Dell’s XPS 13 is the laptop that originally anchored the brand’s ultrabook line in 2012, and it’s had quite a history in the 14 years since.
The most recent 2024 update, at least until this new announcement I’m covering today, brought us the XPS 13 9345 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips.
It came at a time when Otherwise, Dell was renaming its PCs away from the XPS namea decision that he finally admitted was a mistake at CES 2026. There I saw Dell reveals new XPS 14 and XPS 16 models redesigned and better than ever.
Dell also teased the return of the XPS 13 this year, and that moment has arrived with the new XPS 13 (DX13260) model presented in Computex 2026.
Dell’s new XPS 13 arrives to take on the MacBook Neo
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The new XPS 13 arrives at a critical time in the PC market. Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo surprised practically everyoneincluding myself, when it was revealed earlier this year, generating weeks of online discussions about the costs and quality of Windows laptops.
Well, I have good news. Dell plans to launch its new XPS 13 at a price of $599 for studentswhich I can’t help but assume will make it the main competition for Apple’s MacBook Neo.
The XPS 13 doesn’t compete only on price either. I can’t help but notice several standout features not found on the MacBook Neo, such as a backlit keyboardto touch screensupport to multiple external displaysand even 32GB memory.
Here’s a closer look at the specs coming to the new XPS 13 (DX13260).
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Dell XPS 13 (DX13260) |
|
UPC |
Intel Core 5 320, Intel Core Ultra 7 355 (post-launch) |
|
GPU |
Intel Graphics (integrated) |
|
RAM |
8GB, 16GB, 32GB (Core Ultra only) LPDDR5x-7467 |
|
Storage |
256GB (post-launch), 512GB, 1TB (Core Ultra only) M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
|
Show |
13.4 inch, 2560×1600 (2.5K), touch, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400, 30-120 Hz VRR, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe, anti-glare |
|
Wireless |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
|
Camera |
1080p + infrared |
|
Audio |
Quad speakers (8W total), Dolby Atmos |
|
Battery |
52 Wh, 800ED cells |
|
Dimensions |
11.69 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches (296.9 mm x 200.66 mm x 12.7 mm) |
This is the thinnest XPS laptop I’ve ever seen
The new XPS 13 (DX13260) is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop Dell has ever created, weighing just 2.2 lbs (0.9 kg) and measuring alone 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) slim.
It’s made from CNC-machined aluminum for rigidity, durability, and the overall premium feel associated with the XPS, and despite its slim size, it features a dual-fan cooling system.
Dell also managed to install four speakers with 8W of overall audio output with Dolby Atmosas well as a slim webcam with 1080p resolution and an infrared sensor for Windows Hello. Models with Intel Core chips get two USB-C ports, while Core Ultra models move to two ports Lightning 4.
Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 chips power the new XPS 13
Dell plans to launch its XPS 13 first with Intel’s Core 5 320 “Panther Lake” CPU, but will add a more powerful Core Ultra 7 355 option after launch.
The Core 5 chip will be available with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to a 512GB SSD, while the Core 7 Ultra chip unlocks 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Dell claims up to 17 hours of battery life when streaming video, and while that number will drop in real-world use, it’s still an excellent proposition.
No matter which CPU you choose, all new XPS 13 models have the same 13.4-inch touchscreen. It has a resolution of 2560×1600 (2.5K), 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400 certification, Dolby Vision30-120Hz variable refresh rate and an anti-glare finish.
You won’t have to wait long to receive the new XPS 13
Dell intends to launch its new XPS 13 in June 2026 and, as mentioned, it will start at just $599 for students ages 16 and up. For everyone else, it goes up to $699. Not bad, but keep in mind that the price will be for a model with a non-Ultra Intel chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Dell plans to launch the XPS 13 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 chip “later this summer.”
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