The new Dell XPS 15 OLED (priced from $1,299, with the OLED model starting at $2,199) closely resembles the previous Dell XPS 15 2022, which itself was virtually identical to its predecessor. Apart from updated internal components, this represents the same laptop that has been previously observed. 

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The latest version of the Dell XPS 15 OLED continues to be one of the top laptops, and it’s definitely one of the best Windows laptops you can find.

The significant upgrade for the 2023 Dell XPS 15 OLED includes the integration of the latest 13th Generation Intel Core processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series mobile GPUs. An alternative configuration with an Intel Arc graphics card is also available. In addition, it retains the same features as previous models, such as a stunning 3.5K OLED display (available as an upgrade), a comprehensive selection of ports, and ample performance for routine computing tasks and gaming.

XPS 15: Specs

XPS 15: Design

The new Dell XPS 15 keeps the same stylish design as its predecessors. It’s a beautifully sleek and elegant laptop, featuring a smooth, machined aluminum chassis and a slim profile that feels just right. Whether you’re at the office, home, or your favorite cafe, it’s sure to look great wherever you go.

The XPS 15 measures 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches and has a weight of up to 4.23 pounds, rendering it easily portable. Its durable construction and relatively slender profile contribute to a comfortable grip. 

Apart from the Dell logo on its silver lid, the laptop features a clean design without any additional adornments. The all-black interior provides a striking contrast against the silver chassis. 

Although I appreciate the design of the XPS 15, opening the laptop proves to be inconvenient due to the absence of a lip on its lid—an issue that has consistently been my primary concern with the XPS series. Fortunately, the lid is sturdy yet effortless to lift when open. It stays steady and quiet, even when the laptop is shaken. I really wish the XPS 15 was easier to access, as it would make everything so much more convenient.

XPS 15: Display

The XPS 15’s screen beautifully brought to life the lush, vibrant colors from the second trailer of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. I especially loved the scenes with sepia tones that reminded me of comic book pages. Despite the explosion of colors, everything remained clear and easy to recognize, making the viewing experience all the more enjoyable. 

Our laboratory tests corroborated the findings obtained during the qualitative assessment. When our instruments were directed at the device, the XPS 15 registered an average brightness of 371.2 nits. This measurement is slightly below that of the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra (378 nits) and notably lower than the MacBook Pro 16-inch (446 nits). 

XPS 15: Ports

The Dell XPS 15 offers a well-thought-out selection of ports that will suit most users’ needs. Just like the previous model, it features three convenient USB-C ports, a full-sized SD card slot, a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock to keep everything secure. 

If that’s not quite enough, Dell thoughtfully includes a USB-A and Ethernet adapter with the XPS 15, showing their attention to your connectivity needs.

XPS 15: Keyboard & Touchpad

Typing on the XPS 15 was an absolute pleasure due to its spacious keyboard and the soft, textured carbon fiber surface covering the palm rests. The keys are responsive and exhibit a snappy feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with satisfying travel, enabling me to type at a speed comparable to that of a full-sized PC keyboard. 

Similarly, the large touchpad offered plenty of space for navigation. It accurately detected all my swipes and gestures without any issues. The cursor reliably moved to my intended location, resulting in a smooth and effortless user experience.

The expansive and smooth trackpad provided ample space for operation. It precisely registered all gestures and offered a seamless tactile experience. Despite its size, I remained confident that I would not inadvertently activate it. 

XPS 15: Performance

Thanks to these specifications, this laptop is capable of managing intensive workloads. During my personal evaluation, the notebook exhibited consistent performance even with over 30 open tabs, accompanied by a YouTube video playing in the background.

In the Geekbench 5 benchmark, which assesses overall performance, the XPS 15 achieved a score of 1,880 on the single-core test and 12,478 on the multi-core test. These scores position it marginally above the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, which recorded scores of 1,672 and 12,212, respectively, on the same evaluation.

During our Handbrake video editing assessment, which entails transcoding a 4K video segment to 1080p resolution, the Dell XPS 15 required 5 minutes and 1 second to complete the procedure. This duration is marginally shorter than that of the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra (5:26) yet approximately one minute longer than the MacBook Pro 16-inch (4:03).

XPS 15: Gaming Performance

I tested Doom Eternal, God of War (2018), and Cyberpunk 2077. Doom Eternal, being highly optimized, ran smoothly between 85 and 100 fps on medium settings and performed well during chaotic battles. 

God of War on PC maintained a frame rate of 30 to 40 fps, comparable to its performance on the PlayStation 4 Pro, though it falls short of the 60 fps most PC gamers prefer. Cyberpunk 2077 achieved a decent 45 to 50 fps at medium settings, varying with the amount of on-screen activity.

As depicted in the accompanying chart, each game operated at a frame rate significantly exceeding 60 frames per second at a resolution of 1080p. These findings demonstrate that the gaming performance of the XPS 15 surpasses that of the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, which is equipped with an RTX 4050 Ti GPU.

As illustrated above, Dell’s notebook is capable of achieving higher frame rates in gaming than the MSI Cyborg 15. This outcome aligns with expectations, considering that the latter is equipped with an RTX 4050 laptop GPU, whereas the XPS 15 features a 4070. Nonetheless, larger and more expensive gaming laptops with more powerful GPUs, such as the Razer Blade 18, significantly surpass the XPS 15 in performance.

Although the XPS 15 is not promoted as a gaming laptop, it is capable of competing effectively with low- to mid-range contenders in that sector.

XPS 15: Battery Life

During the battery testing, which involved continuous web browsing at a screen brightness of 150 nits, the Dell XPS 15 endured for 8 hours and 58 minutes. This represents a noticeable decrease compared to the previous year’s XPS 15 OLED, which lasted 10 hours and 5 minutes. It also doesn’t quite match up to other options out there, like the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, which lasts for an impressive 10 hours and 1 minute, or the MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023, offering a remarkable 16 hours and 37 minutes of battery life. 

XPS 15: Verdict

The Dell XPS 15 OLED (2023) offers only a minor upgrade from its earlier version. If you already have the previous model, there’s little need to upgrade this year. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent Windows laptop featuring a vibrant OLED screen, a fantastic keyboard, and fast performance suitable for work and entertainment. For those seeking a versatile Windows laptop capable of handling work tasks, gaming, and light video editing, this notebook is a solid choice.

If the XPS 15 OLED isn’t quite what you’re looking for or if you’re more interested in an Apple laptop, the MacBook Pro 16-inch or MacBook Pro 14-inch are fantastic options to consider. For a lighter Windows laptop that still delivers great performance, the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is also a great pick.

While it might seem like a small update, the Dell XPS 15 OLED (2023) really showcases the qualities that make the XPS 15 series Dell’s way of answering Apple’s MacBook lineup. Whether iterative or not, this remains an outstanding laptop.

The Dell XPS 17 fulfills all expectations for a larger laptop. Sacrificing some portability for size, it provides a spacious, vibrant display and strong performance. Naturally, it also retains the sleek design characteristic of the XPS series.

The Dell XPS series has historically been acknowledged as the standard for laptops. While some models may fall short compared to the top-tier versions, these laptops generally exude quality and sophistication. The Dell XPS 17 9730, featured in this review, certainly embodies these qualities. It is an excellent laptop in nearly every regard.

Naturally, you lose the portability that makes smaller models popular in our best Ultrabooks guide. This one is heavier and bulkier. However, if you’re reading this review, you likely value size more than portability and are fine carrying around five pounds occasionally.

XPS 17: Specs

XPS 17: Design

As you might imagine, with a 17-inch laptop, the Dell XPS 17 has a bit of a larger size. Unlike some models like the LG Gram, it focuses more on performance rather than being super lightweight. It starts at over five pounds, making it portable, but it’s probably not the best choice if you plan to carry it around all day between coffee shops.

The Dell XPS 17 is not intended for casual users. Instead, it features high-end components typically unavailable in smaller models. It includes a dedicated GPU, with options such as Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 406, 4070, and 4080. Additionally, you can upgrade to as much as 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage, which isn’t usually possible with smaller, thinner laptops.

Given that this is a Dell XPS laptop, it features an aesthetically pleasing design with a platinum silver exterior crafted from machined aluminum, complemented by a black carbon fiber cover surrounding the keyboard. It can be regarded as the luxury vehicle equivalent within the realm of laptops.

Given its sizable dimensions, it features a large 17-inch display. While additional details regarding the display will be provided subsequently, it is noteworthy that it is equipped with ‘Infinity Edge’ bezels, which are minimal in size. Furthermore, the upgraded UHD+ version reviewed herein also includes touch capabilities. In this regard, the panel exhibits a high level of quality when utilizing the touch functionality.

XPS 17: Ports

Regarding port options, the Dell XPS 17 has a sleek Ultrabook style with four Thunderbolt ports and an SD card reader. 

The good news is that all Thunderbolt ports support power delivery and DisplayPort, allowing you to easily connect an external display using an adapter if your monitor lacks USB-C inputs.

XPS 17: Display

The XPS 17 features a spacious, nearly bezel-less 17-inch display that fits comfortably within a compact 14.7-inch chassis. It boasts a impressive 93.7% screen-to-body ratio and a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. Its 3820 x 2400 resolution is one of the highest on the market, made from durable Corning Gorilla Glass 6.

This display is highly vibrant, achieving 172% of the sRGB color gamut, similar to the Envy 17t and exceeding the MacBook Pro at 114% and the premium average of 121%. Adjustments to color temperature, gamut, and brightness can be made via Dell Premier Color. The Dell CinemaColor offers a calming Evening mode and options for Movie, Sports, and Animation modes. 

The XPS 17’s display exhibits an impressive luminance, averaging 505 nits. It exceeds the averages of the Envy, MacBook, and related categories, which are recorded at 433, 429, and 371 nits, respectively.

XPS 17: Keyboard & Touchpad

The keyboard was comfortable to type on, though I would have preferred a little more feedback. Nevertheless, I achieved my target of 70 words per minute on the 10fastfingers typing test effortlessly.

Once more, Dell adopted a ‘bigger is better’ approach with the XPS 17, equipping it with a 3.5 x 6-inch touchpad. Fortunately, the smooth surface possesses excellent palm rejection capabilities, enabling me to type without unintentional cursor activation. Executing Windows 10 gestures such as pinch-zoom and three-finger flick was swift and responsive.

XPS 17: Performance

Equipped with a 2.3-GHz Intel Core i7-10875H processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD, the XPS 17 qualifies as an unequivocal powerhouse. The laptop excelled in nearly every test conducted, commencing with our real-world assessment. I initiated with a typical load of 40 tabs in Google Chrome, supplemented by multiple Twitch streams and YouTube videos.

The notebook maintained its performance in our synthetic benchmarks. When conducting the Geekbench 5.0 test, an overall performance assessment, the XPS 17 achieved a score of 7,740, surpassing the average score of 4,278 for premium laptops. The MacBook Pro equipped with the Intel Core i9-9980HK CPU scored 7,201, while the Envy 17t with the Core i7-1065G7 CPU attained 3,272.

In the Handbrake test, the XPS 17 transcoded a 4K video to 1080p in 8 minutes and 41 seconds. This was quicker than the average of 18 minutes and 41 seconds and faster than the Envy 17’s 22 minutes and 23 seconds. The MacBook Pro completed the task slightly faster, at exactly 8 minutes.

XPS 17: Gaming Performance

Dell is excited to introduce the XPS 17, specially designed for creative professionals. They’ve equipped it with a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU featuring 6GB of VRAM, perfect for demanding tasks. Plus, it includes an integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU for those simpler moments when you’re not video editing or gaming, making the laptop versatile for all your needs. 

Regarding gaming performance, the laptop delivered solid results. In the Dirt 3 test, the XPS 17 achieved 112 frames per second at 3840 x 2400 resolution, surpassing the average of 65 fps for premium laptops. The Envy 17t was close behind, with its GeForce GTX MX330 GPU reaching 105 fps.

In the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark, the XPS 17 attained a frame rate of 48 fps at 1080p, exceeding the average of 41 fps within its category. At a resolution of 4K, the frame rate declined to 12 fps, marginally below the category average of 13 fps. 

During the Hitman test, the XPS 17 achieved 74 fps at 1080p, exceeding the average of 70 fps. At 4K resolution, the notebook recorded 36 fps, surpassing the average of 35 fps. 

XPS 17: Battery Life

Usually, a laptop with a 4K display doesn’t go beyond 8 hours on the Laptop Mag Battery Test, but the XPS 17 impressed us by lasting 9 hours and 5 minutes during continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. It comfortably outperformed the Envy 17t (which lasted 6 hours and 12 minutes) and the average for premium laptops (9 hours and 2 minutes). The MacBook Pro, however, stayed ahead with an impressive 10 hours and 55 minutes.

XPS 17: Verdict

If you are seeking a genuine competitor to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, your search need not continue further. The $3,049 Dell XPS 17 is capable of accommodating all your productivity, creativity, and multimedia requirements, owing to its 10th Generation Intel processor and Nvidia RTX 2060, two formidable components.

Furthermore, it offers a remarkable display, an exceptional audio system, and a swift SSD—all housed within a chassis that is 48% more compact than most 15-inch laptops available on the market. Despite its ultra-high-resolution display, the device achieved over nine hours of operation during our battery test. 

If you’re seeking a laptop that offers a lighter footprint, extended battery life, and a blazing-fast SSD, you might consider paying $3,899 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro. While this configuration makes the XPS 17 a costly option, consumers in search of a genuine MacBook Pro alternative will find it difficult to find a better choice than the Dell XPS 17.

The Dell Precision 5690 is Dell’s newest addition to its mobile workstation range, designed specifically for professionals who require exceptional performance in a portable design. It combines the ease of transport of a premium laptop with the power usually found in desktop workstations. Aimed at engineers, 3D artists, architects, and creators, this device is built to manage demanding tasks like CAD modelling, 3D rendering, and large-scale video production effortlessly.

In a market dominated by high-performance laptops like the Dell XPS 17 and Lenovo ThinkPad P1, the Dell Precision 5690 stands out by providing workstation-level components with ISV certification, ensuring it is optimized and tested for professional programs such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe’s complete creative suite.

The Precision 5690 offers more than just raw power. Dell has emphasised design refinement, thermal management, and display quality to make it comfortable for extended use. Whether editing 8K videos, simulating intricate structures, or handling multi-layer 3D models, this machine is designed for demanding tasks.

Dell Precision 5690: specifications

Precision 5690: Design

The Dell Precision 5690 exemplifies Dell’s refined premium design language developed over recent years. Its chassis, made from CNC-machined aluminum, provides a sturdy, durable feel that exudes confidence.Despite being a powerful workstation, it boasts an impressively slim profile at just under 19mm thick.

Dell chose a minimalist matte finish that resists fingerprints and maintains a professional appearance. The hinge feels solid, enabling one-handed opening of the display without wobbling during use. The vents are subtly integrated, avoiding the aggressive aesthetic common in some gaming laptops. 

The palm rest offers a beautifully smooth, grippy surface that enhances comfort for extended typing, while the thoughtfully designed underside promotes airflow, with rubber feet providing a slight elevation for optimal cooling! Overall, the Precision 5690 looks fitting in both a high-end boardroom and a demanding engineering environment.

Precision 5690: Ports

Dell has equipped the Precision 5690 with a comprehensive selection of ports to accommodate both contemporary and legacy requirements.

The device features two Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer and docking solutions, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for supplementary peripherals, an HDMI 2.1 port for external display connections, a full-size SD card reader catering to photographers and videographers, and a 3.5mm audio jack for headsets.

While the adoption of USB-C ports in place of traditional USB-A connectors may be perceived as a limitation by some, Dell primarily targets professionals who frequently utilise docking stations and newer peripherals. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 support ensures seamless output to 4K or even 8K monitors.

Precision 5690: Display

The Dell Precision 5690 features a beautiful 16-inch 4K OLED touch screen with a resolution of 3840×2400. Its 16:10 aspect ratio offers additional vertical space, enhancing productivity for activities like coding, video editing timelines, or CAD design. OLED technology provides perfect blacks, rich colors, and high contrast, making tasks such as photo editing and color grading particularly enjoyable.

Featuring 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, this display is ideal for professional color-critical tasks. Its peak brightness of approximately 500 nits ensures usability in bright, well-lit settings. The touchscreen operates with precision and fluidity, and Dell has incorporated an anti-reflective coating designed to minimize glare while preserving visual clarity.

When compared to competitors such as the Dell XPS 17 with its IPS display or the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 equipped with a mini-LED panel, this OLED provides deeper blacks and more engaging visuals. Although OLED screens can be more susceptible to burn-in over time, Dell addresses this issue by incorporating software-based pixel shifting to reduce the risk.

Precision 5690: Keyboard and Touchpad

Typing on the Dell Precision 5690 is an enjoyable experience. Its keyboard features deep key travel and a tactile bump that feels satisfying, all while keeping noise levels low. The layout is open and well-designed, with appropriately sized arrow keys and a dedicated column of function keys for quick access to brightness, volume, and performance settings. 

The touchpad is large, with a glass surface that allows for smooth tracking. It handles multi-touch gestures seamlessly, and palm rejection works perfectly. For professionals needing precise cursor control, the responsiveness of the touchpad rivals that of the Apple MacBook Pro.

Precision 5690: General Performance

The Dell Precision 5690’s base configuration features an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a high-speed PCIe Gen4 SSD. This set of components ensures smooth multitasking, even during intensive tasks.

In Geekbench 6 tests, the Precision 5690 achieves a multi-core score of 14,250 and a single-core score of 2,140. Compared to similar models, the Dell XPS 17 scores slightly lower with 13,800 in multi-core, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 reaches 13,950. The SSD offers read speeds of 7,100 MB/s and write speeds of 6,850 MB/s, enabling nearly instant loading of large project files.

Geekbench 6 Benchmark Comparison

The Dell Precision 5690 enhances productivity by providing superior performance in 3D rendering, code compilation, and intensive Photoshop tasks when compared to its competitors. This is attributed to its effective cooling system, which sustains high clock speeds during extended workloads.

Precision 5690:Gaming Performance

The Dell Precision 5690 is designed for demanding workloads that need optimal GPU and CPU cooperation. Its NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada GPU offers a substantial improvement in graphics performance over standard consumer GPUs.

In gaming benchmarks conducted at 1080p resolution to evaluate raw GPU performance for visualization tasks, the Precision 5690 achieved 112 FPS in GTA V and 95 FPS in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The XPS 17 recorded 105 FPS and 88 FPS, respectively, while the ThinkPad P1 attained 109 FPS and 90 FPS.

Gaming & GPU Performance Comparison (1080p)

In real-world professional tasks such as Autodesk Maya rendering or DaVinci Resolve color grading, the Precision 5690’s GPU acceleration reduces export times by 8–12% compared to the other two laptops, providing a significant advantage for professionals with tight deadlines.

Precision 5690: Audio

The Precision 5690 comes with front-firing stereo speakers calibrated by Waves MaxxAudio. The sound is clear, offering a balanced midrange and sufficient bass for media playback. Though not as good as MacBook Pro speakers, they are loud, distortion-free, and suitable for conference calls, casual listening, or video previews.

Precision 5690: Heat and Thermals

Under heavy loads, the Precision 5690’s dual-fan cooling system maintains manageable surface temperatures. During stress testing, the CPU reached a peak of 87°C and the GPU 78°C, with no noticeable thermal throttling. The palm rest stays cool, and fan noise remains moderate, staying below 42 dB even during rendering sessions.

Precision 5690: Conclusion

The Dell Precision 5690 distinguishes itself as an outstanding mobile workstation, demonstrating a harmonious combination of superior performance, portability, and an elegant design. It surpasses rivals like the XPS 17 and ThinkPad P1, especially in GPU-heavy tasks. Although it carries a higher price tag, it offers good value for professionals who need dependable, ISV-certified performance.

Its main downsides are the absence of USB-A ports and the risk of OLED burn-in over time. Still, for most users, these are minor issues compared to its status as one of the top professional laptops of 2025.

If the Dell Precision 5690 stretches your budget or you need different features, consider:

• Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 – Comparable performance achieved with a mini-LED display and an improved keyboard.
  
• Dell XPS 17 (2025) – Slightly lower performance but more affordable and better battery life.
  
• HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 – Modular design with excellent serviceability for enterprise environments.