Dell's New Budget XPS 13 Takes on the MacBook Neo
Dell’s 2026 XPS 13 starts at $699 with an all‑metal chassis, 13.4-inch 1600p touch display at 120Hz, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and an Intel Core 5 320 “Wildcat Lake” processor. It omits a headphone jack and USB-A/HDMI in favor of USB‑C with Wi‑Fi 7, and weighs about 2.2 lb. In testing, the 8GB model is constrained by memory, while the 16GB version is noticeably quicker; a 16GB upgrade is $899. The XPS 13 closely competes with Apple’s MacBook Neo and earns Editors’ Choice for budget Windows ultraportables, though buyers should consider RAM needs and port limitations. Battery life exceeds 20 hours, the display is bright and touch‑enabled, but brightness can feel dim in some conditions and the absence of common ports may deter some users.
