Aug 31, 2024 - 07:53
By engadget.com

Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ review: A capable AI PC, but Windows on Arm issues remain

It's only been four months since we reviewed the latest Intel version of the XPS 13, but now Dell has released a model built for Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PC initiative. It's running Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite chip, making it an Arm-based laptop like the recent Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. But with that mobile-focused hardware comes new expectations: More battery efficiency than Intel's x86 chips, as well dramatically faster AI capabilities thanks to its beefier NPU (neural processing unit). As with all Arm-based Windows systems, though, there's also the potential for trouble with older x86 apps, which may run slowly through emulation or simply not launch at all.

It's undoubtedly a chaotic time for the PC industry, as chipmakers and PC companies build for an uncertain AI-powered future. For consumers, that just means confusion. That's partially why Microsoft kicked off the Copilot+ program to begin with, since it requires system makers to include at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and an NPU with at least 40 TOPS (tera-ops per second) of AI performance. If it says Copilot+ on the box, it should be a decent PC.

So does this XPS 13 live up to the Copilot+ branding? Mostly, it turns out. And it's fascinating to see how it compares to the current Intel version of the very same product.

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Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC

The XPS 13 is a capable and stylish Copilot+ PC, but it’s still slower than the Intel model at times and doesn’t run some games and apps. Battery life is also surprisingly average.

Pros