XPS 13 Gen 5

XPS 13 Gen 5

The Dell XPS 13 9350 (2024) excels in design and performance.

Technical Specifications

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) processors, including Core Ultra 5 226V, Core Ultra 7 256V, Core Ultra 7 258V, and Core Ultra 9 288V.
  • RAM: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X, integrated on the system board, operating at 8533 MT/s.
  • Storage: PCIe NVMe Solid State Drives with options including 512GB, 1TB, and up to 2TB or 4TB.
  • Display: 13.4-inch InfinityEdge options: FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 120Hz LCD non-touch; QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 120Hz IPS touchscreen; or 3K (2880 x 1800) 60Hz Tandem OLED touchscreen.
  • Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics (e.g., 140V).
  • Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery.
  • Wireless: Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE201 2x2 and Bluetooth 5.4.
  • Camera: 1080p FHD RGB webcam (Windows Hello compliant) and 360p IR camera.
  • Audio: Quad-speaker design (tweeter + woofer), Realtek ALC1318, and dual-array microphones.
  • Battery: Integrated 3-cell, 55 Wh battery.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Dell XPS 13 9350 (2024 model) features Intel's latest Lunar Lake processors, providing a balance of performance and efficiency for an ultraportable. The integrated LPDDR5X RAM is soldered, limiting future upgrades but ensuring high speeds. Storage options are ample and utilize fast PCIe NVMe technology. The display choices cater to different user needs, with the OLED option offering superior visual fidelity. The reliance on only two Thunderbolt 4 ports necessitates adapters for most traditional peripherals, indicating a design choice prioritizing thinness over port variety. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensures cutting-edge wireless connectivity. The high-resolution webcam and quad-speaker audio system are well-suited for modern communication and multimedia consumption.

Support & Compatibility

  • OS Support: Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit and Windows 11 Pro 64-bit.
  • Drivers: All necessary drivers are available for download from Dell's official support website.
  • End of Support Date: As a recently released model (2024), the Dell XPS 13 9350 receives ongoing support. Older generations of the XPS 13 9350 (2015-2016 model) are listed as "End of Life" by Dell.
  • Available Drivers: Dell provides comprehensive driver packages for Windows 11, including graphics, audio, wireless, and chipset drivers.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The Dell XPS 13 9350 (2024 model) is fully compatible with Windows 11, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. Dell maintains a robust support infrastructure, providing readily available drivers and firmware updates through its official channels. The "End of Life" status for the older 9350 model highlights Dell's typical support lifecycle, indicating that the 2024 model will receive several years of active support, including driver updates and technical assistance. This provides confidence in the long-term usability and maintainability of the asset within an enterprise environment.

Security Status

  • Security Features: Includes a Windows Hello compliant IR camera for facial recognition, enabling secure biometric login. The system likely incorporates a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0), a standard feature for modern enterprise-grade laptops, though not explicitly detailed for this specific 2024 model in the provided snippets, the older 9350 supported TPM 2.0 after a firmware update.
  • Vulnerabilities: Dell laptops, including the XPS series, have historically been subject to firmware vulnerabilities. Recent high-severity firmware vulnerabilities (dubbed "ReVault") affecting Dell ControlVault3 and ControlVault3+ features were patched in 2025, impacting over 100 Dell laptop models. These vulnerabilities could allow for post-compromise persistence or unauthorized logins.
  • Recommendations: Users should regularly apply all available firmware updates, security patches, and software updates released by Dell to mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Utilizing strong authentication methods like Windows Hello and ensuring BIOS/UEFI security settings are configured correctly are also recommended.

Analysis on the Security Status

The Dell XPS 13 9350 (2024 model) integrates modern security features such as Windows Hello for convenient and secure authentication. However, like many complex computing devices, it is not immune to vulnerabilities. The recent disclosure and patching of firmware-level exploits affecting a wide range of Dell laptops underscore the importance of a proactive patching strategy. While Dell is responsive in providing fixes, continuous vigilance and timely application of updates are critical for maintaining the asset's security posture, especially in an enterprise setting where data integrity and access control are paramount.

Performance & Benchmarks

  • CPU Benchmarks: On Geekbench 6, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V in the XPS 13 9350 achieves single-core scores between 2,660 and 2,772, and multi-core scores between 10,846 and 11,033. Cinebench 2024 multi-core performance may be lower than previous Intel -H suffix processors and Snapdragon X Elite due to the Lunar Lake architecture's core count.
  • GPU Benchmarks: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics show strong performance. In 3DMark Fire Strike DirectX 11, scores range from 8,053 to 8,519. 3DMark Wild Life Extreme yields a score of 7,186 with 43.03fps. Intel Arc graphics generally outperform Qualcomm Snapdragon integrated GPUs in compute tasks.
  • AI Performance: The Intel AI Boost NPU scores 2,292 in Geekbench AI CPU Full Precision and 18,387 in Geekbench AI NPU Single Precision.
  • Real-world Performance: The laptop delivers solid performance for productivity tasks, handling multiple browser tabs, applications, and light photo/video editing with ease. It can manage some games at 1080p with medium settings.
  • Battery Life: Models with the FHD+ display can achieve up to 18 hours 34 minutes in Laptop Mag tests and up to 26 hours streaming according to Dell labs. The 3K OLED display significantly reduces battery life, lasting around 8 hours 40 minutes in similar tests.
  • Comparison with Similar Devices: While Intel's Lunar Lake CPUs offer competitive single-core performance, Snapdragon X Elite models sometimes lead in multi-core CPU performance and often in overall battery life. However, the Intel Arc integrated graphics in the XPS 13 9350 typically offer superior graphical capabilities compared to Snapdragon.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The Dell XPS 13 9350 (2024 model) is a capable performer for an ultraportable, excelling in everyday productivity and light creative workloads. Its Intel Lunar Lake processor provides strong single-core performance, making it responsive for general use. The integrated Intel Arc graphics represent a significant improvement, enabling light gaming and more demanding graphical tasks than previous generations. Battery life is a key differentiator: the FHD+ display configuration offers exceptional endurance, making it suitable for extended use away from power outlets. Conversely, the visually stunning OLED display, while enhancing the user experience, comes at a considerable cost to battery longevity. The performance profile positions the XPS 13 9350 as a strong contender in the premium ultrabook segment, particularly for users who value a balance of portability, display quality, and general computing power.

User Reviews & Feedback

  • Positive Feedback: Users consistently praise the Dell XPS 13 9350 for its sleek, minimalist design, premium build quality (machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3), and lightweight, portable form factor. The InfinityEdge display, especially the OLED option, receives high acclaim for its vivid colors, sharpness, and narrow bezels. Performance is generally considered solid for an ultraportable, handling productivity and light creative tasks effectively. The integrated Intel Arc graphics are noted for their respectable capabilities in light gaming. Battery life on FHD+ models is often highlighted as impressive. The quad-speaker audio system and 1080p webcam are also well-regarded for their quality. The seamless glass touchpad with haptic feedback is generally well-received.
  • Negative Feedback: Common criticisms include the "cramped" keyboard, which some users find less comfortable for extended typing due to its zero-lattice design and shallow key travel. The limited port selection, with only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports and no 3.5mm audio jack, is a frequent point of contention, often requiring dongles or hubs. The non-OLED display options may exhibit poorer color reproduction and brightness compared to the OLED variant. The OLED display, while visually superior, significantly impacts battery life. Some users express dissatisfaction with the touch function row, preferring physical keys. Concerns about the cooling system's limitations under heavy load, potentially leading to throttling, have also been noted.

Summary

The Dell XPS 13 9350 (2024 model) stands as a flagship ultraportable laptop, distinguished by its sophisticated, minimalist design and robust machined aluminum chassis. It integrates Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) processors, coupled with up to 32GB of high-speed LPDDR5X RAM and ample PCIe NVMe SSD storage, delivering strong performance for everyday productivity, multitasking, and even light creative workloads. The laptop offers a choice of 13.4-inch InfinityEdge displays, including a stunning 3K Tandem OLED option that provides exceptional visual clarity and vibrant colors, alongside more battery-efficient FHD+ LCD panels. Connectivity is streamlined to two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, reflecting a design philosophy that prioritizes thinness and modern standards.

Strengths: The XPS 13 9350's primary strengths lie in its premium aesthetics, compact and lightweight form factor, and the immersive visual experience offered by its OLED display. Its Intel Arc integrated graphics provide a notable boost in graphical performance compared to previous generations, making it capable of more than just basic tasks. For users prioritizing battery life, the FHD+ display configurations offer impressive endurance. The audio experience is enhanced by a quad-speaker setup, and the 1080p webcam supports high-quality video conferencing.

Weaknesses: The most significant drawbacks include the limited port selection, which often necessitates the use of adapters or docking stations for peripheral connectivity. The keyboard, while aesthetically integrated, receives mixed reviews for its tactile feedback and comfort during prolonged typing sessions. While the OLED display is visually superior, its power consumption significantly reduces battery life compared to the LCD options. Under sustained heavy loads, the thermal management system may lead to performance throttling.

Recommendations: The Dell XPS 13 9350 (2024 model) is an excellent choice for professionals and users who prioritize portability, a premium user experience, and a high-quality display for tasks such as document creation, web browsing, communication, and light content creation. For users with extensive peripheral needs, investing in a Thunderbolt dock is advisable. Those requiring maximum battery life for long workdays away from power outlets should opt for the FHD+ display configuration. Regular application of Dell's firmware and software updates is crucial to ensure optimal performance and to address any potential security vulnerabilities. This asset represents a compelling blend of design, performance, and portability for the modern enterprise.

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.