Zenbook S13 OLED vs Dell XPS 13 (2025) – Battle of the Lightweight Laptops
Contents
Introduction
In 2025, two ultraportable champions continue to dominate the thin-and-light laptop scene: the Asus Zenbook S13 OLED and the Dell XPS 13. Both deliver premium designs, sharp displays, and powerful internals packed into sub-3-pound bodies. But if you’re choosing just one, which ultrabook gives you the best value and experience?
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison between the Zenbook S13 OLED and Dell XPS 13 to help you make the smarter pick.
Zenbook S13 OLED Vs Dell XPS 13
1. Design & Build
- Zenbook S13 OLED: Measures just 1cm thick and weighs around 2.2 lbs (1kg). Magnesium-aluminum alloy makes it incredibly light yet durable.
- Dell XPS 13: Sleek edge-to-edge chassis, slightly heavier at 2.59 lbs (1.17 kg). Uses aluminum and Gorilla Glass (for OLED version).
Verdict: Zenbook wins for portability; Dell wins for visual polish and material premium feel.
2. Display Quality
- Zenbook S13 OLED: 13.3” 2.8K OLED (2880×1800), 550 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated. Ideal for creatives.
- Dell XPS 13: 13.4” FHD+ or optional 3.5K OLED, 500 nits, InfinityEdge.
Verdict: Both offer brilliant OLED options, but the Zenbook’s color accuracy and Pantone validation appeal more to designers.
3. Performance
- Zenbook S13 OLED (2025): Powered by AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS or Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM.
- Dell XPS 13: Comes with Intel Core Ultra 5 / 7, also up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM.
Verdict: Both are snappy for multitasking and light creative work. Zenbook’s AMD option gives it an edge in efficiency.
4. Battery Life
- Zenbook S13 OLED: Up to 13–14 hours
- Dell XPS 13: 12–13 hours (lower on OLED)
Verdict: Slight advantage to Zenbook, especially on AMD variants.
5. Keyboard & Trackpad
- Zenbook: ErgoSense keyboard with a good tactile feel, large precision touchpad.
- XPS 13: Low-profile keyboard with larger key caps, haptic touchpad on newer models.
Verdict: XPS wins in haptic experience; Zenbook wins in typing comfort.
6. Ports & Connectivity
- Zenbook: 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, headphone jack
- XPS 13: 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) only
Verdict: Zenbook offers far more versatility out of the box.
7. Price & Value
- Zenbook S13 OLED: Starts at $1,099 (for AMD); Intel models may be $100–200 more
- Dell XPS 13: Starts at $1,199 (OLED), $999 (base FHD+ model)
Verdict: Zenbook offers better specs at a slightly lower entry price.
Table Comparison -Zenbook S13 OLED vs Dell XPS 13
| Feature | Asus Zenbook S13 OLED (2025) | Dell XPS 13 (2024/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS / Intel Core Ultra 7 | Intel Core Ultra 5 / Ultra 7 (Meteor Lake) |
| RAM Options | 16GB / 32GB LPDDR5x | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage Options | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD |
| Display | 13.3″ 2.8K OLED, 550 nits, Pantone Validated | 13.4″ FHD+ or 3.5K OLED, 500 nits |
| Graphics | Integrated AMD Radeon / Intel Xe | Intel Arc integrated graphics |
| Battery Life (Claimed) | Up to 13–14 hours | Up to 12–13 hours (lower with OLED) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1.00 kg) | 2.59 lbs (1.17 kg) |
| Build Material | Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum + Gorilla Glass (OLED) |
| Ports | 2x USB-C (TB4), 1x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, headphone jack | 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) |
| Touchscreen Support | Yes | Only on OLED model |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home/Pro | Windows 11 Home/Pro |
| Starting Price (US) | $1,099 | $1,199 |
Final Verdict
If you want the lightest ultrabook with great display, versatile ports, and color accuracy, the Zenbook S13 OLED is hard to beat in 2025. For those who value refined build quality, haptics, and tighter Windows optimization, the Dell XPS 13 still reigns as a premium Windows flagship.
Choose Zenbook if you’re a traveler, creator, or student needing flexibility. Go for XPS 13 if you want that edge-to-edge aesthetic and don’t mind carrying a dongle or two.
Internal Links
FAQ
Q: Is the Zenbook S13 OLED good for video editing?
A: Yes, especially the AMD Ryzen 7 version — powerful enough for 1080p and light 4K editing.
Q: Does Dell XPS 13 have touchscreen?
A: Only the OLED variant supports touch.
Q: Which laptop is more durable?
A: Both are solid, but Dell’s Gorilla Glass + aluminum gives it a premium edge.
Q: Can I charge Zenbook S13 with any USB-C charger?
A: Yes, it supports USB-C PD charging.