The Best 13-inch Laptop
1. Dell XPS 13 Plus
The Dell XPS 13 Plus stands out as a unique offering in the laptop market, challenging traditional norms with a blend of innovation and compromises. This ultraportable laptop, a sibling to the regular XPS 13, aims to provide unparalleled performance within a thin and sleek form factor. The device boasts an aluminum and glass build that exudes sturdiness and modern aesthetics, while the 16:10 OLED screen with a resolution of 3456 x 2160 delivers vivid visuals with tiny bezels. Dell’s “InfinityEdge” technology enhances the immersive experience.
Yet, the pursuit of thinness has led to notable trade-offs. The laptop features a haptic touchpad integrated into the palm rest and replaces the function row with touchable LEDs. The keyboard has been flattened, and the port selection is minimal, comprising only two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports—necessary for charging—and no headphone jack. The capacitive touch function row introduces new challenges, requiring adaptation for intuitive usage.
In terms of performance, the XPS 13 Plus offers a 12th Gen Core P-series chip, outperforming 11th Gen models and competing favorably in multicore benchmarks against the M2 MacBook Air. However, thermal issues emerge as the device heats up significantly under load. Battery life proves to be a weak point, lasting around five hours, which, coupled with the limited port availability, might necessitate frequent recharging. While innovative and powerful, the Dell XPS 13 Plus’s compromises, pricing, and limitations prompt consideration of other alternatives in the 13-inch laptop segment.
2. Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
The 2023 Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED ($1,399.99) stands out in the competitive ultraportable laptop category with its slim, lightweight design, OLED display, and new Intel 13th Generation U Series processor. Although it sacrifices some performance for thinness, it offers a stunning presentation for its competitive price. Weighing just 2.2 pounds and boasting a slim design, the Zenbook S 13 OLED is one of the thinnest and lightest ultraportables available. Its plasma ceramic finish adds a unique touch, while the aluminum and magnesium-alloy construction ensures durability.
Notably, the laptop features a superb OLED display with Pantone-validated color, up to 550 nits of brightness, and Dolby Vision support. The slim bezels and vibrant color make for a sharp-looking visual experience. Ports include HDMI, USB 3.2 Type-A, dual Thunderbolt 4 connections, and a 3.5mm audio jack, providing versatile connectivity without the need for extra adapters. Additionally, the laptop excels in battery life, lasting nearly 16 hours during video playback.
While its performance keeps pace with competitors, it doesn’t stand out as a leader, which might be attributed to its particular implementation of the 13th Gen processor. Despite this, the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED offers an appealing package with its stylish design, OLED display, and solid battery life, making it a strong contender in the ultraportable market.
3. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
The Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) emerges as a standout 13-inch laptop, boasting the revolutionary M1 chip that redefines performance. With the M1’s prowess, tasks like video editing and multitasking become seamless, setting it apart in the market. Notably, the laptop flaunts an extended battery life of 13 hours and 22 minutes, ensuring uninterrupted productivity throughout the day, a remarkable feat for on-the-go professionals.
The Retina display, featuring 2560 x 1600 resolution, delivers vibrant colors and supports the P3 wide color gamut, catering to the precision needs of photographers and video editors. While adhering to its classic design, the Magic Keyboard integration enhances typing comfort and speed, catering to extended work sessions. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 ports provides versatile connectivity options, although in a limited number.
In summary, the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) harmonizes high-performance capabilities, enduring battery life, and an impressive display, solidifying its position as a prime choice for professionals seeking a compact yet powerful laptop catering to intensive tasks and creative endeavors.
4. HP Elite Dragonfly G3
The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 redefines excellence in the realm of 13-inch laptops, catering to the needs of professionals on the move. Sporting an ultra-light chassis weighing under a kilogram, this laptop is a testament to HP’s innovation. Its 3:2 display, available in 1,920×1,280 and 3,000×2,000 OLED options, offers a splendid visual experience, enhanced by the 5MP webcam, setting new standards for video quality.
Under the hood, Intel’s U-series processors ensure impeccable performance, and the inclusion of a substantial 68WHr battery leads to impressive battery life—exceeding eight hours for typical usage. The laptop’s integration of 5G connectivity contributes to a seamless on-the-go experience, further complemented by its sleek design, including a Slate Blue color option.
The keyboard remains one of the laptop’s standout features, providing a comfortable and accurate typing experience, while the Precision touchpad enhances usability. Despite being lightweight, the Elite Dragonfly G3 accommodates a comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB Type-A ports.
In conclusion, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 amalgamates an exceptional blend of design, performance, and connectivity, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking unparalleled portability, enduring battery life, and efficient productivity on their journeys.
5. HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 13.5 is a standout in the realm of ultrabooks, offering a compelling blend of performance and versatility. Driven by an Intel Core i7-1255U, 16GB of RAM, and a capacious 1TB SSD, it adeptly handles routine tasks and even accommodates photo editing. Though not the most potent in its class, its reliance on an Intel U-series processor augments its battery life, ensuring prolonged productivity.
The 13.5-inch OLED display, characterized by slim bezels, delivers a visual feast with vibrant colors and deep contrasts, covering an impressive 124% of the sRGB color gamut. The backlit keyboard, adorned with a spacious touchpad and accompanied by a responsive stylus, elevates the overall user experience. Teaming up with Bang & Olufsen, the audio output is crisp and well-balanced, adding an auditory dimension to the multimedia experience.
Notably, the laptop demonstrates exceptional battery stamina, clocking in at an impressive 10 hours and 12 minutes during standard usage. Moreover, user-friendly upgrade options, including SSD replacement, ensure adaptability for future enhancements. With a starting price of $1,249.99, the HP Spectre x360 13.5 emerges as an outstanding choice for those seeking a well-rounded, high-performing ultraportable that excels in various domains.