The new Dell XPS 13 Plus presented at CES 2022 is the new and improved version of the already fantastic XPS 13 line. This new XPS laptop will have an even better high-tech design and more power. And while everyone can appreciate the edge-to-edge design, it is the trackpad that catches everyone’s attention. It is seamlessly built into the palmrest under the zero-lattice keyboard and is not even visible to the naked eye. 

Besides its cutting-edge design and the expected four-sided InfinityEdge display with a borderless feel, there are more things about the new Dell XPS 13 Plus to get excited for. This article will discuss available configurations, specs, performance, and more. 

And if you are debating whether a 13-inch display is enough for you, check out which screen size option of Dell XPS is rqight for you to make an educated choice.

Dell XPS 13 Plus Specifications

• Display: 13.4 inches (full HD+, full HD+ touch, 3.5K OLED or 4K LCD).
• CPU: 12th gen Intel Core i5, Core i7.
• GPU: Intel Iris X.
• RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB.
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), USB-C to USB-A adapter.
• Price: starts at $1,199.

So What Else is New on Dell XPS 13 Plus?

Design and Display

Overall the design of the Dell XPS 13 Plus looks sleek and modern. This model has a CNC machined aluminum and glass body, and it’s available in two color versions Platinum and Graphite. In addition, its design is lightweight at only 2.7 pounds and measures 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches.

As for the display, the Dell XPS 13 Plus will feature an InfinityEdge 13.4-inch panel in several configurations. First, you get the base model with the FHD+ (1920 x 1200) screen, 500 nits brightness level. Then there is a touchscreen FHD+ version. But, Dell did not stop there. You can invest in a 3.5K OLED touch display that delivers even better colors, perfectly balanced darks, and wider viewing angles. Lastly, the most expensive option is the 4K LED touchscreen with ultra-crisp images and 500 nits of brightness. 

Dell XPS 13 Plus: Ports, Keyboard, and Touchpad

The number of ports is one thing an average user might find subpar on the new XPS 13 Plus laptop. You get two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB Type-C) that support DisplayPort and power delivery. In addition, Dell includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter. However, the new XPS does not have a traditional headphone jack port or a microSD card slot. 

But Dell made up for the lack of ports with a revolutionary keyboard and trackpad design. The keyboard is a zero-lattice, so it has no space between keys. That, in turn, allowed for larger keycaps and improved typing experience.

As for the touchpad, it is integrated into the palmrest. So you basically cannot even see where it starts and ends. Thanks to this innovation, the XPS 13 Plus looks pretty futuristic, and we hope the new trackpad works just as well as a regular one. Dell promises extremely precise and responsive feedback thanks to Piezo technology, small actuated motors that provide haptic responses to touch. 

Performance

The Dell XPS 13 Plus will be powered by the latest Intel Alder Lake-P processors. The 28W chip will give it a solid power boost compared to the 15W one in previous XPS 13 versions. As a result, users should expect better performance, especially during intensive workloads. 

What’s more, the Dell XPS 13 Plus will have four processor options. The base configuration is the 12th generation Intel Core i5-1240P 4.40 GHz. But you can get a little more juice with the i5-12600H CPU. The third option is the Intel Core i7-1270P with a 4.80 GHz turbo-boost. Lastly, users who need even more power can invest in a Core i7-1280P CPU-based model. 

In terms of memory, your choices are 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB. You can also select between 256GB, 512GB, and 2TB PCIe SSD storage options. All XPS 13 Plus models come with Intel Irix X graphics. 

The Verdict

Dell made some trade-offs on the new Dell XPS 13 Plus. For instance, you don’t have a headphone jack or a microSD card slot. However, it’s impressive that Dell squeezed a 28W 12th generation Intel Core chip into such a thin and light computer (at just 2.7 pounds). Lastly, if you intend to upgrade once the new Dell XPS 13 Plus comes out, be sure to check the trade-in value of your current computer at Gadget Salvation!