Introduction
Hey, today we’re looking at something new and familiar: the Dell XPS 13 9345 with Snapdragon X Elite. You’ve likely heard of this machine before, as it’s been a staple in the market for some time.
This latest iteration, the 9345 model, features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. If you’re looking for cutting-edge ARM technology, better battery life, and less heat (we hope), this one’s worth considering. Top 5 best video editing laptops of 2024
Pricing and Configuration
The Dell XPS 13 has a list price of $1,300, though you might find it on sale for less. The pricing is like that of the Intel model, but what’s appealing here is that the Snapdragon X Elite typically powers more high-end machines and, therefore, more expensive ones. Dell offers a more affordable option for those who don’t need all the top-tier features.
Design and Portability
The base model includes a Full HD Plus LCD, the lowest-end display option, a 512GB SSD, and 16GB of RAM. HP Spectre x360 14 Review: You can upgrade to a 3K OLED touchscreen, with a mid-tier 2K IPS display also available. RAM options go up to 64GB, and you can choose up to 2TB of SSD storage.
Since this is a Snapdragon platform, the RAM is soldered in, though it’s fast RAM, as you’ll see in the specs, which means no upgrades later. However, most Ultrabook’s have non-upgradable RAM due to space constraints.
Acer Nitro V16 Review The M.2 SSD is upgradable, but that’s the only thing you can change. The Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 card with Bluetooth 5.4 is also soldered on, so there is little flexibility. It feels a bit Apple-esque in its minimalism, but that’s the price you pay for miniaturization.
The XPS 13 is impressively small, almost shockingly so. In a world where 14-inch laptops are starting to replace 13-inch models, this 13.4-inch device, weighing just 2.6 pounds (1.17 kg), stands out for its compactness. It’s easy to carry and perfectly aligns with the spirit of ARM processors: cooler, longer-lasting, and ultra-portable.
Keyboard and Trackpad
However, the downsides of the XPS 13 are here too. The edge-to-edge keyboard lacks the tactile feel many prefer, with minimal essential travel and no space between the keys. The trackpad is haptic and borderless, which looks sleek but can be disorienting since there’s no physical boundary.
Additionally, the infamous capacitive function row is still something Dell borrowed from Apple, even though Apple eventually abandoned it. These multimedia keys save space but aren’t the most user-friendly.
Ports and Connectivity
When it comes to ports, there’s not much to speak of. There are just two USB-C ports, both USB-C 4 for high speed. One will be used by the 60W USB-C charger with the machine. That’s right. There is no headphone jack just the essentials for maximum portability.
Performance and Software Compatibility
These limitations are also found in the Intel version of the XPS 13, so there is nothing new there. But this Snapdragon model stands out because it runs full Windows 11 and includes Microsoft’s Prism emulator, allowing it to run x86 programs. Best Laptops for Students in 2024.
I tested this with our Colorimeter, x86 software, and it worked fine. However, you might run into issues if you need specific ARM-native software or drivers. Adobe, for instance, is working to block the download of apps unless they have ARM versions available, but you can bypass this by downloading directly from their website.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon X Elite processor doesn’t disappoint. It benchmarks impressively on tools like Geek Bench and Cinebench; it’s snappy and responsive in real-world use. ASUS VivoBook S15 Review: It can handle everything the Intel Core Ultra 7 version can, possibly a bit faster, but with greater efficiency, using less power and generating less heat.
The base Full HD Plus model excels in battery life, efficiently providing 14-hour run times on a single charge with light to moderate use, including ARM-native Photoshop. If you’re running x86 emulation, battery life will take a hit, but it’s still significantly better than the Intel version. While the XPS 13 can get warm due to its tiny size, it doesn’t get boiling, thanks to its efficiency and dual fans.
Battery Life
If you’re looking for a portable, calm, and quiet machine with longer battery life, this is worth considering, provided you can live with the limited ports and keyboard. If you opt for the OLED model, expect to lose about three hours of battery life, but the 500-nit Full HD Plus display isn’t bad.
5 Best Laptops for Students under $500. It offers full RGB coverage, and while it’s not the best out there, it’s decent. The mid-tier 2560×1600 display also has 500 nits, while the OLED has 400, which is stunning.
Internals and Upgradability
Inside, the M.2 SSD is PCIe 4.0 for decent speeds, and there are two fans for cooling. The Wi-Fi and RAM are soldered, so there’s little room for upgrades, but this minimalism is part of the appeal. The speakers, though quad-stereo, offer 8 watts total, but the small chassis limits the bass. It’s okay but not exceptional.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 13 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor is a refreshing take on ultra-portable laptops, blending cutting-edge performance with impressive battery life in a sleek, stylish, and remarkably compact design. While it embraces minimalism with its ports and keyboard, it doesn’t compromise on delivering a premium experience.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a student, or a professional who values portability without sacrificing power, this XPS 13 is a compelling choice. It’s more than just a laptop. It’s a statement of how technology can be powerful and beautifully simple. If you’re ready to embrace the future of mobile computing, the Dell XPS 13 should be at the top of your list.
