The Dell XPS 13 2021 firmly established itself as a benchmark in the ultraportable laptop category, continuing a legacy of sleek design, robust performance, and exceptional portability.

While not a revolutionary overhaul from its immediate predecessors, the 2021 model refined an already winning formula, primarily by integrating Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors.

This update brought significant leaps in CPU performance, improved integrated graphics with Intel Iris Xe, and enhanced battery efficiency, making it an even more compelling choice for professionals and students seeking a premium, compact computing experience.

Its near bezel-less InfinityEdge display remained a standout feature, offering an immersive visual experience whether you opted for the Full HD+ non-touch or the stunning 3.5K OLED touch panel.

The XPS 13 2021 was lauded for its exceptional build quality, comfortable keyboard, and responsive trackpad, cementing its position as a top-tier Windows ultrabook that often rivaled or surpassed competitors in its class for overall user experience and reliability.

Product Name	Category	Key Feature	Compatibility	Price Range USD
Dell XPS 13 2021	Laptop	Intel 11th Gen CPU, InfinityEdge Display	Windows	$900 – $1800
USB-C Hub	Peripherals	Port Expansion HDMI, USB-A, SD Card	USB-C Laptops	$20 – $70
Laptop Sleeve 13 inch	Accessories	Protection from Scratches/Bumps	13-inch Laptops	$15 – $50
Portable SSD	Storage	Fast External Data Storage	USB-C/Thunderbolt	$70 – $200
Wireless Mouse	Peripherals	Ergonomic Input Device	USB/Bluetooth	$25 – $100
External Monitor 4K	Displays	High-Resolution Workspace	USB-C/HDMI	$250 – $600
Webcam 1080p	Peripherals	Improved Video Conferencing Quality	USB-A/USB-C	$40 – $100

Table of Contents

The Power Under the Hood: Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake Processors

The most significant upgrade to the Dell XPS 13 2021 was its adoption of Intel’s 11th generation Tiger Lake processors, a move that fundamentally reshaped its performance profile. This wasn’t just a bump in clock speed.

Tiger Lake introduced a new architecture, Willow Cove, and brought with it Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a substantial leap forward for integrated GPUs.

Performance Gains: CPU and GPU Evolution

Prior generations of the XPS 13, while powerful for their size, were often limited by Intel’s somewhat stagnant integrated graphics. Tiger Lake changed the game.

CPU Performance: The 11th Gen chips, particularly the i5-1135G7 and i7-1165G7 options, offered significant improvements in single-core and multi-core performance over their 10th Gen Comet Lake predecessors. This translated into snappier application launches, quicker multitasking, and more efficient handling of demanding productivity tasks like compiling code or manipulating large spreadsheets.
- Specific Improvements: Intel stated a 20% improvement in productivity applications and up to a 2x improvement in real-world graphics performance compared to the previous generation. This wasn’t just marketing fluff. benchmarks largely confirmed these claims.
Intel Iris Xe Graphics: This was arguably the most impactful upgrade. Iris Xe allowed the XPS 13 to handle tasks that were previously a struggle for integrated graphics.
- Light Gaming: While not a gaming laptop, Iris Xe enabled playable frame rates in many popular eSports titles and older AAA games at lower settings, a feat nearly impossible on older Intel integrated graphics. Think titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, or even GTA V at 720p or 1080p with reduced settings.
- Content Creation: Video editing especially 1080p footage, photo manipulation in programs like Photoshop, and even light 3D rendering saw noticeable performance boosts due to the improved graphics horsepower and Intel’s Quick Sync Video technology for accelerated encoding/decoding.
AI Acceleration: Tiger Lake also introduced support for AI acceleration, leveraging Intel’s Gaussian & Neural Accelerator GNA 2.0 for tasks like noise suppression during video calls or background blur, offloading these processes from the CPU for better efficiency.

Thermal Management and Sustained Performance

Dell meticulously engineered the XPS 13’s cooling system to manage the increased power of the Tiger Lake chips within its thin chassis.

While no ultrabook can sustain peak performance indefinitely under heavy load without some thermal throttling, the XPS 13 2021 did an admirable job.

Dual Fan System: The laptop utilized a dual-fan, dual-heat pipe design to dissipate heat effectively. Air is drawn from the bottom and expelled through a vent at the rear, hidden beneath the hinge.
Adaptive Performance: Dell’s Power Manager software allowed users to adjust performance profiles e.g., Optimized, Cool, Quiet, Ultra Performance, giving some control over the balance between performance and fan noise/heat. For most daily tasks, the system remained cool and quiet. Under heavy, sustained loads like video rendering or intense gaming, the fans would become audible, but not obnoxiously so.

Design Philosophy: InfinityEdge and Premium Build

The Dell XPS 13 2021 largely retained the iconic design language that made its predecessors so successful: a premium, compact chassis with a stunning, nearly borderless display. This design isn’t just about aesthetics.

It contributes significantly to the laptop’s portability and user experience.

The Near Bezel-less InfinityEdge Display

This is the hallmark feature of the XPS line and it continued to impress on the 2021 model.

By shrinking the bezels around the screen to an absolute minimum, Dell achieved an astounding screen-to-body ratio.

Immersive Visuals: The visual effect is one of an almost “floating” display, making content consumption incredibly immersive. Whether you’re watching movies, browsing the web, or working on documents, the lack of chunky bezels makes the experience more engaging.
Compact Footprint: More critically, the InfinityEdge display allows Dell to fit a 13.4-inch display into a chassis typically reserved for 11-inch or 12-inch laptops. This means the XPS 13 is remarkably portable, fitting easily into small bags and taking up minimal space on a desk.
Display Options: The 2021 model offered several display choices to cater to different needs and budgets:
- 1920 x 1200 FHD+ Non-Touch: This was the most common and often recommended option for its excellent battery life and still sharp image quality. It’s a great balance for productivity.
- 3840 x 2400 UHD+ Touch: Offered incredible sharpness and detail, ideal for creative professionals or those who simply wanted the best visual fidelity. However, it came at the cost of reduced battery life.
- 3.5K 3456 x 2160 OLED Touch: Introduced later in the 2021 cycle, this was the premium option. OLED panels offer true blacks, incredible contrast, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles. It’s stunning for media consumption and design work but also the most power-hungry.
Brightness and Color Accuracy: All panels generally offered good brightness typically around 500 nits for the FHD+ and UHD+ and excellent color accuracy, with high sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage, making them suitable for a wide range of tasks, including photo editing.

Premium Materials and Robust Build Quality

Dell maintained its commitment to high-quality materials, giving the XPS 13 a premium look and feel that justifies its price tag. Dell G15 (2022)

Machined Aluminum Chassis: The main body is crafted from a single block of aerospace-grade aluminum, contributing to its rigidity and durability. This prevents flex in the chassis and keyboard deck.
Carbon Fiber or Woven Glass Fiber Palm Rest: Depending on the color variant Platinum Silver with Black Carbon Fiber, or Frost with Arctic White Woven Glass Fiber, the palm rest offered a comfortable, soft-touch surface that resisted fingerprints better than traditional plastics. The carbon fiber and woven glass fiber also added to the structural integrity.
Corning Gorilla Glass 6: The display on touch models was protected by Gorilla Glass 6, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
Durability: The overall impression is one of a meticulously engineered and highly durable laptop, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily travel and use. There’s no creak or flex when handling it, reinforcing its premium status.

Portability and Connectivity: The USB-C Centric Approach

The Dell XPS 13 2021, like its immediate predecessors, fully embraced the USB-C standard, offering a streamlined yet powerful set of ports.

This design choice contributes significantly to its ultraportable nature but also necessitates understanding its connectivity implications.

Minimalist Port Selection

The XPS 13 2021 featured a concise array of ports, reflecting its focus on sleekness and the increasing ubiquity of USB-C.

Two Thunderbolt 4 Ports: This was the main connectivity highlight. Thunderbolt 4 offers exceptional versatility:
- Power Delivery: Both ports can be used to charge the laptop.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Blazing fast transfer speeds, ideal for external SSDs or high-speed peripherals.
- Display Output: Can drive multiple external 4K displays or a single 8K display.
- eGPU Support: Allows connection to an external graphics enclosure for significantly boosted graphics performance, turning the XPS 13 into a more capable gaming or content creation machine when docked.
MicroSD Card Slot: A useful inclusion for photographers and videographers who often need to transfer media from cameras. It’s a small but appreciated detail that many competitors omit.
3.5mm Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack: For traditional audio peripherals, this remains a standard and welcome feature.
No USB-A or HDMI: This is where the minimalist approach becomes evident. There are no legacy USB-A ports or a dedicated HDMI output directly on the laptop. This is a common design choice for ultrabooks to maintain a thin profile.

Adapters and Dongles: A Necessary Evil for Some

Given the port selection, users transitioning from older laptops or those with many legacy peripherals will almost certainly need a USB-C Hub.

The USB-C Hub Solution: A good quality USB-C hub can transform the XPS 13’s connectivity, adding ports like USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and additional SD card slots. This is a small trade-off for the laptop’s slim design.
Dell’s Included Adapter: Dell often included a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box, which was a thoughtful gesture for basic legacy device compatibility.
Thunderbolt Docks: For a more permanent desk setup, a Thunderbolt Dock is an excellent investment. These docks connect via a single Thunderbolt cable and can provide a plethora of ports, charge the laptop, and connect multiple monitors, effectively turning the XPS 13 into a desktop workstation.

Wireless Connectivity Excellence

While wired ports are minimal, the XPS 13 excelled in its wireless capabilities.

Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax: Included as standard, Wi-Fi 6 offered faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded network environments compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. This is crucial for seamless cloud computing and high-bandwidth streaming.
Bluetooth 5.1: Provided a stable and efficient connection for wireless peripherals like headphones, mice, and keyboards.

Keyboard and Trackpad: A Delightful Typing Experience

The keyboard and trackpad are critical components of any laptop, particularly for a productivity-focused machine like the XPS 13. Dell consistently delivers in this area, and the 2021 model was no exception, offering a comfortable and efficient user experience.

The Edge-to-Edge Keyboard

The XPS 13 2021 featured Dell’s edge-to-edge keyboard design, which maximizes the available space on the chassis for larger keycaps.

This thoughtful design choice contributes significantly to typing comfort.

Key Travel and Actuation: While the key travel is somewhat shallow due to the thin chassis typically around 1.3mm, the keys offer a satisfying tactile bump and a clean, consistent actuation. This provides good feedback despite the limited travel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Key Spacing and Size: The keys are well-spaced and adequately sized, reducing typing errors. The larger keycaps, especially for common letters and symbols, feel less cramped than on some other ultrabooks.
Backlighting: A two-level white backlighting system is standard, making it easy to type in dimly lit environments. The backlighting is even and doesn’t spill excessively from beneath the keycaps.
Durability and Feel: The keycaps themselves are stable with minimal wobble, and the surface has a pleasant, slightly textured feel. The overall impression is one of a robust and reliable keyboard.

Precision Glass Trackpad

The trackpad on the XPS 13 2021 is a joy to use. Dell Alienware m16 R1 (2023)

Dell employs a large, smooth glass surface that provides excellent tracking and responsiveness.

Microsoft Precision Touchpad Drivers: Crucially, Dell utilizes Microsoft Precision Touchpad drivers. This means the trackpad’s gestures two-finger scroll, three-finger swipe for multitasking, pinch-to-zoom are natively supported and incredibly smooth and reliable, providing a consistent experience similar to what you’d find on a high-end MacBook.
Smooth Gliding Surface: The glass surface allows fingers to glide effortlessly, reducing friction during prolonged use.
Click Mechanism: The integrated click mechanism is satisfyingly tactile and consistent across most of the trackpad’s surface, though it naturally becomes stiffer towards the top edge. There’s no annoying rattle or looseness.
Size: While not the largest trackpad on the market, its ample size for a 13-inch laptop, combined with its precision, makes external mice less of a necessity for everyday tasks. However, for precise work or gaming, a Wireless Mouse is always a good addition.

Battery Life: All-Day Power for Productivity

Battery life is a critical factor for any ultraportable laptop, especially one designed for on-the-go productivity.

The Dell XPS 13 2021 delivered impressive longevity, particularly with the Full HD+ display configuration, making it a reliable companion for a full day’s work or study.

Excellent Longevity with FHD+ Display

The 52 Whr battery, combined with the power efficiency of Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors, resulted in commendable battery endurance.

Real-World Performance: With the 1920 x 1200 FHD+ non-touch display, the XPS 13 2021 consistently achieved between 10 and 14 hours of battery life in typical mixed-use scenarios web browsing, document editing, video streaming, light productivity. This made it truly an “all-day” laptop for most users, eliminating the need to constantly seek out power outlets.
Streaming Video: For continuous video playback, many reviewers reported battery life exceeding 12 hours, which is excellent for long flights or binge-watching sessions.
Optimizations: Dell’s Power Manager software allowed users to optimize battery settings for longevity, further extending runtime in specific situations.

Impact of Higher Resolution and OLED Displays

While the FHD+ model was a battery champion, opting for the higher-resolution UHD+ or the newer OLED display significantly impacted battery life.

UHD+ 3840 x 2400 Display: The 4K UHD+ display, while visually stunning, consumed considerably more power. Battery life typically dropped to the 6-8 hour range with this option, which is still decent but requires more careful power management for a full day.
OLED 3.5K Display: The OLED panel, while offering unparalleled contrast and color, is also quite power-hungry. Battery life with the OLED option was generally similar to or slightly less than the UHD+ model, often hovering around 6-7 hours. For users prioritizing visual fidelity above all else, this trade-off might be acceptable.
Factors Affecting Battery Life: As with any laptop, actual battery life varies based on usage patterns, screen brightness, Wi-Fi activity, and background processes. Running demanding applications or engaging in continuous video conferencing will naturally deplete the battery faster.

Charging and Power Delivery

The XPS 13 2021 supported fast charging via its USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports.

45W USB-C Charger: The laptop shipped with a compact 45W USB-C power adapter.
Convenient Charging: The ability to charge via either Thunderbolt 4 port offered flexibility, allowing users to choose the most convenient side for charging.
Universal Compatibility: Since it uses USB-C Power Delivery, the XPS 13 can be charged by a wide array of compatible USB-C chargers, power banks, and even some USB-C Hubs or docks that support Power Delivery.

Software and Features: Dell’s Ecosystem Enhancements

Beyond the hardware, the Dell XPS 13 2021 benefited from Dell’s suite of software tools and a few thoughtful hardware features that enhanced the user experience, particularly around connectivity, performance management, and security.

Dell-Specific Software Utilities

Dell generally keeps its pre-installed software relatively light compared to some other manufacturers, focusing on utility rather than bloatware. ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED UX3404 (2023)

Dell Power Manager: This is perhaps the most useful utility. It allows users to:
- Manage Thermal Profiles: Switch between “Optimized,” “Cool,” “Quiet,” and “Ultra Performance” modes to prioritize fan noise, heat, or raw processing power. This is great for adapting the laptop’s behavior to different environments or workloads.
- Battery Health Management: Offers options to extend battery lifespan, such as “ExpressCharge” for quick top-ups or “Adaptive Battery Performance” to learn usage patterns and optimize charging.
- Fan Settings: Customize fan behavior.
Dell Update: Keeps drivers, firmware, and Dell software up to date. This is crucial for maintaining performance and security.
My Dell: A centralized hub for system information, support resources, warranty details, and quick access to other Dell utilities.
Dell Mobile Connect or Dell Pair: This software allowed for seamless integration with smartphones iOS and Android. Users could:
- Make/Receive Calls: Directly from the laptop.
- Send/Receive Texts: Using the laptop’s keyboard.
- Mirror Phone Screen: Project the phone screen onto the laptop.
- Transfer Files: Easily drag and drop files between the laptop and phone. This was a significant productivity booster for many users.
Waves MaxxAudio Pro: Enhanced audio output from the speakers and headphones, offering EQ adjustments and virtual surround sound.

Security Features

The XPS 13 2021 incorporated several features to enhance security and convenience.

Windows Hello Facial Recognition: The tiny webcam bezel at the top of the display cleverly housed an infrared camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, allowing for fast and secure login.
Fingerprint Reader: Integrated into the power button, the fingerprint reader offered another quick and secure biometric login option. Both methods worked reliably and swiftly.
TPM 2.0: A Trusted Platform Module TPM 2.0 chip was onboard, providing hardware-level security for encryption keys and boot integrity, essential for modern Windows security and compliance.

Webcam and Audio Quality

While ultraportable laptops often compromise on webcam quality due to thin bezels, Dell made efforts to provide a usable experience.

720p Webcam: The tiny webcam, located at the top bezel a significant improvement over older XPS models where it was at the bottom, offered 720p resolution. While not spectacular, it was perfectly adequate for video calls and conferences. It performed best in well-lit environments. For serious streamers or those requiring higher quality, an Webcam 1080p is always a good upgrade.
Dual Array Microphones: The dual microphones picked up voices clearly, and often combined with AI-powered noise cancellation features in software like Teams or Zoom for better audio during calls.
Speaker Quality: The stereo speakers, tuned with Waves MaxxAudio Pro, offered decent sound for a laptop of its size. They were clear enough for casual video watching and conference calls, though lacking significant bass. For critical listening or immersive media, external speakers or headphones are always recommended.

Target Audience and Use Cases: Who is the XPS 13 For?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 is a highly versatile ultraportable laptop, but its specific features and premium price point make it particularly well-suited for certain demographics and use cases.

Understanding its strengths helps identify its ideal user.

Students and Academics

The XPS 13 is an excellent choice for students across various disciplines.

Portability: Its compact size and light weight starting around 2.8 lbs or 1.27 kg make it incredibly easy to carry between classes, libraries, and dorms. It slips effortlessly into almost any backpack or Laptop Sleeve 13 inch.
Battery Life: The all-day battery life especially with the FHD+ model ensures students can get through a full day of lectures, research, and assignments without needing to find a power outlet.
Productivity: The comfortable keyboard and precise trackpad are ideal for writing papers, taking notes, and working on presentations.
Durability: The robust build quality can withstand the bumps and scrapes of daily student life.
Lightweight Software: For general academic software word processors, spreadsheets, browsers, the XPS 13 provides snappy performance. Engineering or design students needing heavy-duty CAD or rendering may need a more powerful machine, but for most, it’s perfect.

Business Professionals and Executives

For professionals who are frequently on the go, the XPS 13 2021 offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and reliability.

Premium Aesthetic: Its sleek design and high-quality materials project a professional image in client meetings or corporate settings.
Performance for Productivity: The 11th Gen Intel processors handle demanding office applications, multiple browser tabs, and video conferencing with ease.
Connectivity with adapter: While port-minimal, the Thunderbolt 4 ports allow for versatile docking solutions Thunderbolt Dock in an office environment, enabling connection to multiple External Monitor 4Ks and peripherals.
Security Features: Windows Hello facial recognition and fingerprint reader provide quick and secure access, while TPM 2.0 offers enterprise-grade security.
Portability for Travel: Its small footprint makes it ideal for frequent business travelers who need a powerful yet compact machine.

Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

The flexibility and reliability of the XPS 13 make it suitable for those who work outside a traditional office.

Reliable Performance: Ensures smooth operation for video calls, cloud applications, and multitasking, critical for staying productive anywhere.
Excellent Screen: The bright and crisp display is great for long working hours, even in varying lighting conditions.
Portable Power: Its excellent battery life allows for work in cafes, co-working spaces, or during transit without constant concern for power.
Compact Design: Fits into minimalist travel setups without adding bulk.

Everyday Users Seeking a Premium Experience

Even for users who don’t have specific professional or academic demands, the XPS 13 delivers a superior computing experience. Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4, 2025)

Media Consumption: The InfinityEdge display makes watching movies and browsing photos a joy. The higher-resolution and OLED options are particularly stunning for this.
Web Browsing and Email: Effortlessly handles everyday tasks with speed and responsiveness.
Longevity: Its premium build and reliable performance mean it’s an investment that will last for years, avoiding the need for frequent upgrades.
Light Content Creation: For casual photo editing, light video trimming, or graphic design using applications like Canva, the Iris Xe graphics provide a significant boost.

Ultimately, the XPS 13 2021 is for anyone who values a blend of extreme portability, premium design, strong productivity performance, and reliable all-day battery life in a Windows laptop. It’s not a gaming rig or a workstation for heavy rendering, but within its niche of ultraportable productivity, it’s a top-tier contender.

Comparisons and Alternatives: How it Stacked Up

The Dell XPS 13 2021 operated in a highly competitive market, facing off against other premium ultrabooks from various manufacturers.

Understanding its position relative to these alternatives helps to appreciate its strengths and identify scenarios where another option might be more suitable.

Versus Apple MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1/M2

This was, and continues to be, the most frequent comparison.

Performance: The M1/M2 Macs generally offered superior raw CPU and GPU performance, especially for sustained creative workloads like video editing, due to Apple’s ARM-based silicon’s efficiency and power. For pure productivity, the XPS 13 2021 was competitive, but the M-series chips pulled ahead in specialized tasks.
Battery Life: Apple Silicon Macs set a new bar for battery life, often exceeding the XPS 13’s especially the higher-res XPS models.
Operating System: Windows vs. macOS is a fundamental choice. Each has its ecosystem strengths, software compatibility, and user preferences.
Display: The XPS 13’s InfinityEdge design offered a more immersive, nearly bezel-less look compared to the MacBook Air’s thicker bezels though the MacBook Pro 14/16 caught up with smaller bezels. Both offered excellent color accuracy and brightness.
Port Selection: Both were USB-C/Thunderbolt-centric, requiring USB-C Hubs for legacy ports.

Versus HP Spectre x360 13

The Spectre x360 13 was a direct competitor, offering a 2-in-1 convertible design.

Design: The Spectre offered the added versatility of a 360-degree hinge, allowing it to function as a tablet. The XPS 13 was a traditional clamshell.
Performance: Both used similar Intel 11th Gen processors, so raw performance was comparable.
Features: The Spectre often included an active stylus in the box, and its gem-cut design was visually distinctive. The XPS 13 focused on minimalist elegance.
Ports: The Spectre often included one USB-A port, giving it a slight edge in legacy connectivity out of the box.

Versus Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

Another strong contender in the premium ultrabook space.

Design and Materials: The Surface Laptop 4 offered a softer, more fabric-like Alcantara palm rest on some models, which some users found appealing. The XPS 13 stuck to aluminum and carbon fiber.
Aspect Ratio: Surface Laptops famously used a 3:2 aspect ratio display, which is taller than the XPS 13’s 16:10. 3:2 is preferred by many for productivity tasks as it shows more vertical content.
Portability: Both were highly portable, though the XPS 13 often had a slightly smaller footprint for its screen size due to the thinner bezels.
Performance: Comparable with similar Intel CPU options.

Versus Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a business-oriented ultrabook known for its robust build and legendary keyboard.

Keyboard: The X1 Carbon often beats the XPS 13 in terms of keyboard travel and tactile feedback, making it a favorite for heavy typists.
Durability Business-Grade: ThinkPads are renowned for their MIL-STD-810H durability testing, often surpassing the XPS 13 in sheer ruggedness for business environments.
Features: The X1 Carbon typically offered more business-centric features like a physical webcam privacy shutter, more robust security options, and often more diverse port selections including HDMI and USB-A.
Aesthetics: The XPS 13 was more consumer-premium and sleek. the X1 Carbon leaned into its utilitarian, classic ThinkPad aesthetic.

In summary, the Dell XPS 13 2021 carved out its niche by offering a best-in-class blend of compact design, stunning display especially with InfinityEdge, solid all-around performance for productivity, and excellent battery life FHD+ model. While competitors might offer specific advantages convertible design, more ports, specific OS, or superior keyboard, the XPS 13 consistently delivered a polished, premium experience that was hard to beat for general-purpose ultraportable computing.

Longevity and Value in 2024: Is the XPS 13 2021 Still Relevant?

Fast forward to 2024, and the Dell XPS 13 2021 is no longer the latest model. Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020)

Dell has released subsequent iterations with newer Intel processors 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core Ultra and design refinements.

So, the crucial question is: does the XPS 13 2021 still hold up, and is it a worthwhile investment today, particularly if found at a discounted price?

Still Capable for Core Productivity

The Intel 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors i5-1135G7, i7-1165G7 remain highly capable for the vast majority of everyday computing tasks.

Web Browsing and Office Suites: These processors handle multiple browser tabs, streaming video, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email with absolute ease and responsiveness.
Video Conferencing: With Iris Xe graphics, video calls are smooth, and the integrated AI acceleration helps with features like background blur.
Light Content Creation: For casual photo editing, light video trimming 1080p, and graphic design tasks, the XPS 13 2021 still performs admirably. It’s not a workstation, but it’s more than sufficient for non-professional creative work.
Multitasking: The generous RAM options 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4x coupled with the fast NVMe SSD Portable SSD for external storage ensure snappy multitasking.

Where it Shows Its Age Slightly

While still relevant, it’s important to acknowledge where newer models have pulled ahead.

Raw Performance Peaks: Newer Intel generations 12th, 13th, 14th Gen and Apple’s M-series chips offer higher peak performance, especially in multi-core workloads and more intensive creative tasks. For users doing heavy video rendering or complex engineering simulations, a newer machine would be more efficient.
Efficiency Cores Hybrid Architecture: Newer Intel chips introduced a hybrid architecture with performance and efficiency cores, which can lead to better power efficiency and sustained performance under varying loads. The 11th Gen chips lack this.
Webcam Quality: While the 720p webcam was an improvement for its time, newer laptops are increasingly featuring 1080p or even higher resolution webcams, which provide a noticeably clearer image for video calls.
Port Standard: While Thunderbolt 4 is still excellent, newer models might feature more USB-C ports or updated Wi-Fi 6E/Wi-Fi 7.

Value Proposition in 2024

The XPS 13 2021 represents excellent value if you can find it at a discounted price.

Second-hand Market: It’s a prime candidate for the used or refurbished market. A well-maintained 2021 model at a significantly reduced price e.g., $500-$800 makes it a compelling option for students, remote workers, or anyone needing a reliable, premium ultrabook without breaking the bank.
Long-Term Support: Being a relatively modern machine, it supports Windows 11 fully and will likely receive security and driver updates for several years to come.
Aesthetic and Build: Its timeless design and premium build quality mean it still looks and feels like a high-end laptop, even years later. It hasn’t “aged” visually.

Conclusion: The Dell XPS 13 2021 is far from obsolete in 2024. For users whose primary needs revolve around general productivity, web browsing, media consumption, and light creative tasks, it remains a fantastic, reliable, and premium choice. If found at a good price, it represents one of the best value propositions for a Windows ultrabook, offering much of the high-end experience of newer models without the associated price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was the Dell XPS 13 2021 released?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 was released throughout 2021, featuring Intel’s 11th generation “Tiger Lake” processors.

What processor does the Dell XPS 13 2021 have?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 typically featured Intel’s 11th Gen Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 processors.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 have a touchscreen?

Yes, some configurations of the Dell XPS 13 2021 offered a touchscreen option, including the UHD+ 3840 x 2400 and 3.5K OLED displays. The base FHD+ model usually did not. ASUS X515 (2020)

What is the screen size of the Dell XPS 13 2021?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 has a 13.4-inch display, made incredibly compact by its InfinityEdge nearly bezel-less design.

What kind of graphics does the Dell XPS 13 2021 use?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 uses Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, which are a significant improvement over previous Intel integrated graphics and capable of light gaming and content creation tasks.

Is the Dell XPS 13 2021 good for gaming?

While not a dedicated gaming laptop, the Dell XPS 13 2021 with Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle light gaming and many eSports titles at lower settings and resolutions, but it’s not designed for demanding AAA games.

How much RAM does the Dell XPS 13 2021 support?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 typically came with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM, which is soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable.

Can I upgrade the storage on the Dell XPS 13 2021?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 uses an M.2 NVMe SSD which is user-upgradeable, allowing you to increase the internal storage capacity.

What ports does the Dell XPS 13 2021 have?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 features two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack.

It does not have traditional USB-A or HDMI ports directly on the device.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 come with a USB-A adapter?

Yes, Dell often included a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box with the XPS 13 2021 to help with legacy peripheral compatibility.

What is the battery life of the Dell XPS 13 2021?

Battery life for the Dell XPS 13 2021 varies by display: the FHD+ model often achieved 10-14 hours, while the UHD+ and OLED models typically saw 6-8 hours.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 have a webcam?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 has a 720p webcam located at the top bezel of the display. Acer Aspire 15 (2024)

Is the Dell XPS 13 2021 good for video editing?

For casual or light video editing of 1080p footage, the Dell XPS 13 2021 with its Intel Iris Xe graphics is capable.

For professional or heavy 4K video editing, a laptop with a dedicated GPU would be more suitable.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 have a good keyboard?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 is known for its comfortable edge-to-edge keyboard with good key travel and consistent feedback, making it excellent for typing.

Is the Dell XPS 13 2021 portable?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 is exceptionally portable, weighing around 2.8 pounds 1.27 kg and featuring a very compact footprint due to its minimal display bezels.

What operating system does the Dell XPS 13 2021 run?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 runs Windows 10 out of the box and is fully upgradeable to Windows 11.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 have a fingerprint reader?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button for quick and secure login.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 have facial recognition Windows Hello?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 supports Windows Hello facial recognition via an infrared camera located next to the webcam.

What is the difference between FHD+ and UHD+ displays on the XPS 13 2021?

FHD+ 1920 x 1200 offers excellent sharpness and battery life, while UHD+ 3840 x 2400 provides significantly higher resolution for incredible detail but consumes more battery.

Is the OLED display option on the XPS 13 2021 worth it?

The OLED display on the XPS 13 2021 offers stunning contrast, true blacks, and vibrant colors, making it excellent for media consumption and creative work.

However, it significantly reduces battery life and usually costs more. Acer Swift 3 14 (2020)

Can I charge the Dell XPS 13 2021 with a power bank?

Yes, if the power bank supports USB-C Power Delivery PD and can output at least 45W, you can charge the Dell XPS 13 2021 with it.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 support Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 came equipped with Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.

Is the RAM upgradeable on the Dell XPS 13 2021?

No, the RAM on the Dell XPS 13 2021 is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded after purchase.

What is Thunderbolt 4 used for on the XPS 13 2021?

Thunderbolt 4 ports on the XPS 13 2021 can be used for charging, high-speed data transfer, connecting external displays up to 8K, and connecting external GPUs.

How much does the Dell XPS 13 2021 weigh?

The Dell XPS 13 2021 weighs approximately 2.8 pounds 1.27 kg for the non-touch model. Touchscreen models might be slightly heavier.

Is the Dell XPS 13 2021 a good laptop for coding/programming?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 is an excellent laptop for coding and programming due to its powerful CPU, ample RAM options, fast SSD, and comfortable keyboard, supporting various IDEs and development environments.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 get hot under load?

Like most ultrabooks, the Dell XPS 13 2021 can get warm under sustained heavy loads, but Dell’s thermal management system generally keeps it within acceptable operating temperatures, and fan noise is usually moderate.

Is the Dell XPS 13 2021 still good in 2024?

Yes, for general productivity, web browsing, media consumption, and light creative tasks, the Dell XPS 13 2021 remains a highly capable and premium laptop in 2024, especially if found at a good price.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2021 come with an SD card slot?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 includes a microSD card slot, which is useful for transferring photos and videos from cameras.

What is the maximum external display resolution supported by the XPS 13 2021?

Via its Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Dell XPS 13 2021 can support up to a single 8K display at 60Hz or two 4K displays at 60Hz. Vote for the next camera we buy

Dell XPS 13 (2021)