Starting off the new year, I’m looking back at what we got from Dell in 2024 which includes several variants of the Dell XPS 13 such as one with the new Snapdragon X Elite chip as well as two with different Intel processors. With that in mind, it’s time for a head-to-head comparison of two of the latest Dell XPS 13 configurations: the Snapdragon X Elite and the Intel Lunar Lake models. Both are sleek, powerful, and packed with features, but which one takes the crown? Let’s dive in and find out!
Performance: Snapdragon X Elite vs. Intel Lunar Lake
When it comes to raw performance, the Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Lunar Lake are both powerhouses, but they bring different strengths to the table. The Snapdragon X Elite, with its ARM architecture, is designed for efficiency and boasts a 12-core processor. It’s perfect for tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity work. On the other hand, the Intel Lunar Lake, with its x86 architecture, is a bit more versatile and excels in demanding applications like video editing and gaming.
In benchmark tests, the Snapdragon X Elite holds its own with impressive scores in single-core performance, but the Intel Lunar Lake pulls ahead in multi-core performance. If you’re a heavy multitasker or a creative professional, the Lunar Lake might be your best bet.
Here are a few examples where Intel still matters for some.
- Video Editing: The Intel Lunar Lake model, with its powerful Intel Arc Graphics, is a beast when it comes to video editing. Whether you’re working with 4K footage or applying complex effects, the Lunar Lake model handles these tasks with ease, thanks to its superior GPU performance.
- Gaming: If you’re into gaming, the Intel Lunar Lake model is the clear winner. Its Intel Arc Graphics provide a much better gaming experience compared to the Qualcomm Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon X Elite. You’ll enjoy higher frame rates and smoother gameplay on the Lunar Lake model.
- Software Compatibility: The Intel Lunar Lake model offers broader compatibility with a wider range of Windows applications, including older or niche software that might not be fully optimized for ARM architecture. This means fewer headaches when trying to run specialized software or legacy applications.
- AI and Machine Learning: The Intel Lunar Lake chip features an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) that enhances its performance in AI-focused tasks. This makes it a better choice for machine learning, data analysis, and other AI-driven applications compared to the Snapdragon X Elite.
- Display Options: While both models offer high-resolution displays, the Intel Lunar Lake model can be configured with a stunning 13.4-inch OLED touch display with a resolution of 2880×1800. This display offers vivid colors and deep contrasts, making it perfect for media consumption and creative work.
These are just a few examples where the Intel Lunar Lake model shines brighter than the Snapdragon X Elite.
However, if your load is a bit lighter day to day and your prioritize being uncaged from power outlets, here are some wins for the Qualcomm variants.
- Battery Life: The Snapdragon X Elite model offers an impressive 14 hours and 53 minutes of battery life. This makes it ideal for those long days away from an outlet, giving you that extra edge in terms of endurance.
- Thermal Management: Thanks to its ARM architecture, the Snapdragon X Elite tends to run cooler and quieter under load compared to the Intel Lunar Lake model. This can be a significant advantage if you’re using your laptop for extended periods without access to a cooling pad.
- Always-On Connectivity: The Snapdragon X Elite model includes integrated 5G connectivity, ensuring you’re always connected to high-speed internet without the need for additional hardware. This is especially useful for those who frequently travel or work in areas with limited Wi-Fi access.
- Instant-On Performance: The Snapdragon X Elite offers impressive instant-on capabilities, allowing you to quickly resume work or switch between tasks without the usual boot-up delay. This can save you valuable time, especially if you’re constantly on the move.
- Efficiency in Light Tasks: For everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity work, the Snapdragon X Elite is incredibly efficient. Its ARM architecture is optimized for these types of tasks, providing smooth and responsive performance.
Battery Life: The Endurance Test
Battery life is a crucial factor for any laptop, and both models don’t disappoint. The Snapdragon X Elite model is a true marathon runner, offering up to 14 hours and 53 minutes of battery life. This makes it ideal for those long days away from an outlet. The Intel Lunar Lake model, while slightly behind, still delivers a respectable 12 hours of battery life. So, if you’re always on the go, the Snapdragon X Elite might give you that extra edge.
App Support: Compatibility Matters
Here’s where things get interesting. The Snapdragon X Elite runs on Windows on ARM, which means it has a different app ecosystem compared to the Intel Lunar Lake. While most mainstream apps and games are compatible with the Snapdragon model, there are still some limitations, especially with older or niche software. The Intel Lunar Lake, on the other hand, offers broader compatibility with virtually all Windows applications, giving you more flexibility.
The list of apps compatible with Windows on ARM is growing rapidly, especially for content creation. Microsoft has been working hard to get major developers on board, and we’re seeing some positive results. Here are a few notable examples:
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro are now optimized for Windows on ARM, making it easier for creative professionals to work on the go.
- Microsoft Office: The entire suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, runs smoothly on ARM devices.
- Google Chrome: The popular browser is now natively compiled for Windows on ARM, ensuring fast and efficient browsing.
- Slack: The communication platform is also optimized, allowing seamless collaboration on ARM-based devices.
To keep track of which apps are supported, you can use websites like WindowsOnArm and RoaringApps. These sites provide up-to-date information on app compatibility, helping you determine whether your favorite apps will work on your ARM device.
Design and Display: A Visual Feast
Here’s the fun part: Both models sport the iconic Dell XPS 13 design, making them nearly indistinguishable from each other at a glance. They’re like twins separated at birth but raised by different families. The sleek, compact chassis made from aluminum and carbon fiber gives them a premium feel and ensures durability. The narrow bezels around the display – thanks to Dell’s InfinityEdge technology – make for an immersive viewing experience without adding bulk.
The Snapdragon X Elite model features a 13.4-inch non-touch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1200. It’s bright and sharp, making it great for everyday tasks. The Intel Lunar Lake model, however, steps things up with a stunning 13.4-inch OLED touch display with a resolution of 2880×1800. The OLED display offers vivid colors and deep contrasts, making it perfect for media consumption and creative work.
As much as OLED get lauded these days, I personally am becoming a fan of the advancements in anti-glare technology. There is a hit to fidelity of the image, but the gains that I get outweigh it by yards.
Firstly, the battery life advantage is significant. Dell XPS 13 models with anti-glare screens generally consume less power compared to those with OLED displays. This is because OLED screens illuminate each pixel individually, leading to higher power consumption, especially when displaying bright images or videos. With an anti-glare screen, your Dell XPS 13 can squeeze out extra hours of battery life, which is always a win in my book.
Secondly, visibility is a crucial factor. Anti-glare screens on the Dell XPS 13 reduce reflections and glare from ambient light sources, making them perfect for working in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re at a sunny café, in a brightly lit office, or outdoors, the anti-glare coating helps maintain screen clarity and reduces eye strain. On the other hand, while OLED displays offer stunning colors and deep blacks, they can struggle with reflections and glare, making it harder to see the screen in bright environments.
Both models are thin and lightweight, tipping the scales at around 2.64 pounds. This makes them incredibly portable and easy to carry around, whether you’re commuting to work or traveling.
Ports and Connectivity: What’s Missing?
Both models are ultrabooks, so they keep things minimal when it comes to ports. You’ll find two Thunderbolt 4 over USB Type-C ports on each model, but unfortunately, there’s no headphone jack or SD card slot. If you rely on wired headphones or frequently use SD cards, you might find this limiting.
The Verdict
So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your needs. If you prioritize battery life and efficiency, the Snapdragon X Elite is a fantastic choice. But if you need raw performance, broader app compatibility, and a stunning display, the Intel Lunar Lake might be the way to go.
It should be noted, for now Microsoft seems to be pushing forward with AI developments for the Snapdragon powered Copilot PCs that include Recall, Cocreator, and others. If you want first dibs on some of the more exciting Windows developments, you might want to lean into the X Elite Dell XPS 13.
In the end, both models are top-notch, and you can’t go wrong with either. It’s like choosing between two delicious flavors of ice cream – both are great, but one might just hit the spot better for you.
