Dell XPS 13 2021: The Best Windows Laptop Now with OLED
One of the most successful ultrabooks series for the longest time has been the Dell XPS 13 because of its joy stick thin and lightweight design, performance and test proved portability.
Laptop was launched in 2021 and Dell management decided to give an option of OLED display which really appealed to the customers.
As one of the best models of Windows laptops till date, the Dell XPS 13 delivers High definition visualization along with having a premium and rich look which is perfect for the business users.
Main Characteristics of Dell XPS 13 2021
Dell XPS 13 2021 has 11th Generation Intel Core i5/ i7, FHD+ OLED, up to 32 GB RAM and the 13.4-inch thin and light chassis.
Performance with 11th Gen Intel Processors
The XPS 13 2021 comes with a different Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 up to 3GHz processors making it ideal for productivity including multi-tasking. That is Intel Iris Xe graphics which enhance pill for casual gaming and improved graphics in content creation.
Flexible RAM and Storage Configurations
The available in 8GB, 16GB or 32GB LPDDR4X RAM is capable of handling load and loading applications, multitasking. It ranges from 256 GB to 2 TB SSD, thus; boot time is fast and there are a lot of choices where to store files and videos.
OLED Display Option
The OLED display option offers a resolution of 3456 x 2160 pixels (3.5K), providing vivid colors and true blacks, while the 4K UHD+ display (3840 x 2400) remains available for users prioritizing higher resolution over OLED’s color depth. Both displays ensure a stunning visual experience.
Slim Design for Maximum Portability
Equipped with the latest Intel’s eleventh generation core processors and up to 32GB of LPDDR4 memory, XPS 13 2021 carries the smallest footprint of any 13.4-inch laptop available today, and with the thinnest bezel and feather weight of just 2,8 pound it is even smaller than an 11.6-inch laptop.
This makes it suitable to be used by working professional, who requires portability but at the same time require a powerful device.
The OLED Display: What’s New?
The Dell XPS 13 2021 OLED panel provides better blacks and saturation for your media, creative work, and general use, with a 3.5 K resolution.
OLED Technology and Benefits
The OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display is superior in color quality – mostly black shades and bright colors since each pixel produces its own light. This does away with the need for a backlight and thus the projections are much realer.
OLED vs. Non-OLED Displays
While FHD (1920 x 1200) and 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400) IPS panels might be available, it’s worth going for the 3.5K OLED (3456 x 2160) for deeper colors and better differentiation, which is particularly essential when it comes to work with videos and graphic content.
Enhanced Visual Experience
When recording videos, when retouching photos, or even when browsing the net, the vivid and true to life colours make all the difference. It has a screen that measures 100% sRGB and 98% Adobe RGB in color gamut to give a clear shoot to the professionals.
Performance Review: Power and Portability
The latest model in Dell XPS 13, Dell XPS 13 2021 comes with Intel Core i7-1185G7 and Iris Xe Graphics and it supports excellent multitasking and has a lure of being very light weighing 2.8 lbs while having a sleek thin design.
Intel Core i7-1185G7 with the Iris Xe Graphics
The latest processor, Intel Core i7-1185G7 is designed for heavy applications, videos and photoediting while Intel Iris Xe Graphics incorporated delivers good graphics for basic gaming and designing.
Time Management: Multitasking, and Load-Bearing
Multitasking is manageable because up to 32GB of RAM is available in the XPS 13. In the multitasking function it outperforms in applications such as high-definition video processing and multiple web-based functions without program lag.
Portability: Lightweight and Compact Design
They come in a sleek design and lightweight; the ThinkPad XPS 13 weighs only 2.8 lbs and is only 0.6 inches thick. This compact design puts it in a strong position in regards to laptops such as the MacBook Pro and HP Spectre despite great performance.
Battery Life: A Trade-off with OLED
The Dell XPS 13 2021 provides up to eleven hours of battery life for models that do not have the OLED, but around 7.5 for OLED models.
Battery Life: OLED vs. Non-OLED
The non-OLED XPS 13 can last up to 11 hours with standard use, while the OLED variant reaches around 7.5 hours due to the higher energy demands of the 3.5K display.
Real-World Performance Factors
Battery life is influenced by screen brightness, dark mode usage, and app types. OLED displays perform better in dark mode by conserving energy, but light backgrounds significantly reduce runtime.
Recommendations for Battery-Conscious Users
Users prioritizing battery life should opt for the non-OLED FHD display, which offers longer usage. Those who need vibrant visuals may prefer the OLED, understanding the trade-off in battery longevity.
Design and Build Quality: Minimal Bezels and Durability
The Dell XPS 13 2021 models have thin borders and an InfinityEdge display, a strong structure of a single piece, which provides reliability and high-quality appearance for a carnie laptop.
Slim Bezels and InfinityEdge Display
The XPS 13 boasts a nearly bezel-less 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display, maximizing screen space while maintaining a compact frame, offering an immersive viewing experience.
Sturdy Unibody Design and Hinges
Constructed with a robust unibody design, the laptop feels solid and durable. The twin-coil hinges allow for smooth lid operation without lifting the base, ensuring long-lasting use.
Aesthetics and Materials
With a Frost exterior, Arctic White interior, and glass fiber palm rest, the XPS 13 exudes a sleek, modern aesthetic. The silver lid adds to its premium look, setting it apart from competitors like the MacBook Pro and HP Spectre.
Port Selection: Limited but Modern
The Dell XPS 13 2021 offers two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack, but lacks USB Type-A, requiring dongles for additional connectivity.
Modern Port Selection
Another connection type included with the XPS 13 is two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports for improved transfer speeds, charging and display purposes. It also has a microSD card reader and a 3.5mi Jack port for basic connectivity of important accessories.
Missing USB Type-A
No USB Type-A = dongles or adapters for old peripherals, not a deal-breaker but certainly not convenient. The offset on the USB-A port is a bit annoying though, Dell include a USB-C to USB-A dongle in the box however so it’s not that big of an issue.
Alternatives for Extra Connectivity
For users requiring more ports, docking stations are a practical solution, expanding connectivity with options like HDMI, Ethernet, and additional USB ports. These accessories complement the XPS 13’s slim design while offering greater versatility.
Pricing and Configurations
The Dell XPS 13 2021 starts at $950, with OLED models priced around $1,600+, offering various configurations in RAM, storage, and processors to fit different needs.
Starting Price and OLED Model Costs
The base model of the Dell XPS 13 starts at $950 with an Intel Core i3 processor and FHD display. Upgrading to an OLED configuration increases the price to around $1,600+.
Configuration Options
For the memory and storage configurations the buyer can choose a maximum of 8 GB, 16GB or 32 GB of RAM in conjunction with up to 2TB SSD. You can opt for Intel Core i3, i5, and i7, and the latter provides extra variability dependent on your requirements.
Cost Comparison: OLED vs. Non-OLED
The OLED contributes to the more expensive screen and adds better looking visuals for those that are going with performance.
Dell XPS 13 2024: The real Strengths and Weaknesses
The Dell XPS 13 2021 has an excellent OLED display, impressive performance but weak battery life, few ports, and high costs
Pros |
Cons |
||
|
|
FAQs
How long will it last?
Battery life on the Dell XPS 13 OLED is good, offering about 7.5 hours of use depending on what you’re doing with it and how bright your display is.
How Well Does It Stack Up Against OLED and 4K?
The OLED display will give you starker blacks and more robust visuals, whereas 4K will be better for overall resolution.
Does Dell XPS 13 have a gaming title?
The Dell XPS 13 can also run lighter games, but more demanding games will likely lag because the laptop includes integrated Intel Iris X graphics.
Final Thoughts
The Dell XPS 13 OLED is for anyone who values media consumption, vivid colors, and creative work. However, those valuing longer battery life should consider the non-OLED options. While the OLED upgrade is pricier, its stunning display justifies the cost for visual-focused tasks, making it one of the best ultrabooks of 2021 for professionals and creators.