Design and Build Quality: Gorgeous and Sleek
The Dell XPS 13 (9345) maintains the high standards of its predecessors with a design that’s nothing short of gorgeous. With dimensions of 295.3mm in width, 199.1mm in depth, and a slim 14.8mm height, this ultrabook is both compact and lightweight, weighing just 1.18kg. The Graphite color option, combined with the CNC-machined aluminum construction, gives the laptop a premium, minimalistic look that is both durable and stylish. Despite its slim profile, the build quality is solid, with no noticeable flex in the chassis. However, the minimalist approach means the laptop only features two USB Type-C ports, one on each side, which might be limiting for some users.
Display: Stunning Visuals with Tandem OLED
The display of the Dell XPS 13 (9345) is one of its standout features. The 13.4-inch screen is available in either full-HD+ IPS or a Tandem OLED touch variant, with our review unit featuring the latter. This 3K display offers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and up to 400 nits of brightness. The 60Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision certification, and HDR support enhance the viewing experience, making it ideal for content consumption. The slim bezels and anti-reflective coating further add to the immersive experience. The touch response is smooth, although it might not be a feature you use frequently.
Performance and Hardware: Snapdragon X Elite Power
Under the hood, the Dell XPS 13 (9345) is powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite CPU, making it the first XPS model to feature an ARM-based processor. The 12-core CPU, coupled with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a Qualcomm Adreno GPU, delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. While the laptop excels in multitasking and general productivity, it does encounter occasional hiccups, such as browser hangs when waking from sleep. Nevertheless, for most users, the performance will be more than sufficient, and the Snapdragon X Elite chipset promises improved efficiency over traditional Intel processors.
Battery Life and Software: All-Day Efficiency with AI Features
Battery life is where the Dell XPS 13 (9345) truly shines. The 55Whr battery, paired with the energy-efficient Snapdragon X Elite chipset, ensures that the laptop can easily last through a full day of work. In our tests, the laptop managed to handle a full day of productivity, plus some additional streaming without needing a recharge. The bundled 60W adapter charges the battery from 10% to 100% in about 1.5 hours, with a quick charge feature providing 50% in just 30 minutes.
On the software front, the Dell XPS 13 runs Windows 11 Home, enhanced with several AI features like Copilot+, Cocreate in Microsoft Paint, and Windows Studio effects. These tools add convenience and functionality, though they are still evolving. The MyDell app also allows easy customization of power modes and display settings, contributing to the laptop’s user-friendly experience.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Ultrabook Arena
The Dell XPS 13 (9345) continues the XPS tradition of combining premium design with high-end performance. The introduction of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor brings significant improvements in battery life and efficiency, making it a strong contender in the ultrabook market. While there are minor drawbacks, such as limited port options and a slightly cramped keyboard, the overall package is compelling. For those seeking a sleek, stylish, and powerful ultrabook, the Dell XPS 13 (9345) is an excellent choice, though alternatives like the Asus Zenbook S13 OLED and the Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 are also worth considering.
