High-end convertible PC
Dell's XPS lineup of laptops, including the 2-in-1 9310, is as high-end as it gets. You're going to end up paying more here compared to the Inspiron 13 2-in-1, but the incredible touch displays, unbeatable design, robust audio, and strong performance make the cost worth it.
For
- Clean, minimalist design
- FHD+ or UHD+ touch displays
- 11th Gen Intel Core performance
- All-day battery life
- Excellent audio
Against
- Costs more than the Inspiron 13 2-in-1
- Pen not included
Mid-range convertible PC
The standard Inspiron 13 2-in-1 7306 is a more affordable alternative to the XPS 13 2-in-1. The Inspiron lineup doesn't come with as many premium features, but these are still solid convertible laptops that can save you a sizable chunk of money.
For
- Costs less than the XPS 13 2-in-1
- 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- Included pen
Against
- Still using 16:9 aspect ratio
- Audio is just all right
- Not as high of build quality
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 vs. Inspiron 13 2-in-1 tech specs
The XPS 13 2-in-1 9310 and Inspiron 13 2-in-1 7306 currently have limited configuration options available at the official Dell website. If you're looking for, say, a UHD+ screen for the XPS 13, you might have to shop at somewhere like Amazon. The same holds true for the Inspiron. In any case, here are the full specs theoretically available in each laptop, as taken from Dell's reference documents.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9310) | Dell Inspiron 13 2-in-1 (7306) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 11th Gen IntelCore i3-1135G7Core i5-1135G7Core i5-1145G7Core i7-1165G7Core i7-1185G7 | 11th Gen IntelCore i5-1135G7Core i7-1165G7 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 32GBLPDDR4x-4267MHz | 8GB, 16GBLPDDR4x-4267MHz |
| Storage | Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD | Up to 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD |
| Display | 13.4 inchesTouch1920x1200 (FHD+)3840x2400 (UHD+)450 nits, 100% sRGBAnti-reflective | 13.3 inchesTouch1920x1080 (FHD)300 nits, 100% sRGBGlossy |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
| Active pen | Optional | Included |
| Graphics | Intel UHD (i3)Intel Iris Xe (i5, i7) | Intel Iris Xe |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6Bluetooth 5 |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 43.5mm audiomicroSD card reader | Thunderbolt 4USB-A 3.2HDMI 2.03.5mm audiomicroSD card reader |
| Audio | Dual 2W speakers | Dual 2W speakers |
| Camera | Front-facing HDIR camera | Front-facing HD |
| Security | Fingerprint readerIR camera | Fingerprint readerCamera privacy shutter |
| Battery | 51Wh | 53Wh |
| Dimensions | 11.69 x 8.15 x 0.56 inches(297mm x 207mm x 14.35mm) | 12.02 x 8.13 x 0.63-0.66 inches(305mm x 206mm x 16-16.74mm) |
| Weight | From 2.9 pounds (1.32kg) | From 2.81 pounds (1.27kg) |
Design and features
The XPS 13 2-in-1 (9310) is one of the best-looking laptops on the market, convertible or not. It's thinner and has a smaller overall footprint than the Inspiron 13 2-in-1, and the XPS also weighs a bit less. The chassis is made primarily of CNC-machined aluminum. The outer shell comes in a Platinum Silver finish, and the inside can be had in either black carbon fiber or Arctic White woven glass.
The Inspiron 13 2-in-1's chassis is stamped aluminum with a Platinum Silver or Element Black finish. It's not quite as sleek as the XPS 13 2-in-1 and doesn't come with the same premium interior carbon fiber or woven glass options. Along the sides is a decent selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.1, HDMI 2.0, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader.
Both laptops look and feel great, but the XPS brings an almost flawless design.
If you don't mind losing out on USB-A completely or you plan on investing in a powerful Thunderbolt 4 docking station, the XPS 13 2-in-1's port selection shouldn't be an issue. Included are two Thunderbolt 4, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Both laptops have a fingerprint reader, but only the XPS 13 has an IR camera. Conversely, only the Inspiron 13 has a webcam shutter for added privacy. Webcams are capped at 720p and reside above the display, and both get the job done for video conferencing. If you're in search of something that can shoot FHD video, you'll want to check out one of our picks for best webcam.
Audio comes from dual down-firing 2W speakers in both the XPS and Inspiron. Both come with MaxxAudio Pro software to help with tuning, but there's a difference in quality. Both laptops offer Wi-Fi 6 for superb wireless performance. These laptops come with a sizable Precision touchpad for accurate pointing, and neither should stand in the way of productivity. Both keyboards are excellent, and you shouldn't mind spending long days typing with either PC.
Display and inking
The XPS 13 2-in-1 made the change from a 16:9 aspect ratio to a 16:10 aspect ratio. It results in a taller 13.4-inch touch display with less chin at the bottom and smaller overall bezel. Both FHD+ and UHD+ displays have an anti-reflective display, Dolby Vision support, and brightness up to about 450 nits. These are beautiful displays with precise sRGB color and inking support. However, an active pen is optional and isn't included in the price.
The Inspiron 13 2-in-1 7306 is available with an FHD touch display with 16:9 aspect ratio, glossy finish, and about 300 nits brightness. It has a thin bezel, but the 16:9 aspect ratio forces a larger chin below the screen. It is compatible with an active pen, though, which is included with the laptop.
Performance and price
Both the XPS 13 2-in-1 and the Inspiron 13 2-in-1 employ Intel's 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs. The XPS can be had with Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 chips, while the Inspiron offers Core i5 and Core i7 options. You can configure the XPS with up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 1TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage space, whereas the Inspiron tops out at 16GB of RAM and a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD.
You'll be able to get more performance out of the XPS 13 2-in-1 due to its higher configuration options, but the price must be considered. At Dell's official website, XPS models with a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and FHD+ display cost about $1,147. An Inspiron with similar specs (though with a 512GB SSD) costs about $955. Prices scale up from there, with the Inspiron costing less than the XPS 13.
Have a look at our collection of the best Windows laptops or the best Dell laptops for more options.
The XPS 13 2-in-1 is a high-end convertible stacked with features
If you want one of the absolute best convertible laptops on the market, this is it. The Dolby Vision touch displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio are glorious to look at, and the design is nearly flawless. Strong performance is available, and battery life is excellent.
Stunning display and looks that packs a punch
The XPS 13 2-in-1 is a spectacular and fun convertible Ultrabook that brings the best of today's technology into one device.
The Inspiron 13 2-in-1 is a more affordable convertible
Want to save big money and still get your hands on a quality convertible laptop? The Inspiron 13 2-in-1 delivers inking, solid design, and strong performance, all for less than the XPS 13 2-in-1.
Versatile convertible at a much better price
It doesn't have all the same premium features as the XPS 13 2-in-1, but it will mostly do that same job for far less money.
