What To Know
- Under the hood, the Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the 12th generation, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 utilizes Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the 11th generation.
- The Surface Pro 9 comes with a detachable keyboard and a Surface Pen, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 has a built-in keyboard and a Dell Active Pen (sold separately).
- If you value flexibility, a detachable keyboard, and a better writing experience, the Surface Pro 9 is a great option.
In the realm of convertible laptops, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 stand as formidable contenders. Both devices offer a blend of versatility and performance, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison delves into their key features, design, performance, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Pro 9 boasts a sleek magnesium alloy body with a built-in kickstand, giving it a tablet-like appearance. The XPS 13 2-in-1, on the other hand, features a more traditional clamshell design with a carbon fiber and aluminum chassis. Both devices are durable and lightweight, but the Surface Pro 9’s kickstand provides greater flexibility for different usage scenarios.
Display
The Surface Pro 9 offers a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. The XPS 13 2-in-1 comes with a 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with a higher resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. The XPS 13 2-in-1 has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and vibrancy, but both displays deliver excellent viewing experiences.
Performance
Under the hood, the Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the 12th generation, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 utilizes Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the 11th generation. The Surface Pro 9 generally offers better performance, especially in multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro 9 has a slightly larger battery capacity than the XPS 13 2-in-1, but both devices offer comparable battery life. In real-world usage, you can expect to get around 8-10 hours of battery life on both devices, depending on usage patterns.
Features
The Surface Pro 9 comes with a detachable keyboard and a Surface Pen, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 has a built-in keyboard and a Dell Active Pen (sold separately). The Surface Pen offers more functionality and a better writing experience, but the XPS 13 2-in-1’s built-in keyboard is more convenient.
Connectivity
Both devices offer a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and USB-C ports. However, the XPS 13 2-in-1 has an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and external display support.
Operating System
The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 comes with Windows 11 or Ubuntu. Windows 11 offers a more user-friendly interface and better integration with Microsoft products, but Ubuntu provides more customization options and open-source software support.
Price
The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 starts at $999.99. The price of both devices varies depending on the configuration and accessories included.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Surface Pro 9 and the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value flexibility, a detachable keyboard, and a better writing experience, the Surface Pro 9 is a great option. If you prioritize a sharper display, a built-in keyboard, and Thunderbolt 4 support, the XPS 13 2-in-1 is the better choice.
FAQ
- Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The XPS 13 2-in-1 has a slightly higher resolution display, but both devices offer excellent viewing experiences.
- Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface Pro 9 generally offers better performance, especially in multitasking and demanding applications.
- Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: Both devices offer comparable battery life, around 8-10 hours on average.
- Q: Which device has more connectivity options?
A: The XPS 13 2-in-1 has an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and external display support.
- Q: Which device is better for note-taking?
A: The Surface Pro 9 comes with a Surface Pen that offers more functionality and a better writing experience.
