Dimensions & Weight: 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches (296 x 199 x 14.8mm); 2.6 lbs (1.2kg) for non-touch models, 2.8 lbs (1.27kg) for touch models.
• Battery: 4-cell, 52Whr.
• Webcam: Top bezel, 4-element webcam with advanced noise reduction, Windows Hello compatible IR camera.
• Keyboard: Edge-to-edge design with 1mm key travel.
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, Windows Hello facial recognition.

The Dell XPS 13 9300 features a compact and premium design, offering a range of 10th Gen Intel Ice Lake processors that provide a balance of performance and efficiency for an ultraportable device. The LPDDR4X RAM operates at a high frequency, contributing to overall system responsiveness, though it is soldered to the motherboard, limiting future upgrades. Storage is a strong point, with fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs available in generous capacities, and the SSD is user-upgradeable. The display options are a highlight, particularly the 16:10 aspect ratio which offers more vertical screen real estate, beneficial for productivity. The 4K UHD+ panel provides exceptional clarity and color accuracy, though it can impact battery life. Port selection is minimal, relying heavily on Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, which necessitates adapters for legacy peripherals. Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics on Core i7 models provide a notable boost in graphical performance compared to previous generations and competitors without discrete GPUs.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11, Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS, and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS are officially supported.
• End of Support Date: Dell provides ongoing driver and software updates through its support channels. While a specific end-of-support date is not publicly highlighted, continued OS support for Windows 10/11 and recent Ubuntu versions indicates active maintenance.
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers, firmware, and software are available for download from the official Dell Support website. Drivers can also be updated via Windows Update.
• Compatibility: The Thunderbolt 3 ports support external GPUs (eGPUs) for enhanced graphics performance. Dell Docking Stations are compatible, expanding connectivity options. A USB-C to USB-A dongle is often included to address the limited native port selection and ensure compatibility with older USB devices.

The Dell XPS 13 9300 offers robust support for both Windows and popular Linux distributions, ensuring broad compatibility for various user needs. Dell maintains a comprehensive online support portal for drivers and updates, which is crucial for system stability and performance. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 ports significantly enhances its versatility, allowing for high-speed data transfer, external display connectivity, power delivery, and the option to connect powerful eGPUs, extending the laptop's capabilities beyond its integrated graphics. The provision of a USB-C to USB-A dongle acknowledges the transition to USB-C and helps users integrate existing peripherals seamlessly.

Security Status

• Security Features: The asset includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button and an infrared (IR) camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, providing multiple biometric authentication methods.
• Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread vulnerabilities for the Dell XPS 13 9300 are prominently reported in publicly available information.
• Recommendations: Users should regularly update the operating system and drivers through Windows Update and the Dell Support website to ensure all security patches are applied. Utilizing the built-in biometric security features, such as the fingerprint reader and Windows Hello facial recognition, is recommended for secure and convenient login.

The Dell XPS 13 9300 integrates modern security features to protect user data and privacy. The combination of a fingerprint reader and an IR camera for Windows Hello provides convenient and strong biometric authentication, reducing reliance on passwords. While no specific vulnerabilities are widely publicized, maintaining up-to-date software and drivers is a standard best practice for any computing device to mitigate potential security risks.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Geekbench 4.3 (i7-1065G7): Approximately 19,053, surpassing the premium laptop category average of 16,641.
  • Cinebench R20 (i7-1065G7): Initial scores around 1,634, with an average of approximately 1,257 under sustained load.
  • SSD Performance: File copy speeds of 621 MBps for a 4.97GB file, on par with the category average.
  • Graphics (3DMark Time Spy): Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 scored 821, while Intel UHD Graphics G1 scored 475. The Iris Plus Graphics show an approximate 80% improvement in gaming performance over the previous generation's integrated graphics.
  • Video Transcoding (Handbrake 4K to 1080p): Completed in 15 minutes and 40 seconds, faster than the 19:39 category average.
• Real-world Performance: The XPS 13 9300 is highly capable for multitasking and general productivity tasks, handling numerous browser tabs, large documents, and applications like Photoshop without significant slowdowns. It performs well for heavy spreadsheets, light video editing, photo editing, and casual gaming at lower settings.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: The XPS 13 9300 generally performs better than or on par with competitors like the HP Spectre x360 with the same CPU in synthetic benchmarks. Its graphics performance with Iris Plus Graphics is superior to predecessors and other laptops lacking discrete GPUs. Battery life with the FHD+ display is excellent, often exceeding 12 hours in web surfing tests, significantly above the premium laptop average. However, the chassis can experience thermal throttling and become warm under sustained heavy loads. The 4K display option may lead to reduced battery life and occasional frame rate drops with Windows gestures.

The Dell XPS 13 9300 delivers strong performance for its class, particularly for an ultraportable laptop. The 10th Gen Intel Ice Lake processors, especially the Core i7 with Iris Plus Graphics, provide a noticeable performance uplift, making it suitable for demanding productivity tasks and even light creative work and gaming. The fast NVMe SSD ensures quick boot times and application loading. While its thermal management can lead to some performance throttling during prolonged heavy use, it generally maintains excellent responsiveness for typical daily workflows. The battery life is a standout feature, especially with the FHD+ display, making it an ideal companion for mobile professionals.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for the Dell XPS 13 9300 are largely positive, praising its premium design, portability, and display. Users frequently highlight the "head-turning looks" and the "immaculately crafted chassis" as significant strengths. The 16:10 InfinityEdge display is a particular favorite, offering more vertical screen space and excellent visual quality. The redesigned, edge-to-edge keyboard is noted for its responsiveness and comfortable typing experience. Many users appreciate its lightweight nature and sturdy build quality, making it easy to carry. The inclusion of Windows Hello facial recognition and a fingerprint reader is also well-received for quick and secure logins.

However, some common criticisms emerge. The limited port selection, consisting mainly of Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, often necessitates the use of dongles for connecting USB-A or HDMI devices, which can be inconvenient. The soldered RAM is a point of concern for users seeking future upgradeability. Under heavy workloads, the laptop's chassis can become noticeably warm, and the fans may become audible. Some users with the 4K display option have reported occasional frame rate drops when using Windows gesture navigations. Additionally, the white backlit keyboard on certain models has been noted as difficult to see in specific lighting conditions. Minor issues like potential wear on the bottom rubber strips have also been mentioned.

Summary

The Dell XPS 13 9300 stands as a highly refined ultraportable laptop, embodying a blend of premium design, advanced display technology, and capable performance. Its strengths lie in its stunning, virtually bezel-less 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio, offering vibrant visuals in both FHD+ and 4K UHD+ options. The compact and lightweight aluminum chassis, coupled with a comfortable and responsive edge-to-edge keyboard, makes it an excellent choice for professionals and users prioritizing portability and aesthetics. Performance is robust for daily tasks, multitasking, and even light creative work, driven by 10th Gen Intel Ice Lake processors and enhanced Iris Plus Graphics. Battery life, especially with the FHD+ display, is impressive, often exceeding typical averages for its class. Security features like Windows Hello facial recognition and a fingerprint reader provide convenient and reliable authentication.

However, the XPS 13 9300 is not without its drawbacks. The most notable limitation is its sparse port selection, relying almost exclusively on Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, which necessitates adapters for many common peripherals. The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, preventing user upgrades and requiring careful configuration at the time of purchase. While generally performing well, the laptop can experience thermal limitations under sustained heavy loads, leading to a warm chassis and audible fan noise. Users opting for the 4K display might experience reduced battery life and occasional software-related frame rate issues.

Overall, the Dell XPS 13 9300 is an exceptional ultraportable for users who value a premium experience, a superb display, and strong performance for productivity and light creative tasks. It is highly recommended for those who prioritize design and portability and are comfortable with a USB-C centric workflow. For optimal battery life, the FHD+ display option is advisable. Regular driver and OS updates are crucial for maintaining performance and security.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.