At first glance, it might seem like these two laptops don't have much in common — one is a notebook while the other is a convertible — but digging deeper it becomes clear that they're both premium devices with a lot to offer in terms of display and performance. Let's compare the XPS 15 2-in-1 and the Huawei MateBook X Pro to determine which is better suited for your personal needs.
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Huawei MateBook X Pro tech specs
| Category | Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 | MateBook X Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8305G8th Gen Intel Core i7-8705G | 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB DDR4-2400MHz | 8GB, 16GB DDR3-2133MHz |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL (4GB) | Intel UHD Graphics 620NVIDIA MX150 (2GB) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB PCIe SSD | 256GB, 512GB PCIe SSD |
| Display size | 15.6 inchesTouch | 13.9 inchesTouch |
| Display resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 (FHD)3,840 x 2,160 (4K) | 3,000 x 2,000 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint reader (optional)IR camera | Fingerprint reader |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3Two USB-C 3.1microSD card reader3.5mm audio | Thunderbolt 3USB-CUSB-A 3.03.5mm audio |
| Battery | 75 Wh | 57.4 Wh |
| Dimensions | 13.9 inches x 9.2 inches x 0.36-0.63 inches(354 mm x 235 mm x 9-16 mm) | 11.97 inches x 8.54 inches x 0.57 inches(304 mm x 217 mm x 14.6 mm) |
| Weight | Starting at 4.36 pounds (2 kg) | Starting at 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) |
| Price | From about $1,300 | From about $1,200 |
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Huawei MateBook X Pro design and features
The biggest difference in design between these two laptops lies in the hinge; the XPS 15 2-in-1's lid and display can be folded right back to sit flat like a tablet (with tent and stand modes in between), while the MateBook X Pro is strictly a clamshell notebook. As for size and weight, you'll get more screen real estate with the XPS 15 2-in-1, but it weighs in at 4.36 pounds compared to the MateBook X Pro's 2.9 pounds. If it's a laptop you want to carry around with you at all times, Huawei's device makes more sense.
They're both thin and come across as premier devices, made from aluminum and featuring large touchpads and comfy keyboard. However, if you'd like a color different than silver, only the XPS 15 2-in-1 is available in a black "brushed onyx" color scheme.
Looking at ports, the XPS 15 2-in-1 has a better overall selection, with two Thunderbolt 3, two USB-C 3.1, and a microSD card reader. If you still want to hold onto a USB-A port, however, the MateBook X Pro might be the better choice, with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C backing it up.
Windows Hello is available on both laptops through fingerprint readers built into power buttons, but only the XPS 15 2-in-1 has an IR camera. The MateBook X Pro's standard webcam is uniquely placed below a key in the F row, which hides it when not in use. This angle might not be great for conferencing, but the XPS 15 2-in-1's camera is likewise below the display.
Bottom line
Aside from the convertible and notebook design differences that will likely be the biggest deciding factor, the MateBook X Pro holds onto a USB-A port, but doesn't have an IR camera. The XPS 15 2-in-1 is a bit bigger and heavier when on the go, though it's a lot more versatile.
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Huawei MateBook X Pro display
If you hate bezel around your display, you're in luck. It seems that both manufacturers forgot to add them, resulting in two laptops with displays that seem to stretch from edge to edge. The MateBook X Pro comes in at 13.9 inches but has a 3:2 aspect ratio for a boxier display, while the XPS 15 2-in-1 sits at 15.6 inches. You get more space with the latter device, but the 16:9 aspect ratio might not be what you're looking for.
Related: Why it's time for PC makers to embrace 3:2 displays
Both laptops support touch, but only the XPS 15 2-in-1 allows you to use an active pen for sketching or jotting down notes. As for resolution, you can get up to a 4K display (with 1080p as standard) in Dell's laptop, while the MateBook X Pro holds at 3,000 x 2,000. In either case, these displays are some of the best on the market, with 100 percent sRGB color accuracy.
Bottom line
The 3:2 aspect ratio on the MateBook X Pro might appeal to you more, though if you'd like pen support you'll have to stick with the XPS 15 2-in-1. In either case, the picture is going to be a knockout.
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Huawei MateBook X Pro performance
Despite the "Pro" designation that's tacked onto the end of the MateBook X, the XPS 15 2-in-1 packs more performance into its larger body. The G-series Intel processors (CPU) outperform the U-series CPUs found in Huawei's laptop, you get DDR4 RAM instead of DDR3, there are PCIe solid-state drive (SSD) options up to 2TB, and the AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics card (GPU) with 4GB of HMB2 memory outpaces the NVIDIA MX150 in the MateBook X Pro.
The 1080p XPS 15 2-in-1 with an Intel Core i5 CPU gets about eight hours of battery life from a single charge, but the Core i7 model with 4K display drops down to between five and six hours. The MateBook X Pro with Core i7 CPU gets between eight and nine hours from a charge, and that's with the 3,000 x 2,000 resolution display.
Bottom line
The XPS 15 2-in-1 is going to give you more raw power for multitasking and GPU-intensive tasks, though the MateBook X Pro is no slouch and should net you better battery life in the long run.
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Huawei MateBook X Pro price
The XPS 15 2-in-1's baseline configuration starts at about $1,300. This includes an Intel Core i5-8305G CPU, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 128GB SATA SSD (which will indeed be slower than the PCIe options in the MateBook X Pro). Though it doesn't have much storage and has a 1080p display, it does feature the dedicated GPU from AMD.
The MateBook X Pro's basic configuration costs about $1,200 and has an Intel Core i5 CPU (though it's from the U-series), 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 256GB PCIe SSD. It eschews the dedicated NVIDIA GPU and sticks with integrated Intel graphics, but it does have a higher-res display at 3,000 x 2,000.
The other MateBook X Pro configuration has inside an Intel Core i7-8550U CPU, 16GB of DDR3 RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, and an NVIDIA MX150 dedicated GPU, costing about $1,500. A similar XPS 15 2-in-1, with 4K display, Core i7-8705G CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, and dedicated AMD GPU costs about $2,000.
Bottom line
For baseline models, the MateBook X Pro is a better deal as long as you don't need a dedicated GPU or convertible design. Once you get into the upper configurations, the XPS 15 2-in-1 gets way costlier, though it will offer more performance and a beautiful 4K display.
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Huawei MateBook X Pro conclusion
Deciding between these two devices should really come down to whether or not you need a convertible device. While the XPS 15 2-in-1 does offer better performance, it costs quite a bit more than the MateBook X Pro, which will no doubt heavily affect your final decision.
Both have beautiful displays, but going with a 3:2 aspect ratio might make sense for the task at hand. Keep in mind, though, that only the XPS 15 2-in-1 offers pen support. In either case, you're going to get your hands on a beautiful new laptop that will remain relevant for years to come.
Related resources
